Highlights: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

•Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is located in the Sonoran Desert; the landscape and scenery is incomparable

•Superb and professional staff service

•Contemporary Southwestern décor and luxurious accommodations create a home-away-from-home warmth

•Business center with dedicated staff ready to aid business travelers

•Acacia restaurant is elegant without being stuffy

•World-renowned golf courses attract players of all skills

•An intimate Mobil Four-Star Spa offers sublime indulgence for relaxation and rejuvenation

Amenities: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

• 210 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Children’s activity center. Spa. Pets accepted. Pool. Golf. Tennis.

General Impressions: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North sets the mood for a special stay. As the resort comes into view, it seems to be an extension of the natural terrain at the base of Pinnacle Peak. The 25 casita buildings, situated on 40 acres, blend so well into the landscape that, had it not been for the twinkle of lights and a discreet sign, I might have driven right by. It verified that Four Seasons resorts are not cookie-cutter properties. Each has a distinctive personality, offering a unique experience.

This Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is 30 minutes north of Scottsdale, which is great for those who love being isolated in a cocoon of luxury. Service is carried to the ultimate level here. My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, admittedly a couple of hours before the stated check-in time, so I was directed to the Lobby Lounge, a beautiful area with living room-style furnishings and a lovely desert view. When it still wasn’t ready an hour later, the hotel graciously bought my drink, and apologized profusely for the wait.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is exceptionally child-friendly. Children’s and family pools, as well as kids’ menus, keep youngsters busy and happy. Because there's so much to do, the Four Seasons is a great destination for getaways. For an enchanted stay, true romantics can book accommodations with a private mini-pool, opt for a couples’ massage at the spa, and enjoy a romantic dinner at Acacia, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. Two golf courses, designed by British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf are adjacent to the resort, and make combining business with pleasure a popular option.

(+) Amenities and setting cater to all types of travelers
(-) A car is a necessity for getting to nearby attractions or off-site restaurants

Guest Services: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Living up to expectations of superior service, check-in was speedy and efficient. A bellman whisked me to my room in a golf cart, chatting amiably about the area. Twice-daily housekeeping service meant that my room always maintained its pristine condition. The warmth and thoughtfulness of the entire staff greatly contributed to the overall positive experience I had during my stay.

Because it was so hot when I checked out, the bellman suggested that I take two bottles of water for the drive. That said, chilled bottled water is offered everywhere -- at check-in, at the pool, at the spa, and when leaving the hotel. Take advantage of it, especially if you’re not accustomed to the arid desert climate that can draw moisture from your body.

A family traveling with a toddler and a 6-year-old told me that chocolate chip cookies were brought to their suite the first evening, and a child-size bathrobe fit the older child perfectly. Self-service guest laundry rooms stocked with detergents and fabric softeners are located around the property, which is a real convenience for parents traveling with children.

(+) Impeccable service and thoughtful, accommodating staff

Guest Rooms: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon has 210 guest rooms and suites, most of which are arranged in Territorial-style buildings called casitas. Each has a private terrace or balcony with stunning views of the desert, mountains, or valleys. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary Southwest style that feels comfortable without being too casual. While all the rooms feel spacious, the suites feel like home. One- or two-bedroom suites have all the amenities you need. The Pinnacle Three-Bedroom Suite offers the most in luxury, with four fireplaces throughout the spacious accommodations.

My suite, with a corner kiva fireplace, sitting area, and its own mini-pool just outside the door, had the feel of a quaint private home. The exceptionally large bathroom with double sinks, deep soaking tub, and separate shower was stocked with luxurious L’Occitane French bath amenities. An al fresco garden shower for cooling off or cleaning up under the stars was a delightful touch. The down pillows and duvet, fine bedding and comfortable bed made for restful slumber. At night, from this foothills vantage point, the lights of Scottsdale looked like fireflies in the Valley below.

(+) Rooms are comfortably designed to feel like a home away from home

Facilities & Activities: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The main attraction at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon is golf. Guests have priority use of both the Pinnacle and Monument championship courses at Troon North, as well as privileges at the clubhouse. The courses are widely regarded as among the best desert-style layouts in the country. The par-72 Pinnacle course has five sets of tees, the most forward ones playing to 4,980 yards. Ask about golf packages, which are readily available during off-season summer months and must be booked well in advance during high season.

If you’d rather play tennis, there are two courts for you to perfect your game. Or, go for a hike at nearby Pinnacle Peak. Drop the kids off at the Kids for All Seasons program for their own version of desert hiking, treasure and scavenger hunts, and Cowboy crafts.

There are pools for families and children, as well as one strictly for adults, which is where I headed. A bi-level pool deck adds architectural interest to natural sandy desert surroundings. Cabanas provide shade, with built-in misters helping to cool and hydrate. As soon as I came through the pool gate, I was greeted by a cheerful attendant and shown to a cozy lounge chair that she covered with a fluffy towel. Another attendant arrived almost immediately with a pitcher of ice water. As I settled in with my book, the attendant returned with a refreshing snack.

The Mobil Four-Star spa is intimate by resort standards, just 12,000 square feet, but there is no skimping on the quality of the technicians and range of treatments, such as an Ayurvedic rebalancing ritual, a Chamomile aromatherapy wrap. My therapist described each treatment before it started, making for a very relaxed and refreshing experience. The staffed fitness center has a full range of equipment, a movement studio, and fifteen classes from cardio kick-boxing to therapeutic Yoga to ensure a good workout.

(+) Numerous activities make the resort a self-contained destination

Dining & Lounge: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon has three main dining areas. The resort’s flagship restaurant, Acacia, epitomizes understated elegance. Ask for patio seating and schedule a reservation to catch a spectacular desert sunset. Open just for dinner, it’s a tad more formal than some other resort restaurants (a jacket is suggested for gentlemen although collared shirts are accepted), but the Southwest-style decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Crescent Moon features American cuisine influenced by the regional flavors of the Sonoran Desert, and offers indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although the restaurant appeared to be just half full, it took a few moments to be seated for breakfast, and even more time for a server to acknowledge that I was there. He did, however, go out of his way to find a specialty item I requested, and the breakfast was delicious.

Overlooking the pool, Saguaro Blossom is a casual bar and grill that specializes in light Southwestern fare. All seating is outdoors so guests can enjoy the view. The room service menu has an excellent selection of smaller dishes. When delivered on time to my door, the server set a lovely table as I requested, positioned to make the most of the view. The food was outstanding and the entire experience was delightful.

(+) Fresh, quality regionally-inspired food served in both elegant or casual settings
(-) Breakfast service lacking when compared to other dining experiences

Business Services: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Business travelers will be delighted to discover a staffed business center is available, even though this is a resort. The business center staff provides exemplary service and support, even lending out digital cameras and printers. Translation services and multi-lingual staff makes this hotel a good bet for international travelers. And, Wi-Fi is available in public rooms, with high speed Internet access in guest rooms.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is a popular venue for upper-level meetings and banquets. It has more than 20,000 square feet of interior and exterior function space. From casual company barbecues to executive meetings, the resort accommodates, without disruption to other guests. There were a few groups booked during my stay, and except for seeing a couple of outdoor functions in progress, I wasn’t even aware they were there.

(+) Business center and meeting spaces are more than adequate for business travelers