The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort - Review

Desert Tranquility

The stunning setting of The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Look closely at the 12-million–year-old rock outcroppings of the Sonoran desert outside Scottsdale, Arizona, and you will find a resort that seems to have grown out of the rocks themselves, with natural terrain and plant life virtually unaltered by the private hideaway.

Within the setting of the resort there lies a luxe escape, the 33,000-square-foot Golden Door Spa, inspired by the original Golden Door in Escondido, California. In addition to panoramic desert views, rock and sand gardens, and a Hopi medicine-inspired labyrinth (meditative maze), this luxury spa offers incredible amenities, such as a 2,000-square-foot fitness center, a circular tea room, Vichy treatment rooms, a studio for yoga, pilates and tai chi, an outdoor pool with a heated whirlpool and cascading waterfall, a shiatsu room and a classroom. Treatments include innovative methods such as the watsu, a back-to-the-womb experience, reflexology, and the Golden Door signature turquoise wrap, which draws on the traditional Native American belief that turquoise is the color of self confidence, protection and positive energy. Be sure to nurture your soul as well as your body through group or individual Shamanic Journeys or with an Astrological Soul Reading. The key to this oasis is its combination of the philosophy of the original Golden Door with Native American themes and traditions and a hint of Asian harmony.

The meditative maze

The Boulders offers many additional ways to relax in its natural beauty. Don't miss your chance to enjoy world-class golf, tennis, el Pedregal marketplace and stargazing. For the more adventurous, try horseback or hot-air balloon rides, the City Slickers Cattle Drive, and a Jeep tour. If you're really daring, push yourself with rock climbs, glider plane tours and mountain-bike rides. Make sure you bring the Sonoran desert home with you by learning photography at sunrise on the Desert Photo Tour.

With all this pampering for your body and soul, don't forget your stomach! All the resort's restaurants feature organic, local produce and Southwestern decor with desert views. The Latilla is the signature dining room featuring cuisine by Chef Stephen Jones; other dining areas include the Palo Verde, Bogey's at the Club, the Bakery Café, the Discovery Lounge, the Golden Door Spa Café and Rusty's.

You have many options in choosing your accomodations for your stay, including 160 individual casitas offering refreshment centers, wood-burning fireplaces, private patios or balconies, and spacious bathrooms. All the standard amenities are provided. 50 Suites and Pueblo Villas are available to those who desire more space, and include a kitchen, dining area and living room, laundry facilities and garage. For those looking for unparalleled luxury, reserve one of five privately owned haciendas or the 5,000 square-foot Villa Retreat with its own master house, guest house, private pool, catering kitchen and fully-equipped garage.