You don’t have to go far away to get away. Some of Arizona’s best resorts for a staycation are here in North Scottsdale, where they build your experience around luxurious spa appointments, fantastic golfing, nearby shopping and fine dining.
Here are five of my favorites:
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North: Nestled in the foothills on the east side of Pinnacle Peak, this AAA Five-Diamond resort features adobe casitas, incredible views, and plenty of poolside cabanas. During the day, you can play golf at nearby Troon North Golf Club or pamper yourself at the spa.
In the evening, sit on the patio, sip a cocktail from the Onyx Bar, and watch the sunset over the Valley. Then, enjoy an upscale dinner at Talavera, the resort’s contemporary steakhouse, or at Proof American Cantina, a more casual eatery dishing up heaping helpings of comfort food.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: There’s so much to do at this family-friendly resort that I can’t fit everything here. In the summer, float along the lazy river in the resort’s Adventure Water Park, plunge down a 110-foot-long waterslide or hang ten on the surf simulator, FlowRider. Then, as the sun sets, grab a spot near an open fire pit and listen to a master bagpiper play nearby.
Golf is a must at Kierland. The club offers guests climate-controlled golf carts, so you can play in comfort year round. But you can also take advantage of its more unique transportation options, including bikes, Segways, and GolfBoards, an electric board that allows you to “surf” the course. The brave might even consider Scottish golf, complete with Johnnie Walker scotches and kilts.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: The regal Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a sophisticated option with an award-winning spa, five swimming pools, and world-class golf (the Waste Management Phoenix open is played here). The resort is also kid-friendly and has a kids’ program, sports court, and a Techno water slide featuring fog, disco lights, and music.
Even if you don’t have time for a proper staycation, don’t miss the resort’s fine dining options any time of year. Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant, Bourbon Steak, plates all-natural, organic, and hormone-free beef finished over a wood-burning grill. La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval adds Latin fare to the resort’s offerings, and you can’t miss his latest onsite venture, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar.
Talking Stick Resort: Can’t make it to Las Vegas? Talking Stick Resort brings the Vegas experience to you. The Native American-owned resort features a 300,000-square-foot casino and an impressive showroom where nationally-recognized acts like Buddy Guy, Air Supply, and Rick Springfield have performed.
If you go to Vegas for buffets and fine dining, you won’t be disappointed here either. The award-winning Orange Sky features five- and six-course menu options with wine pairings—not to mention one of the best views of the Valley anywhere in town. Wandering Horse Buffet rivals any in the Phoenix-area with its live cooking stations, fresh salad bar, carving station, brick oven pizza kitchen, and dessert bar.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: Sanctuary aptly describes this 53-acre paradise, ranked the 2015 top resort in Arizona by Travel + Leisure (It’s also received top accolades from Conde Nast Traveler in 2014). During the day, relax by the infinity-edge pool, play tennis, or hike the property’s trails.
Dinner at the resort is a culinary experience you’ll never forget. Begin with cocktails prepared by the mixologists at Jade Bar, and if you like what you’re sipping, sign up for the bar’s Saturday mixology classes. Then, enjoy the innovative seasonal menus of celebrity chef and Food Network personality Beau MacMillan, who serves as executive chef at the resort’s flagship restaurant, Elements.
It’s not hard to feel like you’re far from home and the hustle and bustle of every day life at these resorts. Summer is one of the best times to get a luxury experience at a great rate, so why not try one of these great places soon?
For more information about staycations or other resorts around town, give me a call or fill out the form below and a member of The Matheson Team will be in touch shortly.
