Cactus paddles. My ears perked up as the therapist explained that the prickly greenery would be integrated into the Nopal Massage I was about to experience.
Welcome to my visit to the spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (FourSeasons.com/Scottsdale/) — just one of the fabulous experiences I enjoyed during a recent visit to this desert destination.
With another Montana winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a future getaway that will whisk you away to warmer weather. Read on to find out why I think this Arizona Four Seasons property should be at the top of your to-visit list.
The Location. Imagine an oasis of luxury in the middle of the red rocks of Scottsdale, and that pretty much sums up the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. And thanks to a direct flight offered by Allegiant airlines between Missoula Montana Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, you don’t have to worry about connecting flights to visit. The thing I loved about this property is that once my car dropped me off, I didn’t have the need—or desire—to leave for the three days I was there. From multiple dining concepts to nearby hiking trails to a fabulous outdoor pool, everything I could possibly need during my visit was within the cozy adobe confines of this resort. If you are interested in heading off-property to visit spots like Old Town Scottsdale, I would suggest renting a car. For me, I enjoyed the secluded nature of the resort. But, if you want to visit the area, Uber rides could easily add up.
The Rooms. Your own private casita—that’s what you can expect when it comes to the accommodations at this property. Rooms are appointed with all of the luxuries you would expect from a Four Seasons Hotel, including deep soaking tubs, twice-daily housekeeping services, the softest bed linens, a top-notch private bar, and Nespresso machines and electric tea kettles (which the tea drinker in me appreciates immensely). Casitas also feature fireplaces and private patios with million dollar views of the mountains, valley, or lagoon-style pool. If you’re looking to splurge, I highly recommend booking an Oasis One-Bedroom Suite, which is the casita I called “home” during my visit. From the private plunge pool to the al fresco garden shower, I felt like this suite was my own private oasis.
The Wellness. Now back to those cactus paddles… At the beginning of the 60-minute treatment, the paddles are soaked and then cut in half so the therapist can incorporate the warm cactus gel into the massage. The nopal cactus—better known as the prickly pear cactus—offers health benefits due to its high antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content. Not only did the gel feel amazing against my skin, it left it hydrated and ready to take on the dry desert air. In addition to the treatment I experienced, the spa offers a variety of other options ranging from a Prickly Pear Renewal body treatment to the Gold Repair Facial. While visiting the spa, be sure to set aside time to visit the steam room and to workout in the state-of-the-art gym. The spa also offers guests guided hike, yoga, and other fitness class options. Golf lovers can try their luck on one of the resort courses. And those who enjoy swinging a racket can check out the tennis or pickle ball courts for a quick workout. Finally, if your definition of wellness is simply to enjoy a little R&R, the pool area is not to be missed. There are separate children’s and adult pools to enjoy.
The Food and Drink. From a fresh veggie frittata delivered via room service to the casual pretzel knots at Proof to the exotic Secreto Iberico served up at the resort’s fine dining concept, Talavera, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale offers a dining option to suit every palate. I opted to indulge in a bigger room service breakfast each morning, enjoying the frittata I mentioned, the chilaquiles, and the huevos rancheros. After spending my afternoons poolside in the heat, I generally was content with ordering a triple berry smoothie for lunch. As for dinner, Proof is perfect when you want something more casual. Again, the pretzel knots are out of this world, but the shrimp and scallop aguachile is refreshing and tasty, as is the create-your-own sundae for dessert. Finally, the food and sunset views at Talavera are not to be missed. From the lobster tostadas to the Secreto Iberico I mentioned (think: the finest pork served up with mole negro and other delights), every bite I took did not disappoint.
