RITZ CARLTON DOVE MOUNTAIN
THE JOURNEY
A long cactus-lined drive winds deeper into the Sonoran Desert as I make my way between the rugged mountains. It’s hard not to be completely mesmerized by the unique desert landscape and the stately saguaros, an icon of the American Southwest. After few miles of driving, I arrive at a private gate and was promptly greeted by a Ritz Carlton team member with a warm smile. Upon entering the resort, I am immediately struck by how well the hotel blends in with its surroundings. The design captures the rich heritage of the area’s Hohokam Indians. The style of the resort is grounded in the surrounding desert. Earthly shades of taupe, brown and rustic oranges are used to decorate the lobby, allowing the stunning outdoor scenery to shine. Casual elegance exudes from the imaginative iron chandeliers, hammered copper table lamps and marble surfaces. Standing there in the lobby overlooking a floor to ceiling window lays the majestic desert mountains and crystal blue skies. I knew that my time to unwind begins now.
THE DETAIL
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain Resort is perfectly hidden in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by the Tortolita Mountains. The 253-room property holds various sized suite accommodations along with spacious, stand-alone casitas. Copper, quartzite and mesquite design accents reflect the resort's natural setting. Its amenities range from luxurious Asprey bath and body products to my favorite Frette linens. Evening turndown service is completed with a hand written note and bedside chocolates. The property consists of 27 Jack Nicklaus-designed holes of golf, over 20 miles of hiking trails, three pools, a water slide, four restaurants, and an idyllic spa equipped with holistic treatments.
THE EXPERIENCE
An appealing combination of natural attributes and luxurious amenities, the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain makes it a perfect destination for a holiday retreat. Although the resort was recently renovated in 2018, the design felt slightly dated for my personal taste but they do an excellent job in maintaining the resort. The genuine hospitality was the highlight of this trip. Every personnel and the small touches made my experience here unforgettable. Dove Mountain remains the only property in southern Arizona to hold a Forbes Five-Star rating and additionally, is newly ranked by Forbes as one of the eight most luxurious hotel spa properties in the world. Once you’ve arrived, there is really no reason to leave.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa
THE JOURNEY
Can you picture it? A glistening turquoise pool framed by tall swaying palm trees and giant desert cacti, a clear blue sky with a mild breeze and an enchanting view of Camelback Mountains. At the Hyatt Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalow, you get exactly just that. Where city-lux meets desert chic, you can sip Sonoran-inspired cocktails while lounging poolside in a luxury cabana, relax with a holistic massage at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary or chill with refreshing organic eats under the stars. When I reached the entrance of this sprawled out mid-modern century dream, which is conveniently located just north of Old Town Scottsdale and just off Scottsdale Road, I knew I was in it for the perfect weekend getaway.
THE DETAIL
The Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalow is one that prioritizes modern luxury in the details with a truly unique overall guest experience. With an eclectic style that mixes Sonoran desert colors, the modern, minimalist design of the resort is inspired by the mid-century modern movement. The resort carefully selected art from local artists such as Alexander Girard, Frank Lloyd Wright and Paolo Soleri, which was displayed through the resort. Each of the 185 guest rooms are called a bungalow, offering you a sense of privacy on the resort. The bungalows or suits featured two queen beds or a king bed, comfortable linens, an impressive oversized dual-fixture shower and wonderful C.O. Bigelow bath and body products. There are three separate swimming pools on site, you’ll have a variety of venues to relax or take a siesta. The resort’s Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary is a very minimalistic and beautifully designed space, anchored by seven treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, relaxation lounges with eucalyptus steam rooms. They also provide custom-crafted lotions and aromatics blending desert elements. There is one restaurant onsite, Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen. The restaurant is beautifully designed with glass enclosed space with an exhibition style kitchen. They serve Sonoran cuisine, the dishes have been designed to incorporate local flavors with Mexican and international influences, using farm-to-table local produce.