Bella Palazzo has developed a number of highly unique programs for the enjoyment of all of our guests. Whether you choose to go on a chauffeur driven shopping excursion in Scottsdale, or if you are a foursome that can't wait to get on one of the cities' signature golf courses , the options are endless. Learn to paint like Monet with a special session in a fabulous local garden with instruction by nationally renowned Charles Kurre, or learn to make your own perfumes and sachets with the ladies from Garden Territory. The Phoenix Suns are on another roll, and tickets are hard to come by? Call our concierge and see if she can work some magic! And lets not forget that we all need to eat! Bella has a selection of internationally known chefs available for a spectacular meal, or you could choose to have one of them come in for an informative and fun cooking class. As you can see, the only restrictions are the imagination!

The Bella Palazzo daytime Spousal Programs for 2006-07 ensure that everyone can get in on the excitement. Discover little known treasures of Architecture and Art: Learn all about the fascinating history of The Valley of the Sun. Tour fabulous private homes or be entertained with a hands-on cooking demonstration. Learn all about the "Art of Entertaining" from experts in the field or about the fine points of Photography. Learn from a local artist how to paint with light while being inspired by the Monet like surroundings of a private Garden. Get really ambitious and combine one or more of these memorable experiences, and enjoy!

Bella Woman (Femme)™

This Bella Palazzo signature program is “a series of events and activities within a private retreat designed to enlighten and pamper deserving professional women.” Imagine yourself occupying a stunning hillside retreat overlooking Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. Architecturally astonishing private estates offer on-site pool, spa, and exercise facilities, amidst world-class accommodations beyond the ken of five-star resorts. Indulgent amenities (private massage and yoga); shopping excursions into Scottsdale; private showings of "Taxco" silver jewelry; golf outings; desert adventures complement living the high life, and enable you to maximize your predilection for Arizona’s lifestyle! A very special feature of the "Bella Woman" program is to showcase nationally known and respected female motivational speakers who motivate and inspire your team to greatness, while making you laugh or cry! Cap off your eventful days with superb meals crafted by accomplished female chefs right in your own private chef’s kitchen!

Bella Man (Homme) ™

Ideal for corporate or global think tanks, intimate retreats, memorable elegant receptions and dinners prepared by private chefs (utilized as well by reputed Nordstrom/Scottsdale), the Bella Man commands his chosen private residence perched high above the city of Phoenix, complete with spa, pool, exercise facility, and home theater, plunged amidst Camelback Mountains’ signature, ancient red rocks. By day you can budget, film or brainstorm that next project in your own secluded getaway or immerse yourself in Arizona’s dependable 330+ days of annual sunshine to attempt breaking par on a selection of more than 100 world-class golf courses (including access to PGA private courses afforded to Bella guests). Once back at your estate, summon your private chef to grill up some Wagyu Beef, and break out the Cigars and Cognac. How about a competitive round of billiards, or a little Texas Hold ‘em. Tried to fit 36 holes into one afternoon? Schedule a private massage to release the tension within the magnificence of your residence’s spectacular views or interiors. Bella Man™ releases your creative and recreational side!

Introducing Gatsby Desert Driving Tours™ In Cooperation with Van Horssen Group

For both Bella Woman™ and Bella Man™, in cooperation with Van Horssen Group, Bella Palazzo offers a singular package including the Maserati Quattroporte for Bella’s Contemporary Hillside in Scottsdale. “This package includes pickup at the client's choice, whether the airport or your estate or wherever else specified,” states Xan Elsner, Executive Sales. Van Horssen provides varied individually designed packages to drive its Aston, Bentley GTC, Maserati, Porsche Turbo or Aston Martin Vantage Roadstar with options to select Ferrari, Lamborghini, and/or Rolls-Royce. Van Horssen Group is all about choices for the individual driver,” states Scott Herrington, Vice President, Southwest Region. Van Horssen Group, a private club providing discriminating automotive enthusiasts access to the best cars, driving experiences, professional services and products.

Introducing Molina Fine Jewelers Bella Woman™ and Bella Man™ Soirees

The savoring of fine wines invites appreciation of Molina Fine Jeweler Bella-partnered events varying from the history and intricate workings of the world’s finest watch complications to vault admission so as to actually try on gems of your choice. Regard for the qualities, color and investment value complementing selection of a personal jewelry wardrobe is just part of the fun for the Bella Woman™ and Bella Man™. The beat goes on as more Bella lifestyle events debut. Whether you’re the guest or participant in a private chef demonstration or cuisine experience, prepare to indulge your senses! Your estate awaits your arrival.

Art of Entertaining

Learn the delightful art of entertaining from one of the Valleys foremost experts on the subject; Jan D'Atri! Jan is a veteran of the Phoenix market, having entertained viewers on television, listeners on the radio, and readers in both magazine and newspaper. Over the years, Jan has used her incredible style and vivid imagination to treat us to ideas that will enrich your lives. Everything from space-saving techniques to seasonal adornments, and everything in between, Jan will take you through an interactive hands-on class that showcases her charming Southwestern Martha Stewart-esque style. And we promise your guests will appreciate the great host/hostess helpers at your next party.

Pricing includes all associated program costs. Food and beverage not included. Guests take home all crafts.

Photography

As we all know, photography isn't just as easy as "point and shoot"; or is it? Follow in the steps of a master, as you discover that with a little information and some direction in how to truly use your eye, you too can take amazing photos. Many of us have discovered how impatient we can be when trying to get that great shot. And do your pictures ever look like you thought they would? Elliot Lincis is a local photographer who has shot images all over the world, as well as gracing the pages of many local publications such as Phoenix Home & Garden, and Phoenix Magazine. His deft touch will enlighten you on how to take those memorable keepsake shots. Select one of our many examples of beautiful architecture or glorious gardens to use as your open canvas. And then create!

Pricing includes all associated program costs. Food and beverage not included. Guests receive a take home package.

Cooking Class

Many of us would like to think we are capable of holding our own in the kitchen, even if that just means the very basics. Many of us would also like to know much more about preparing foods, but we allow ourselves to be intimidated. When it comes to putting together a multi-course meal, we simply go into a panic. With a world-class repertoire of private chef options, you may chose Chef Michael DeMaria, Chef Doug Brochu, or Grill Maestro Craiger Van Zee among others, as your host for this educational and inspirational how-to. Whether you are preparing foods indoors or outdoors on a grill, paying attention to a few simple basics, and using your common sense will yield better results than you might think. With many families opting to stay home and take advantage of the amazing play-spaces that we are putting in our backyards, someone in the family needs to get up to speed culinary-wise. Learn how to incorporate the fabulous foods and flavors of the Mediterranean Rim countries. Healthy, vibrant, and simple!

Pricing includes all associated program costs. Guests take home a souvenir apron.

Painting in a Mediterranean Garden

How much of Monets' success was due to his true talent, and how much of it was due to the inspiration he gained from painting in such magical settings. If you have seen an image of Monets' private gardens in Giverny, France, you might be convinced that the settings had a lot to do with it. Join nationally recognized artist, Charles Kurre in any one of a collection of fabulous gardens right here in The Valley of the Sun, and discover how to use your eyes to see light and texture the way Monet might have. You will spend a couple of hours in a magical private garden surrounded by the sights and scents that inspire greatness. Charles will work with watercolors and at the end of the session you will walk away with your own piece of art suitable for framing. The accolades keep coming. "I must admit that at first I was very intimidated. I have never done anything like this, and there was an authentic Picasso staring down at me, and all this talk about Monets' Garden? I enjoyed myself so much that time flew by, and the next thing I knew, I had a framed painting of my own to take home. I would do this again!"

Two programs to choose from:

1. The lesson and all the materials: watercolors, pastels, or acrylic color, 4 sheets of 11" x 15" - 140lb cold press watercolor paper, palette, three brushes, painters smock, and a paper folio to safely transport the work home. (Of course we can tailor materials to any project)
2. The painting program can be offered for a group up to 22p, utilizing the painters materials and going home with one 11 X 15 painting in a paper folio.

City tours

Phoenix is a beautiful oasis with a very rich history that dates back to the Native American peoples that developed this area. While the civilized occupation of The Valley of the Sun only dates back to the late 1800s the true development of Phoenix coincides with the advent of Air Conditioning. Since that time, Phoenix has become one of the most dynamic areas in the country. Drawing from cultures worldwide Phoenix has developed its own identity that is in the truest sense a melting pot. Architecture, design, and landscaping all have roots in the very people that have visited here and then decided to stay, and bringing with them a little piece of their own culture. The fine arts, once considered an afterthought in this former cow-town have made such great strides as to draw attention from all of the detractors. Join a long-time resident and hopeless lover of the desert as your group tours the amazing Valley. You will experience the rich history, and the spectacular future. Combine a city tour with tours of a couple of Bella Palazzo private estates. Led by knowledgeable docents it is the perfect compliment to the city tour, and your tour-guide can accompany you from house to house!

Home tours

A delightful time awaits your spousal clients as groups of 20 to 120 take tours of fabulous Valley estates. Whether your group is small and tours several homes in succession, or if it is larger and requires splitting up, each group will be treated to an in-depth docent led look into some of the most exciting and progressive architecture and design. Bella Palazzo homes run the gamut from a historic estate in The Phoenix Country Club to authentic Southwestern Adobes, to ultra-modern Bauhaus design. At each home a knowledgeable and courteous docent will lead your groups on a tour, highlighting the background of the area, the thought put into the design, the professionals brought on to execute the vision, and the finishing touches incorporated to complete the overall look. Questions will be answered and everyone goes away with not only a new view on the Phoenix lifestyle, but ideas of what to do in their own home as well.

Show houses and Showrooms

The ultimate Red Carpet Cultural Buying Excursion! Bella Palazzo is proud to join forces with your personal shopper, Nancy Shina of Spree! The Art of Shopping. Considered a master shopper by all who know her, the former hospitality industry executive was required to travel internationally and was inspired by a private shopping tour she took in Paris to subsequently launch Spree and offer similar private shopping tours in tony Valley locations.

Exit your chauffeured limousine onto the legendary Red Carpet and venture into the finest of private estates. Witness the world-class design, architecture, interiors and art collections at Spanish Antigua, Rockin Moroccan, or Casa de los Milagros: grand names and estates of grandeur. Your docents will guide you on an informative tour of each estate, as each homeowner is an importer of fabulous furniture and accessories, and each has a showroom available to the trade and other privileged buyers. You will be personally escorted in your limousine to a private shopping excursion for an adventure few experience. A customized itinerary provides for an excursion "off the beaten path" for Southwest secret finds, and as a complement to the showrooms chosen, we will escort you to a home decor boutique, and art gallery. Here you will get the "star" treatment when you are greeted by the owners who have set aside this private time for your shopping experience. A choice of passed appetizers & champagne can be offered to your high-end clientele for an additional fee. Unique to the Southwest, this is a, cultural, and sensorial experience.

Event cost for up to 15 people
Can be custom priced for groups of two or more. Suggested transportation is optional

High Tea at Historic Phoenix

Join us for a lovely afternoon of high tea and memorable stories of living in the 1920-30's in the prestigious Phoenix country Club. The homeowners have some charming stories of the family that resided in the home during that period of time; the creator of the local newspaper The Arizona Republic. We will be serving on the lawn a typical menu that would have been served as high tea during that era. Wear your biggest picture hat! For a special treat, we can include a game of Croquet in keeping with the times!

Wine Tasting

We will have a Sommelier work to custom create a lovely selection of wines to sample at the home of your choice. In picking the wines, we will consult with a wine expert and select wines that are appropriate with the overall look and feel of each home.

Garden Territory

A Day at the Farm in a Bella Home With the unbelievable growth the Phoenix area has experienced, it's hard to believe that a place like "The Farm" continues to thrive; and it's a good thing it has since along with the rapid growth comes all the pains of growing.

Situated in an 80 year-old Pecan grove, "The Farm" at South Mountain is an oasis in the middle of chaos. Acres and acres of farmland, a fine dining venue, an area for picnics and a retail shop, all define the space that has become Phoenix little getaway. Well now the Farm can come to your client. The creative minds at the Farm have assembled a number of well-coordinated programs, based on the abundant herbs and produce available. With selections such as "Adventures in Aromatherapy" which introduces your guests to the magic of herbs, and essential oils; or the "Aromatic Art of Perfumes" which allows the guest to craft their own signature perfume, your groups are guaranteed to go home with something memorable.

Each of the large programs is scheduled to take up 2-4 hours of time. However for your time challenged groups; short programs of 60-90 minutes are available. A course in the "Beauty and Bliss of Roses" could be magically paired at Casa de los Milagros: with over 800 Rose bushes as a backdrop. Or you could immerse yourself in a Mediterranean garden for a "Loving Lavender" course. Either, may be just the right program for your group.

Another feature available to perfectly compliment any one of these programs, is to combine them with a lovely luncheon or brunch available from Santa Barbara Catering, which provides all of the food-service at "The Farm".

Silver Dreams Silver Jewelry Trunk Show

Bella Palazzo has joined forces with Satya Khalsa of Silver Dreams to offer your spousal groups a truly unique buying experience. Satya fell in love with the magnificent Mexican hillside Silver town of Taxco. She was fascinated by the skill and artistry demonstrated by local artists in their silver jewelry, and now makes several buying trips annually. The many varied styles of sterling silver jewelry are now offered to your clients at “trunk shows�, and Satya will showcase her beautiful jewelry personally.

Art Talk luncheon

Many of our fabulous homes have amazing art collections, and here you have the opportunity to match one or more of those homes with an accompanying Art program. The knowledgeable group at Larsen Gallery in Scottsdale have put together a talk on Art combined with a lovely lunch. Whether you chose to also tour a home, or just to visit the gallery, your afternoon will be filled with memories.

Program includes Space rental, tour, talk, and lunch.