Relaxation Is Redefined at This Scottsdale Retreat
Thereās 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 RsāResorts, Restaurants, Recreation and Relaxationāand lucky for us, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale has it all. Itās a golf loverās paradise, with sprawling manicured grounds, on-site golf lessons and a chic clubhouse. You’re a pool-goer? It’ll be a dream with it’s spectacular private waterpark complete with slides and a lazy river. Itās a foodie favorite with an array of elevated eateries and a lively lobby loungeāand itās home to one of the worldās 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 nightlifeānot to mention world-class golfing, staggeringly stunning mountain sunsets and plenty of cute cacti for photo opsāThe 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 allābut to be honest, the resort is so luxurious, we wouldnāt 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 āāāThe Heavenly Bedā). 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.Ā
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 coupleās 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 relaxing, adults-only escape, unwind by the Aguamiel Adult Pool under the shady palms. Sip a frozen cocktail while soaking up the sun. For a livelier vibe, head to the Adventure Water Park for all-day fun. Zoom down the waterslide or test your surf stance on the Flowrider. Prefer to float? Grab a tube and drift through the lazy water maze.
On-Site Dining

For some poolside refreshment, snack it up at J. Swillingās Pool Bar & Grill. Enjoy casual eats like pizza, burgers, and salads. Wash it all down with a frozen margarita or a signature cocktail. After a day on the links, visit Brittlebush Bar & Grill for a cozy lodge lunch. Prefer the outdoors? Sip a cool drink on the patio with sweeping mountain views. For happy hour, head to The Rim lobby bar and sample premium tequilas. Pair your drink with a vintage cigar and live music while overlooking Dreamweaverās Canyon.
For classic southwestern cuisine, Waltz and Weiser Whiskey Bar & Cantina is the place to be. At this hotspot, taste local flavors and catch a game. And for the advanced seeker of liquor and libations, sip your way into the Scotch Library. Here your very own spirit guide will take you through one of the worldās largest whiskey collections. This includes more than 300 labels! There’s no better place 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 to seasonal events like pumpkin carving and Oktoberwest, Kierland offers exciting activities year-round. The team curates an ever-changing lineup, ensuring thereās something for everyone to enjoy. Experience Scottsdaleās thriving arts scene with local music and entertainment, or pick up a new hobby. Try your hand at country western dancing or bourbon tasting for a fun, interactive evening. No matter what youāre into, thereās 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 MontrƩal. 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.
- Kandace Cornellhttps://localemagazine.com/author/kandacecornell/
- Kandace Cornellhttps://localemagazine.com/author/kandacecornell/
- Kandace Cornellhttps://localemagazine.com/author/kandacecornell/
- Kandace Cornellhttps://localemagazine.com/author/kandacecornell/