ilumina Healing Sanctuary

19. ilumina Healing Sanctuary
For Dana Price and her partners at ilumina Healing Sanctuary in Scottsdale, fertility is about more than reproductive health; it’s about a holistic approach to a couple’s well-being.

Since March 2008, ilumina has used whole-food nutrition, massage therapy, acupuncture and other Eastern therapies to prepare women and couples for conception and pregnancy either independently or alongside traditional Western treatments.

Even the center itself focuses on soothing the patient – soft colors and traditional Chinese art adorn the walls of the six treatment rooms, and sustainable building materials and low-VOC-emission paints were used during construction. You can also learn more about ilumina’s free 2009 lecture series online.

Info: 7520 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 602-957-2602,
iluminahealing.com


20. A New American Tradition
Embracing its American tradition, District at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix takes all-American food  and complements it with more than 70 American wines and 11 American micro-brewed beers on draft.

There’s also a commitment to the local community – including the use of local ingredients and the art on display, which features local artists and is rotated quarterly.

But the super cool part? When your check arrives, it’s accompanied by an American original: cotton candy.

Info: 320 N. Third St., Phoenix, 602-817-5400, districtrestaurant.com

Photo by Paul Markow Sanctuary’s New ‘edge’

21. Sanctuary’s New ‘edge’
Edge, Sanctuary’s new outdoor bar overlooking Arizona’s largest infinity pool, is an idyllic sunset-viewing spot, especially this time of year. With seating for just 30 and no standing room permitted, edge is an intimate space available on a first-come, first-served basis. Located just outside the resort’s signature restaurant, elements, edge offers its own exclusive specialty cocktail list in addition to serving the same spectacular food and drinks available at elements.

The bar’s specialty drinks range from “remixed” twists on classic cocktails to innovative creations that rotate on the menu with the change of the season.

Info: 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley,
480-607-2300, sanctuaryaz.com


22. Free Parties at the Heard
Picture strolling in from a soothing courtyard to find bars, lounges, live music, local Arizona brews, salons, artist demonstrations and DJs spinning. Is it First Friday? Scottsdale swank? Wrong and wrong. It’s Nu (short for “Native” and “You”) at  the Heard Museum.

It includes all of the aforementioned events and full access to the museum’s world-renowned collection of 40,000 Native and Southwestern artifacts. The Nu event starts February 20 and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the third Friday of every month thereafter – or until everyone is overwhelmed by the Heard’s coolness and buys a museum membership ($60-500), of course. The events will be held at the Heard’s Downtown Phoenix location only.

Info:  2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix,  480-251-0283, heard.org/nu


23. Verve Energy Lounge
Looking for a different Phoenix Suns experience? Verve Energy Lounge at US Airways Center is it. This chic, upscale lounge overlooking the court lets you participate in Suns Fever and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Take in live music on Fridays during halftime and post-game, or check out the DJs during Thursday, Saturday and Sunday games.

Sit in one of the sectional sofas or at a community high-top table, or hang out at one of the two island bars. (Tickets are standing-room only.)

And don’t forget to try one of the signature cocktails that include Verve Energy Drink in the mix.

Info: US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix,
usairwayscenter.com/arena/welcome/lounge/


24. Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar
If you like Asian food, add Sens to your list of restaurants to try. No, scratch that. If you like food, add Sens to your list.

The latest culinary endeavor for Executive Chef Johnny Chu (of Fate fame), Sens serves up small portions, encouraging you to try many dishes and relish in multiple courses. (The hot & sour soup is a must.)

The impressive beverage list comprises more than 90 sakes, including more than 10 premium varieties. Shochu, a popular Japanese distilled beverage (sometimes called “Japanese vodka”), adds another layer of authenticity. But surely, it’s the food that will bring you back.

(For a more extensive review of Sens, see page 140 of this month’s issue. )

Info: 705 N. First St., Ste. 120, Phoenix, 602-340-9777, sensake.com