 FEATURE STORY
Phoenix and Scottsdale resorts bring luxury to the old westBy S. Adam Cardais, The Phoenix-Scottsdale area is known for having some of the best, most luxurious resorts in not only Arizona, but the entire world. Of the 15 resorts in Arizona to receive a prestigious "Mobil Four-Star Award" by the Mobile Travel Guide for providing what it calls a "distinctive experience for the ever demanding and sophisticated consumer," 10 claim home to the Valley of the Sun. What's more, these resorts are nestled among some of Arizona's most sought after golf courses, from the Monument Course at Troon North Golf Club to the TPC of Scottsdale, which is home to the Annual PGA Tour FBR Open and ESPN's Golf School.
For the traveler looking for a golf resort vacation filled with pampering and lush greens, Phoenix-Scottsdale is the place. Here are some of the best resorts in the area. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Known for lavishing its guest in royal treatment, this AAA Five-Diamond resort boasts the 44,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa, a network of pools that stay open all night and a lagoon to unwind with a little fishing when you're not on the course. "What separates this resort from other high-end resorts is how it makes its guests feel like they have run of the place," wrote Chris Baldwin in a story for GolfArizona.com. "Stay a few days at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and you could delude yourself into thinking you're some Saudi Arabian oil baron and the whole grand, sprawling complex is yours." The resort is only minutes away from the TPC Desert and Stadium courses, the latter of which hosts the Annual PGA Tour FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open), the world's most attended golfing event. The Boulders North and South courses are also close by. The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa: The 76-year-old Wigwam is arguably the oldest resort in Arizona, a distinction it wears proudly. The resort has 70 luxury suites, some with stone fireplaces, a spa and a AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant, The Arizona Kitchen.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale: Located in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, the Four Seasons has fitted all of its 210 rooms and suites with private terraces or balconies so guests can take in the surrounding views of the desert and mountains. This resort also has the Troon North Golf Club in its backyard. The club is home to the Monument Course, ranked by TravelGolf.com as Arizona's No. 1 golf course. With lush green fairways and high-lipped bunkers, Monument is the epitome of the premier desert golfing experience. If You GoFairmont Scottsdale Princess The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale July 25, 2006 Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans. |
The resort recentlyspent $5 million renovating two of its three golf courses. Its Gold course is now a real challenge, with some seriously monstrous bunkers. Located in the up and coming West Valley, the Wigwam is also close to some other top rate courses, including the 
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