asK tHE ExPErt
dENa rocHÉ
PHoENix, aMErica’s
fiftH largEst city,
is a
modern and vibrant metro area that
is full of unique local businesses, an
environmentally conscious
population and plenty to do and see.
Plus, according to Forbes, Phoenix is
the fifth best city in the country for
young professionals and the fourth
fastest growing city. gallup-
Healthways ranks Arizona in the top
ten in state wellbeing and don’t even
get us started about the fantastic
weather year-round!
It’s no wonder
luxury
travEl
aNd sPa
BloggEr,
dENa
rocHÉ
chose
Phoenix as her
home base. As
creator of The Travel
Diet and professional travel
journalist, Roché has visited six
continents and countless countries
reporting for magazines like
American Way, United Hemispheres,
Great Golf, Modern Luxury, Life
Refined, Robb Report, Destination
Weddings & Honeymoons and many
more.
But what makes her call Phoenix
home? In this month’s Ask the
Expert, we get to see the 2018 ISPA
Conference & Expo host city from a
local’s point of view as Roché tells us
her favorite hot spots and gives tips
on how to beat the Arizona heat.
62
PULSE
■
July 2018
Pulse: Why do you think Phoenix is the perfect city to host
the 2018 ISPA Conference & Expo?
Roché: The Valley of the Sun (which includes Phoenix’s neighbor to the
east, Scottsdale) is the spa capital of the country with the most resort spas
per capita. The depth of quality spas here is unmatched, so of course it’s the
most natural place for a spa conference! Couple that with amazing restaurants,
natural beauty and outdoor adventures and I’m positive ISPA members will be
excited about the change in venue from Las Vegas.
P: Why are you proud to call Phoenix home?
R: I like our focus on wellness here. Not only do we have incredible resort and
day spas, but there is also a culture focused on healthy eating and fitness.
Plus, for being the fifth largest city in the country, it’s still livable and
affordable.
P: What is your favorite thing to do in downtown Phoenix?
R: Downtown used to be known as “deadtown,” but in the last few years it’s
become such a hotspot. I enjoy the Phoenix Public Market, restaurants like
Pomo Pizzeria, The Breadfruit and Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. The
nightlife scene is great, too, with cocktail bars like Bitter & Twisted and fun
bars like Film Bar and Valley Bar.