Want to be a cowboy? For those who want more than trail rides and resort-style cookouts, the Arizona Cowboy College offers a unique first-hand experience of true cowboy life. Sleep under starry skies and partake in comprehensive and rigorous classes about cattle and horsemanship, on-the-range lessons about cutting, branding, inoculating, dehorning, and driving cattle. www.cowboycollege.com

Pearls of wisdom for the romantically challenged Exuding romance at every turn, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa has gone a step further to secure their place on the romance map by employing Director of Romance, Paul Xanthopoulos. This Greek-born gentleman claims to be a direct descendant of Eros, the mythical god of love. As Director of Romance at Royal Palms, not only has Xanthopoulos created many a stage for romantic memories, but he has also counseled numerous �romantically challenged� souls on the finer points of affairs of the heart. www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com

Hopi life and legend Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort's Native American Learning Center is an on-going collaboration with artists and educators, interpreting aspects of their cultures. Employing members of the Hopi tribe, the Center showcases some of the most highly recognized Native American artisans, who share their art, vision and traditional knowledge and teachings. From crafts and art exhibits, tours and talks with artists and cultural representatives and demonstrations, to a library with interactive learning, the Native American Learning Center provides a unique opportunity for visitors. www.scottsdale.hyatt.com

For the love of art Scottsdale has made a name for itself as an art mecca, rivaling Santa Fe and Los Angeles. With weekly free ArtWalks, two dozen public art pieces, more than 125 art galleries, local resorts featuring fine art and even art-adorned sound barriers on our newest freeway, it is easy to see that art is a common thread through so much of our community. Although Scottsdale continues to grow and become more cosmopolitan, it never strays too far from its Native American and Old West roots. www.artinscottsdale.com

Under the stars This winter, Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain will launch its Spa After Dark program, which will offer guests relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments, such as sleep-inducing massage, regenerating facials and hydrating body treatments, at night. Sanctum - Sanctuary's private outdoor treatment suite for two, complete with its own deluge shower, fire pit and vitality pool - will be available for those who would like to experience their treatments under the brilliant stars. www.sanctuaryaz.com

Mind over matter The Centre For Well-Being at The Phoenician offers Acussage, a treatment that uses a combination of healing acupuncture and soothing therapeutic massage to provide a powerful natural tool to treat acute and chronic pain, enhance energy levels and regulate body functions. Treatments are personalized to meet your individual needs. www.thephoenician.com

To the beat of just one drum The Spa at Marriott�s Camelback Inn will offer a new fitness treatment when it re-opens in November called the Healing Drum Ritual. It will combine drum rhythms with meditation at resting ramadas and a teepee, trail walking or hiking up Mummy Mountain, and walking a labyrinth. www.camelbackinn.com

Twinkle, twinkle little toes Your feet say a lot more than just �oh these shoes are tight�. Guests at the Spa at CopperWynd Resort & Club can learn about their past, present and future with a toe reading. Performed by experienced therapist, Marie Bernat, toe reading provides guests insight into why their toes curl in, why there are lines on your big toe, and what it means when one toe touches another. Guests marvel at the insight given off from their toes and Bernat�s methods for a new direction. www.copperwynd.com

An oasis in the desert Based on the natural botanicals of the desert, the Havasupai Body Oasis Experience at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess� Willow Stream Spa begins with a relaxing shower beneath a waterfall. The spa therapist guides you to your private oasis for a warm, aromatic eucalyptus footbath. Sip restoring desert tea while a lavender-infused cloth cleanses the face and expands the breathing. Continue with a gentle chamomile exfoliation for rejuvenation, a eucalyptus herbal bath and a waterfall shower to capture the clarity of the sacred place. Enjoy an aromatherapy warp with a face and scalp massage. www.fairmont.com

A treatment of a different color Based on the Native American belief that turquoise is a protective color, this signature Turquoise Wrap at The Boulder�s Golden Door Spa begins with a turquoise bath in the hydrotherapy tub. Guests enjoy a dry brush massage with blue cornmeal for exfoliation, then a rinse in the Vichy shower and a wrap with ionized turquoise clay. During the wrap treatment, the therapist performs a smudging ceremony � a traditional Native American practice to purify the spirit, space and self. The treatment concludes with a honey mask and a warm rosehip lotion application, creating a sense of peace and well-being. www.wyndham.com/boulders

Healing rituals at Alvadora Experience the relaxing calm of the Acqua Dolce Rituals at the Alvadora Spa at The Royal Palms Resort. Enjoy the healing benefits of water in the spa�s signature wet treatment suite �Acqua Dolce.� Guests can choose from the following Rituals: Minerale, Botanica, Alghe or Vino. Each Ritual begins with a body therapy under the gentle waters of Acqua Dolce, complemented with a bath and finished with a light massage in Acqua Gardinio, Alvadora�s private outdoor water garden. www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com

Stretch and strengthen for your swing It�s not just your father�s golf game anymore.Statistics show that more and more people are taking up golf. Trends show that yoga has entered the mainstream fitness realm. �Yoga for Golfers� focuses on the similarities between the two to help golfers improve flexibility, range of motion and concentration. Check out the program at The Boulders or book the program as a corporate meeting twist. www.yogaforgolfers.com

Women break through the grass ceiling Research shows that more and more women are taking up the game of golf and Scottsdale properties are meeting the demand with programs tailored to the woman golfer. The Boulders� �Women to the Fore� program is designed for all woman golfers offering a comprehensive approach to the game designed to help new women golfers learn the game and help advanced golfers perfect the sport. The Phoenician�s �Ladies Links� marries golf and spa to a tee. http://www.wyndham.com and www.thephoenician.com

Relief off the course The Golf Specialty Massage at the Four Seasons Spa � available in a 50- or 80-minute treatment - incorporates stretching and therapeutic massage techniques to relieve stress and tension in the muscles. Warm golf balls are rolled along the large muscles on either side of the spine and down the neck, similar to hot stones, but heated to a reduced temperature. They help to diminish tension in these areas. www.fourseasons.com

Romance on the golf course Both The Boulders and The Phoenician resorts offer Tee Box dinners, a romantic sunset dinner set out on the green of one of the holes of the resort golf course. At The Boulders, each couple can select the location from three holes, arrange for their favorite music, flowers and wine. Almost any request can be fulfilled, from arranging for a violinist or a horse-drawn carriage to creating a special dessert. At The Phoenician, couples can select a menu from any of the resort�s dining venues, as well as choose wine from the resort�s expansive wine cellars. The Phoenician�s finest linens, crystal and china, candles, and a personal tuxedo-dressed waiter enhance this dreamy dining experience. Music can also be arranged, as well as lounge chairs to enjoy after-dinner cordials. www.wyndham.com/boulders www.thephoenician.com

###

Media Contact: Laura McMurchie +1 480-429-2253 LM@scottsdalecvb.com