Two Days, Two Vibes: An Arizona Road Trip for Nature Lovers & Poolside Loungers
- GR
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
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Do you and your partner ever have totally different ideas of what a perfect getaway looks like?
Maybe one of you dreams of a cabin in the woods with fishing poles and fire pits, while the other craves poolside lounging, palm trees, and cocktails delivered with a side of sun. Or maybe you’re like me and enjoy both — equal parts wilderness and spa resort, sweatpants and swimsuits, marshmallows and mojitos.
For our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband and I couldn’t decide between a lakeside cabin or a resort stay. So, like any great midlife compromise… we did both. One night in a cabin nestled by the lake, the next in a hillside resort with valley views and nighttime hot tubbing under the stars.
And somehow, it was exactly what we both needed.
Day 1: Cabin Life at Lazy Oaks Resort (Lakeside, AZ)
Lazy Oaks Resort is about 3.5 to 4 hours from the West Valley of Phoenix, in Lakeside, AZ. The drive there is a road trip dream — scenic, peaceful, and full of those quintessential Arizona views. Wide valleys, curving mountain roads, and dramatic cliffs that seem to go on forever. It’s the kind of beauty that reminds you how small you are, but not in a bad way — more in a humbled and grateful way.
We stayed at Lazy Oaks, a cozy lakeside resort tucked along Rainbow Lake. The property has 15 one- and two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and porches. There’s a dock for fishing, one for kayaking and boats, a community area with grills and firepits, and even Wi-Fi (for the "I love you but I still need TikTok" crowd).
Once we unpacked, my husband headed straight for the fishing pier. I pulled out my brand-new inflatable kayak (yes, the one I nervously bought on Amazon), unboxed it, and paddled into the calm lake like I’d been doing it for years.
Spoiler: I hadn’t.
But that’s a story for another post — one where I talk about fear, midlife, and doing things anyway.
For now, just know this kayak was the best Amazon impulse I’ve made in a while and will absolutely be getting a full blog review soon. It was lightweight, easy to set up, and perfect for quiet moments on the water.
I floated. He fished. We were in our own zones, but fully together.
And in a rare stroke of fishy fortune, he caught three good-sized ones that evening (all catch and release, but still — go husband).
Later that night, we warmed up some pre-prepped dinner in the cabin and ended our evening with cocktails and a movie.
Day 2: Resort Relaxation at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs
We woke up naturally — no alarms, no checklists — just that peaceful “what time is it?” feeling. After a slice of banana bread and a lakeside morning cocktail, we packed up and hit the road. On our way back toward Phoenix, we needed an energy stop—both for ourselves and the car (EV driver life!). While the car charged, we wandered over to a spot we quite literally smelled before we saw it: The House - Yard Bar & Eatery. The smoky, savory scent lured us right in, and it did not disappoint. This spot has a rotating variety of draft beers, domestic and craft ciders, plus a full menu—but the showstopper was the burgers. My husband’s was so stacked with perfectly cooked, flavor-packed layers that the bun couldn’t even hold it together… and he didn’t mind one bit. If you're ever nearby, it’s definitely worth the pit stop—whether you're powering up your vehicle or your appetite.
After our short stop for lunch we continued to part two of our trip: a stay at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.
This resort sits up in the hills and has Spanish-style architecture, winding paths, and multiple pool areas (including an adults-only section we loved). Quick tip: wear flats or sneakers — depending on your room location, you might be walking stairs or small inclines.
After dinner offsite, we slipped into our swimsuits and headed to the adult-only hot tub. And here’s a midweek travel hack: Monday nights at resorts are usually quiet. We had the hot tub completely to ourselves. Between the desert night air, the glow of ambient path lights, and the gentle waterfall sounds nearby, it was one of those moments you want to bottle up and revisit when real life gets noisy.
Back in our room, I had a little surprise waiting.
As a fun gift, I brought along a hot stone massage kit — yes, another Amazon find. The kit included 10 perfectly sized stones, from tiny ones for face and toes to larger ones for shoulders and calves, plus a travel friendly warmer case that kept them at just the right temp.
Let me tell you… he was floored. I gave him a neck-to-toe massage using the whole set, and it was such a relaxing and intimate way to wrap up our day. If you’ve never tried it, hot stone massages feel like warm weighted blankets in motion. Therapeutic, grounding, and surprisingly easy to do at home.
(If I were to upgrade, I’d look for a set with more stones to allow for even more massage techniques and longer sessions.)
One Last Lounge Before Checkout
We made the most of our final morning with breakfast at Different Pointe of View, the on-site restaurant with sweeping views of the valley. It wasn’t an over-the-top buffet, but it had fresh, warm staples — enough to satisfy both plant-based and meat-eating guests. There’s also a made-to-order menu and room service if you’re feeling fancy.
Before checkout, we squeezed in one last round of poolside lounging under the palms. Sunshine, clear water, slow sips, and no hurry to be anywhere else.
Final Thoughts: Wilderness & Waterfalls Can Coexist
This two-day trip reminded me that midlife doesn’t mean picking just one thing. You don’t have to choose between rustic or refined, cozy or chic. You can be the woman who paddles through a lake one day and lounges in a cabana the next — and love both.
We didn’t travel far, but we returned feeling a little more connected — to each other, to nature, and to the version of ourselves that still gets excited about small adventures.
Quick Recap:
🛶 Lazy Oaks Resort – Lakeside, AZ
Great for kayaking, fishing, and lakeside peace
Full cabin amenities (kitchen, bath, living space) with fire pits and outdoor games
Bring easy meals, comfy clothes, and your playlist
🌴 Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Adults-only hot tub, hillside views, and Spanish-style charm
On-site breakfast & scenic pools
Ideal for Monday night peace and fewer crowds
🛒 Amazon Favorites From This Trip
Inflatable Kayak – sturdy, beginner-friendly, and packable (more on this coming soon!)
Hot Stone Massage Kit – relaxing, romantic, and easy to use at home
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