Hotel Review: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

In Scottsdale, Ariz., Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is located in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, sitting among the ranks of the mighty Saguaro cacti.

The property bills itself as a place where “desert romance meets outdoor adventure,” and as I sat in the bubbles of its Jacuzzi, sipping a prickly pear margarita with my partner after two days of adventuring in the high Sonoran Desert, I couldn’t help but envision us smack dab in the middle of a marketing brochure. 

Although Four Seasons’ loyalists won’t be surprised to learn that this property is perfect for a couple’s retreat, there’s something unique about its place in Scottsdale’s Troon North neighborhood. Here, there’s a heavy emphasis on the wide open; the golf resort community sits at a higher elevation than Scottsdale’s city center and is adjacent to a 185-acre mountain preserve — a pairing that lends itself to clear, starry nights; plenty of fresh air; and a sense of true seclusion.

Guestrooms are located in adobe-style casitas with interiors that match the warm tones of the surrounding desert. Our 500-square-foot Premier Casita Room featured a cozy fireplace, a king-size bed, a sofa bed, a walk-in closet and a flat-screen television with streaming capabilities, along with a private balcony that framed Arizona’s pink and orange sherbet-colored sunsets. 

While my partner and I could have been happy whiling away the day in front of our fireplace with a latte and a heaping platter of chilaquiles (courtesy of in-casita dining), we also wanted to experience the adventures for which the area is known. The resort is perfectly positioned for active clients; it has a private trailhead leading to the popular 5.1-mile Pinnacle Peak hike, and the challenging, yet rewarding 4.1-mile Tom’s Thumb hike is just 15 minutes away by car.

If hiking isn’t of interest to clients, Four Seasons can arrange virtually any activity they can dream up, from a full-day Grand Canyon tour via a fixed-wing aircraft to a private horseback ride. We opted to spend one day driving to the serene Saguaro Lake in Mesa, Ariz., where we hopped into kayaks (provided by Lake Saguaro Guest Ranch) for a calming paddle; and another day bumping and bouncing on a not-so-calming all-terrain vehicle tour with local operator Stellar Adventures.

RELATED: Why Scottsdale, Arizona, Is Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts

And after working up an appetite during the day, we headed back to Four Seasons to take advantage of the on-site dining venues. One of our favorites was Proof, an eatery featuring American comfort classics. I ordered a local brew and what was arguably the best crispy chicken sandwich I had ever had (piled high with pickled cucumber, smoked persimmon, pimento aioli and avocado on a challah bun), while my partner, who follows a vegan diet, ordered the Impossible Burger on a Noble Bread flaxseed bun with cashew chile “cheese,” tomato, grilled onions, charred jalapeno and arugula. 

We continued our culinary journey with dinner on the patio at Talavera, a Latin-inspired steakhouse helmed by executive chef Chuck Kazmer, which serves melt-in-your-mouth cuts of meat with a side of sweeping desert views. I ordered the certified angus beef filet with an olivada crust, manchego cheese, black garlic and a thyme onion jam, and paired it with a 2008 Tempranillo Spanish red wine.

Herbivores heading to this steakhouse should not fear, however; they will find a variety of options, including the pan con tomate appetizer (Noble Bread with heirloom tomatoes, garlic and olive oil); the verde paella entree (with kale, shishito peppers, fall squashes, rosemary and green chermoula); and several sides, including patatas bravas (creamy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce with lemon aioli) and grilled asparagus with romesco, marcona almonds and onions. As a chocolate lover, I found dessert — a flourless chocolate torte with raspberries and a gold leaf garnish — to be a true highlight.

Note: We traveled to the resort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North is open for reservations and follows its parent company’s global health and safety program, Lead With Care. On-site health protocols include temperature checks upon arrival and face coverings worn at all times by staff and by guests ages 10 and up when in public spaces and when receiving in-room service. The restaurants are also operating at reduced capacity to ensure social distancing. 

The Details
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale