Mid-Century Marvel

Nature And Luxury Meet At Mountain Shadows Resort

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Those guided by superstition will tell you a hotel situated in a town called Paradise Valley is a good sign. They’d happen to be right.

Upon further research one will quickly learn that Arizona’s Paradise Valley, originally allotted for cattle grazing, developed into one of the wealthiest suburbs of Phoenix, primarily known for its high-end resorts and expensive real estate. And while there are well-known, luxury hotels nearby, we suggest a stay at Mountain Shadows Resort, not only as a nod to the property’s rich past, but also the opportunity to soak in the magnificent landscape coddled in luxury.

Nestled between Camelback and Mummy mountains, Mountain Shadows Resort was inspired by the striking shadows cast as the sun sets. Built in 1959, it became an instant success, drawing Rat Pack-era celebrities from nearby California seeking upscale amenities, extraordinary service and breathtaking views. Hollywood’s infatuation with the property continued: the hotel was the primary backdrop for a detective drama called “The Brothers Brannagan” and served as the location for an episode of The Monkees’ popular 60s television show. A golf course was added in 1961 (Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne are known to have teed off on its verdant course), sealing Mountain Shadows as a favorite destination spot among the rich and famous. After changing ownership several times, the hotel was slowly forgotten, known only as a relic of the past that fell to disrepair and eventually closed. 

In 2017 Mountain Shadows Resort reopened after a $100 million remodel to restore the property’s historic roots while breathing new life into the mid-century design and amenities of this iconic resort, reviving the stunning masterpiece of modern desert style that incorporates the arid landscape with the design. The results are phenomenal, creating an energy of renewal and beauty that makes this a unique (and extremely Instagrammable) destination. 

The lobby features sweeping views of the dramatic desert landscape framed by both Camelback and Mummy mountains. With 216 modern guestrooms (including a Presidential Suite facing Camelback Mountain) each room combines mid-century modernism that results in an open, expansive feel embedded with luxuries like plush bedding, custom furnishing and a cocktail cart complete with recipes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides each guest a front-row seat to Arizona’s desert landscape, a striking contrast to South Florida’s lush, green vistas. 

Head to The Citizens Club: a space dedicated to recharging both physical and mental health. There’s no better way to do laps than in one of the two 75-foot swimming pools with the mountains serving as inspiration. Guests can partake in healthy poolside fare like shrimp and avocado ceviche or a chicken Caesar wrap, try out a class of aerial yoga or Pilates or venture on guided hikes for panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun. Craving a massage? Head back to the guestroom for an indulgent (up to 3 hours) massage.

While the golf course remains a big draw, activities like biking and horseback riding can be arranged as well. With Scottsdale a quick nine minutes away, shopping, art galleries, museums and casinos await. Before venturing out, stop at the hotel’s PB Mercantile boutique. Boasting design-focused, local products (think handmade jewelry, red flower lotion and even Mountain Shadows’ delicious signature Desert Sweetgrass scent), it will be easy to bring back memories of your stay.

Dining at Mountain Shadows is an equally thoughtful and memorable experience. Under Chef Charles Wiley’s expertise, diners at Hearth ’61 bask in honest, flavor-forward dishes like Niman Ranch tenderloin of beef with red wine demi, bleu cheese fondue and truffled mashed potatoes, pan-seared scallops with turnips, asparagus, carrots and a ginger-lemon sauce or quinoa and lentil stew with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and green curry. I recommend visiting the eatery multiple times to sample each one of the desserts. Grapefruit panna cotta with pistachio and poppyseed brittle and chocolate mousse with raspberries and oatmeal cookie crumble alongside a star anise gelato are standouts. 

Between bites created by this award-winning chef (Chef Wiley has been named one of “The Ten Best New Chefs in America” by Food & Wine, “One of the Best Hotel Chefs of America” by the James Beard Foundation and Chef Honoree of the Scottsdale Hall of Fame), be sure to look outside to soak in the exceptional views.

Whether it’s business or pleasure that takes you to Arizona, a stay at Mountain Shadows Resort embodies a serene, restorative and luxurious experience you’ll wish you hadn’t waited this long to take. 

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale is located at 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. For more information, call 855-485-1417 or visit mountainshadows.com.