Phoenix/Scottsdale area

Sonoran Desert/Carefree retreat: The Civana spa and resort (civanacarefree.com) is about 27 miles from Scottsdale. Its buy-twonights, get-the-third-night-free deal is available during Labor Day weekend. Rates for a deluxe queen room for Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 were about $145 a night (with the third night free). Drawback: There’s a $30-$35 nightly seasonal experience fee (pretax), but it includes valet parking, daily fitness classes and more. Nearby fun: In Carefree Desert Gardens, about three miles from the resort, is one of the largest working sundials in the U.S. In Cave Creek, you can hike, bike or ride horses. Phoenix resort: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort (tapatiocliffs

hilton.com) has Tap into Summer Fun deals that include a family getaway package, which discounts rooms to $150 per night with $100 in dining certificates (four $25 certificates) per paid night. The rate isn’t available on Aug. 31, but it’s available Sept. 1 through Sept. 3. Drawback: There’s a $35 daily resort fee. However, the fee includes Wi-Fi, valet/self-parking, 20% off spa services, access to Falls Water Village and more. Nearby fun: The resort offers guided hikes and yoga stretch classes, and Falls Water Village, which has two large pools, a plunging water slide and more. The resort is 16 miles from Old Town Scottsdale and 19 miles from the Desert Botanical Garden. Want more options? Booking.com has a list of Labor Day deals.