With so many reviews about the Monte Lucia, I wasn't sure I could bring anything new to the table until I experienced a perfect stay-cation there this weekend. \n\nSetting: For travelers and locals alike, this is a great location not just because it's situated right in the middle of Scottsdale and Phoenix, but because it's nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. The views make you forget about the lack of ocean and embrace the desert beauty. I give the architect a virtual high five for placing the restaurant, pools and spa at the base of the gorgeous mountain and creating a spectacular view. \n\nWith the Moroccan vibes and a trendy look and feel, it's hard to describe an experience at the Monte Lucia. It's as if you've entered another land but stayed in Phoenix all at the same time. Visit and you'll know what I'm talking about. \n\nSummer Sensations! \n\nThe reason I decided to add to the review pool for Monte Lucia is primarily to give them a round of kudos for keeping the social calendar alive this summer! I attended the Monte Lucia's first Summer concert series this past Friday at the poolside restaurant. Event planner, thumbs up!! The stage was situated at the edge of the courtyard overlooking the pool and Camelback Mountain.  The cocktails were flowing and the wait staff passed out delicious sliders. We were hoping to eat at RQQ but everyone else had the same idea, so the wait was over an hour. If you'd like to eat, take my advice and make a reservation so you don't drink your dinner like I did. :) The band was great and they have a summer lineup of different bands each Friday night. I plan on making this one of my weekend hot spots. \n\nThe next day, I visited the pool to enjoy the 80 degree weather while it lasted. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lounge chairs in the main pool were filled with bodies, so the staff directed us to the Oasis Pool (18 and over only). I remain partial to the main pool (mostly because of the view. Can you tell I'm obsessed much?), but the Oasis pool was calming and cooling. The BBQ was going with $5 hot dogs or sliders.  At first they charged $5 for one slider, but they finally changed it to offer two sliders because $5 for one little itty bitty burger was just asking too much. \n\nSo, if you're looking for some fun in the hot blazing sun this summer in AZ, you should check out the Monte Lucia. Their social calendar will keep you entertained all weekend, no matter your age. They even had S'mores buffet at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. My waistline is in a fight with me today, but I am ok with that! \n\nPool advisory: If you want to secure chairs, get there EARLY. They also have pool parties on Sundays so the earlier the better. They also warned us that if you leave your seat for over 30 minutes, you might be subject to losing the chair for good, so be sure to come back and say hi to your chairs every now and then.\n\nOther Monte Lucia amenities to torture your pocket book with: the spa is out of this world and has a rooftop pool and both restaurants are quite tasty.