Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa

Scottsdale’s ‘Hidden’ Season: Cooler Temps, Exciting Events and Great Value

Josh Kenzer — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:53:30 +0000

Planners familiar with Scottsdale know summer is the prime time to visit for discounted meetings offerings and that winter and spring bring ideal weather and premier events. But what they might now know is that fall offers the best of both worlds – cooler temperatures, a bustling calendar and affordable prices.

With Scottsdale’s fall temperature averaging in the mid-70s, groups can take advantage of the temperate climate by participating in outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For the more adventurous , there’s the adrenaline rush of rock climbing, hot air balloon rides, Hummer and Jeep tours, and more. And there’s plenty to keep attendees entertained outside of the boardroom with the fall event season. The Western ArtWalk (Oct. 19) in downtown Scottsdale is a free artistic showdown that highlights the city’s historic and modern Western roots while the Frys.com Open (Oct. 21-25) at Grayhawk Golf Club, part of the PGA Tour’s fall series, gives groups the VIP treatment with corporate tent sponsorship opportunities. Finally, Crave Arizona (Oct. 22-24) offers attendees a true taste of Scottsdale as it focuses on the city’s independent restaurants and one-of-a-kind chefs.

And during this time, world-class resorts are offering unbeatable value with their group packages. The Sonoran Synergy package at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, which is a part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, is going for just $189 per person and includes accommodations, complimentary meeting space, and four wellness activities including a nutrition/wellness lecture, group fitness class, complimentary nutrition break, and free chair massage session.

Quintessential, Tailored Vacation Experiences for Luxury Travelers

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:48:52 +0000

Scottsdale is synonymous with luxury. And while times have changed and discretionary income is tighter, people are still traveling, and the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to make sure that the well-heeled visitor chooses Scottsdale for their next one-of-a-kind getaway. This world-class travel destination evokes images of high-end resorts, rejuvenating spas and championship golf courses with the majestic Sonoran Desert as the backdrop. Whether the sophisticated traveler wants to learn to be a cowboy, be pampered in a desert-inspired spa, experience an adrenaline rush by soaring over the Grand Canyon or get away from it all in a mountainous hideaway, Scottsdale possesses what they desire.

The Scottsdale CVB is satisfying these travelers with the unique experiences they seek with the recent debut of Scottsdale Classics, seven extraordinary vacation packages ranging from $4,600-25,000 and selected to introduce travelers to the treasures of Scottsdale and Arizona in the style and luxury they deserve. Some of the unique travel experiences include:

exclusive vault tour at Molina Fine Jewelers
luxury accommodations at world-class resorts like Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa and The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
private jet to the Grand Canyon including a helicopter tour below the rim and champagne reception along the Colorado River
and an interactive culinary demonstration and dinner with nationally known chefs

Scottsdale Golf News: Spring 2009

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:25:33 +0000

Kierland Golf Club

Summer Golf, Room Rates Falling As Temperatures Heat up in Scottsdale

Golfers seeking a bargain search no more as the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch is offering travelers the $100 for $100 package. For only $100, guests receive one night’s accommodations and a $100 resort credit to be used for food and beverage. This means that after a day of golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club or any of the Scottsdale area’s 200 plus courses, guests can come back to the resort and enjoy a meal at the resort’s Piñon Grill, Diamondback Lounge, poolside cabana bar or thru room service virtually for free. Package is available May 15 – Sept. 18.

Every Monday May 18 – Sept. 13, Kierland Golf Club is offering Monday Choose-Up where golfers of all skills can experience nine holes of golf that is offered in different formats each week. Pairings are chosen randomly based on handicap, number of players and finding the best way to make it as much fun as possible. Cost is $45 per person and includes nine-hole green and cart fees plus one complimentary beverage from Edie’s Range House or on-course Johnnie Walker beverage cart. Space is limited to the first 36 players and based upon availability. And golfers also can stay at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with room rates starting at $149 per night May 24 – Sept. 10.

TPC Scottsdale Heat’s Up Your Game package offers golf and accommodations at unbeatable prices this summer. Enjoy one night of accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale and a round of golf on the Stadium Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s FBR Open, the “Greatest Show on Grass,” all summer long. And during July, golf will be placed on the recently renovated Champions Course. Prices start at just $99.50 per person, and the package is available June 1 – Sept. 4.

Unique Spin on Golf Puts Players on the Green After Dark

Tee it up under the desert sky with night golf at Continental Golf Club. Luminaries light the greens for a peaceful evening of golf suitable for both novice and pro players. The club offers nine holes of moonlit scramble-format golf, which is less intimidating to new players yet challenging for seasoned participants. The Saturday night sessions cost $35 per adult and $25 per child and include course contests with prizes for teams and individuals. Dinner, glow ball equipment and golf carts also are included in the price.

Scottsdale’s Only All-Suite Resort Caters to a Golfer’s Every Need

In October, Marcus Hotels and Resorts re-launched Resort Suites Scottsdale as the new Xona Resort Suites after a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar renovation of the property. The hotel boasts a new lobby and porte cochere, re-designed and updated guest suites, the new Asada Desert Grille restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, the new Orange Iguana indoor/outdoor lounge, and renovated pool areas. The hotel caters to golfers with a specialty on-site golf concierge who assist guests in planning their golfing excursions with preferred tee times, direct billing with select golf courses, and insider knowledge of the region’s finest fairways and greens. The all-suite property also partnered with Golf Experiences, LLC to offer guests a true insider’s perspective of the PGA TOUR scene with time at the TOUR Academy at TPC Scottsdale . The state-of-the-art golf game improvement facility features a private practice area, putting and chipping green, practice bunkers and the finest diagnostic technologies in addition to a comprehensive club fitting program.

Play Four of Scottsdale’s Finest With the Boulders Resort’s New Offering

The new Fore for Four package at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa gives golfers a whole lot more of what they love – more golf, more great courses to choose from, more extras and more for their money! The package features play at The Boulders Golf Club plus a choice of eight top rated golf courses in Scottsdale. Golfers receive four nights of accommodations; 72 holes of golf with one round on The Boulders’ North and South courses plus one round at two additional courses with choice of Grayhawk Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club or two other hidden gems designed by Rees Jones and Jim Engh; complimentary cart rental; and a 20 percent discount at the resort’s golf, spa and tennis shops as well as services at the Golden Door Spa. The package starts at $1,379 thru May 26 and $899 from May 27 thru Sept. 3.

Conquering the Game at Phoenician Golf Club

The Phoenician gives golf addicts of all levels the tools for victory with its signature Masters Getaway package. Available year-round, the offer includes one night’s accommodations, breakfast for two, unlimited time on the course, and full use of golf carts and practice facilities. Phoenician Golf Club boasts 27,000 square feet of practice facilities offering a variety of resources for improving your game, including a full-service driving range, chipping green and oversized putting green. Rates vary by season but start at $245 per night.

Scottsdale Culinary News – Spring 2009

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:53:16 +0000

Delight in the Flavors of the Season With Scottsdale’s Summer Menus

Estate House celebrates the simple summer season with Arizona’s local fruits as Executive Chef Gio Osso grills up Arizona peaches with seared foie gras and strawberry balsamic barbeque pork belly. Accompanying the flavors of the ripe fruits is Brachetto, a sparkling summer wine with hints of strawberry from the Piemonte region in Northwestern Italy. These specialty items are available daily and will run through the summer months.

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa heats up summer grilling with their new Southwestern eats at the Palo Verde Restaurant. Guests will feast on grilled offerings such as salmon with sun dried tomato and ancho chili sauce or tuna steak with lime mango cilantro salsa. And to finish off the regionally inspired feast, diners can order prickly pear and pepita crème brulee or margarita and chili poached pears. The seasonal menu runs thru the end of September.

After a day out on the town, unwind with a hearty meal and cool drink overlooking Camelback Mountain at J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician. The eatery’s daily Burger & Brew special serves up the American classic with all the fixings and is complemented with the restaurant’s homemade French fries and choice of cold beer. Imbibers can create the perfect pairing with J&G Steakhouse’s selection from breweries across the world including Belgium Ale’s, German Bock’s and Colorado IPA’s.

Hermosa Inn Creates a Dining Adventure With Impromptu Menus

Every Tuesday night, a group of up to 12 guests can enjoy a six-course dinner prepared especially to their taste at LON’s at the Hermosa Inn. Chef Michael Rusconimeets with guests at 6:30 p.m. to discuss their preferences and cravings for that evening and then creates an extensive menu for the group using seasonal ingredients from LON’s on-site organic garden. And to make the experience a true adventure, Chef Michael Rusconi serves the first course by 7 p.m. – within 30 minutes of the group’s arrival! Each of the evening’s six specialties is presented by the Chef in person and is enhanced by a sommelier-selected wine pairing. Cost is $120 per person.

Culinary Festivals Set to Make Their Second Showing This Fall

Taking place Sept. 19-26, Arizona Restaurant Week will offer patrons the chance to experience the state’s finest fare for seven days at a variety of high-quality restaurants. Sam Fox, a Scottsdale-based restaurateur known for his creative establishments in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Kansas, is the catalyst behind this event where an estimated 100 restaurants, including many of Scottsdale’s finest, will offer a three-course menu for $29 per person or $58 per couple.

A month later, Crave Arizona (formerly Eats3) will invite visitors to “Taste the Desert.” The culinary festival, which focuses on independent restaurants in the Scottsdale area, will be held Oct. 22-24 in downtown and is presented by Savor Scottsdale and Food & Wine magazine. This year’s event will include in-gallery private dinners, the National Mix-It-Up Competition and kick-off party at the SouthBridge district, signature BBQ & Bubbles event, and Arizona Grand Tasting with more than 50 of the state’s top signature restaurants.

Tapino Kitchen Takes Locavore Show on the Road

Chef and Owner of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar James Porter hosts a regular Locavore Dinner Series at his restaurant featuring a five-course dinner paired with wines with every bite and sip coming from an Arizona farmer, rancher, gardener, food producer or winemaker. This month, he took the show on the road with his first LocavoreAZ Dinner. Porter is selecting Arizona farms to host diners to wine and hors d’oeuvres as guests meet the farmers and tour the facilities to gain a better understanding of where the food is coming from. The evening continues with an outdoor picnic complete with white linens, china and a four-course dinner by Porter paired with Arizona wines. The inaugural dinner featured native tepary bean hummus with rustic grilled flat bread and Queen Creek Olive Oil; Seacat Gardens green salad with Italian heirloom tomatoes, glazed turnips, Superstition Farm farmer’s cheese, roasted maya’s farm beets and herb garden vinaigrette; and spit-roasted meat shop suckling pig and charbroiled double check ranch beef with Maya’s braised fennel, rosemary carrots, campfire One Mill creek potatoes and creamed spinach. Upcoming dinners are on May 16 at Ash Creek Ranch in Dewey, Ariz.; June 20 at Dos Cabezas Winery in Sonoita, Ariz.; and Sept. 12 at Apple Annie’s Orchard in Wilcox, Ariz. Dinner is $125 per person.

Travelers Cook With Their Favorite Culinary Pros in Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale’s Eddie’s House offers monthly, themed Lunch and Learns with Chef Eddie Matney that celebrate Arizona products and produce with a Matney twist. Next month’s Slim Down for Summer class will take place on May 7 and spotlight a heart and hip-healthy menu with Melon-Berry Martini Soup, Grilled Chermoula Sea Bass with Garlic Broccolini, and Schnepf Farm Peach Napoleon. Classes are $40 per session or $100 for a series of three and the price includes the meal.

A favorite of in-the-know locals for more than 20 years, Malee’s on Main teaches guests how to cook Thai food like a seasoned professional. On May 25 the downtown restaurant will teach guests the tricks to creating masterful dishes such Chili Reduction Sauce, Tom Ka Gai, Crispy Basil Chicken and Coco Chili Fish. The casual, wine-filled classes end with a luncheon where attendees can sample the fruits of their labor. Cost is $60 per person.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s Sous Chef Bruce Patterson ignites palettes and minds with his Chef’s Luncheon programs at T. Cook’s. Reservations are required for the six front-row seats as Chef Patterson prepares a four-course lunch, sharing cooking tips and playful banter as he creates the dishes. The menu varies with seasonal availability, and the cost is $50 per person with an additional $20 for wine pairings.

Name the Boulders Cactus Competition

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:52:22 +0000

If you can come up with a winning name for one of six cactus on The Boulders property, you can win one of six vacations to Scottsdale. The trip includes:

Two-night deluxe casita accommodations (for two) at the AAA award winning Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa (June – September 2009)
$500 Airfare gift card per winner
Daily breakfast for two at the Palo Verde Restaurant
Two twosomes at the Boulders golf course

Enter your names now

Mother’s Day at The Boulders Resort

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:55:21 +0000

The Latilla Restaurant

Begin your day in the beautiful Latilla Restaurant with spectacular
views of the 1.4 billion year old boulders. An incredible brunch fea-
tures a variety of seafood, salads, fruits as well as carving and omelet
stations designed by the Boulders’ Chefs. Complimented by cham-
pagne and spectacular dessert buffet. Reservations are required.

Brunch

11:00am – 3pm

$75.00 per person

$32 Children 6 to 12

Children 5 & under free

Dinner

6:00pm – 9:30pm

Menu A La Carte

The Palo Verde Restaurant

Enjoy culinary delights from the Southwestern region. Menu includes
Apple Wood Smoked Salmon, Artichoke Benedict, Lobster & Boursin
Cheese Omelet and Caramelized Chocolate Banana Waffle Napoleon.
Reservations are recommended.

Breakfast	7:00am – 10:30am	Menu A La Carte
Brunch	10:30am – 2:30pm	Menu A La Carte

The Golden Door Spa Tea

Anna Maria Stanhope, one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, is
credited as the creator of afternoon tea. The perfect way to relax
and recharge in a busy world. You are invited to sip a wide selec-
tion of teas, finger sandwiches, scones and mini desserts. The
Golden Door Spa Tea is offered every Friday and Saturday in the
Spa Cafe.

Hours	3pm – 5pm
Cost	$35 per person $40 with Champagne

For more information or reservations, please call extension 540.
Reservations are required (24 hrs in advance)

A Scottsdale Staycation Without the Kids

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:56:59 +0000

Mondrian Scottsdale: Mondrian Scottsdale is offering its Play Package for $145 per night, which includes accommodations and a summer amenity upon arrival. Guests also enjoy a $25 food and beverage credit at the BLUE Pool Bar & Grill and 20 percent off treatments at Agua Spa. Valid May 28 – Aug. 30. And Arizona residents can enjoy a special rate of $95 per night from May 18 thru Aug. 30 by showing a valid state license.
CopperWynd Resort and Club: The Spas and Dazs package starts at $399 and includes one night’s accommodations, two 60-minute spa treatments at The Spa and breakfast for two at Alchemy. Plus, guests can cool off and satisfy their sweet tooth with a pint of Haagen Dazs ice cream and toppings served in-room. Valid June 1 – Sept. 3.
Hotel Valley Ho: This hip, urban downtown hotel is offering its So Summer special, which starts at $149 per night and includes a toast to the season with a free celebratory drink upon arrival, 10 percent off the first VH Spa visit, 20 percent off dinner at Trader Vic’s and a Westcor shopping book with more than $700 in discounts in addition to VIP line passes to area nightclubs. And the property’s Days of Summer calendar is sure to keep guests entertained with special events like live music and dive-in movies throughout the week. Valid May 25 – Sept. 7.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: Regular summer rates at the desert oasis begin at just $129 per night. The Golf & Spa package is an ideal escape for couples and starts at $339 per night. It includes luxurious casita accommodations, a daily choice of one round of golf or $100 spa credit, $50 dining credit and complimentary access to the Golden Door Spa. Valid thru Sept. 30.
W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences: Make a splash at the W Scottsdale Hotel where rates begin at $189 per night. Booking a summer vacation package gives guests reserved seating at the beach-inspired rooftop WET pool, complimentary breakfast, two complimentary cocktails, tanning lotion, a pair of flip flops and one night’s accommodations. Valid thru Sept. 13.

Shape up Your Body and Game With Golf Fitness Programs

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:50:54 +0000

Improve fitness on and off the links with Fairmont Scottsdale’s Fit to a Tee program at Willow Stream Spa. Workouts incorporate specific exercises mimicking golf movements, alternating the focus between upper body, core muscles and lower body. The program also integrates stretching to improve flexibility. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

Visitors of every ability level can get in shape with Gyrokinesis at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. A gentler alternative to yoga, Gyrokinesis combines the principles of yoga, dance, swimming, gymnastics and Tai Chi to promote greater flexibility and strength – two things that can greatly improve a golf swing. The Boulders also offers Fairway Fitness classes to assist golfers on building the core muscles needed for an effective swing. For more information, visit www.theboulders.com.

Work on your body and swing with the Titleist Performance Institute Experience at The Phoenician. This total game improvement program helps golfers perform their best by teaching them the connection between body and swing. It screens students using simple movement tests to find mobility and stability. Then, a video analysis of each participant’s golf technique, along with the results of the physical, helps determine motor skill deficiencies to create a customized exercise program. For more information, visit www.thephoenician.com.

Scottsdale Resorts Ranked Among the Best in the World by Travel + Leisure

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:03:37 +0000

Travel + Leisure ranked eight Scottsdale resorts among the finest in the world in their “2009 World’s Best 500 Hotels” survey. Winners included:

The ranking of number one resort in Arizona went to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

AAA Recognized Scottsdale Resorts and Restaurants with Diamond Ratings

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:17:00 +0000

AAA recognized several Scottsdale resorts and restaurants with its diamond ratings. The AAA five-diamond rated hotels are:

Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician
Fairmont Scottsdale
The Phoenician

Hotels awarded four-diamonds include:

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
CopperWynd Resort and Club
Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale
FireSky Resort & Spa
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
Hotel Valley Ho
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

The four-diamond restaurants include:

Alchemy at CopperWynd
Asia de Cuba at Mondrian Scottsdale
Bourbon Steak at Fairmont Scottsdale
Deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
La Hacienda at Fairmont Scottsdale
Latilla Dining Room at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Lon’s at Hermosa Inn
Mosaic
Palm Court, at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
T Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician
Windows on the Green at The Phoenician