This Fall, It's a 'Season of Personal Discovery' at the Fairmont Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - August 12, 2009) - It can be said that one of the best investments people can make is in themselves ... and sometimes it's as simple as the irresistible bliss of being carried away with a good book. This fall, the new "Season of Personal Discovery" offers vacations with an inspiring purpose, giving up-close and personal time with 32 best-selling authors and lecturers over six themed weekends at the Fairmont Scottsdale, a AAA Five Diamond resort located in the Sonoran Desert.

From September 25 - December 6, 2009, the "Season of Personal Discovery" weekends invite travelers to follow their passion and learn life-enriching skills. Each weekend is themed to satisfy every booklover's fancy:

Living Your Best Life - September 25-27, 2009

The world's top lifestyle and health writers join together for this inspiring weekend: Chris Crowley, Joseph C. Piscatella, Nicholas Boothman, Sean Foy, Tom Moon and Tom Valenti.

For the Love of Books - October 2-4, 2009

Riveting and powerful, authors Anita Diamant, Debra Dean and Lisa See have each crafted works of literary art.

Ultimate Girls Getaway - October 9-11, 2009

This pampering weekend invites grown-up girls to pack their "little black dress and their pj's" to spend time together with fun, entertaining events and fascinating workshops led by Nadja Piatka, Beverley East, Kathy Balland, Linda Henley-Smith, Sandi M. Marques and Lisa McKenzie.

Food and Wine for the Soul - October 23-25, 2009

For passionate epicureans, this weekend features these food and wine experts: Michael Mina, Michelle Bernstein, Jamie and Bobby Deen, Karen MacNeil and Robin Goldstein.

Cloak and Dagger - November 6-8, 2009

Gripping and suspenseful, this weekend delves into the minds of masters of mystery: Steve Berry, Les Standiford, Joseph Finder, M.J. Rose and David Morrell.

Grand Finale Weekend - December 4-6, 2009

From a Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist, to crime novelists and global philanthropists, this weekend is literary jambalaya, packed with laughs, mystery and a meaningful punch. Literary Stew includes Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson and Scott Turow, and Small Change for Big Change features Wendy Smith, Jacqueline Novogratz and Jessica Jackley.

Each themed weekend includes a three-day/two-night stay at the resort, exclusive admission to the Friday "Meet the Authors" welcome reception, Saturday readings, demonstrations and "Q&A" sessions, a Saturday evening "Mix & Mingle" reception and gala dinner, a Sunday farewell breakfast and a keepsake "Season" gift. Pricing is $499 per person, based on double occupancy, including gratuities. For complete details and reservations, dial 800-908-9397 or visit www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

The Fairmont Scottsdale reflects the Southwest with its Spanish style architecture, 649 guest rooms, five swimming pools, Willow Stream spa and championship golf at the TPC Scottsdale. The resort is operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and is owned by Strategic Hotels & Resorts.