Inside Scottsdale: Where the Desert Comes Alive
- 37 minutes ago
- 4 min read
By Jaz Grewal
April 2019 saw British Airways enter a joint venture with American Airlines to launch a daily service between Arizona and London. Since then, more than 335,000 passengers have travelled the route each year, with demand growing year on year.
And yet, whilst it remains a popular route for transatlantic passengers using it as a transfer route, Arizona remains something of a hidden gem for holidaymakers amidst a recent boom in demand for the destination, as sun-seeking travellers flock to its popular hub, Scottsdale, in search of a new wave of experiential travel against the stunning backdrop of its saguaro cactus-lined landscapes.
And there is more than meets the eye to the desert escape, which is also home to some of North America’s most celebrated cultural sights, a mecca of designer shopping, and some of the most innovative dining in the region.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The classic glamour synonymous with Four Seasons meets the desert charm of the Sonoran at the opulent Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Located in the north of Scottsdale, the hotel is an easy 40-minute drive via the highway from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and is within easy reach of the ever-popular Troon North Golf Club.
With all the amenities and facilities one might expect, the resort doesn’t fall short on luxury living and enjoys highlights that span a 24-hour outdoor pool, a separate adults-only pool, and lush cabanas available for private use for days spent basking in the warm climes poolside.
Comprised of 210 casitas, the rooms feel warm and airy, with most benefiting from private terraces, while some of the larger suites also feature plunge pools, alongside enviable views and handcrafted furnishings.
For dining, the resort’s Canteen restaurant serves classic American fare – think ribs, steaks and burgers – whilst over at Talavera, high-end Spanish dining is championed through premium cuts of meat and fish.
The Spa at Four Seasons is equally as impressive and features a fitness centre along with signature treatments that include the spa’s speciality Nopal massage – an enriching ritual using cactus gel derived straight from the paddles of a nopal cactus to reinvigorate the skin.
Hotel Valley Ho
Set amidst the buzzing Old Town, Hotel Valley Ho is very much intertwined with Scottsdale’s vibrant history since its original opening, which dates back as far as 1956. Today, the boutique hotel has been restored and echoes the charm of the golden age through its 241 rooms and suites, each of which has been furnished to mirror the retro décor of its former glory.
Staying here will put you front and centre, with an abundance of Scottsdale’s main attractions and art scene all within a short distance, along with designer lovers' paradise Fashion Square, which counts stores including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior under its roof for a spot of retail therapy.
Particularly noteworthy is the hotel’s OH Pool Bar, which sets the scene for regular pool parties and DJs that create a nod to the social vibe on which the hotel’s reputation is built. Across the hotel, a spa and on-site fitness centre also offer a retreat away from the high-energy spaces, while a quieter pool is positioned amongst the rooms for more relaxed pursuits.
Light bites and classic American dishes are served at the hotel’s restaurant, ZuZu, which is open daily from breakfast through to lunch and dinner with an all-day dining concept, alongside cool cocktails.
Where to Dine
The Ends
The Ends is a stylish jaunt in the Old Town serving a menu of modern flavours under the direction of Executive Chef Carson, who has brought his flair for innovative techniques to produce a menu of contemporary flavours. The restaurant’s ethos is to cook using tallow as an alternative to seed oils and is inspired by the travels of the legendary Bourdain and the way he travelled through the world.
The Mission
Executive Chef Matt Carter brings his Latin cuisine to the Scottsdale outpost of The Mission, an upscale bar and restaurant spread across two sleekly designed floors. Taking influence from Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America, the menu is focused on fresh meats, either grilled or cooked on a plancha, alongside tacos and salads. The standout dish is undoubtedly the Mission Guacamole, which is prepared tableside.
AZ88
AZ88 is an institution on Scottsdale’s dining and drinking scene, having been established for nearly 40 years as the go-to destination for expertly curated cocktails and a casual yet refined menu of comfort classics, burgers, sandwiches and salads. By day, the terrace is very much the place to see and be seen (notably, there are often sightings of Real Housewivescast members), and by evening, the vibe is fun and becomes more energetic.
What to Do
Horse Trekking
There is no shortage of moments where wearing a cowboy hat and boots feels entirely appropriate in Arizona, and Scottsdale is no exception. To truly live out your wildest ranch fantasies, the only way is to saddle up and participate in a horse trek. For beginners, Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables is the perfect pit stop for some equestrian activities and daily guided rides along horse-friendly trails.
Taliesin West
There is an enduring affinity between Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale, and at its heart is Taliesin West, his winter home, which was established back in the 1930s and served as a studio and architectural laboratory. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site reminds visitors of the legacy he left behind and gives an insight into his legendary career and creativity.
Hot Air Ballooning
For more than three decades, Hot Air Expeditions has been creating out-of-this-world hot air balloon experiences and, for 26 of those years, has ranked as the ‘Best Balloon Flight in Phoenix’. An early start awaits for the morning flight, but for those who brave it, the reward is the most striking skyline views of the Sonoran Desert. For those who aren’t early risers, afternoon flights reaching heights of up to 5,000 feet above the ground await, with wicker baskets offering unobstructed views of the desert beyond – and a glass of bubbly is served post-flight to toast the occasion.