The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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Address
34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, 85377

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Reviewed by Dale Leatherman

This spot in the high Sonoran Desert (2,500 feet above sea level) is one of the most striking settings in the world of golf. Strewn across the arid landscape are gigantic granite rocks heaved from the earth millions of years ago. Sculpted by the elements into odd shapes and jumbled stacks, they stand sentinel throughout the 1,300-acre resort. Tucked among them are resort buildings that mimic the boulders' earth tones, and are decorated with natural woods, tiles, and Native American art. Windows in dining areas emphasize the views, and wood-burning fireplaces banish the evening chill. This is high desert, after all, where temperatures drop into the 40s five months of the year.

Everything about The Boulders harmonizes with the land, which has been disturbed as little as possible. There are no contrived plantings, just native grasses, mesquite, palo verde trees, tall saguaro cacti, and wildflowers. It's so natural that wild critters consider the resort their domain. You'll

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It's easy to hit into the bush on both the North and South courses. Target golf layouts are de rigueur in the desert because water is precious, but designer Jay Morrish carried the concept to a new level, offering elusive bull's-eyes and lots of opportunities to misfire. Greens are guarded by rocks, bunkers, and bush. Arroyos and bits of scrubland intrude. For instance, the par-5 opening hole of the North Course demands carries over dry washes on the first and second shots. South's 11th hole is divided by a strip of scrub, leaving a sliver of fairway well positioned for the approach, and a more generous landing area on the other side with a difficult approach.

And there's the distraction factor. The scenery is glorious on both courses, especially from the back tees. On the South Course, the fifth green is backed by a mountain of tumbled rocks. Two holes later, the upper tee of the par 3 lies in the shadow of a great granite sphere balancing like a ball on a tee; 187 yards away, a 300-year-old cactus stands guard in a greenside bunker.

Though the golf courses are exquisitely punishing, there's plenty of pampering to be had. Service at the resort is flawless, the food is extraordinary (and healthy), and the spa treatments and activities are first-class. The Boulders is consistently rated among the best golf resorts in the world, including a place on the podium in Golf Magazine's inaugural Platinum Medal list in 2008.

For more than 20 years freelancer Dale Leatherman has specialized in golf and adventure travel. Assignments take her all over the world, but she's always happy to be back home playing mountain courses in West Virginia. She is also president-elect of the Society of American Travel Writers.

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Lodge Details
Description

Price Points

Not Available

Room Types

Hotel SuiteVilla

Recreation & Amenities

Fitness and Beauty,Golfing,Gourmet Dining,Hiking,Horseback Riding,Photography,Rock Climbing,Shopping,Spa and Massage,Swimming Pool,Tennis,Wildlife/Nature Programs

Eco-cred

Not Available

Gateway Town

Scottsdale, Arizona

Closest Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (8.1 miles)

An extraordinary desert hideaway, The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is situated on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona. The dramatic and innovative architecture blends with the surrounding desert and the 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations that dot the landscape. It is located 33 miles from Phoenix/Sky Harbor Airport, minutes from Scottsdale Regional Airport, and five miles from the picturesque town of Carefree. A helicopter landing pad is also located on site. Named for the 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations, The Boulders is an extraordinary desert hideaway and a nature lover’s paradise where the terrain and plant life have been left virtually untouched to allow indigenous plant and wildlife to prosper. Recently enhanced luxury casitas, many of which are situated along the golf course, are shaped into the natural terrain and grouped in village-like clusters. These spacious and luxurious accommodations offer comfort with a Southwestern decor. Featuring wood burning fireplaces, 42 inch flat screen HD televisions, wood-beamed ceilings with fans, regional art, wet bars, new Waldorf Astoria bedding, large dressing and bathroom areas with separate stone showers and garden bathtubs, and private patios or decks overlook the sun-streaked desert or emerald-green golf course. Elegant one-, two-, three-bedroom Haciendas and Villas offer fully equipped and beautifully styled kitchens, fireplaces, flat screen HD televisions, full laundry room, doorstep parking and private entrances with accessibility to all resort amenities. A 5,000 sq. ft. Villa Retreat is also available. In-room and public area HSIA. Eleven dining options range from casual to sophisticated. The Latilla is the AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant featuring classic Mediterranean cuisine influenced by the cultures of Southern France and Northern Italy. The Palo Verde serves a delectable breakfast and Southwestern-inspired lunches. The Golden Door Spa Cafe features a balance of life-giving, spirit-satisfying fare for breakfast and lunch. The Bakery Café is a casual bistro features breakfast and lunch. The Grill at The Boulder Golf Club features an exhibition kitchen and patio seating for dinner. Bogey’s is a fun filled atmosphere at the clubhouse, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Spotted Donkey Cantina offers southwest inspired food in a casual atmosphere. The Pool Pavilion offering poolside side pampering service daily. In Room Dining serves breakfast and dinner daily. The Discovery Lounge offers freshly crafted cocktails, seasonal live entertainment and a cozy fireplace. The Boulders features four outdoor heated swimming pools with whirlpools. The 33,000 sq. ft. Golden Door Spa blends Eastern and Western influences in its design, healing methods, treatments and philosophies. The Spa features 24 treatment spaces, a labyrinth, an authentic tipi, fitness center, movement studio, Vichy treatment rooms, Yoga studio, and full-service salon. The Tennis Garden includes three classic clay courts, five premier cushion courts and a tennis pro shop presided over by two full-time tennis professionals. The Boulders Club features two Jay Morrish-designed championship golf courses provide 36 holes of challenging golf. The courses are considered some of the most demanding in the Southwest, and are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking panoramas. The Boulders Club features a golf pro shop, Boulders Golf Academy and one-on-one instruction with talented PGA and LPGA instructors. Meeting rooms12,000 sq. ft. Tohono Conference Center. 5,400 sq. ft. ballroom, Sunset Terrace, business center with a conference services director and boardroom. Activities range from shopping at the resort’s El Pedregal outdoor marketplace to desert hikes, mountain bike tours, horseback riding, rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, biplane flights, desert jeep tours, and Grand Canyon

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The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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Reviewed by Dale Leatherman

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