Royal Palms, Scottsdale

Location

Sited at the base of Camelback Mountain, the resort combines a rural backdrop with the urban amenities of Phoenix, Arizona; the airport is just a 15 minutes’ drive away. The nearby Old Town, tucked away between malls and cinemas, features museums and art galleries and a repurposed movie theatre, now the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts. Scottsdale as a whole, known as the ‘Beverley Hills of the desert’, offers an array of fine dining restaurants, high-end bars and chic pool clubs.

Accommodation

Influenced by Mediterranean colours and hues, sun-bleached walls frame bold patterns and elegant furnishings. Each Estate Room features a deep soaking bath and a Juliet balcony while Casitas look out over orange groves or Camelback Mountain. All come with a wrought-iron four poster bed and French doors that open up to a semi-private patio while many feature fireplaces and custom furnishings designed by members of the American Society of Interior Designers. Similarly decadent Terrace and Luxury Suites look out over terraced gardens to mountain views and include outdoor fireplaces. Lastly, oversized villas serve guests with up to 1,700 square feet of luxury.

Dining

The hotel’s signature restaurant, T. Cook’s, has received both local and national acclaim for its farm-to-table philosophy. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, the kitchen puts on a three-course dinner menu or full degustation platter that, like the resort’s architecture, showcases the finest in Mediterranean style. A particular highlight are the oysters, carefully seasoned with tangy citrus notes.

Facilities

As you’d expect, the resort has a full range of excellent amenities including a 24-hour fitness centre, excellent spa and outdoor pool but it also puts on a range of unique activities. Learn about the Royal Palms’ storied history on an informal art tour or take part in culinary demonstrations from the expert kitchen staff and mixology classes in the resort’s bar. For an invigorating start to the day, there are morning yoga and tai chi sessions.