The new Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a fun girls bonding destination. Set in a picturesque desert oasis with views of Camelback Mountain, this used to be the Cottonwoods Resort built in the 1980s. Andaz took the buildings down to the studs and renovated each of the 185 adobe bungalows and suites. They are decorated with inspiration from the colorful art scene in Scottsdale, AZ.
What used to be the tennis courts is now a hip lobby with a 1962 black convertible Cadillac, fondly named Nora, parked in front. Guests can take a tour in Nora with one of the friendly Andaz valets. The trip includes some of the best Instagramable spots, before finishing at the base of Camelback Mountain. The resort also offers a complimentary Tesla house car for guests to use within a 5-mile radius.
Throughout the colorful resort are local folk art and pleasing cultural patterns enhancing the resort’s architectural design. Upon check-in, guests are offered a glass of wine, beer or bottle of water before going to their casita.
Walking into our bungalow-style adobe casita featuring mid-century modern design, we admired the two room suite. There was one king bed, two full baths, and a spacious living area with a pull out bed hidden in the sofa couch. It's an ideal space for a girls getaway, bachelorette party or family vacation.
The living area has stylish lighting and strings of whimsical colorful poms dropping down from the ceiling. Both rooms have a 65' wi-fi enabled television, full bathroom featuring an enormous shower, closet area, soft Andaz bathrobes and flip flops for guests to use around the resort. A complimentary coffee station is available, as well as snacks and a premium in-room cocktails and wine for purchase. The suite also has two patio areas with a table, chairs and a bench with decorative pillows looking out to grassy lawns.
We donned our bathing suits to refresh in the large saltwater pool heated to a pleasant 83 degrees. Whimsical pool inflatables provide a pop of color and add additional fun while swimming and soaking in the sun. There is also a warm rectangular whirlpool near pool cabanas guests can rent starting at $250. Andaz also offers one red cabana for a one-of-a-kind experience for a good cause. They will contribute 30 percent of the cabana package rate to (RED)’s fight against AIDS. On Fridays and Saturdays the pool is filled with guests enjoying sangria, sunshine, and upbeat tunes by a live DJ.
In the evening the staff light fire-pits and chimeneas throughout the resort. There are colorful Adirondack chairs arranged in a circle around warm fire-pits to encourage social interaction.
Catching up over breakfast the next day, we enjoyed chipotle eggs benedict, parfaits made with yogurt, granola and fresh fruit, and a classic French Toast stuffed with Nutella and topped with fresh blueberries and bourbon syrup at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen.
For those who decided to sleep in, the restaurant serves a daily brunch menu using seasonal ingredients inspired by the Sonoran Desert from 11 to 3 p.m. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. Guests can reserve an exclusive Chef's Table experience inside the kitchen to watch the chefs make some of the restaurant’s favorite menu items, while enjoying a multi-course tasting dinner.
One of the best bonding spots during the day is at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary. Each personalized treatment starts with a choice of blended oils made from locally-sourced desert botanicals and natural aromatics from Sedona. While in plush robes and flip flops, we lounged in the tranquil meditation lounge and nibbled on mini lemon and lavender scones. After a 60 minute massage by spa therapist Elaina, I swam in the private spa pool next to the indoor-and-outdoor fitness center. Comfortable lounge chairs by the pool provide spa guests with panoramic views of Camelback Mountain. There is a separate women’s and men’s steam rooms and jacuzzi.
The Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows please all of your senses in one of the most picturesque spots in the desert.
6114 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85253(480) 368-1234
Andaz offers pools cabanas to rent for the day. The red cabana offers a one-of-a-kind experience for a good cause.
