Style destination: Scottsdale, Arizona

Day one: Stylish accommodations

Book yourself into the Hotel Valley Ho, a contemporary oasis of mid-century cool in the centre of Downtown Scottsdale. Built in 1956, the hotel has played host to a number of celebrity guests (Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood had their first wedding reception here) who have frolicked among the pools and palm trees. Refurbished in 2005, the hotel reopened with the addition of a restaurant, spa and event venues.

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Start your stay with a meal at ZuZu, the hotel’s seriously stylish eatery. I had strawberry waffles served with balsamic syrup and whipped mascarpone. Yum!

Experience the city’s downtown

Take the rest of the day to stroll through Scottsdale’s downtown district, filled with boutique shops, an entire street of art galleries, a working livery and restaurants both casual and fancy. Have a beer – or better yet, a glass of the Awesome Possum punch (pictured), made with bourbon, lemon juice, peach nectar and mint – by the outdoor fireplace at The Montauk.

A meal to remember

Head over to Old Town Tortilla Factory, located in a historic 75-year-old adobe house, for a Mexican dinner on its patio strung with twinkle lights.

Day two: Experience the scenery

Get up early and join the morning hikers that trek up Camelback Mountain for spectacular views of the region. Don’t forget to bring sun protection and lots of water.

Decor stores galore

Go for a drive up North 7th Avenue in neighbouring Phoenix and check out all the vintage, retro and salvage shops. My favourite is Modern Manor (pictured here), a warehouse filled to the brim with all things Mid-Century Modern at very reasonable prices. Also visit Modern on Melrose, Sweet Salvage and Retro Ranch.

One-of-a-kind finds

You’ll be mesmerized by the huge selection of Mid-Century Modern furniture at Modern Manor, such as the statement chair pictured here. Once you’re done shopping, continue north and then west to Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca for the best tacos you’ll ever have (ignore the restaurant’s sketchy-looking exterior – the food more than makes up for it). Then head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. After dinner, wander over to Sugar Bowl, a Scottsdale institution, for some ice cream.

Day 3: Explore the desert and other stunning sights

Take a trail ride into the Sonoran Desert to see the amazing flora and fauna the region has to offer. In the afternoon, drive over to Taliesin West (pictured here), Frank Lloyd Wright’s house and (now) school, to see how the master Arts and Craftsman lived and worked. Dress up and head to dinner at Different Pointe of View at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort and gaze at the spectacular sunset over North Mountain while you dine on some of the area’s best cuisine. If you have the luxury of a free day in Scottsdale, rent a car and drive out to the Grand Canyon for an experience you’ll never forget. The canyon is about three-and-a-half hours away, but this breathtaking American landmark is well worth the excursion.

What to pack

Cool runners - Ecco leather Soft 7 shoes in Sulphur, Hudson’s Bay, $180.   Wildlife watchers - Nikon Aculon T01 8x21 binoculars in Blue, Mountain Equipment Co-op, $76.   Lip sunscreen - Nivea SPF 30 Sun lip balm, Walmart, $4 per pack of 2.   Casual classics - Denim shorts in Dark Von wash, J. Crew, $105. Thirst quencher - Bobble insulated water bottle in Pear, Indigo, $38.   Fresh skin savers - Live Clean Refreshing facial wipes, Walmart, $10.