Forget silent spas or high-tech wellness studios, Scottsdale in Arizona – with its rugged landscape of sweeping desert scattered with cacti – is the emerging wellness destination you need to know.
Scottsdale in Arizona, the only state in which all four of North America’s deserts are located, might not be the first place you think of for a wellness haven. But, it’s precisely the extremes of this place – the arid summer heat where temperatures can easily surpass 40ºC; the vast open space; impressive rock formations; and even the contrast between the still desert and more bustling cityscape – that make it so utterly restorative.
For some, wellness means green juice, high-tech diagnostics or a curated programme, but, as I discovered, the desert in Scottsdale brings a more elemental kind of healing. One that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, just open space, sunshine and warmth. In fact, there’s something about Arizona’s Sonoran desert that slows your breath. Whether it’s the expansive blue sky, panoramic mountain landscapes or spiky saguaro cacti standing sentinel in the sun, this place commands stillness.
Wellness in the Desert
Where To Stay: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
My six-day trip began at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, where I checked into a spacious casita complete with a private balcony, walk-in closet, gas-burning fireplace, and deep soaking bathtub. An elegant and peaceful oasis, the hotel’s curved adobe architecture blends with the Sonoran desertscape and is just steps from the hiking trails of Pinnacle Peak, one of Scottsdale’s most beloved outdoor destinations. Cacti dot the walkways linking the guest casitas with the lagoon-style pool and restaurants making this spacious resort feel quiet even at full capacity. There’s plenty on offer too, including a Heart of the Desert-themed afternoon tea, featuring desserts infused with smoky, delicious mezcal, and tranquil floating sound baths after the sun sets.
The Spa
If lounging by the water isn’t your thing, the resort’s spa is a serene escape of its own. Offering desert-inspired treatments that draw on indigenous botanicals like prickly pear, jojoba and sage, guests can expect a blend of Southwestern healing traditions with modern wellness in serene surroundings that bring respite from the scorching sun outside. From body scrubs using local Sonoran honey to nopal cactus (more commonly known as prickly pear) massages, every treatment is a nod to the surrounding landscape.
I opted for the nopal massage. Aching with jet lag, warmed cactus gel was applied straight from the paddles of the plant to my skin in firm, sweeping motions that eased knots of tension and hydrated my skin. The plant is known for its antioxidant and soothing properties and after 90 minutes, it’s safe to say my skin felt incredible and I was utterly blissed-out.
The Food + Drink
Dining in the resort continues the wellness journey with fresh ingredients and unique Southwestern flavours found in all four restaurants. I recommend enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Proof, where fresh fruit, granola and eggs any way you like (hot sauce optional) are washed down with cold-pressed juice and coffee. Come evening, dine in Talavera, the resort’s main restaurant. Here, fire-grilled steaks, charred seasonal vegetables and crunchy salads are all accompanied by a breathtaking sunset every evening.
The To-Do List
Summon the energy to venture outside of your resort and you’d be surprised how much the Sonoran desert has to offer. A sunrise hot air balloon ride overlooking the undulating rocks and tumbleweeds below is a great way to see plenty while enjoying a blissful ride. The 3:30am wakeup call is worth it – trust me. Alternatively, saddle up and go full John Wayne by enjoying a horse ride Western-style through Tonto National Forest. You’ll feel just like a real cowboy wandering past dusty cacti and keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes.
Surprisingly, water lovers won’t be disappointed either as the Sonoran desert, known for being the wettest desert in the world, gives visitors the opportunity to kayak down its Salt River while taking in the views. Spot great blue herons, wild horses, and bald eagles if you’re very lucky!
Wellness in The City: Old Town Scottsdale
Where To Stay: Hotel Valley Ho
For the second half of my Arizona adventure, I traded the solitude of the desert mountains for a touch more civilisation – checking into the iconic Hotel Valley Ho in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
Stepping onto the property feels wonderfully nostalgic. Originally opened in 1956, this mid-century modern gem was once a glamorous hideaway for Hollywood’s elite, with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, and Cary Grant escaping the spotlight to bask in its laid-back luxury and retro charm.
Its walls are littered with historic memorabilia but thanks to a recent refurbishment, guest rooms are far more akin to today’s standards with a retro vibe – think motel-style interiors with bright white bathrooms, king-sized beds and artwork of 1950 Ford Customs.
The Food + Drink
Dishes at FnB, Old Town Scottsdale
A trip to Arizona isn’t complete without experiencing some of Scottsdale’s top culinary spots too. Try the bison tacos and authentic fry bread with dipping sauces at Frybread Lounge, Scottsdale’s first and only Indigenous-owned restaurant, or Arizona’s homegrown wine selections at FnB, a cosy bar-restaurant highlighting the best in the state.
The To-Do List
Minimal humidity means you can get outdoors without sweating buckets here. A great way to do this? By kicking things into high gear and renting an E-bike to cycle your way along Scottsdale’s winding canals to the Desert Botanical Garden. Amid the red rocks of Papago Buttes, it’s an ideal place to stop, see the flora and fauna of America’s Southwest and enjoy lunch.
The Verdict
A week of wellness in the Sonoran desert left me feeling reset and deeply renewed – restored not by routines or regimens, but by the understated power of blue sky, warm sunlight and the grounding energy of earthy terrain.
At first glance, the desert might seem barren and unforgiving but its extreme climate is just a testament to the resilience of its nature. And, nature is an integral part of life here. Getting outdoors is instinctive. Whether hiking ancient rock formations, floating above the cacti in a hot air balloon, or simply sitting still and watching the sun slip behind the mountains, the desert offers its own kind of therapy. It’s a place where visitors can relax, unwind and recalibrate.
Lead image credit: Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale
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