The Boulders Resort:
Scottsdale, Arizona
The Boulders Resort is a 5-star natural retreat, tucked away in a secluded area of North Scottsdale. It is perfect for those looking for luxury and beautiful surroundings. And for those who don't mind being a little ways away from "the action". The Boulders Resort is where my parents stayed while vacationing in Scottsdale and fell in love with the area. Suffice it to say, we were moved (from Southern California) within two years to a home less than five miles away. Perhaps that's why the Boulders Resort is in my personal *Top Three* of our best Scottsdale Resorts. The Boulders is known for being one of the top golf resorts in the world. It is also home to one of the best spas in Scottsdale, The Golden Door Spa. If you're planning a golf or spa vacation in Scottsdale, I highly recommend this destination.
The Boulders Resort is very private and safe.
When heading to the resort, you'll turn onto Tom Darlington Drive and reach a guard gate. The main lodge of the resort is one mile from this guard gate. The private drive will take you away from the main street and wind its way through some of the most beautiful scenery you will see in Scottsdale.
You will be immediately greeted by magnificent Saguaro and the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
 If you're here in May, you'll be be able to see the desert cactus in bloom. As you continue to drive, you'll catch glimpses of the beautifully manicured golf courses. Can you see the golf course through the Ocatillo cactus? You'll see how the resort has been built to blend harmoniously into the surroundings.   But the most prominent features of the drive, of course, are the huge boulders you will see as you wind your way to the resort.
They're everywhere. They're massive. They're the reason the resort was given its name...
They're not only beautiful, but they are also over 12 million years old.
To me they are a geological masterpiece.
As soon as you arrive at the Boulders Resort, you will see why it is considered a natural retreat. Everywhere you turn, you are met with the lush landscape of the Sonoran Desert. The designers did a phenomenal job of blending each structure and pathway into the surroundings, so they almost look camouflaged.
Outside a private casita.
 It's like there is no point where civilization starts and the desert ends. Here they are one. You'll be able to walk along shaded canopies of palo verde trees and gardens of ornate desert cacti.
Path from the parking lot to the main lobby.
 It is common to see wildlife roaming all over. Don't be surprised if you spot a coyote, javelina or deer walking across the golf course. Rabbits are everywhere. Lizards and quail will scamper at your feet.
Male quail.
These little ducklings took a break from their swim and came right up to me. They were very friendly...and probably looking for a treat!
 The two golf courses at the Boulders Resort are some of the most meticulously maintained of those I've seen in the valley. My dad and brother are both golf fanatics and had nothing but good things to say about the South Course and the North Course.
Looking at the golf course off the main lobby.
A view of the golf course from a casita.
 The Boulders Resort has three pools to enjoy. The pool off the main lobby tends to be the busier of the three. So if you prefer to have less people around you, I recommend hanging out at the spa pool. It tends to be more quiet.
Main pool.
 Just a note: In keeping with its "healthy theme", the spa pool serves lighter fare and no alcohol. So if you plan on having a martini poolside, I'd head back to the main pool area.
Stairs towards the main pool.
The resort sits on over 1,300 acres, so it is fairly spread out. This is nice for those who don't like to share walls with other hotel guests. I also like it because it gives you a chance to enjoy the striking scenery whenever you head to another part of the resort.
But if you're not the walking type, not to worry...
 You can call for a golf cart to pick you up (and they do within five minutes...its very fast). Or you can start heading in your general direction, and I guarantee you'll get picked up within a minute or two. Staff always seem to be driving by at just the right moment.
Guests at the Boulders Resort can also enjoy wonderful outdoor activities. Of course there are the golf courses and tennis courts. But there are also designated areas around the resort where you can hike up and around the gigantic boulders.
Hiking trail just above the main lobby.
 They are short hikes, but they offer excellent views...
Views from the trail. You can even see Pinnacle Peak off in the distance.
 
If you're more of the adventurous type, there are other hiking trails close by, like the Pinnacle Peak trail. Guests can also enjoy rock climbing clinics and moonlit mountain bike rides. Classes are also offered through the fitness center and resort spa.
In addition to the amenities, the Boulders Resort is known for its great service and attentive staff. I have rarely heard any complaints.
The casitas and villas are as comfortable and decked out as you would expect a 5-star resort accommodation to be. Even the standard guestrooms are very spacious and include beautiful wood-beamed ceilings and southwestern decor. Rooms have wonderful views overlooking the golf course or the desert landscape.
If you plan on dining in and never leaving the resort (I wouldn't blame you if you didn't), there are five dining options, from casual to elegant. Latilla is the most popular out of all of them. If you decide to venture out, the el Pedregal Festival Marketplace is just a few minute walk from the resort and offers a few delightful dining options.
 Photo Credit: elpedregal.com At the el Pedregal you can also do a bit of shopping. There are neat boutiques offering unique Southwestern gifts and clothing. This is a great place to find things to bring home specials gifts for your friends or family.
If you plan on exploring other parts of the valley like Old Town Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix, I recommend having a rental car with you. The resort off the beaten path, about 20 to 30 minutes from the city center.
Whatever you do, don't forget to take an evening stroll, or spend some time outside on the balcony of your casita at night. Enjoying a peaceful, starry desert sky is a must do while in Scottsdale. If you're lucky, you'll be here on the night of a full moon. The way the light casts across the desert is simply gorgeous. Your trip won't be complete without it.
The Boulders Resort is a destination that is just as beautiful as it is serene. It is a place people tend to remember long after they've left...and like my parents, will want to return again and again.
I hope you are able to visit Scottsdale, and enjoy the same wonderful experience.
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