Stay of the Week: Mountain Shadows Resort USA
Situated in the heart of Arizona, this pristine property is the ideal stay for a luxury desert holiday.
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
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
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.