Four Seasons Scottsdale – Deep in the Heart

 

Nestled in the foothills of the High Sonoran Desert, yet tucked up near the trails of the Pinnacle Peak Mountain lies the Four Seasons Scottsdale, which is “deep in the heart” of Scottsdale. During the drive up to the Seasons, you realize that the environment has slowly changed. The elevation begins to increase, the air suddenly seems more breathable, and you start to see less and less of the cosmopolitan sprawl that Scottsdale has become.

I can remember 20 years ago when there was nothing out here but the bicycle riders on the trails of the Peak, desert dwellers, and the Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. It was here where “no ties were allowed”, as they would cut them off and hang them on the ceiling of the restaurant! Unfortunately, that place no longer exists, but once you arrive at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, I suspect you won’t want to leave. As there is no reason to leave.

Four Seasons Scottsdale – Deep in the Heart

Deep in the Heart of Scottsdale

As the friendly, international staff helped me with my luggage, I couldn’t help but admire the lit pathway to my casita, where a tiny bonfire was blazing in a metal chimenea along the way. The smell of the mesquite wood burning, the bright stars in the night sky made for a beautiful evening walk. I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I was to be here.

Then he swung open my door and knew I had made the right decision to celebrate the birth of my spouse here.

Four Seasons Scottsdale Casita

The casita was perfect! It was spacious with a fireplace, a king-sized bed stuffed with a crisp white comforter, and right there on the desk, they even left us a gift. Not just any gift, but one this girl loves: Mason Jars filled with margarita mix, tiny sized tequila bottles, fresh cut limes with salt, a bag of Arizona-made tortilla chips and a mason jar of beans, guacamole, and sour cream dip!

I couldn’t have had the creative mind to think this up! How can anyone get so excited about a gift like that you might wonder? It is the presentation of the gift that makes all difference. The details. Unlike almost every hotel that I go to, the joy for me is in the details.

Four Seasons Scottsdale Balcony

Swinging open the balcony doors, I took a peek at the enormous swimming pool below reflecting back at me. (It is only a 6000 square foot, bi-level pool!). The views were spectacular from my room.

We poured ourselves a few frosty margaritas, turned on some Latin music, and sat outside in our plush robes on the veranda in comfy lounge chairs to watch the stars before heading off for our 7 pm dinner reservation at Talavera, the Four Seasons Scottsdale signature restaurant.

Talavera …And what an experience it was!

Talavera is a type of pottery that is distinguished by a milky white glaze and authentic Talavera pottery is only from Puebla, Mexico due to the quality of the natural clay that is found there.

Talavera – The perfect ambiance and textures drew me in immediately, as this is the type of Mexican-inspired interior design that I am in love with. The “deep heart of Mexico” type with its Spanish Mission architecture. I could lounge around in this interior all day long and it would never get old!

Alfresco Balcony with Views

The staff seats us out on their alfresco balcony, which had sweeping views of desert vistas and twinkling city lights. In the distance, I could see the signature saguaros and hear the occasionally faint sound of coyotes. It was the perfect setting to appreciate what was to come, as the culinary team in the kitchen was ready to “WOW” us with their mastery of flavors from the freshest of local ingredients. And “WOW” us they did with their crisp, crusted hot filet tenderloin, yet perfectly “cherry pink” center, which I ordered with jumbo prawns and lobster bisque!  We were in heaven!

Talavera – A Modern Classic Steakhouse

My husband tried the 8 oz buffalo tenderloin with bacon and blackberry sauce with sweet potatoes. Honestly, it is one of the best dinners I have ever eaten. Talavera is the resort’s modern take on the classic steakhouse with an emphasis on farm-to-table dishes.

The next morning was crisp and cool, unlike what you would expect in Arizona, yet this is how the winter mornings are. I missed the chance to sip mango smoothies lounging by the pool as the sun paints the rocky hills red, but I did get a chance to experience the lovely heated jacuzzi that morning and think about what a gorgeous setting and place this hotel has to offer its guests.

Four Seasons Scottsdale

If you go: They have 210 generously-sized guest rooms of which 22 are luxury suites, 25 are one or two-story adobe casitas, and all have patio doors that open to a private terrace or a balcony with a magnificent desert view. I can say that I highly recommend a visit to this resort’s 40 acres property, which oozes desert zen! Whether you are on a vacation or on a staycation like me, this experience, from the moment you arrive until the moment they bring your car to go home, the energy is nothing short of first-class all the way. It is an amazing splurge!

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Recommended Reading for Other Amazing Scottsdale Hotels:

W SCOTTSDALE – WOW! The 2 Bedroom WOW Suite Review

Wine me, Dine me and Spa: Hyatt Scottsdale, AZ

The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Pour Me Some Whiskey and Lies- Jade Bar – Sanctuary’s Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Native American Wisdom, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass

And Things to do in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sedona, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona in The Spring: Perfection

Western Destinations: Who Knew It Was Phoenix, AZ?

Chihuly: The Maestro in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, AZ

Going Off-Road thru Sedona, AZ with Pink Jeep Tours

Sedona’s Red Cathedral Rock

Disclosure: As is common in the travel industry, I was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purposes of review by the Four Seasons Scottsdale. While it has not influenced my review, PointsandTravel.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. All Photos by the author.  My trip to Scottsdale was in conjunction with the #ScottsdaleInvasion.