The Boulders

THE 

BOULDERS

An elegant Sonoran Desert sanctuary offers the discerning traveler a myriad of ways to indulge in world-class luxury, while its location affords guests a window to the wilder side of the west.

The Boulders blooms like a delicate, gorgeous flower on the spiky landscape of southwestern desert.  The massive,  ancient boulder formations that surround the resort and spa seem to have been carefully placed by hand, creating a surreal sense of the West like no other place in America.

Tucked into a breathtaking 1,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert foothills just north of Scottsdale,  Arizona, the awe-inspiring views and twelve-million-year-old rock formations create a stunning backdrop for the perfect cowgirl getaway.

Known for its environmentally sound landscaping, The Boulders has ensured that the surrounding terrain and plant life remain virtually untouched, allowing indigenous flora and fauna to thrive, and giving guests an rare journey into one of the most diverse desert ecosystems–just outside your Casita door.

It’s easy to unwind at The Boulders.  Relaxing by the spacious, azure  pool,  sipping desert-inspired concoctions beneath the towering boulder formations, and lounging in your well appointed Casita make for a perfect vacation, but for those who want activity and places to explore, the Boulders also has plenty of on site recreational activities, including tennis, swimming, hiking and rock climbing.  

If golf is your passion, you’ll enjoy the challenging play on the sun-splashed terrain of The Boulders links-they have two award-winning,  Jay Morrish-designed courses that stretch across this enchanting desert landscape.  Both courses are 18 holes and feature full-service pro shops, PGA and LPGA-certified instructors, carts, and equipment rentals.

Accommodations

The Sonoran Desert itself  inspired the environments of  The Boulders’ Casitas, Suites, Villas and Haciendas, which are each uniquely designed with elegant Southwestern décor and feature luxurious amenities. 

Nestled among walking paths and impeccably maintained natural landscaping,  The Boulders Casitas are legendary: large adobe sanctuaries featuring hand-hewn, wood-beamed ceilings, overstuffed leather chairs, wood-burning fireplaces, and natural stone showers—all with spectacular views of the golf course, boulder pile, or the beautiful desert landscape.

Dining

Unique restaurants and cafés conveniently sprinkled across The Boulders’ resort grounds offer delectable nourishment, in both casual and formal atmospheres.  The innovative menus feature sumptuous American, South of the Border, Spa and Southwestern-inspired cuisine in truly striking settings.

The Palo Verde overlooks the 6th fairway of the stunning South Course, and its charming duck pond.  Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the dining experience at the Palo Verde is simple, sophisticated and comforting, and features a contemporary southwestern-inspired menu.

Casual yet elegant, with a menu featuring a wide variety of American cuisine,  The Grill features an exhibition kitchen, fireplace, and beautiful patio seating with grand views of the lush 18th hole fairways.

Within the on site Waldorf Astoria destination spa, fresh, healthy and balanced meals prepared by Chef Neal Hall and served at the Spa Café. The ‘haute spa” dishes are made from regional ingredients and fresh herbs harvested daily from the Boulders’ very own certified organic garden. 

Cave Creek, the home of COWGIRL Magazine, is less than a mile from the Boulders.  The Old West-style town can be considered cowgirl heaven, that is, if you like to two-step and enjoy the raucous atmosphere of Arizona’s most popular honky-tonks: Harold’s and The Buffalo Chip.  These watering holes are where local and visiting cowboys and cowgirls of all adult ages come to mingle.  The Buffalo Chip even offers live bull-riding competitions off it spacious back patio on the weekends!

Cave Creek is not only for those that ride horses, or steel horses.  When shopping for the western lifestyle, there is no place like Cave Creek, which offers everything from western -inspired apparel and a plethora of cowgirl-cool home furnishings, to antiques and rustic decorations for home, yard, or ranch.  

Waldorf Astoria Spa

All of the above aside, one of the main reasons for vacationing at The Boulders remains the Waldorf Astoria Spa, a truly legendary wellness destination.  The 33,000 square-foot oasis is an all-encompassing environment of serenity and sophistication.  Enter the sky lit atrium, where sleek, organic decor and elemental sights and sounds hint at the well being in store for pampered guests. 

Private, luxurious treatment rooms offer a variety of services—massages and bodywork, scientifically advanced facials and anti-aging treatments, and holistic lifestyle services—many artfully infused with ingredients from the surrounding desert environment.  Those in the know have cherished these heirloom therapies (created over 50 years ago at the original Waldorf Astoria) for decades.  Before and after your treatment, lounge and detoxify in steam rooms, saunas, and the O’furo, a traditional Japanese bath. 

A retreat for the soul as well as the  body,  guests are encouraged to allow time for meditation in the signature labyrinth, or sip a rejuvenating drink in the inspired circular tearoom, all while enjoying vibrant desert vistas.  The heated swimming pool is nestled against the gigantic, ancient boulders that are the signature of this spectacular destination spa. 

For an authentic experience of the natural southwest  delivered in blissful luxury,  The Boulders—in all of its Sonoran splendor—is a truly enchanting choice. 

theboulders.com