On the outskirts of Scottsdale, where civilization meets desert and cacti outnumber people, lies the tantalizing Four Seasons Scottsdale at North Troon. The luxury resort beckons sun-seekers, golfers, and desert-lovers all year round, and the quick 35-minute drive from the Phoenix airport makes it that much more enticing to plan an easy getaway.
Desert-chic, adobe-style buildings pepper the sprawling property. Everything at the Four Seasons blends in unassumingly with the sandy palate of Mother Nature. Nearby, rocky peaks jut up from the ground like small mountains and provide a dramatic backdrop at every turn.
First things first; when you’re in the hot desert, you’re going to need a fabulous pool. Lucky for you, the Fours Seasons Scottsdale definitely delivers. The icy blue water of the resort’s main pool glistens in the hot sun, offering the perfect refresher following a long hike, round of golf, or some seriously strenuous sunbathing. Surrounded by crisp, white-cushioned loungers, the main pool has two tiers with the lower level offering a more private, adults-only area. Close by, you’ll find a more kid-friendly pool on and a gigantic hot tub – because don’t forget – those desert nights can get a little chilly.
Sand-colored Adobe guest casitas provide an ideal abode to escape to at the end of a long day. Stroll to your room along the winding pathways or hop aboard one of the roaming golf carts for a quick ride. Along the way, you’ll notice how the neutral palate of the buildings allows the funky cacti types and vibrant fuchsia and yellow blooms to steal the show. Inside, you’ll find a large, southwest-style room with plush king bed, seating area, fireplace, and massive bathroom with separate tub and shower. Best of all, each guest-room comes with its own outdoor area, like from a patio within a cactus garden or a balcony with majestic views of the purple-hued mountains in the distance.
For the golf-lovers out there (OR for those with a lover, who is a golf-lover), the Four Seasons Scottsdale should be added to your bucket list immediately. With two stunning courses at North Troon, Monument and Pinnacle, you’ll be hooked on the desert-style of play from the first tee box. The juxtaposition of lush green fairways against the stark, dry terrain is simply mesmerizing. Both courses offer a fun yet challenging round, where you’re guaranteed to hit the ball into a big Saguaro cactus at least once. (More on the golf courses: HERE)
Outdoor adventures abound in this northern, more remote corner of Scottsdale. Hiking is a big draw, and one the best trails in Phoenix, Pinnacle Peak, sits right at the doorstep of the Four Seasons property. Just under 2 miles, the trail consists of an easy 1-mile stroll to the base of the mountain from the resort followed by a steeper .75-miles to the top of the peak, where the views of the desert and mountains take your breath away.
After some hiking, biking, golfing, or perhaps a sunrise hot air balloon ride, you’re going to need some pampering. Make your way to the Spa, where an extremely talented massage therapist will melt your tensions away. Afterwards head to the sauna or Chromotherapy Steam Room. The scent and colors of the steam room change with the month, and we loved the hazy, lavender ambiance.
Multiple dining options are available to you at the Four Seasons Scottsdale. Poolside, there’s the casual Saguaro Blossom, which serves delicious fish tacos and heavenly cucumber-mint lemonade cocktails. For fine-dining, Talavera is a modern steakhouse that serves prime cuts of Arizona ranch-raised meat. Our favorite restaurant at the resort, though, was Proof. The relaxed, southern-style eatery served some of the tastiest, most satisfying dishes we’ve had on a hotel property – no joke! And, good news, Proof is open for all three meals of the day. For breakfast, enjoy a decadent spread of fresh fruits, cinnamon rolls, frittatas, French toast, and more. For lunch and dinner, indulge in flavorful favorites like their Smoked Babe on a Bun with 5-hour slow cooked pork and Carolina BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun or Chicken & Waffles with cayenne butter and bourbon maple syrup.
We’re not going to lie, we fancy ourselves as sauce & sides connoisseurs, and the wonderful little touches with each dish were amazing – like the fresh whipped cinnamon butter on the French toast, the cheesy chipotle aioli with the fluffy pretzel bread bites, and those sweet, smoked BBQ baked beans with the ribs – everything outstanding!
We highly recommend the Four Seasons Scottsdale if you’re looking for sunshine, killer golf & hiking, delicious Southern food, and a great pool scene – all within a mesmerizingly beautiful desert backdrop.
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of the Four Seasons Scottsdale at North Troon and thanks them for a lovely stay. All opinions are our own.
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