An unforgettable experience with Don Stevens and team.
Our experience with Arizona Luxury Expeditions was unprecedented. My boyfriend and I were planning a weekend at the Grand Canyon and Amex had recommended ALE and from our first interaction discussing the initial details with Don, he was friendly and helpful. We arrived Friday at 1pm and Don took us to our first view of the Canyon and was extremely knowledgable about the history, geology, flora, fauna, etc. He made the tour a highly informative experience. We also did a short hike on Bright Angel Trail and a prickly pear margarita at El Tovar Lounge. He then took us to various landmarks and look out points for sunset. We arrived to the camp which was a well-executed compound. Don and his team had thought of everything, not a detail was missed. They had a fire pit going and poured us wine while we waiting for our first gourmet meal prepared by Mark. We had our own private dining tent fitted with table cloths, silverware, heaters, music, and Mark served fresh bread and butter, brook trout, fresh green beans, and a flavorful rice pilaf. All were restaurant quality and delicious. This was followed by a cast iron skillet brownie and ice cream. Overall the food and service were impeccable and we were highly impressed. Wine was flowing and we were able to enjoy a private dinner followed by some alone time by the fire. Our sleeping tent was roomy and warm and they had provided a large air mattress, lots of blankets, a seating area, towels, and bathroom necessities. Flashlights, chargers, etc - all the modern conveniences as well.
The next day we awoke to a huge gourmet breakfast including coffee, juice, yogurt, granola, fruit, muffins, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, sausage - food galore. We were definitely ready to start our day, as we embarked on a bike tour to Hermitโs rest. We then got ready to do the helicopter tour, the operator recommended by Don. Highly recommend the splurge for the helicopter as it is a vantage point you do not want to miss.
This trip was particularly special for my boyfriend and I as he had planned a surprise proposal that Don and Mark had organized! They picked an amazing and secluded spot for him to pop the question and had a fantastic bottle of champagne as well as cheese and charcuterie ready for us at the edge of the cliff. They captured this special moment and we are extremely grateful. They then planned a special dinner including filet mignon and a special โweddingโ cake dessert. Truly impressive.
Overall, Don and team went above and beyond to make this trip the most unforgettable experience for us. Our every wish was catered to, beyond imagination. Being a worldly traveler and staying at some unbelievable 5 star properties, this was truly one of the most catered to and thought after experiences of our lives.
You cannot go wrong with this team, they are highly-skilled professionals who work tirelessly to provide for their...
ย ย ย Read moreI recently had the pleasure of embarking on a glamping trip with Arizona Luxury Expeditions to their camp just outside the Grand Canyon. My family of four, including two semi-skeptical teenagers, had an incredible experience filled with adventure, delicious meals, and unforgettable sights.
Our trip was initially scheduled for March 2020, but due to Covid, we had to postpone. Don, the owner of ALE, was very flexible and let us reschedule our trip three years later. Don was always quick to get back to me, provided excellent suggestions, and helped me with details on other parts of our trip. His advice was invaluable.
One of the highlights of our trip was the gourmet meals prepared by the talented chef Sam. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It was a true luxury to be able to enjoy such delicious food in the midst of nature.
Our hiking tours in the Grand Canyon with our guide, Chris, were also a highlight of the trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and took us on unforgettable hikes. We were able to explore the beauty of the Grand Canyon while feeling safe and comfortable under his guidance. Because we were there in early April, some ice and snow were still on the ground. While other hikers were slipping and generally having difficulty navigating the trail, Chris provided us with crampons and trekking poles that kept us safe during our descent and ascent in the canyon. My skeptical teens said the hikes were the favorite part of our trip (inert mind-blown emoji here).
The accommodations at ALE exceeded our expectations. Our tent was spacious and decorated beautifully. The Pendelton blankets provided by Arizona Luxury Expeditions were another wonderful touch. They were warm, cozy, and beautifully designed, adding an extra level of comfort to our nights under the stars.
We were also impressed by the cleanliness and modern amenities of the outhouses. It was refreshing to have access to such clean and well-maintained facilities while camping.
The campfires with smores were another favorite activity of our teenagers, and the beautiful night sky made for a magical backdrop. Thanks to the owner, Don, we also had the opportunity to go on an Antelope Canyon tour and a Glen Canyon float trip in Page, both of which were unforgettable experiences.
Overall, our glamping trip with Arizona Luxury Expeditions was a lifetime adventure that exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable way to explore the Grand Canyon and its...
ย ย ย Read moreRecently, we had the chance to stay with Don, Lorraine and Mark for two nights and an exceptional experience at the Grand Canyon. From the initial communications, through trip planning, confirming ideas for hiking, biking, kayaking and sightseeing, the entire experience was wonderful. We would do it again in a heartbeat, and probably would stay longer. My wife and I and two sons (ages 17 and 20) all enjoyed the professional and knowledgable tours and advice from Don while hiking along the South Rim and down into the Grand Canyon. We learned so much about the history of the area, the history of the Grand Canyon and the layers of rock, as well as the ecology. Don really did a great job sharing his knowledge and leading some great hiking which we loved. The camping experience itself was outstanding. The tents, beds, and bedding were so comfortable and welcome after a long active day. All the little things were there as well, flashlights if we needed them, water bottles, toiletries, towels, Don and Lorraine have thought of everything and it had a personal feel that made us feel special. As for dining, wow! Amazing breakfasts lunches and dinners that could not be any better, everything was delicious and there was plenty to eat! If you are on the fence but think you might enjoy a trip like this, my advice is to go for it, it was unforgettable and for all the right reasons. If you know you want to do a tour like this. but are not sure who you should travel with, Arizona Luxury is fantastic and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Don, Lorraine and Mark, THANK YOU! We will see you again, thank you for exceeding expectations at every turn! - The...
ย ย ย Read more