The Moody Swank of a Western Getaway
Phoenix’s The Global Ambassador boasts a trifecta of beautifully designed rooms, exemplary dining options, and high-tech wellness offerings.
With wide wood flooring, supple leather furnishings, and well-choreographed lighting, The Global Ambassador oozes old money and has the sort of moody swank that would be right at home in New York or L.A. But delightfully, it’s not in either of those cities—it’s in Arizona, at the convergence of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, not far from two airports.
The first hospitality venture of 12-time James Beard nominee restaurateur Sam Fox, The Global Ambassador, part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, has all the thoughtful layers and details you’d expect from a place that is clearly a labour of love for a budding hotelier. Fox collaborated closely with Testani Design Troupe on the interiors, pouring inspiration from his own travels into every corner.
Down handsome hallways inspired by 19th-century fashion, each of the 141 rooms and suites is appointed with luxury design details that evoke the homey residential feel of a European pied-à-terre, like white oak flooring, woven area rugs, comfortable furniture, and artwork by notable figure painter Michael Carson. Custom walnut millwork makes the entire space feel bespoke. With marble countertops, brass accents, and detailed botanical wall coverings, the bathrooms are elegant and stocked with Byredo Bal d’Afrique products and Dyson hair dryers. Each has either a Juliet balcony or a furnished full balcony.
The spacious suites begin at 650 square feet and go up to 2,000 square feet. Enjoying views of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, the Presidential Suite is fit for royalty. Complete with its own marble bar, butler’s pantry, and a grand dining room that seats 10, the opulent hideaway is the perfect spot for some luxurious R and R, especially the oversized free-standing tub.
With Fox at its helm, the hotel’s culinary offerings are, of course, a star of the experience. Five separate dining options span influences from the Mediterranean to Peru and Mexico. Alongside a well-developed wine and cocktail program, the bistro and steakhouse Le Âme serves up a menu of French favourites like steak frites, short rib bourguignon, and dover sole meunière. For lighter fare, including salads, smoothies, and french bread pizzas, stop by the charming French-inspired bakery and bistro Le Market. Or try the vibrant indoor-outdoor (and poolside) Pink Dolphin restaurant for dishes with Latin American flair.
Finally, don’t miss heading upstairs to Théa Mediterranean Rooftop, which boasts unparalleled views of Camelback Mountain and claims to have one of the largest rosé collections in the country, in addition to a large menu of mezzes, seafood, and pastas.
Perhaps more unexpected than an epic culinary lineup, the hotel also features a truly impressive wellness experience. Partners like Augustinus Bader, U Beauty, and Biologique Recherche bring Arizona exclusives to the Spa, which has a long menu of facials, massages, and beauty treatments. The hotel’s gym spans 9,000 square feet and also has numerous high-profile partnerships (including one with A-lister favourite Forma Pilates). In addition to small group hikes and mindset coaching, The Global Ambassador also offers biohacking technologies to aid with recovery, like cryotherapy, an infrared sauna, and IV hydration.
At The Global Ambassador, detail and follow-through are everything, and it’s clear that each and every component has received full attention and thought, creating a western getaway that’s truly spectacular.
