It was the first week of December and we found out...

It was the first week of December and we found out that we hadnt planned our vacation. Work had been hectic and we really didnt have the time to make any plans. I looked all over the country and good deals were hard to find. We wanted a relatively warm place where we could completely relax yet be able to keep our 5 year old engaged. After a lot of searching, the choice was Arizona- specifically the Scottsdale area. The temperature was manageable during the day at high 60s and low 70s and there were a lot of good resorts to stay. We were fortunate to get a reservation at The Boulders in Carefree, AZ, not too far from Scottsdale.

The Boulders is a unique resort in that it is completely embedded in the desert. If it were not for the glass windows in the cottages, one would have a hard time finding them. The resort completely blends with its surroundings offering the visitor a remarkable experience of the landscape unfettered by ugly buildings and such.

The main building and lobby are located a mile from the entry point. You drive through the desert with huge million years old boulders on either sides that cut an imposing figure. The lobby is warm and welcoming. We parked our car there and were then driven on a golf cart to our casita. Parking is allowed only at the main building and access to individual cottages is by foot, bike or the golf carts. This allows the campus to stay true to its landscape.

The casitas themselves are very Southwestern with a warm and inviting ambiance. Internet is available, both wired and wireless and free. The bathtubs and showers are generously sized. The restroom is a tad smaller than I would have liked but given that the overall area is large, it was not too bad.

Every casita is surrounded by rocks and mid to large saguaro cacti that make it one of a kind. We spent much of our time just walking around the huge resort which boasts among other things two top rated golf courses, tennis courts and a swimming pool under the shadow or huge boulders. A small pond right outside the main building completes the classic picture.

The resort like every other in the area, boasts a spa. The spa at the Boulders resort resides in a very unique building with great views of the landscape. It has a pool to itself and a spa cafe that offers interesting healthy choices. Note that the spa building, its pool and cafe are not open to children under 16.There is a bike rental service also available in the spa building which we could not make use of because they didnt offer kid bike rentals.

The valet service to take you back and to the main building was fabulous. Everyone was nice, courteous and engaging. Service overall was excellent. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever. We wanted a microwave oven in our room. I placed a call as soon as I landed and 15 minutes later, an oven was brought in.

I could go on and on but suffice to say, our stay at The Boulders was utterly memorable. The silent nights under the desert sky and the wake up calls from the chirping birds was just the icing on the cake. I highly recommend a stay at The Boulders.