U.S. – ARIZONA – SCOTTSDALE
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa…images of a decadent landscape, consumed by swaying palms, blue waters and faithful attendants comes to mind. Found within the Sonoran Desert, and amidst the luxury of Scottsdale, the resort truly is a desert oasis that delivers fine cuisine, soothing spa and refreshing pools and service that makes its mark on each guest.
Scottsdale is a town full of fantastic options in shopping, dining and outdoor adventure. People come for a myriad of reasons, popular among those to relax and rejuvenate. The urban offerings and vibrancy of the city, and the mystique and heat of the desert, make for a unique and remarkable vacation.
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is located in the Camelback Corridor, an area between the Arizona Biltmore neighborhood and the highly coveted Arcadia neighborhood. The resort is just a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. Oftentimes referred to as the “Cornerstone of Scottsdale”, Old Town Scottsdale is home to art galleries, museums, retail shops and some of the state’s most popular chef-driven restaurants; award-winning craft breweries and wine-tasting rooms are in abundance, as well. Scottsdale’s Fashion Square Mall, the Southwest’s largest shopping mecca, and the 40-acre Desert Botanical Garden, are a mere 10 minutes away from the Royal Palms, by car.
Built in 1929, and now a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust for Historic Preservation, this charming Mediterranean mansion offers, both, an intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Soaring palm trees and sweeping views of majestic Camelback Mountain (located directly behind the resort) create a dramatic introduction upon arrival to the property. A 250-year-old fountain marks the entrance to the tranquil yet opulent resort.
Formerly a private residence, the resort is smaller and perhaps more exclusive than many other luxury resorts in the area. Cobblestone pathways, lush grounds with intimate courtyards – including over 20 fountains – and meticulously groomed grounds make for dramatic and defined enhancements at the Royal Palms Resort. The 119 artfully designed, Mission-style, casitas, estate rooms and villas come with lots of space (standard hotel rooms or huge, stand-alone villas) and luxury touches.
The local’s know one aspect of the resort, quite well: T. Cook’s, a beautiful, Spanish embellished restaurant which serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, hand-crafted with the season’s finest ingredients. Guests have continuously been over-delighted with sumptuous and artistic dishes. Selections feature bold Mediterranean flavors, with notes of regional influences from Northern Italy, Greece, and Spain.
For nearly two decades, T. Cook’s has garnered both local and national acclaim. Menu items include: escargot, caramelized onion ravioli, Wagyu striploin, blistered shishito peppers, paella, filet of butternut squash. The restaurant has seating both indoors and out and provides the perfect setting for a girl’s night out, a first date, perhaps…a proposal, and a wedding!
*Dishes may be modified to gluten-free upon request
Another well-known, and well-attended, amenity at the Royal Palms is their private and luxurious Alvadora Spa. The intimate facility offers wellness classes, spa treatments, Vichy showers, fireplaces and outdoor, eight-foot waterfall showers…just to name a few heavenly highlights. In 2018, the spa was appointed Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award for its menu of therapies steeped in Mediterranean traditions, and for its attentive and knowledgeable staff who are prepared to nurture their guests in all activities and experiences.
In addition to the spa, a large pool – lined with mother of pearl tile – and accompanying private cabanas and poolside cafe offer a quiet respite following a yoga class or much-needed massage. A two-level fitness center is also available to those with energy to burn.
The Royal Palms can be a temporary, luxe homebase for all that the Phoenix has to offer…a perfect retreat after a hot day in the desert…or a memorable experience in dining and spa to top off a weekend visit to Camelback Mountain. It’s private, serene ambiance can take help promote rejuvenation and prepare for the return to life’s routine. But, it’s a place, and an experience, not to miss.
Credits:
Hospitality by Royal Palms Resort and Spa