Curated Texan
Here’s How To Discover A Desert Oasis at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
By Cynthia Smoot Photography courtesy of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Stephanie Russo and Debbie Wolvos
You may know that the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a thoughtfully designed, mid-century modern enclave tucked away on 23 acres of gardens and shaded groves in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. You may not know that unlike most hotels, this resort doesn’t offer rooms. Instead, you’ll find 185 bungalows, suites, and villas that feature private entrances and patios, bathrooms with spa-like ambiance (some featuring outdoor showers), designer furniture, and works by resident artists. The Desert-inspired interiors were conceived by the team at EDG Interior Architecture + Design, who took inspiration from the innovative architects, artists, and graphic designers of the 1950s Arizona art scene—luminaries including Alexander Girard and Paolo Soleri. Think of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West compound nearby as a key design inspiration.
At 475 square feet, even their smallest bungalow feels more like an apartment than a hotel room which provides a personal patio with outdoor lounge seating, ideal for your morning coffee or evening cocktail. The bathrooms are enormous with a shower large enough to host a party and ample closet space to encourage you to stay a while. The Suite and Villa guests will also benefit from a dedicated Experience Concierge to assist with all aspects of their stay. From arranging airport transportation to securing reservations for the finest dining, events, and other activities, both at the Resort and in and around the Scottsdale area, our private concierge can accommodate nearly any request. Another perk is complimentary access to the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, with full access to its steam rooms and private outdoor patios and hot tubs.
Time to take a dip yet? Andaz offers several pools to suit your mood: The Turquoise Pool is located in the center of the property and features a spacious pool deck, lounge chairs, umbrellas, a bar and grill, and energetic music to entertain you during your time there. If solitude is what you seek, then check out the Spa and grab a chair at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary Pool. This desert oasis provides secluded cabanas for outdoor massages and other treatments, private whirlpools, and a tranquil setting in the shadow of the scenic Camelback Mountain.
You’ll enjoy a relaxing treatment at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, where the sanctuary offers a full suite of spa treatments, steam rooms, private outdoor hot tubs for men and women, the secluded pool, and an outdoor lounge all featuring panoramic views of Camelback Mountain. Each experience is uniquely tailored to enhance your well-being, from desert-inspired body treatments to luxe salon services.
You’ll find their signature restaurant, Weft & Warp, adjacent to the main pool and behind check-in. Food & Wine Magazine named the Andaz one of the best hotels for food and one of the best hotel bars in the U.S., encouraging diners to “sit on the patio or in the glass-walled dining room – either way, you’ll have great views of Camelback Mountain. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, the menu meanders as far as Morocco and Turkey while offering house-made pastas and mains like pork chops and roasted chicken. For the full experience, opt for the six-course tasting menu.”
While there are many wonderful things to do in and around Scottsdale, Andaz offers so many activities you may never want to leave the property to be entertained and pampered. Examples include the Crystal Infused Perfume Creation class held inside the Palo Verde Spa’s apothecary. There you’ll learn how essential oils positively affect your well-being as you work with our aromatherapy consultant to create a personalized scent for you. Over at Weft & Warp restaurant, you can take a craft cocktail class, learn how to make fresh pasta or join their award-winning pastry chef to learn about the health benefits of chocolate as you infuse indigenous ingredients to create handmade truffles.
If you are looking to commune with nature, you can enjoy participating in daily yoga, meditation, power circuit, or even sunset aerial classes at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. Quick Curated Texan tip: You can use Hyatt points when booking. Visit https://www.andazscottsdale.com.
