Restore, Explore, and More

The modern traveler is demanding more. White-walled hotels with geometric-patterned carpets are no longer satisfactory. Instead, consumers crave next-level services and amenities; they want to experience luxury and comfort in one place. Most of all, they seek experiences to broaden their horizons, complete with a home base that inspires, grounds, and soothes.

I know a place that exceeds these expectations. Behind lush green hedges and an artisan-crafted wrought-steel door lies The Brexley, an exclusive luxury villa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This residence remains a well-kept secret among its guests, who have consistently rated it five stars since it opened in 2018. Here, gorgeous architecture meets high functionality, and open-air living is encouraged thanks to the sliding glass doors and expansive windows. The private backyard is ideal for connection to nature and one another or relaxation with a heated pool and sun shelf, a fire bowl with circular seating, and comfortable lounging and dining spaces—not to mention the whimsical foliage and fairy lights that illuminate the property at night. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the spring, you’ll find yourself surrounded by blooming white roses, but hummingbirds frequent the canopy above the pool year-round.

The owners furnished the entire property with Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel pieces to merge aesthetics with functional living. Guests have the ease of resort living: fully stocked amenities, ranging from the espresso machine and accompanying handmade ceramic cups to plush monogrammed bath robes and curated silky lotions to combat desert dryness— all in the comfort of their own space. Even the minor details, including rain-style showers and stone-washed linen bedding, effortlessly transport guests to a state of tranquility.

The front door, one of my favorite elements, is a signature statement piece that greets visitors from the moment they step foot on the property. Inspired by Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres, craftsman Cody Carpenter designed an intricate, eye-catching entrance using hundreds of steel circles.

Opposite: The Brexley, a five-star luxury villa in Scottsdale, Arizona, is available for vacationers to rent and enjoy its tranquil indoor-outdoor spaces, surrounding nature, and nearby activities.

Below: The main entry, designed by craftsman Cody Carpenter, offers a wow factor upon arrival.

The kitchen is abundantly stocked with a chef’s dream appliances, each drawer consciously curated with every gadget and utensil possible. Minimalist white Yeti cups line the shelves alongside a collection of Porter glass reusable containers to merge style with sustainability. Then, when you think you have seen it all, you open the last cabinet to find a proper set of custom-made ceramics stamped with The Brexley logo. The Brexley has creatively blended a crisp, modern-minimalist interior with a beyond adequate supply of everything you could ever need during your stay, even classic board games and outdoor lanterns.

During my stay at The Brexley, I was pleasantly surprised not to find a single object out of place. To ensure cleanliness and meet the high expectations of a five-star property, owner Cindy Steinman personally inspects the home after the departure of each guest. This means that each drawer and cabinet is organized to perfection and fully stocked, prepped to meet your needs before you even step through the door.