A his-and-hers vacation in Scottsdale

After enduring a winter filled with frigid temperatures and snowstorms, you might be in need of some sun and relaxation. Consider putting the skis aside and dusting off those golf clubs to head out West to Scottsdale. With championship golf courses and renowned spas, this sunny Arizona city is the ideal place to recharge. (Temperatures from mid-February through April range from 50 to 77.)

The Sonoran Desert offers intoxicating mountain views, making it an ideal backdrop for a relaxing escape. Scottsdale is home to some of the country's best destination resorts. There also are many activities and sights to occupy you off the resorts.

What to see

THE WRIGHT STUFF If you are interested in architecture, your trip won't be complete without a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, where you can take a guided tour of the famed architect's private winter home and studios. The property is still a working architectural school, and the tour will take you through Wright's life and work here ($18-$32, 480-860-2700, franklloydwright.org).

DESERT TOUR Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert up close - in the back of an open-air vehicle. Spend three to four hours traversing the landscape with Wild West Jeep Tours ($90 includes pickup from Scottsdale area resorts; 480-922-0144, wildwestjeeptours.com).

SHOPPING Scottsdale is a shopping mecca and is home to the largest mall in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion Square, where high-end shops include Barneys and Burberry (480-941-2140, fashionsquare.com).

Things to do

BASEBALL Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants from March 3 to April 4. Fans can watch the Giants play against other Cactus League teams, including the L.A. Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. Tickets are $7-$30 (877-473-4849, sfgiants.com).

DINING Calling all foodies: Scottsdale sponsors the 32nd annual Culinary Festival April 13-18. Patrons can sample dishes from more than 50 restaurants and watch cooking demonstrations from notable chefs ($5-$10 admission plus $1 tastings, 480-945-7193, scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org).

CULTURE Through April 10, the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall hosts Native Trails, free festivals, concerts and other activities that pay tribute to the area's Indian communities and history (480-421-1004, scottsdalenativetrails.com).

Just want to play a game of golf or indulge in a spa getaway? Consider taking a break at one of these relaxing resorts - all of which offer pastimes that are bound to please him - and her.

Where to stay

Fairmont Scottsdale Resort

7575 E. Princess Dr., 866-540-4495, fairmont.com/scottsdale

Your biggest challenge will be trying not to get lost on the expansive, manicured grounds that overlook the McDowell Mountains. In addition to spacious rooms, which all have private balconies or terraces, and the five heated pools, the resort boasts the luxurious (and massive) Willow Stream Spa. It has an extensive list of treatments, a rooftop pool, waterfall treatment area, eucalyptus inhalation rooms, spa suites for couples and many other amenities. The Fairmont offers guests 18 holes of golfing on a championship Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale course and at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.

DEALS The That's Impressive! Golf Package includes a two-night stay, and one round of golf for each person at both courses (from $512 a person, based on double occupancy, through March 31).

The resort's "Girlfriends Pajama Party Package" includes overnight accommodations for two, plus a pair of spa manicures, pink pajama gifts, cocktails at Stone Rose Lounge and ice cream at bedtime (from $605 a room a night through April 30).

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., 480-624-1000, kierlandresort.com

RATES From $289 a night (double occupancy)

The Westin Kierland embraces both the Southwest and the area's Scottish history. This elegant resort pays homage to the Scottish immigrants who built the Arizona railways and mines. Each evening, guests are invited to hear bagpipes being played at sunset. The resort also boasts three nine-hole courses and many golf amenities, including Segway transportation and FORE-MAX golf training. The resort's Agave, the Arizona Spa, has 20 treatment rooms, a salon, steam rooms, lap pool and a large menu of treatments. If you have kids in tow, you'll find this resort to be quite family-friendly, with various kids' activities, including a water park crowned with a 110-foot water slide.

DEALS Unlimited golf for two, plus accommodations from $439 a room, a night. At the spa, a $169 Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes package includes a choice of any three spa services, such as massage, facial treatment, foot therapy, polish and paraffin or blowout.

The Boulders

North Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree, 888-579-2631, theboulders.com

The Boulders, right outside Scottsdale on 1,300 acres in the scenic Carefree, Ariz., desert, has adobe casitas and is surrounded by 12-million-year-old boulders. It's home to the luxe Golden Door Spa, where you can take fitness classes or visit a labyrinth or the O'furo, a traditional Japanese bath. If you came to golf, two 18-hole courses have striking desert views. You'll also find four pools, tennis and outdoor adventure excursions.

DEALS The His & Hers Golf & Spa Getaway Package includes a private casita for two, food and beverage credit of $25 a person, plus a choice of one round of golf or $150 spa credit per person. You'll also get unlimited access to spa facilities and fitness classes (from $525 a room a night, through April 11).

The Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch

7401 N. Scottsdale Rd., 866-866-8086, millenniumhotels.com

For those who want a boutique resort experience, The Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch offers 125 Southwestern-style guest rooms with balconies or patios. The lakeside resort has two 18-hole PGA Championship courses and views of Camelback Lake and the McDowell Mountains. Besides golf, the resort offers tennis, volleyball, fishing, biking, paddleboating and canoeing. Although there isn't a spa on the premises, the hotel offers packages with the nearby Spa at Gainey.

DEALS The Dine, Stay and Play package includes accommodations, a $100 food and beverage resort credit and golf for two (from $349 a night through March).

Camelback Inn

5402 E. Lincoln Dr., 800-582-2169, camelbackinn.com

Spa and golf lovers will find much to occupy themselves at this resort, set on 125 acres at the base of Mummy Mountain, overlooking Camelback Mountain. Golfers can choose from two championship 18-hole courses. Other facilities include a driving range, an oversized pueblo-style golf clubhouse and a golf shop. The Spa at Camelback Inn reopened in 2003 after an extensive renovation. It has 32 treatment rooms, a pool and a spa restaurant.

DEALS Unlimited golf for two, including accommodations and daily breakfast for two starts at $399 a night. The Camelback Spa package for two includes breakfast and two 60-minute spa treatments (from $459).