Barack and I Have the Same Taste in Resorts

Notwithstanding the fact that foreclosure action has been taken by the lender against the developer of the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, that's where President Obama will apparently check in on Tuesday night when he visits the Valley of the Sun. I recently had the good fortune to spend a couple of nights at this Andalusian-style resort, located where the La Posada Resort (remember that famous pool?) used to be at Tatum and Lincoln.

While the borrower and lender sort things out, it's business as usual here, says the management. I think we can expect some great specials and discounted room rates for locals now and as we head into the slower season.

Destined to be named as one of the premier luxury spas in the Phoenix area, Joya Spa is serene, stylish and gorgeous with a menu of services that made it difficult to decide how to indulge myself.

I went with the pumpkin, orange and quince apple body masque followed by a pear and apple hydrating body soufflé. You can see a photo of me here, wrapped in aluminum foil and ready to be baked at 350°F (Just kidding on the baking part!)

Even if you aren't staying at the resort, I can highly recommend the Moroccan-designed Mbar for cocktails, agave tequilas (one of the best margaritas I've ever had) and Spanish-inspired tapas.

I'll spare you from reading everything we ate at Prado, the signature restaurant at Montelucia, but you can't go wrong with the Paella for Two, prepared in the wood fire grill. Prices here are uncharacteristically reasonable for this type of resort.