Relaxation Is Redefined at This Scottsdale Retreat
There’s no place like Scottsdale for a weekend of fun in the sun. When it comes to desert living, it all comes down to the four Rs—Resorts, Restaurants, Recreation and Relaxation—and lucky for us, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale has it all. It’s a golf lover’s paradise, with sprawling manicured grounds, on-site golf lessons and a chic clubhouse. It’s a pool-goer’s dream with a spectacular private waterpark complete with slides and a lazy river. It’s a foodie favorite with an array of elevated eateries and a lively lobby lounge—and it’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch, curated for the tasting by a group of spirit ambassadors. Read on to plan your southwestern getaway and learn to live life like an Arizonian at this perfectly picturesque North Scottsdale resort.
In the Center of It All
With a slew of premier shops (stroll on down to Kierland Commons), dynamic dining (explore the nearby Scottsdale Quarter) and elevated nightlife—not to mention world-class golfing, staggeringly stunning mountain sunsets and plenty of cute cacti for photo ops—The Westin Kierland is right in the heart of everything you could imagine for your dream desert getaway. In proximity to a dazzling downtown, as well as the great outdoors, you can have it all—but to be honest, the resort is so luxurious, we wouldn’t blame you for never wanting to leave this little slice of paradise.
Rooms + Suites
Ultra plush and prepped for proper rest, the accommodations at The Westin Kierland are sleek and sophisticated, with pillow top mattresses and luxe sheets and bedding for sound slumber (aka ”The Heavenly Bed”). Choose queenly quarters with mountain views, or enjoy golf course gazing from your personal terrace. To kick things up a notch, unpack your bags in the presidential suite, designed in soothing neutral tones and outfitted with comfortable furnishings to make you feel perfectly at home. Sip cocktails and soak in the views from your private balcony, or opt for poolside proximity with your own cozy casita. Pro tip: To fit groups of all sizes, request a space with a sofa bed or trundle for little ones or extra pals.
The Spa
Leave your cares behind when you enter Agave, the Arizona Spa & Salon. This sumptuous wellness destination is currently undergoing a refresh, with a tentative opening date of Nov. 2023. The newly remodeled spa will feature an extensive menu of services, ranging from marvelous massages and fresh facials to mani-pedis and personal styling. Guests can work on their fitness with private wellness classes, soothe their skin with a full body scrub, take a dip in the whirlpool or just unwind in the lounge for a delightful day of next-level indulgence. Book a reservation for a couple’s massage, or just walk in for some full-body rejuvenation. Here, guests will enjoy an immersive spa experience hosted by a superior team that knows the meaning of true southwestern hospitality.
The Golf Course
Take it to the green and spend a relaxing day on the gorgeous grounds of The Westin Kierland Golf Club, which is managed by Troon and features a total of 27 holes. Each of the three sprawling courses (choose between the Acacia, Ironwood or Mesquite) offers multiple tees and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape from all nine holes. Book your tee time or take a lesson with a resort pro to work on your game. Practice on the putting green, perfect your swing at the driving range or kick back at the Clubhouse. After a full day of play, spring for a round of suds or some light bites at the Brittlebush Bar & Grill, complete with charming beamed ceilings and a sleek outdoor patio for soaking up the sun.
Local Insight: Kids golf free, so consider making it a family affair!
The Pools
Scottsdale is known for its endless sunshine, so stay cool and hit the pool! Depending on your idea of pool time pleasure, you can choose your own adventure with two different daytime experiences. For a mellow, grown-ups-only experience under the shady palms, soak up some rays with a frozen cocktail by the Aguamiel Adult Pool. Or bump up the vibe for some all-day play and head to the resort’s Adventure Water Park, where you (and your kiddos) can zoom down the slide, practice your surf stance on the Flowrider or hop on a float and tube your way through a lazy water maze.
On-Site Dining
For some poolside refreshment, snack it up at J. Swilling’s Pool Bar & Grill. Chow down on casual eats like pizza, burgers and salads, then wash it all down with a frozen margarita or a signature cocktail. Or, after a day of hitting the links, stop into Brittlebush Bar & Grill at the Golf Club for a cozy lunch in the lodge or a cool beverage on the patio with sweeping views of the mountains. If happy hour is your thing, head to The Rim lobby bar, where you can sample premium tequilas with a vintage cigar and sway to the smooth sounds of local musicians while overlooking Dreamweaver’s Canyon. For classic southwestern cuisine, Waltz and Weiser Whiskey Bar & Cantina is the place to taste local flavors and catch a game. And for the advanced seeker of liquor and libations, sip your way into the Scotch Library, where your very own spirit guide will take you through one of the world’s largest whiskey collections (including more than 300 labels!) to help you discover your perfect single malt.
Local Insight: The Westin Kierland is set to open a new restaurant this November, so stay tuned for more details!
Kierland After Dark
When the sun goes down, the fun turns up! From concerts and live music in the lounge to seasonal events like pumpkin carving classes and festivals like Oktoberwest, the Kierland team curates an ever-changing lineup of evening activities all year round with something for everyone. Get to know the local community with music and entertainment from Scottsdale’s thriving arts scene, or take up a new hobby like country western dancing or bourbon tasting. No matter what you’re into, there’s always something fun on the schedule to look forward to!
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.624.1000
Based in Los Angeles, Kandace has spent the past ten years in the fashion and lifestyle space, and recently in entertainment at Sony Pictures Studios. She has a Masters in Journalism from Emerson College and has studied in Paris, Firenze, and Washington DC, beginning her career as a style editor and tastemaker for NBC. She is an internationally award-winning filmmaker, having studied screenwriting for film and television at UCLA, and her work has been celebrated around the world, in cities like London, Nice, New York, and Montréal. Paying homage to her French heritage, she is also the creator of The Chic American--a style and culture editorial destination for Francophiles, dedicated to the art of living an elevated, French-inspired lifestyle.
