Seeking health-conscious event ideas in Scottsdale? Integrating wellness and sustainability into your corporate meetings is a cinch in our mindful Sonoran Desert getaway. Simply read on for our best health and well-being event ideas to enhance your group’s itinerary.
Eco-Friendly & Wellness-Focused Venues
A wellness retreat inspired by the Sonoran Desert, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in nearby Carefree, Ariz. is home to a carbon-neutral spa promoting the healing power of water, five fitness and movement studios, and daily group classes ranging from gentle yoga to sound healing.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is beloved for its hip, downtown vibe and artsy offerings, but eco-conscious meeting planners will also be happy to learn about the property’s sustainability efforts, including specialty recycling services, paperless checkout and a fully electric-powered Tesla house car.
Outdoor Sonoran Desert adventure is in your backyard at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. The resort offers easy access to iconic Pinnacle Peak Park via a private trail. This 5.1-mile round trip path meanders over a saguaro-studded ridgetop and past towering granite boulders, rewarding hikers with dramatic views and an excellent workout.
The Desert Botanical Garden’s entire mission is about research and conservation. Groups driven by sustainability and inspired by the natural environment will appreciate the lineup of outdoor venues that are in-tune with nature—like the lush Steele Herb Garden and scenic Harriet K. Maxwell Wildflower Loop Trail.
Ways To Get Out & Get Active
Hiking: There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring hikes in and around the Scottsdale area, but some of the most popular (and easiest to access!) include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and Camelback Mountain.
Kayaking: Let the experts at REI Co-Op Experiences guide you on a scenic float along the Lower Salt River with green riverbanks, towering red cliffs and sparkling blue desert skies as your backdrop. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for wild horses and bald eagle sightings!
Spa: Okay, so it’s actually the opposite of active but with 50+ luxury resort and day spas, a day of rest and relaxation is practically a rite of passage here in Scottsdale. The spas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch and The Phoenician are particularly great for groups because of their expansive world-class facilities and variety of intriguing offerings.
Fitness Classes: Take your pick from guided wellness hikes at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, Paddleboard Yoga at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, and rock climbing or moonlight biking at The Boulders Resort & Spa — just to name a few.
Mountain Biking: If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous alternative to a desert hike, half-day mountain biking excursions with REI Co-Op Experiences take you and your group through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s most stunning scenery with sweeping views guiding the way.
Healthy Dining Options
True Food Kitchen was one of the first restaurants to prioritize mindful dining in Scottsdale and continues to be a local favorite thanks to its health-driven and seasonally focused fare.
Modern farm fare comes with a twist at Farm & Craft, where a sustainable wellness menu focuses on an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing probiotic levels, maintaining high levels of anti-oxidants and reducing overall stress.
Sprouts at the Spa at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn boasts heart-healthy and organic bites like whole-grain breads, fresh salads, delectable smoothies and a lineup of innovative, hearty yet low-fat and low-sodium dishes made to complement a workout or soothing massage.
One look at Tocaya Organica’s menu, which boasts a full complement of vegan, gluten-free and meat-forward dishes, and it’s easy to see that they live up to their motto of “Live Life Without Compromise.” Every salad, bowl, burrito and seasonal dish is nutrient-dense, comes with a chef-recommended protein option and is 100 percent delicious.
Flower Child makes healthy eating a downright treat with its made-from-scratch meals and a menu where vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic dishes—like the wholesome Mother Earth Bowl or bright Organic Kale Salad with pink grapefruit —leave you feeling full and happy with zero guilt.
