Scottsdale beckons with dry beauty and modern luxury

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Scottsdale is a place of paradox: a landscape of cacti and dry Sonoran desert that has transformed itself into a city of magnificent, sprawling resorts, luscious golf courses, great restaurants and fantastic shopping. Come for the luxury of highthread- count sheets, sublime spa treatments and gourmet food in romantic restaurants. But don’t leave before taking time to appreciate the verdant life and exquisite beauty of the desert.

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Built in the shadow of Camelback Mountain—more like a hill by BC standards, but considered a biggie in the flatlands of Scottsdale—the Royal Palms Resort & Spa has a distinct Spanish-Mediterranean design that’s immediately enduring. It’s construction was a love-story in itself, for financier Delos Cooke and his wife had fallen in love with the location and when they took occupancy in 1929, they filled their winter home with their exotic treasures. Their bliss was short-lived, though, for two years later Delos took ill and passed away, leaving his wife to walk the beautiful, sun-filled passageways alone.

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The Stylish Honeymoon

Still, the aura of romance remained, and over the years it was enhanced as various property owners added casitas, plants and reflection pools. To this day couples come to Royal Palms Resort to celebrate their love over good food and orange blossom massages. Bougainvillea spill over hacienda style canopies, terracotta ponds bubble around the property and palm trees stick their long necks into the air rejoicing in the dry heat that characterizes this part of the world.

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The Royal Palms Resort has undergone $12 million of upgrades over the past 13 years, expanding and restoring it into a spectacular retreat that feels like a boutique hotel, but with a room count of 119, really isn’t. Our spa suite is a three-roomed space with a balcony overlooking the mountain, a gas fireplace that you’d likely never need in this heat, a steam shower and a quaint claw foot tub in the centre of the bathroom.

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A Twinkling Reception

Between the rich décor of the property and its wonderful level of luxury, it’s easy to feel pampered here. A pool butler brings fresh towels and iced water to guests on the lounging chairs, and valets zip your car away the moment you pull into the driveway. Bathroom toiletries carry the sweet scent of neroli, harking back to the orange plantations that once stood here, and at night the courtyard comes alive with musicians, twinkling orange lights and an effervescent beauty accentuated by the starry sky.
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Honeymoon Adventures

In downtown Scottsdale we spend an evening on the Art Walk, a 25-yearlong Thursday night tradition of window shopping and browsing. We pass countless galleries displaying  expensive paintings and objets d’art, wandering in and out of the air conditioned spaces.
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The next day we rise at 4:00 am to board a hot air balloon that will drift us high into the sky for a panoramic view of Greater Phoenix. We see the beauty of the city: its massive mansions, some with expansive swimming pools and private putting greens. “But for the invention of air conditioning, this would still be a small town,” says Marc, our balloon pilot.
We’re grateful for that invention by the time we return to land, for with the rising sun temperatures have already climbed to the high 30s. We return to the Royal Palms, succumbing to the decadence of the swimming pool and the relief it brings from the wave of heat. Camelback Mountain shimmers behind us and the day beckons with possibility.

Venue Tip: The Boulders

If you’re looking for a unique wedding venue, consider Promise Rock at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. Located on the outskirts of town, The Boulders is named for its 12-million-yearold massive rocks. Nestled in an alcove of those rocks, the Resort recently created a ceremony site with lush green grass, a waterfall and a rock sculpture of a couple holding hands. The beauty of the boulders is inspiring, and the spirituality of the site is almost tangible.
For more information: www.TheBoulders.com or 480 488-9009

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How To Plan Your Trip:

• Scottsdale is a quick two-hour flight from Vancouver. For information about the city, call (800) 782-1117 or visit www.ExperienceScottsdale.com
• Rates at the Royal Palms Resort range from $149 to $549 per night. For information, visit www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com or call 800 672-6011.
• Hot Air Expeditions offers early morning flights into the sky followed by a Champagne breakfast. For information call 800 831-7610 or visit www.hotairexpeditions.com.

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