Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix

The Phoenix - Scottsdale, Arizona, area - is home to many beautiful, highly regarded hotels and resorts. And a number of years ago, when I lived in Scottsdale, I frequently drove by one particular resort that never failed to delight me. It always caught my eye because of its stunning entrance: The Royal Palms Resort & Spa. I knew it was one of the oldest resorts in the area, and very highly rated; but I never actually went in and explored it for myself.

Consequently, on my last trip to Arizona, I decided it would be the place to stay. What a good decision! It is as glorious as its name suggests. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, what was once a private residence has been turned into a boutique resort par excellence. The sweep of the beautiful driveway, guarded by towering palms, takes you to a subtle and elegant, historic adobe structure - marked by hand hewn beams and hand forged iron works. Everything glistens with an unassuming richness that new properties "kill" (and spend huge bucks) to emulate.

For everyone who loves history and appreciates old world craftsmanship, this is the place for you! The resort has 119 casitas and guestrooms, all beautifully decorated, and many have fireplaces, private patios and/or balconies. If you want to really splurge, there is also the Presidential Villa, which at 2300 square feet holds two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, and has fireplaces throughout. It also boasts three private patios. And yes, the President of the United States has stayed in this Villa on visits to Phoenix.

Besides the lovely rooms, the resort sports the Alvadora Spa (which also has a full-service salon,) a pool and fitness center. And for foodies: there's the glorious T. Cook's Restaurant. Not only does T. Cook's have one of the most gorgeous dining rooms around, the food is fabulous and Phoenix residents consistently vote it "Tops" in the area. And in lovely weather, you can dine al fresco on one of the most charming patios to be found.

And for nature lovers, there are the gardens. Ah, the enchanting gardens which are nothing short of paradise. Walkways meander around the buildings and through the grounds. Everywhere you turn there is another feature to delight the eye: a hidden handkerchief size lawn with a secluded seating area, tidal pools, fountains, the swimming pool area, fire pits and fireplaces, a sudden riot of color from flower beds overflowing with blooms. And above it all, the ever present grandness of Camelback Mountain a short distance away.

The mountain isn't really grand - not in the sense of the Rockies - but it is a much beloved presence in the Phoenix area. Gorgeous homes hug its sides, giving the occupants outrageous views of the landscape. Intrepid hikers make it a second home; and regularly scale to the top. And tourists use it as a compass, for everyone knows that to head north from the airport to get into Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, you head towards the mountain.

Besides the physical beauty of the resort, there is the outstanding service. I sometimes think that "service" has become a dirty word in our culture - somehow it is beneath one's dignity to "be of service." What a shame. But it just makes the people who understand the importance of good service, able to stand head and shoulders above their competitors. During my visit, two lovely young ladies, both Front Desk Managers, made sure my visit was unparalleled. They graciously accommodated all of my wishes (including an upgrade to a fabulous Spa Suite.) These two ladies, along with all of the staff I encountered, demonstrated the behaviors that all businesses should strive for: attention to detail, desire to please the client, and a cheerful spirit of accommodation to get the job done.

On your next trip to the beautiful Valley of the Sun, check out The Royal Palms Resort & Spa. I have no doubt you will be as pleased as I was.

Article by: Patricia Campbell

Patricia Campbell is the founder and president of Bella Figura USA, an online boutique specializing in artisan home and fashion accessories, and eco-chic gifts from around the world. Ms. Campbell travels extensively on buying trips, and frequently writes about her travels on the boutique's blog, Travels With Bella Figura USA. She also writes for Savvy Style and The Gift Corner blogs. To find a wide variety of unique, luxury gifts, visit the boutique at http://www.bellafigurausa.com/

 

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