4 minute read
Camelback Resort & Spa
By Karina Y. Sotelo
Stylishly gazing at a set of clayred sandstone formations that seemingly resemble the back of a Bactrian camel, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is a dazzling desert oasis idyllically situated in the ultra-exclusive and sophisticated locale of Paradise Valley, Arizona. A genuine description of its name and location, the property brilliantly marries luxury and serenity in 109 intimate and contemporary Sonoranstyle mountain casitas, suites and 8 private villas. The four-diamond resort offers a plethora of multi-sensory experiences scattered throughout the premises: an awardwinning restaurant, an indoor and outdoorpatio bar, fitness studio, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, fantastical desert botanical gardens, and an ultra-relaxing and restorative spa. While located only ten minutes from the bustling Old Town Scottsdale, the property feels secluded and creates the illusion that guests are somewhere far away.
Accommodations are exceptionally spacious, modern, and set the tone for ultimate relaxation. Sleekly designed in a neutralbalanced palette, high-ceilings, granite floors, white-covered exposed stone walls, and towering windows with views of the beautiful surrounds—the rooms are refined and calming retreats each individually furnished with distinctive decor and sumptuous amenities. The resort is home to 8 villas that are lavishly appointed with private pools, patios and tennis courts —perfect for families and those seeking an extra level of seclusion. Mountain suites are cream-colored southwestern edifices on the hills, inside they are complete with a grand living room area minimally adorned with artwork, a chic fireplace, and finished with subtle touches of greenery—potted succulents and other small prickly desert plants. The suite offers a cozy bedroom separate from the living room and a large bathroom that features a glassencased rainfall shower and a freestanding bathtub with heavenly-scented Molton Brown soaps and exfoliating self-care products. Some suites come with private patios. All guestrooms include in-room cocktail kits and a mini-fridge fully stocked with mixers and bottles of wine, an essential amenity that brings guests into full vacation mode.
Guests with discerning palates will take pleasure in this gastronomic dreamland. Spearheaded by Food Network’s renowned celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, along with a talented team of tastemakers, Bar Chef Christiaan Röllich and Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz (also the youngest female— and Latina—culinary artist to ever lead
here), the kitchen serves local, sustainable, and organic ingredients in form of upscale dining and mixology experiences. Flavorful encounters begin at breakfast, where organic eggs are plated in all of the glorious forms. Guests with an appetite for something spicy, should indulge in the huevos rancheros—a corn tortilla layered with a creamy black bean paste, smothered in a mildly-spicy green tomatillo salsa and topped with two perfectly fried eggs, avocado wedges, colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro and queso fresco crumbles (plus, it pairs deliciously with a citrus-balanced mimosa). A freshly curated lunch menu is offered poolside, popular meals include crisp green salads, signature burgers, Japanese bento boxes and, of course, a refreshing selection of tropical-inspired cocktails. By evening, guests will start the night’s festivities by mixing and mingling with a handcrafted concoction in hand from Jade Bar. Here, sip on the “Little Leaf,” a blended mezcal-based drink with cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño. And for an unforgettable multi-course culinary experience, top the evening off at Elements Restaurant. The menu is abundant (filled with gluten-free and vegetarian options), satisfyingly Asian-infused and seasonal. If available, guests will want to begin their first course with the rock shrimp, it has all the crispy and creamy textures on a bed of sticky white rice. For the main course, the miso glazed salmon is phenomenal and the flavors get better with every bite. Guests will want to save room for dessert, there is an assortment of scrumptious delights to nibble on—the butterscotch budino is the most decadent. Reserve a table by a window or outside to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets. experience; the resort has a wealth of opportunities for guests to escape, unwind and rejuvenate. The spa transports guests to the highest level of peace and restoration via a fusion of massages and pamperings centered on ancient Asian techniques and modern therapies. Guests that opt for cupping or acupuncture therapies will set out on a healing journey, aligning the mind, body and soul. Besides the tennis and pickleball courts, there are an abundance of heartpumping activities; the fitness studio offers a variety of yoga and pilates core strengthening exercises, indoors, outdoors and even in water. Guests have access to multiple swimming pools, but the most popular is the infinity-edge pool—a sparkling desertscape where guests spend most of their days basking in the sun and taking in the most dramatic views of Camelback Mountain.
