Set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain and the sweeping Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona, has long been a destination of choice for those seeking year-round sunshine, refined hospitality, and a balance of relaxation and recreation. While it has always attracted visitors with its sunny weather and scenic desert landscape, Scottsdale’s recent growth has ushered in an elevated era of high-end hospitality, design-forward resorts, award-winning restaurants, curated shopping, and sophisticated nightlife.
New developments have only amplified its upscale appeal, with contemporary boutique hotels, world-class golf experiences, and immersive wellness offerings joining the city’s already polished lineup. Whether you’re seeking a refined culinary escape, a stylish weekend in the heart of the Entertainment District, or a serene stay in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale now rivals more established luxury destinations with its depth, diversity, and unmistakable desert glamour.
Getting There
Scottsdale is well-connected for travelers arriving by air, offering both commercial and private aviation options. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Scottsdale, serves as the primary commercial airport, providing nonstop service to over 100 destinations across North America and beyond. For private aviation, Scottsdale Airport (SDL) is a popular choice, featuring several Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) that cater to general aviation needs. Notable FBOs at SDL include Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, and Jet Aviation. Additionally, JSX offers its patented brand of semi-private flights from Scottsdale Airport, offering travelers a streamlined experience with no TSA lines and spacious seating, all at competitive rates comparable to commercial first-class fares.
Where to Stay
Caesars Republic Scottsdale
Opened in 2024, Caesars Republic Scottsdale marks Caesars Entertainment’s first foray into the non-gaming hotel market. Located directly adjacent to Scottsdale Fashion Square, the property offers a stylish, contemporary experience designed for modern travelers who appreciate high-energy design and seamless access to the city’s top shopping and nightlife. The 11-story luxury hotel features 265 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist interiors, and smart technology. We are particularly fond of its stunning penthouse suites, with their modern finishes and first-class amenities. Guests have access to two rooftop pools, including Seven, an adults-only lounge venue with panoramic views and curated music programming.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa
A mainstay among elite travelers, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain offers a secluded, intimate resort experience designed for travelers who value both privacy and proximity. Perched on the northern slope of Camelback Mountain, the property’s architecture integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Casitas, suites, and private villas are arranged throughout the 53-acre property to maximize privacy and views. Interiors reflect a modern desert aesthetic, with clean lines, natural materials, and expansive terraces that open up to sweeping vistas of the valley. The property also features the acclaimed Sanctuary Spa, a tranquil retreat offering signature treatments and wellness programming that includes yoga, guided hikes, and personal training. With its blend of upscale service and serene ambiance, Sanctuary continues to be a preferred destination for discerning travelers.
The REMI Scottsdale, Autograph Collection
The newest addition to Scottsdale’s luxury hotel landscape, The REMI Scottsdale, opens this June as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, The REMI brings boutique-style design and high-end amenities to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The property features 161 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, including Loft Suites with direct access to Scottsdale’s tallest rooftop pool. Rooms include upscale details such as Côte Beauty bath amenities, plush robes, and desert-inspired décor. The REMI offers five distinct dining and bar concepts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and direct VIP access to the newly reimagined Maya Day + Night. Its position within walking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the arts district, and Old Town nightlife makes it a well-situated choice for travelers seeking a full-service luxury stay in the center of the action.
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort
Occupying a significant footprint at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician is a landmark property that exemplifies Southwestern luxury. Following an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, the resort has been thoughtfully modernized while retaining the timeless elegance that has defined it for decades. Accommodations range from traditional guest rooms and suites to private residences and the exclusive Canyon Suites—a Forbes Five-Star hotel-within-a-hotel known for its dedicated concierge team and elevated amenities. The Phoenician offers an 18-hole championship golf course, nine dining outlets, a three-story spa, and a massive, multi-level pool complex that includes a tranquil adults-only area.
Where to Dine
Cafe Monarch
Located in the historic heart of Old Town, Cafe Monarch is one of America’s most respected fine-dining institutions. The family-owned restaurant operates with a weekly rotating prix-fixe menu of four to five courses emphasizing seasonality, precision, and presentation. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, and menus often highlight fresh seafood, heritage meats, and handmade pastas. The dining experience is elevated further by personalized service and an award-winning wine list. The intimate, candle-lit courtyard setting adds to the sense of occasion. Known for its romantic ambiance and culinary consistency, Cafe Monarch frequently ranks among the top restaurants in the nation and is particularly suited for special occasions and high-end dining.
Virtù Honest Craft
Opened in 2013 by Chef Gio Osso, Virtù Honest Craft has developed a loyal following for its inventive, globally inspired Mediterranean cuisine. Located inside the Bespoke Inn, this intimate venue quickly gained national recognition, including a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant and a spot on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants list. The menu changes frequently but is known for dishes such as grilled octopus with fennel and orange zest, as well as handmade pastas that blend traditional Old World techniques with innovative New World creativity. The restaurant’s name, derived from the Machiavellian term virtù, meaning excellence or skill in achieving greatness, aptly describes its culinary philosophy. The setting is understated and relaxed, allowing the food and service to shine.
Mastro’s City Hall
Another institution, Mastro’s City Hall, has long been a cornerstone of Scottsdale’s upscale dining scene. Located in a dramatic contemporary building on Goldwater Boulevard, the restaurant delivers the classic steakhouse experience with an emphasis on atmosphere and service. The menu features USDA Prime steaks, chilled seafood towers, and indulgent sides like truffle butter mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Cocktails are perfectly prepared, and live piano music sets the tone in the bar area, while the main dining room buzzes with a lively yet refined crowd. With attentive service, an extensive wine list, and a commitment to consistency, City Hall continues to attract both residents and international visitors seeking a traditional luxury dining experience.
Élephante Scottsdale
The buzzy new addition to the Scottsdale dining landscape, Élephante, brings its signature West Coast aesthetic from Santa Monica to the Sonoran Desert. Located just off Scottsdale Road, the bustling venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood accents, and an expansive patio that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor dining. The menu from Executive Chef Phil Rubino emphasizes light, fresh ingredients prepared with simplicity and care — wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and vegetable-forward small plates. The beverage program includes craft cocktails and a curated wine list that complements the menu’s coastal Italian flavors. The setting, design, and energy of Élephante make it ideal for daytime gatherings and sunset dinners alike, positioning it as a new go-to for stylish dining in the city center.
What to Do
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the premier shopping destination in Arizona, offering a blend of luxury brands, national retailers, and designer boutiques across more than 2 million square feet of space. Recent renovations have elevated the mall’s appearance and functionality, adding natural light, modern lounges, and a high-end concierge service. Anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, the mall includes luxury retailers such as Hermès, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Cartier. Beyond shopping, the center houses upscale dining venues like Ocean 44, Toca Madera, and Nobu, the luxury Harkins Camelview cinemas (with a very cool private theater for rent hidden behind a freezer door), and art installations that reflect the city’s creative spirit.
Golf
Scottsdale is widely regarded as one of the country’s top golf destinations, with over 200 courses in the region and a climate that supports year-round play. At the center of the scene is TPC Scottsdale, best known for hosting the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open. Its Stadium Course features the iconic 16th hole — a fully enclosed amphitheater setting that transforms into golf’s loudest and most exuberant moment each February—while the Champions Course offers a more traditional desert layout. To the north, Troon North Golf Club delivers two spectacular 18-hole courses, Pinnacle and Monument, that wind through the natural Sonoran landscape of granite boulders and rugged canyons, offering both visual drama and technical challenge. For those seeking exclusivity, The Estancia Club, a private, member-owned retreat near Pinnacle Peak, offers a Tom Fazio-designed course considered among the best in the region. Set within a secure, low-density community, Estancia’s course combines superior conditions with unmatched privacy, attracting high-level players and prominent residents alike.
Old Town Scottsdale and the Entertainment District
While much of Scottsdale exudes modern luxury, Old Town offers a charming counterpoint — a walkable district where the city’s Western heritage and artistic spirit come alive. Cobblestone sidewalks, adobe-style storefronts, and wrought-iron signage create a sense of place that feels both authentic and welcoming. Visitors can explore a mix of art galleries, locally owned boutiques, artisan jewelry shops, and curated souvenir stores that celebrate Arizona craftsmanship. Cafés spill onto shaded patios, and historic buildings house everything from wine tasting rooms to contemporary art studios. With its slower pace and friendly, village-like feel, Old Town Scottsdale invites exploration, offering a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere that perfectly complements the city’s more cosmopolitan offerings.
Located in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale’s Entertainment District is one of the most active nightlife hubs in the nation, offering constant energy and a wide range of venues for those looking to unwind after dark. From early evening cocktails to late-night celebrations, there is always something happening across its concentrated blocks. Popular establishments like Bottled Blonde, a hybrid sports bar and nightclub with a rooftop patio that has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, and Hi Fi Kitchen + Cocktails, known for its dynamic indoor-outdoor layout and live DJs, anchor the scene. Casa Amigos offers vibrant décor and a lively crowd, while Riot House brings high-energy bottle service and immersive lighting to its upscale party environment. Nearby, El Hefe blends Mexican street food, bold cocktails, and nightclub elements into one of the area’s most consistently animated venues.
Scottsdale’s evolving nightlife now includes more elevated options designed to deliver both sophistication and energy. Recently opened Shiv Supper Club is the first true upscale supper club in Arizona. Spanning over 13,000 square feet, it merges fine dining with immersive entertainment. Designed with cascading greenery, dramatic lighting, and sculptural interiors, Shiv delivers a highly stylized experience as well as Dessert Room, a luxe after-dinner concept pairing creative desserts with champagne service and a refined late-night atmosphere. Located atop the W Hotel, Cottontail Lounge offers rooftop cocktails with sweeping city views. With plush seating, craft mixology, and curated music sets, it serves as a sophisticated alternative to the district’s louder venues.
The newly reimagined Maya Day + Night spans 15,000 square feet of immersive design. Its new identity blends desert mystique with high-impact visual installations, including a 100-foot carved wooden goddess and a glowing LED-lit tree sculpture. By day, Maya functions as Scottsdale’s premier pool party venue, offering VIP cabanas, bottle service, and celebrity DJ sets. By night, it transitions into an exotic, high-energy lounge complete with theatrical cocktails, global small plates, and a next-generation sound and lighting system. Its direct integration with the REMI hotel solidifies Maya as a central feature in Scottsdale’s luxury lifestyle landscape.
Final Thoughts
Scottsdale represents the intersection of desert tranquility and elevated living. With its combination of architectural beauty, culinary distinction, luxury lodging, and dynamic cultural offerings, it continues to draw travelers seeking a refined but accessible destination. Whether it’s the panoramic views from a rooftop pool, the detail of a handmade pasta, the stillness of a sunrise on the fairway, or the rhythm of a late-night set, Scottsdale continues to climb the ranks of America’s premier luxury destinations as it continues to evolve — without ever losing its soul.