The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona

Location:The Boulders is located in Carefree, Arizona slightly north of Scottsdale. Map
Address: 34631 North Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree, AZ
Phone: (480) 488-9009
Website
Resort PhotosThe resort’s dramatic and innovative architecture incorporating stone-colored, adobe-style structures, are grouped in low-rise clusters throughout the property. Environmental groups have repeatedly acknowledged the resort’s eco-friendly design with honors.The resort features two championship, Jay Morrish courses, both designed to incorporate and accentuate the breathtaking surroundings and sweeping panoramic views and to have as little impact upon the delicate Sonoran ecosystem as possible. Both courses stretch across the enchanting Sonoran Desert landscape, splashes of verdant green that meander back and forth among the ancient rock formations, and sun-splashed terrain. More on Golf at The Boulders.What sets Golden Door Spa at The Boulders apart is the gorgeous natural setting, a wide range of treatments from seasoned therapists, and a full schedule of excellent exercise classes for both day and overnight guests. With a strong focus on wellness and personal exploration, Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is a resort spa with a destination spa feel. More on the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders.There are 160 casitas dotted through the property which you reach via golf cart. The rooms are large with white adobe walls, kiva fireplaces, timbered ceilings, comfortable beds with high-end linens, leather chairs, refrigerator, TV and more. I did miss having a microwave in my room. Large windows, decks and patios with views of golf courses and desert landscaping make the rooms very special.The resort offers 8 restaurants and bars. After a vigorous session of water aerobics, I tried the Spa Cafe fare and enjoyed a great, low-calorie Chicken Tostada with fresh spring greens poolside. It was fun eating out of the laquer box (in keeping with the Asian theme of the spa) it was served in. More on dining at The Boulders.The concierge can set you up with on-site activities or arrange for interesting days hot air ballooning, 4-wheeling in the desert, horse back riding and more. I enjoyed walking the grounds and looking for photo opportunities. The pools are very relaxing and the scenery magnificent.The resort has interesting and unique items for sale. The spa shop will entice you but keep in mind the spa products are pricey. Adjacent to the resort is the trendy El Pedregal shopping center. Fortunately it's not a mall. It's a nice little center with fun dining opportunities and the small "boutiquey" type shops I love to explore.Specials range from off season very low room rates, to specials at the spa for locals. More on Specials at the Boulders Resort.The highlight of any stay at The Boulders Resort is the opportunity to live, play golf and dine in a true desert landscape - this one strewn with 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations. Situated on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills it's a nature lover’s paradise with terrain and plant life that have been left virtually untouched to allow indigenous plant and wildlife such as saguaros, mesquite, palo verde trees, coyotes, and deer to prosper. Just outside my room I enjoyed seeing cottontails cavorting on the green, Gambel's Quail and their following of babies, a very large Gecko and other desert birds.

To further the organic offerings, The Boulders hopes to become one of the first "all organic" luxury resorts in the country. The Resort opened a 5,280 square-foot organic garden on the grounds that produces a variety of produce, herbs and spices for its kitchens and organic concepts to all five restaurants, room service, banquet menus, and even in-room mini-bars.

The resort's executive chef has implemented an "all-organic” menu at the fine dining restaurant and has a serious passion for choosing only the freshest seasonal ingredients from some of the most respected organic farms and purveyors in the country. Organic wines are offered in the Boulder’s Latilla, Spa Café and Palo Verde restaurants.

The quest for "organicity" extends to the addition of organic spa lotions, massage oils, and scrubs. When I received my facial, one of the joys I experiencedd was savoring the scents of the natural plant products that were used.

The Boulders Home Store sells Eco-friendly clothing, and products made through recycling including body care products and handbags made from discarded juice bottles and rice bags. The rooms are filled with organic products. The soaps and lotions were especially nice.

Recommendations

I highly recommend a stay at the Boulders for those who value waking up to a desert sunrise, walking the boulder-strewn grounds, golfing a challenging course, all the time knowing that your surroundings are providing you with an authentic desert experience. You will luxuriate in the crisp linens on the comfortable beds, bathe with organic spa products and dine on fresh local cuisine. What a wonderful combination of natural beauty and high end luxury.

Tip: Try The Boulders during the off-season. You will save considerably and experience the resort at less hurried, less busy time.