Andaz Scottsdale Hotel

Countless hiking and horse-riding trails through national forest, 83 local wineries and every luxury trimming you could want in Arizona's Valley of the Sun, in the shadow of the famed Camelback Mountain

Basking in the foothills of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain and framed by the state’s ubiquitous saguaro, this oasis-like getaway is the stuff desert dreams are made of. You may be in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, but don’t be fooled, this isn’t the Wild West. When Andaz Scottsdale opened in 2016, it was the first new resort to launch here in six years and it’s an integral player in the new wave of design-driven pads punctuating Phoenix’s low-key little-sister city today.

In the aptly named Paradise Valley, a quick drive from Phoenix Airport, the sprawling resort comprises 201 light-filled suites and spacious adobe- style bungalow villas interspersed by greenery-strewn walkways, an olive grove and cactus garden. In terms of design, think a modern play on Mad Men via Palm Springs (sans spring breakers) with a little Southwest flair.

Bungalows (many with terraces) take the names of key designers who influenced the look – Eames, Girard et al –while the resort itself was inspired by local architects including Frank Lloyd Wright and Paolo Soleri, both of whom have eponymous gallery museums in Scottsdale. Rooms are serenely decked out with limewash- look desert hues, handcrafted furniture and works by local Cattle Track artists.

Across the nine hectares, sun-baked days are punctuated by boules and croquet games, while poolside cabanas beg to be lingered over, Diamondback Fizz in hand, as red cardinals and hummingbirds flit overhead.

If you can tear yourself from your perch, there’s plenty in the area to keep you entertained. Scottsdale’s Old Town is close by – its historic haunts balanced out by contemporary art spaces, bars and restaurants. Then there’s the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with its 350km of hiking trails (go early to avoid the heat and keep eyes peeled for rattlers); a plethora of golf courses (ditto); the Desert Botanical Garden; some 83 local wineries; and horseback rides through Tonto National Forest.

In line with the area’s reputation for wellbeing, back at camp, the botanical Palo Verde Spa is on hand to soothe any saddle sores and revitalise ahead of supper. Enter Weft & Warp with its atmosphere of bonhomie and bold- flavoured menu that draws upon the area’s culinary heritage and is driven by resort-grown ingredients. Andaz is a true taste of AZ you’ll not want to end.

Doubles from £397. 00 1 480 368 1234, andazscottsdale.com

Words by Blossom Green.

This review was taken from the May/June 2021 issue of Food and Travel.

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