Pack Your SPF, Swimsuit and Sunnies, and Make Your Escape to this Dreamy Desert Oasis
With near-perfect temps and spring-season buds blooming in Scottsdale, there’s no better time to embrace the tranquility and luxury of The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Tucked away in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, this sanctuary calls travelers to relax and rejuvenate amid the region’s breathtaking beauty. Here, you can sunbathe in the desert sun by the sparkling pools or indulge in sumptuous spa treatments inspired by ancient traditions. Set a tee time at the golf club, work up a sweat in the fitness studio or let the kids loose at the water park. From newly-debuted dining options to unparalleled hospitality, every detail at this Scottsdale resort is crafted for a truly unforgettable vacation experience—whether you’re a traveling foodie, family or friend group. Get ready to pack your bags for an epic spring getaway to The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa!
Water Park Fun
Featuring multiple onsite pools and even its very own water park, The Westin Kierland is the ultimate swimmer’s paradise. For family fun in the sun, set your sights on the Adventure Water Park. Notably one of the resort’s most exciting attractions, the water park features a lazy river and a 110-ft. water slide—not to mention waves upon waves. It’s also home to the Adventure Pool, where you can retreat to the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef, a one-of-a-kind cabana experience located on a private island. This exclusive option features a shaded daybed, four chaise lounge chairs, VIP-style amenities like cold towel service and personal pool concierge assistance, as well as swim-in access to a private section of the lazy river. With all these water features, there’s something everyone in the family can enjoy!
Desert Waves
Pack your sunscreen, and bring your best board shorts! The Westin Kierland may be a six-hour drive from the coast, but this Scottsdale resort is making its own waves with the Kierland FlowRider. Equal parts surfing, snowboarding and wakeboarding, the Kierland FlowRider brings “flowriding” to the desert—the first of its kind in Arizona. This family-friendly thrill ride is great for kids and kids-at-heart who are amping to flex their wave-riding muscles. This exhilarating experience gives thrill-seekers the unlikely opportunity to “surf” in the Sonoran desert. Imagine taking a wave session against a sun-kissed backdrop of swaying palms and crystal blue skies. Who else can say that they’ve caught a wave in Scottsdale?
Local Cuisine and Craft Cocktails
The Westin Kierland’s newly-debuted restaurant, Faro & Brag, is earning ace marks from foodies for its seasonally inspired and locally sourced cuisine. The restaurant is named for two games that were popular in old Western saloons—Faro, a 17th-century French gambling game, and Brag, an 18th-century British card game. With bohemian decor in desert hues, Faro & Brag has a contemporary atmosphere that sets the scene: watch a sunset through windows that overlook the sprawling green. Serving all four daily meals—that includes brunch—the menu features innovative libations and culinary creations like a honeydew-turmeric juice at breakfast, malted waffles during brunch, flash-seared barramundi for lunch and tamarind-braised pork shank for dinner. For a nightcap, you can’t go wrong with the Fare Tredici Black Manhattan, a signature cocktail made with specialty bourbon, amaro and plum bitters.
Soothing Spa Treatments
Seasoned sun-seekers and leisurists consider Scottsdale, Arizona the spa capital of the country. After all, Scottsdale is home to the highest concentration of spas in the nation, and Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon at The Westin Kierland is among them. This desert-inspired spa employs both traditional therapies and contemporary techniques that are designed to renew the body, mind and spirit. The agave plant that inspired the spa’s name is also used in many of the services and treatments, such as hydrating facials, body treatments, acupuncture and reflexology. This Scottsdale spa is complete with everything you need to look and feel your best, including a full-service salon, movement studios and his-and-hers locker rooms, each featuring a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Cap your visit with a refreshing post-spa plunge in the adults-only Aguamiel Pool.
Live Music, Tastings and More
Desert nights are dreamy at The Westin Kierland—it’s when the resort comes alive under the stars. Kierland After Dark offers a lineup of unmissable entertainment, ranging from live music performances to toothsome tastings. One of the resort’s most noteworthy happenings is Bagpipes at Sunset. Each evening as the sun dips, The Westin Kierland’s resident bagpiper plays a musical melody against the backdrop of the resort’s golf course. Tune in on Friday and Saturday nights for live music from local acts at the Rim Lounge. Looking for more things to do during your spring getaway? Additional Kierland After Dark events include expert-led wine and spirits tastings and themed parties.
Over 300 Single Malts and Rare Whiskies
Journey across Scotland’s historic whisky culture at The Scotch Library, home to an impressive collection of more than 300 single malts and rare whiskies. From renowned 10-year-old blends to 40-year-old single malts, and older varieties like the elusive Glenfiddich 50 Year, every dram tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Join the resort’s Scotch Library Ambassadors for An Evening of Scotches, a captivating tasting experience held every Friday night. Priced at $65+ per person, this exclusive event offers an in-depth exploration of Scotland’s liquid gold, set amid the handsome ambiance of this swanky whisky lounge. Reserve your place today, and get ready to immerse yourself in the refined world of Scotch whisky. This is the perfect place to raise a glass to your epic spring vacation in Scottsdale!
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.624.1000
Erik Hale is the visionary and publisher behind LOCALE Magazine. He launched the magazine in 2010, wanting to give the community of OC a premiere lifestyle magazine that knew all the native knowledge behind OC. “Six years ago Ashley and I sat at a table scratching the name LOCALE (among some other names) onto a sheet of paper,” says Erik, “coming up with story ideas and basically dreaming. Everything we imagined has happened and we have been blessed with so much more. I am so grateful as we start another year for my family, my two wonderful children, my health, our amazing writers, designers and photographers, our advertising partners and you.”
