A Desert Adventure

I spent last week in the desert doing research for a golf/spa article we’re featuring in our upcoming Fall issue (hitting stands 8/11). And while I definitely know my way around the spa scene, when it comes to golf, I’m clueless. So I was completely stoked to be heading to The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, to check out the golf courses and get in some spa time. And since I’m new to the sport, I brought my “golf friendly” dad with me.

On arrival at The Boulders, I couldn’t help but notice how serene the place was; it’s definitely a place to get away from it all. Year after year, the 36-hole course consecutively wins awards, and it wasn’t hard to see why. The perfectly landscaped grounds were not only immaculate, but they were also home to families of rabbits, scurrying lizards and a variety of birds. (They do weddings on the greens, as well as Tee Box dinners for two — perfect for newlyweds.) When it came down to my lesson, golf pro Donald Crawley gave me the Quick Fix Academy lesson. And although it wasn’t the simplest of tasks, he had me hitting the ball in no time! What a great excuse to spend the day outdoors.



After a morning on the driving range and some lunch at the Palo Verde Restaurant, it was time for our rock-climbing clinic. (Hey, this was the week to try new things!) Harnessed in and helmeted up, we were ready do go. I admit, when I looked at the wall we were about to climb, I was a bit nervous. But with the instruction of our guide, Rico, both of us made it to the top and repelled our way back down, adrenaline pumping. We were definitely fired up! And the views weren’t anything to complain about either.


Nature trails abound here and were another great way to take in the amazing vistas. For cooling off, I had my pick of pools (I took an afternoon nap by the spa pool and enjoyed a refreshing sangria by the one off the main lodge). And my trip here wouldn’t have been complete without the Golden Door Spa’s LaStone massage. It soothed my tired muscles and was the perfect way to end the stay before hitting the road for my next stop: The La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California.