"Why book? With endless views of Arizona’s famed Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range, this property calls out to lovers of nature and the outdoors. Start off with sunrise yoga on the lawn overlooking Adero Canyon and then head off for a day of exploring the trails before making your way back to the resort for some pool time to unwind before dressing up for sunset cocktails right back on that same yoga lawn. Set the scene: There’s a mixture of young professionals and experienced locals who don’t mind paying $18 to $24 per cocktail, and who truly are there for the setting, as well as the surrounding hiking trails. Lots of Lululemon during the day that transforms into chic cocktail attire as the sun dims and the surrounding skies turn from blue to pink to black. The hotel is located in one of only a handful of dark sky communities in Arizona, which means you will get some amazing stargazing opportunities. On property, guests can book an evening experience with ‘Star Dudes’ guides who come equipped with the latest telescopes so that guests can take a closer look at the distant lights from space in the darkness of our skies. Warning to those who try to look through a telescope after having a few cocktails, it’s not easy. The backstory: Formerly the CopperWynd Resort, all that is left of the once privately owned hotel are the original rooms, now named Cliffside Guestrooms, which are located in the adults only wing of the resort next to the new tower. Those original beloved rooms will maintain their private fireplaces and entrances. Following an extensive and expensive redo, the new resort is a year-round getaway for travelers that seek adventure alongside creative comforts. The rooms: Large, modern, with lots of exposed concrete and a solid nod to the desert’s love affair with mid-century mod. All the rooms and suites come with oversized balconies, and if you’re in a corner unit like I was, there’s enough outdoor space to host a group of friends. The hotel does encourage guests to use the binoculars and telescope provided in each room, and with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, it should almost be mandatory. The bathrooms are magical. The corner suite had a massive walk-in shower with direct access to the tub. Food and drink: The views from both Cielo, the full service restaurant, and Sky Top, the outdoor lawn bar with small bites, are part of the experience; make sure to book ahead of time if you want the best seat to watch the sun set. The menus at Cielo are distinctive enough to provide variety for guests dining there for all three meals. The pool bar, Revive, does a cantaloupe colada that truly hits the spot. The spa: Treatments at the spa are named after, and rooted in, desert minerals, local herbs and Native American healing traditions and are intended to restore body, mind and spirit. The hotel gym has its own Peloton studio for those who can’t go a day without their daily ride. The neighborhood/area: Although the property adopted “Scottsdale” as part of its name, the hotel is surrounded by the very tight community of Fountain Hills. Once a primarily private planned community of homes with dramatic views of the area's extensive mountain ranges, it’s now a fast-growing area of the larger Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area. Depending on which locals you ask, the hotel’s transformation from family-run to corporate (now under the Marriott flag) has left some residents uneasy about the added foot and car traffic. Although, to be fair, this is something that isn’t solely on the hotel since Adero Canyon is located next door and has gotten more popular with residents as more people these days have been spending time exploring the outdoors. The trailheads range from simple to expert level with some insane inclines that will lead you to be one with your thoughts and the heat--bring plenty of water. The hotel does have a small trail accessible from the Sky Top Lounge garden lawn, but it’s intended for kids or those with zero hiking experience. Everyone else can hop on the hotel shuttle for a free drop off at the trailheads, or get there on their own; it’s a 20-minute uphill walk away from the property itself. The service: Although the Adero grew from just a handful of accommodations to 177 guest rooms and suites with the addition of the new tower, you’ll still find that the hotel staff will get to know you by name. It always seemed like whoever you ran into in the hallways was ready to point you in the right direction. Someone you should definitely get to know prior to your arrival is the resort’s very own Adventure Concierge who can arrange tours and get you set up with whatever type of gear you need (they have a partnership with REI) for your outdoor adventures in the area. The concierge can also lead you to less-wandered trails and secret spots that haven’t made the guidebooks or online forums just yet. Eco effort: Expect to find water stations next to the elevators on every level, encouraging guests to refill their reusable water containers. Beyond this, no other visible efforts were noticed. Anything left to mention? If lounging by the pool all day, plan to chase the sun that will start off strongly over the family pool and then make its way towards the adults only pool before disappearing. With the pools virtually next to one another, it makes for an easy transition." - David Duran
