Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Arizona and Las Vegas

rooms

Recently refurbished, all 210 guest rooms and suites, housed in Spanish style casitas, are over sized and beautifully furnished, capturing the pinks and oranges of the desert at sunset, and decorated with artworks created by the Huichol Indians of Mexico. Spread out across the resort, they are quite a hike but you can use the option of the golfing buggies to take you to and from your room. All offer modern conveniences including TV and DVD player (you can rent DVD's from the hotel), and stunning views from their landscaped terraces or balconies. Guests also have the use of a gas fireplace for when the sun goes down at night or air conditioning in the day when the heat is at its fiercest.

Choose from Premier or Deluxe casitas with one king size or two double beds and with spectacular views from their private patios over the mountain peaks, the swimming pool or the valley below.  For a real treat, opt for one of the luxury two or three bed suites, each with numerous patios, heated plunge pools and an outdoor fireplace; the perfect nook for watching the sun set across the desert.

facilities & activities

From the split-level pool with picturesque mountain and desert views to the fabulous hiking, the destination golf course and sumptuous spa, there's something for everyone here. Leafy poolside cabanas with private bars shade you from the midday sun or enjoy a soothing soak in the whirlpool while the kids play in the dedicated children's area at the other end of the pool.

When you've rejuvenated at the opulent spa and improved your golf at the 'jewel in the crown' of Scottsdale's top golf courses – Troon North (guests get priority tee times) - then the resort offers a selection of unique activities. Learn about wine tasting, be the Chef du Jour, become a docent for the day working with the master docents at the nearby Heard Museum North   – it's all available to guests and all handled by friendly experts. If stargazing is more your thing spend an evening gazing through the powerful on-site telescope, guided through the constellations by the in-house stargazing specialist. Or just sit and enjoy the twinkly lights of Scottsdale 1,000 feet below.

If learning the secrets of rootin' and tootin' is a childhood dream then you’re in luck. Arizona Cowboy College will organise a custom-fitted western hat, belt buckle and boots upon your arrival. Then it's off to a nearby ranch to hang with Rocco Wachman, star of Cowboy U, to learn how to rope, shoe, groom and saddle your ride. Ride a trail through the wild desert and finish off with a campfire and tales of the old west. We'll leave whether you adopt the John Wayne swagger entirely up to you!

If you fancy a bit of retail therapy head to Season's Art Gallery to peruse the colourful, local artwork – a great memory to take home should you choose to.

dining

From great steak to good all-American classics the cuisine at the Four Seasons is always fresh, seasonal and authentic. Head to Talavera for dramatic mountain vistas and locally sourced ranch raised cuts of meat, poultry and game. Served alongside fragrant heirloom tomatoes and vegetables from nearby farms and local olive oil, it really is a taste of Arizona cooking at its best. For a taste of nostalgia the relaxed bar and restaurant Proof makes a nod to the old frontier days with its speciality bourbons and whiskeys, though delicious wines and beers are also available. Choose from the very best of American dishes such as fried green tomatoes or waffles with bacon and bourbon syrup, then choose a milk shake, malt or float to go with it from the vintage soda fountain.

If you can't tear yourself away from the pool Saguaro Blossom, the poolside bar, offers chilled water, fresh fruit kebabs and fruit smoothies along with light poolside fare such as salads, tacos and sandwiches. Enjoy the spectacular views of Troon Mountain and Pinnacle Peak as you indulge.

When its time for an aperitif head to Onyx Bar and Lounge, adjacent to Talavera restaurant, offering hand crafted cocktails, beers and wines with sophisticated small plates – the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and beautiful nighthawks. Make sure you ask for a blackberry mojito - it's not on the menu, but it’s really not-to-be-missed.

And if you are holing up after a busy day the in-casita dining menu has many Southwestern and American favourites, as well as special menus for children, picnic baskets and a movie snack menu.

family

From the welcoming prickly pear iced tea for grown ups to the chocolate chip cookies and juice for the children, this hotel is all about family. The complimentary children’s club activity programme is enormous here, offering seven rooms of fun, designed to enthrall youngsters from five to 12. Counsellors also take older ones swimming in the residence or resort pool (teaching them snorkeling with shoals of perfectly placed fake fish), and little ones can splash about in the kiddie pool. Children must be able to swim with aids in water 5ft deep.

The emphasis here is firmly on educational fun and teaching kids about the Southwest. The club’s scavenger hunts and nature walks instruct youngsters about local flora and fauna and how the indigenous people used their bounty. Other activities include decorating bughouses, making rainmakers or simply playing with Lego and board games. The big kids in your party may even be tempted by the shaving cream shootouts and balloon battles!

Family activities are also complimentary at the Four Seasons and include star gazing with s'mores or hiking up Pinnacle Peak. The trails are kid friendly and absolutely worth it for the jaw dropping views. If you have a 'nearly-grown-up' then send them to the spa for the Sweet Sixteen Spa experience including a facial and make up lesson.

Saturdays at the hotel are movie night – the pajama rama. Youngsters get to decorate their own pillowcase and then enjoy dinner in their room followed by a film and popcorn. Thoroughly exhausted, they'll fall into bed, leaving you to take advantage of the in-room babysitting service available at $20 per hour.

All the dining options offer both a children's menu and an 'I'm not a kid anymore' young adult menu. Younger children will love options such as grilled cheese, hamburgers and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Teenagers have more sophisticated options including grilled chicken breast, salads and grilled salmon.  All meals for children under four are complimentary.

All room options are large enough to take a family comfortably. Some suites offer standard interconnecting guest rooms and all have the use of a sofa bed, crib or a rollaway – ideal for any number of family combinations.

The resort also provides complimentary cots, buggies, high chairs and playpens as well as washcloths, bibs, baby wipes, nappies and even a nightlight. If you have really tiny ones your room can be baby- proofed on request. Be careful to check your suitcase for the kid-sized bathrobes - they'll want to take them home when you leave!

location

It's an easy 29-mile drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Four Seasons Resort, Troon North.  Surrounded by rugged desert yet within easy striking distance of the cosmopolitan hub of Scottsdale, adventure and relaxation go hand in hand here. Free car parking is available or a valet is $30 daily. Let the golf buggies deposit you at your room or meander your way through the stunning landscape setting.