Overview
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Scottsdale, Arizona — a vibrant city on the edge of the state capital in the 'Valley of the Sun' for a luxurious stay at Mountain Shadows Resort.
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL?
Mountain Shadows Resort is a recent addition to the Scottsdale resort scene but actually dates back to the 1950s. Having originally opened way back in 1959, Mountain Shadows became immensely popular and a regular destination for celebrities and politicians of the era. It closed sometime later and underwent a four-year renovation from the ground up before reopening in 2018.
But that was years ago. What is it now? The name (unchanged since day one) is linked to its location, as the resort sits in full view of Camelback and Mummy Mountains, and the property now boasts hundreds of guestrooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, two quality dining venues, two pools, a gym, an art gallery and several event spaces.
THE ROOMS
You have your pick of rooms big and small, with 180-plus rooms and 40-plus suites available to visitors. The rooms overlook the pools, the mountains and the golf course, and vary from the stylish signature to the picture-perfect premiums. And if you're really looking for luxury, fork out for a private, multi-storey suite.
The rooms have an eye for urban aesthetics (high ceilings, concrete floors and geometric lighting) and are comfortable as can be. Plus, new arrivals can be met with a cocktail cart, leading to the glorious moment of kicking off your shoes, dropping your bags and fixing yourself a margarita in front of the desert scenery.
FOOD AND DRINK
Dining at Mountain Shadows is spread across several venues, but heroed by Hearth 61'. This glitzy restaurant stars floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio and an exhibition kitchen. Said kitchen is built around the titular hearth, bringing a smoky touch to many dishes. Executive Chef Charles Wiley champions organic local produce across the menus. Hearth 61' is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also boasts a bar and a 'living room' for those looking for a quick and casual experience.
Across the property and against the golf course is an alternative, Rusty. This indoor-outdoor hybrid eatery is the perfect spot to start (or finish) a round on the short course and boasts a refreshing roster of food and drink. Hot tip: tradition demands that the highest score of the game (aka the loser) buys the drinks.
THE LOCAL AREA
Mountain Shadows sits in Paradise Valley, which is a part of the city of Scottsdale. This is the playground of the valley, home to activities for all. A ten-minute drive from the resort takes you to Old Town Scottsdale (pictured above), which boasts a wide range of dining picks and shops to grab some southwestern USA souvenirs. We'd recommend booking a tour with Arizona Food Tours to get a comprehensive (and delicious) understanding of the town.
Slightly further out, you can get your gaming on at Mavrix, take a trip through the world of music at the Musical Instrument Museum or challenge yourself with a desert hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale is adjacent to the state capital of Phoenix, so is easy to get to on arrival or a great locale to explore before a flight home.
THE EXTRAS
Arizona boasts plenty of drawcards for plenty of visitors, but one of its most popular pastimes is golfing. As mentioned, Mountain Shadows has an 18-hole course, which offers a variety of packages for guests to enjoy the course with food and drinks. There is also a partnership with the nearby Camelback Golf Club, and guests can enjoy a complimentary chauffeur ride to the 36-hole course if they can't put down their club.
For culture vultures, keep a look out for the art gallery between the lobby and meeting spaces to get a glimpse of local artists' work and a collection profiling Mountain Shadows in its 20th-century golden years.
Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.