Four Seasons in the desert

It is a blessing to view things in a way we have never seen before.” Approaching the vast scale of the imposing Camelback Mountain, we stop in awe at this sandstone peak that dramatically rises like a phoenix in Scottsdale, Arizona. The sun is beginning to set when we notice the sky like a bold canvas splashed with streaks of yellow, fuchsia and vermillion. It is no wonder why many chose the Valley of the Sun as their vacation paradise or even make the move to live here for keeps. Welcome to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North — reputed to be the jewel of the Sonoran Desert.

I never thought the desert could be so beautiful. In fact, I used to associate the desert with images of sand dunes, camels and parched monochromatic landscapes.  I equated the sandy terrain to a no man’s land where vegetation hardly thrives and excruciating heat characterized the empty vastness of timeless space. Think again.

The Sonoran Desert is uniquely the most ecologically diverse desert region on the planet. Do you know that there is winter in the Sonoran Desert?  Inevitably, nightime lows do fall below freezing a few times a year and a rare light snowfall magically happens. Stretching over 100,000 square miles from central Arizona, Mexico and California, 1,000 native species of plants, 60 species of mammals, 350 kinds of birds and more thrive abundantly here. Like the eclectic streaks that emblazon the sky, there exists a variety of cacti with blooms of pink, yellow and peach flowers. The saguaro cactus known as the king of the desert is an iconic figure that can only be found in this part of the world. The spiny giant can grow up to 60 feet tall and live over 150 years with some of the oldest specimens living two centuries.  Weighing over two tons, the saguaro cactus is filled with water, and when it dies, it gently falls to the ground. The prickly pear cactus produces a sweet pink fruit that can be made into jelly and even syrup that flavors the prickly pear margarita. A national park called Pinnacle Peak showcases the rich variety of cacti and allows joggers and trekkers to climb up to the peak for an exhilarating view below.

 In these scenic surroundings, the premier address to stay is none other than the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offering an expansive choice of activities to suit every traveller. Charming PR director Kim Cole gave me a warm welcome and ocular of the precious property.  It is gloriously nestled within 40 acres of desert blooms, with stunning views of rugged desert terrain and luxurious casitas replete with all the modern amenities one could ask for.  High in the Sonoran Desert, in the cooling foothills of Pinnacle Peak, relax in its 188 gorgeously appointed guestrooms arranged in one-, two- and three-story territorial-style buildings, 22 suites with private plunge pools, outdoor garden showers and outdoor kiva fireplaces. The resort is also in close proximity to Arizona treasures such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Lake Powell. The AAA Five Diamond Awardee Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North has also been named among Travel and Leisure’s Top 50 Resorts in the Continental US and Canada and Conde Nast Travellers prestigious 2010 Gold List among many others.

At Four Seasons Scottsdale, rise to the challenge of golf at Troon North. As a guest, enjoy priority privileges at the resort’s championship courses Monument and Pinnacle, consistently ranked as among the top courses in the country.  Sprawling greens meander seamlessly through the natural ravines and pristine terrain. You may even conclude that impeccably manicured grounds like this grow naturally in the desert. Its state-of-the-art Callaway Centre and posh clubhouse is a habitué for serious golfers and affluent residents of North Scottsdale.

As a Four Season’s guest, you enjoy priority privileges at the magnificent Troon North championship courses.

Today, the Valley of the Sun is considered as one of the country’s fastest growing metropolitan areas offering 200 golf courses, 138 parks, 125 art galleries, 16 museums, 11 libraries, symphony and a zoo, not to mention biking, hiking, hot-air ballooning and jeep and hummer tours of the vicinity. Strolling in downtown Scottsdale reminds me of driving down Beverly Hills posh avenue peppered with shops and galleries

 The Four Seasons spa and fitness center, all 12,000 sq. ft. of it, is an oasis for the senses. Before your exclusively concocted treatments like “Sedona Red Clay,” “Golfers Massage 101” and “Stone,” rejuvenate in its steam bath, hot sauna and Vichy showers. Emerge from the spa like a glowing diva ready to face the world with renewed vigor and beauty.

This spring, indulge as you savor the newly enhanced Four Seasons in One treatment at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.  A sensory journey through all four seasons is a blissful treat. It includes a medley of massage techniques, as well as a full body scrub and a soothing wrap.  Summer begins with the rich lather of vanilla-scents wherein a gentle massage integrates techniques of Lomi –Lomi from Indonesia. The exfoliation treatment using honey oat buffing grains is truly exhilarating and this pampering process is capped with a delicately heated herbal spice lotion, with a profusion of hearty scents of cinnamon and nutmeg.  Get ready for the chilly winter with a thorough body scrub, complemented with a winter lotion that boosts the immune system.  The body is then lovingly wrapped in warm linens, the scalp receives an invigorating massage, as the fragrance of soothing lavender and citrus permeates your being. To achieve the balance of the duality of the warmth and cool of spring, a slow and gentle facial is performed with cool stones. Truly divine.

The vivid colors of the Sonoran desert provide a majestic backdrop for the Saguaro Blossom Restaurant with delightful cuisine prepared by executive chef Mel Mecinas and sous chef Jesse Hansen.

Interesting to note, in the 1940’s, this resort was owned by Lois Kellogg Mary. The cereal heiress held on to the property until it was sold in 1967 to Gordon Ingebritson. The original name Crescent Moon stayed with the property till it was sold to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon. This explains diners gravitate towards Crescent Moon on the terrace of the resort for their delightful meals.

 Scottsdale, known as most western town of the west, shines with more than 300 sunny days per year and in this tropical paradise, travellers live charmed lives. At Four Seasons Scottsdale, one can enrol in its new culinary academy offering a variety of gustatory endeavours ranging from salsa challenges, tea tastings, chocolate pairing dinners and for that added unique twist, try its new “lab” series. Something simple is whipped up into something sophisticated such as the Burger, Taco and Crab Lab. Each Lab class can be custom arranged as a demo, class or as a challenge. The Culinary Academy also offers popular activities like ceviche sampling, chilli cook-offs, sangria, tamales and tamale sampling.

Besides the variety of adventure, spa, golf and epicurean delights to choose from, simply lavishing in your own private casita brings relaxing bliss like no other. You can request for a picnic basket of breads, cheese, cold cuts, wine, specially baked pastries or cakes and just go moon gazing or stargazing on a cool evening. From your veranda as you sip prickly pear margaritas, use your private telescope to study the constellations that over above. There are telescopes in every suite with custom constellation charts for the Arizona sky and complimentary stargazing every Friday night highlighting the spectacular desert views from the resorts perch of 2,651 feet above sea level. Simply dramatic and romantic, you can sit by the fireplace in your Spanish-themed casita with warm carpets and tapestries and sip hot chocolate and munch on freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.  There is also a comprehensive Kids for All Seasons Program, including facility featuring a game room with the latest video gaming technology, movie theatre, ping pong, pool and football tables, cultural arts and crafts. These treats can make your visit here truly memorable.

The restaurant serves the most delightful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Award –winning contemporary cuisine, featuring the finest seasonal specialities spearheaded by executive chef Mel Medinas and his talented team is truly an added attraction here.  For breakfast, try its home made Spanish cocoa de abuelita with cinnamon spice, its French toast slathered with blueberries, applesauce and freshly churned butter drizzled with maple syrup at the Crescent Moon. Simply a great way to start your day. For lunch, have a special marinated Alaskan halibut tacos at the Saguaro Blossom located at the pools edge and for dinner, try their deliciously chilled King Crab Beef Roulade and succulent Prime Bone-in Ribeye with Hollandaise sauce. Malbec wine makes the perfect accompaniment to this sumptuous meal at Talavera Restaurant.

Savour all these precious treats in this paradise of eco-luxury.  Isn’t it amazing to realize that the desert can actually have four seasons?  The lush and eclectic Sonoran Desert is truly a spectacular haven and The Four Seasons Scottsdale is the premier jewel of this dazzling sanctuary.

Check it out. You will never wish to view the desert in any other way again.

For more information about Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, please visit their website at www.fourseasons.com

Email the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.

The author Christine Dayrit takes an exhilarating trek up Pinnacle Peak to witness the breathtaking views from the top.