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- just like the Flintstones
As you drive down Scottsdale Road you wonder if you will ever get there. The streetlamps disappear and so does the traffic. It gets darker and darker, finally the GPS lets you know you are there. Driving at night, this is about the only way you will know. The entrance is unassuming and as you pass through the security gate, the guards take your information and give you a pass and a map…”about a mile down the winding road, you will come to the front entrance of the lodge” he says. Sure enough, the white lights on the palm trees and glowing outdoor fireplace appear and you are there.
So you understand that this place is remote! But it is a luxurious resort, operated by the Waldorf Astoria collection of resorts. Situated on a golf course, with a top notch Golden Door Spa, this place has nice amenities.
And the view! They don’t call it the Boulders for nothing. The setting reminds me of Bedrock City of Flintstones fame. Smooth boulders that look like they will topple over. Great hiking trails and fabulous vistas for photographers.
...more boulders
The property is comprised of adobe casitas which are reachable by walking (you’ll get lost at first) or by golf cart. The staff are friendly and always available. The casitas are well appointed with large bathrooms, large walk in closet, wet bar and stocked fridge, internet and wireless, and comfy fluffy duveted beds. All casitas have a fireplace and a patio with furniture. The resort is in the process of modernizing the rooms. I visited one of the new rooms and jury is still out. I kind of like the rustic feel and look of the property.
The fitness room in the Golden Door Spa is to die for! Top of the line equipment and lots of it. And the view from the large picture windows! And an attendant that is constantly wiping down equipment, replacing towels and just being helpful. The property charges a daily resort fee which includes access to the fitness room and all non-chargeable areas of the spa (pool, sauna, steam, Japanese soaking pool, group exercise classes, lounges), as well as valet parking, internet access, baggage handling and gratuities for those services. Spa services are standardly expensive but the menu is interesting and large.
There is a small bar in the main lodge and a restaurant. The food was creative and tasty. There is a concierge on staff who is always available.
Golf course looks fabulous, though I didn’t golf. The weather was sketchy when I was there and it actually hailed twice – golfers sure scattered when that happened.
The pool is outdoors and there is an outdoor hot tub as well. Beautiful comfortable loungers and full bar/food service.
All in all, it’s worth the drive. Tranquility and luxury. Listen to the coyotes howl at night and see every star in the sky. And as always the clear blue Arizona sky, the grey green cacti, and the picturesque buttes and boulders make for a dramatic landscape.
