Planning your vacation at one of Scottsdale’s renowned resorts means world-class dining, award-winning golf courses, luxurious spas, panoramic vistas and tropical drinks by the pool. To raise your poolside lounging to the next level, take advantage of the best hotel pools with cabanas for luxe perks and unique amenities and grab a resort pass. Here are five of Scottsdale’s most memorable poolside cabana experiences and how you can expect to be pampered.
FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess sits on 64 acres dotted with six pools, which means it is home to some of the best cabanas in Scottsdale. My favorites are those found at Sunset Beach, where you can sink your toes into 9,000 square feet of soft white sand. You’ll appreciate cabana amenities such as a complimentary fruit plate and bottled water, a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and overhead misting fan. Tip: Ask about their fun pool floats for the perfect loungers to maximize pool time!
JW MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE CAMELBACK INN
The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn offers a variety of options, including the luxurious Jackrabbit Cabanas surrounded by Camelback Mountain views. These lofty latilla-style poolside cabanas include plush couch and chaise seating, refrigerators stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, complimentary salsa and guacamole, and your choice of a bucket of four beers or two cocktails. Personalized poolside service from Hoppin’ Jack's lets you enjoy tasty favorites like quesadillas, burgers and sandwiches.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH
At the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, my favorite retreat is the Luxury Cabana at the adults-only pool on the lower level. You’ll enjoy extra-spacious accommodations with lounge seating, a flat-screen TV with use of Apple TV and iPad, misters and ceiling fans. Relax and enjoy complimentary amenities that include a welcome fruit plate, unlimited chips and salsa, private bar stocked with water (still or sparkling) and soft drinks or iced tea, frozen treats, magazines, chilled towels and a Sun Kit with sun block, aloe vera gel and facial mist. Tip: The Saguaro Blossom boasts some of the best poolside dining in Scottsdale. Try the Swordfish Tacos washed down with a refreshing Guava Spritz.
THE PHOENICIAN
The Phoenician’s spectacular swimming complex with three pools and 20 cabanas assures its place on this prestigious list. I love the Mother-of-Pearl pool, where cabanas include a flatscreen TV, overhead fan, fridge, luxury sunscreen kit and your choice of a tropical fruit plate, bottle of Gruet, or chips, salsa and guacamole. You also can order Mediterranean-inspired fare, cocktails, refreshing mint lemonade and ice cream treats from the poolside Kalio Kabobery.
HERMOSA INN
While the cabanas at Hermosa Inn may not have all the bells and whistles of those at the larger resorts, they make up for it with plenty of historic charm. At this luxury boutique hideaway, relax poolside at a hidden gem that captures the bygone era of its hacienda history. Surrounding a tucked-away pool, which is just a short stroll from the property’s rooms and casitas, are cabanas that come with a complimentary bucket of Arizona craft beer with chips, salsa, and guacamole, or carafe of white peach sangria with a fruit and cheese platter. Tip: For extra privacy, ask for cabana 5, located in its own secluded nook.
