For many, the Valley of the Sun resides near the top of vacation destination lists for a number of reasons, none more attractive than 300-plus days of sunshine per year. Add this to the fact that most of the United States is blanketed in snow when Scottsdale reaches peak appeal and it’s easy to see why dozens of resorts sprouted up over the years to accommodate the crush of world-wide vacationers. Some are situated near the pulsing beat of Scottsdale’s nightlife; others take advantage of the seclusion offered by the wide open spaces of the Southwest. CopperWynd Resort and Club, an intimate 30-room boutique-style inn, offers both from the unique vantage point of its perched position high in the majestic McDowell Mountains just outside Scottsdale in Fountain Hills.

As one approaches the resort by way of a quiet residential neighborhood, subtle clues begin to reveal the drama that awaits.  Then as guests swing open the resort’s king-sized hardwood lodge doors, the defining charm of CopperWynd – the extraordinary views – smack them squarely between the eyes. The entire resort is situated to take full advantage of the views that sweep from the nearby slopes of the McDowell Mountains to Four Peaks, a striking monolith that juts skyward from the desert floor and is often accessorized with a dusting of snow in the winter months. The views coupled with the raw Sonoran Desert that surrounds the property sets the stage for a relaxing stay.

CopperWynd also attracts golfers like bees to honey. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, literally located 500 yards down the hill, offers one of the most memorable and challenging tests of golf available in the Valley. And to sweeten the deal, attractive stay-and-play packages are available that provide convenient and cost-effective opportunities for golfers looking for a room as well as a round. Eagle Mountain Golf Club and famed We-Ko-Pa Golf Club are also conveniently located near CopperWynd. Taken together, it’s hard to come up with a better golf lifestyle experience than a stay at CopperWynd punctuated by golf at these three fine clubs.

Alchemy, CopperWynd’s renowned restaurant and wine bar offers inspired American dining with seasonal specialties and other artesian dishes created from fresh and local ingredients by Chef Paul O’Connor. Large glass doors slide open to provide a unique al fresco dining experience courtesy of the Sonoran Desert. A sprawling patio wraps around the building to offer additional outdoor seating for the wine bar and restaurant.

CopperWynd employs a host of other tried-and-true strategies that encourage a restorative and revitalizing experiences. The spa offers a complete complement of treatments including massage therapy, facials, steam sauna, manicures, pedicures that are sure to alleviate stress. The two swimming pools and secluded Whirlpool spa allow guests to lounge or swim a few laps. Speaking of working out, the 5,000 square-foot Fitness Center is well outfitted with cardiovascular and resistance-training equipment, and 40 fitness classes are offered each week including Aerobics, Spinning, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Guests also have the option of playing a few sets on one of the resort’s nine lighted tennis courts.  

CopperWynd offers a number of amenities including a selection of venues for weddings, meetings and private events that accommodate groups of 5 to 200. CopperWynd also features outdoor space such as courtyards and the beautifully groomed 5,000 sq.ft. event lawn for gatherings up to 200 people, an ideal place for weddings and other special events. Alchemy may also be reserved for special events.

CopperWynd Resort and Club reopens its doors to the public on September 6 after recently renovating its guest rooms and making other facility-wide improvements. Room reservations are now available for the fall season for rates starting at $159 per night plus tax (no resort fee). With its many virtues, CopperWynd is an ideal choice for those seeking the Sonoran desert’s unique brand of quiet solitude without the inconvenience of seclusion. All of Scottsdale’s world-class dining, shopping and nightlife attractions are located within a 20-minute drive. For more information about CopperWynd, visit www.copperwynd.com or call 480.333.1900.