What are the best golf resorts in Scottsdale?

An introduction to Scottsdale

In this blog post we’re going to explore some of the best golf resorts in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is one of the most popular golf destinations in the U.S. and is home to some of the finest golf courses around. So it makes sense there are some top class golf resorts to choose from.

When visiting Scottsdale, there are plenty of options to stay downtown. Places like the Hyatt House in Old Town Scottsdale and Aloft are perfect options.

However, for the all-encompassing trip, consider staying at one of the all-purpose golf resorts where everything is on site. That’s not to say you can’t travel out and play a different golf course one day, but having everything onsite makes things pretty convenient.

Let’s have a look at some of the best golf resorts in Scottsdale.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Scottsdale?

The best golf resorts in Scottsdale

Boulders Resort & Spa

We start this list with arguably the best golf resort in Arizona. One which was praised by Golf Digest as being the ‘Best Golf Resort in Southwest’. And Travel + Leisure awarding it the ‘Best Hotel in Arizona’.

The Boulders Resort is approximately a 45 minute drive north of downtown Scottsdale deep into the Sonoran Desert foothills. The resort is like an oasis of calm and beauty hidden amongst the rugged and arid surrounding landscape. Mighty granite boulder formations are dotted all round the resort giving it a distinct character.

There are over 200 guest rooms with executive suites, one, two and three bedroom villas as well as haciendas, casitas and more. All are decorated in a style reflective of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. 

The facilities are second to none, with a 33,000 square foot spa featuring a huge number of treatment rooms. Add to that an extensive menu of treatments, jacuzzis, swimming pool…you name it.

A first-class fitness centre complements the spa. As do numerous other activities on offer including hiking, rock climbing, desert tours and much more. 

The dining options are superb with plenty on offer. I would recommend the Spotted Donkey Cantina. It was voted the Best Mexican Restaurant in the Greater Phoenix Area.

And finally to the golf. There are two top class championship 18-hole courses, both designed by Jay Morrish, the North and the South Courses. The North Course which runs through the desert foothills, is the older of the two. It features sublime views of the Black Mountain. The South Course offers much of the same and arguably has some of the more scenic views.

The Boulders Resort is quite simply superb and this is one golf trip you will not forget.

The Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale

Literally a two minute drive from downtown Scottsdale, The Phoenician Resort is right up there as one of the best golf resorts in Scottsdale. 

This resort epitomises contemporary elegance and every part of the resort just oozes luxury. The rooms onsite are incredibly well appointed with beautifully fashioned casitas and impressive opulent suites. Even the smallest guest rooms are huge.

The first floor of the signature spa features a number of treatment rooms with a focus on wellness experiences. The second floor features a state of the art fitness centre all whilst offering a panoramic view of the resort. 

Dining onsite is a real treat with a choice of eight different restaurants. For informal pub fare or groups just wanting to enjoy a few beers, try out the Phoenician Tavern. You’ve also got the Thirsty Camel or the 19th Hole.

Looking for Mediterranean food, try out the superb Kalio Kabobery. Whilst the J&G Steakhouse pretty much does what it says on the tin. 

The golf course was originally a half-decent 27 hole layout. But under the supervision of the architectural genius of Phil Smith, it was ‘upgraded’ into a top-class championship 18-hole course. There are five sets of tees to each hole and the course showcases the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. 

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

This family friendly resort is framed by the majestic McDowell Mountains and set amongst tall palm trees and flowering cactus. The Gainey Ranch Lake surrounds the resort on two and a bit sides giving a serene feel to the place.

The resort is just over a ten minute drive from downtown Scottsdale. This is towards the Gainey Ranch suburbs and is another of the luxury five-star hotels in Scottsdale. 

I said family friendly because there is a two and a half acre water complex within the resort! It comes complete with sand beach and a 3-story, high speed water slide. Alongside this there is live music, entertainment and other amenities focused on making this resort family friendly. These also include lawn games and a rockwall!

There are stylish guest rooms each with its own private terrace or balcony. The outdoor pool area is a firm favourite of resort guests with 10 swimming pools, 45 waterfalls and 20 fountains. 

The Spa Avania is superb and offers personalised treatments and unique wellness offerings including a Himalayan salt room and Spa Wave Bed. 

There are eight restaurant options onsite. You have a wide range of choice, with a sushi outlet, traditional Italian food and some fresh Southwestern cuisine amongst others. The Italian inspired Alto ristorante e bar is immense and offers a vast wine menu, which was recognised by Wine Spectator.

Gainey Ranch golf club is onsite and open to guests of the hotel despite being a private member’s club. There are three loops of nine each reflecting the Sonoran Desert with its desert style layout. There is an abundance of cactus, sandy run-offs, water, lush green fairways and it is popular for a reason.

The Westin Kierland Resort

Up towards the TPC Scottsdale and conveniently located close to Scottsdale Airport, is the luxury resort of Westin Kierland Resort. 

Like many of the other resorts on this list, I could really just copy and paste. Luxury, tick. Lush oasis-like surroundings, tick. Golf course onsite, tick. You get the idea.

The Westin Kierland is another all-encompassing resort, with a huge number of facilities, dining options and top-class accommodation. There are over 700 rooms onsite ranging from your standard guest rooms with pool view, mountain view or golf view, right up to a range of casitas or suites to choose from.

As to be expected, the Spa is divine. It holds a diverse selection of wellness options such as massages, facials, therapies and many more. Alongside this is the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio with the latest in cardio machines and fitness classes on offer. 

Like all these resorts, the dining options are again simply fantastic although there isn’t quite as much choice as some of the previous resorts. Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Cafe serves up a range of modern Scottsdale-inspired dishes reinventing traditional recipes.

A particular favorite is the Waltz & Weiser Whiskey Bar & Cantina. It offers a range of finger foods and a decent selection of whiskeys and tequilas. 

Around the resort is pure hedonistic water heaven. A 110-foot water slide, a 900 foot lazy river, the choice of different swimming pools, islands, cabanas, you name it. 

The Kierland Golf Club is onsite available to guests and offers three slightly differing loops of nine holes. Each was designed by the Scottsdale-based architect Scott Miller. They sweep through stunning Sonoran Desert scenery with lakes, dry desert washes and flowing Arizona flora and fauna. 

JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort

This award winning hotel is like nothing that has come before, certainly in as much as the vibe and appearance. 

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, still just 10 minutes from central Scottsdale, the Camelback Resort oozes influences from the surrounding area with its Sonoran architecture and relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor areas are characterised by cacti, boulders and native vegetation. 

If you’re looking for something that bit more authentic but still with the highest of luxury at its heart, then the Camelback Inn is your option. There are a number of cosy casita rooms and suites, whilst for those really pushing out, choose from one of the 26 lavish suites with their own private pool. 

The 32,000 square foot spa is one of Arizona’s most critically acclaimed wellness centres. There are two state of the art fitness centres, a choice of pools as well as a choice of indoor and outdoor fitness classes to get involved with.

As far as food is concerned, you can’t go far wrong with the Lincoln Steakhouse & Bar. Aside from the obvious, it also serves up shareable plates and has a great cocktail menu. For something a bit more informal, Rita’s Cantina & Bar offers traditional Mexican food where you can choose to watch some live sport.

Affiliated to the resort is the Camelback Golf Club, which is just under a 10 minute drive away. Two 18-hole golf courses are on offer, the Ambiente and Padre Courses, both designed by Jason Straka. 

Both courses are superb and are set amidst the Camelback foothills running through native palms and plants. From the back tees the Ambiente course can stretch to over 7,200 yards whilst the Padre course gets to just under 7,000 yards – two top class options.

Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Nestled in the foothills of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, not far from Piestewa Peak Park, is this superb resort. The Arizona Biltmore is arguably the most ‘cool’ option on this list of golf resorts in Scottsdale. 

The resort recently underwent a significant renovation building on the legacy of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Now there is a timeless style pervading through the resort which looks to reflect the magic of the surrounding desert. 

Over the years, world leaders, presidents and Hollywood A-listers have stayed here. But none of those people would have been able to appreciate the newly renovated rooms. Each of them now has a blend of cool desert chic, alongside the more refined Biltmore glamour. And of course, every mod-con you would expect of a luxury hotel.

The Tierra Luna Spa has also benefited from an extensive makeover, now offering a range of sensorial experiences. It prides itself on incorporating locally sourced oils and herbs with native scents to create a unique spa experience centered on desert botanicals and cosmic connections. Alongside this there is a 24-hour full equipped fitness centre.

And if the spa is a bit too full-on for you, well just retreat to one of the seven outdoor pools and take in the Arizona sun. 

When dining, there are two top-class restaurants. Frank & Albert’s is a relaxed bistro serving up American classics with Renata’s Hearth, a wonderful Latin explosion of flavour. Just fancy a beer and watch some sport? Then head to The Spire Bar.

The golf onsite is the Arizona Biltmore which has rolling fairways and pristine lakes surrounded by lush beauty. Two 18-hole courses are here, the Abode Course, one of the oldest in the region, as well as the Links Course, a smart new layout which features undulating fairways meandering through lush pine forests.

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