Sure, the idea of summer camp sounds fun, but paper-thin mattresses and mosquitos certainly don’t. That is where Camp Kierland comes in, the family-friendly fun taking place at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa this season (through Labor Day, Sept. 2)—and pesky bugs aren’t invited to this high-end summer camp.
Rise and Shine
It’s up and at ‘em at Camp Kierland—and off to the Adventure Pool you go. All day long, the resort’s fab FUN team offers a jam-packed schedule of summer camp-inspired activities poolside or just outside the pool gates. (If you’re more in the mood for a quiet escape, there is the mellow adults-only Aguamiel pool too.) The day kicks off with family raft races around the lazy river, and the day’s agenda also calls for water slide races, water balloon golfing, craft time, T-shirt tie-dying, fishing, even a visit from the little critters at the Phoenix Zoo and much more.
Brunch Bunch: Start your Sunday with the delish brunch buffet at Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café with chef-made custom omelets, endless pastries, fresh fruit and juice, bacon and eggs and a cereal bar for the kiddos. Plus, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Go with the Flow
After chowing down on a poolside lunch at J. Swilling’s Pool Bar & Grill (the Southwestern chicken salad and steak tacos are favorites, along with the kid-approved watermelon smoothies), it is time for surf camp at the Kierland FlowRider. The FlowRider gives Arizonans the unique opportunity to try their hand at surfing and bodyboarding in the middle of the desert with the expert help of the resort’s lifeguards. If you’re more of an observer, before sundown the surf squad takes to the water for a FlowRider show, executing tricks and flips and even letting the kiddos take part in a game of surfing dodgeball.
Spa Moment: While the wee ones are working up an appetite for s’mores on the FlowRider, it’s time for Mom to savor some me time at Agave, The Arizona Spa. The signature facial with Amanda is a fab way to go for some serious r-n-r and great guidance about your skincare routine. Book the CBD enhancement to bring your shoulder and neck massage to the next level of bliss.
The Wind Down
A day at Camp Kierland comes to an end with festive and delicious mess kits and bug juice (spiked or not) from the Kierland Cookout menu. Guests can stop by the OK Corral at dinnertime and order up the Chuck Box Chicken or Veggie Tales mess kits, among others, that are served in an aluminum tin, as if you cooked it over the open flame at your campsite. Kiddos can even roast their own hot dog over the OK Corral firepit—before digging into unlimited, complimentary s’mores. And forget graham crackers and plain ole chocolate; the Camp Kierland s’mores bar has the likes of cinnamon pita chips, Reese’s peanut butter cups, coconut-coated marshmallows, cookies and cream Hersey bars and much more for an extra-special sweet treat that allows for even sweeter dreams.
Enjoy the resort’s Camp Kierland package with rates starting from $169 with a $50 per room, per night resort credit. Upgrades include a VIP Camp Kierland pass and a take-home teepee tent amenity. Deal code MAJ. Booking link: Visit Marriott.com/PHXWS to book, referencing deal code MAJ.
