When you think of jetting off to an exotic destination or hidden gem location for respite, one usually thinks of places like Antigua, Dominican Republic, or Tuscany. You know. Places where you can replenish yourself at a beach, lake, or snow-capped mountains, but definitely not the desert. On the contrary, the desert is arid, desolate, and well, super hot. It is basically a place associated with nothingness, completely devoid of relaxation. More dirt, dust, and lots of sweat than anything.

The desert is actually teeming with beauty and alive with wildlife. If you plan accordingly, the desert can actually be an oasis for health and wellness. That is, if you know how to embrace it. 

From an early morning sunrise hike, to spa offerings mid-day to stay cool, to a late night dinner out in the desert, there are plenty of ways to appreciate, enjoy, and partake in the beauty that is Mother Nature and the desert. (Don’t worry, there are also ways to beat the heat too). Here are a few ideas on how you can embrace the desert on your next trip to Scottsdale, Arizona.

#1 Appreciate the Beauty of the Desert at Night (or Early Morning)

One thing about the desert is that it is hot. I know, I know, it is no “hot” take, but if you are an early bird or night owl, get up early or stay up late and take a walk outside to take in the breathtaking views of the desert in the moonlight.

Now let’s use common sense people and let’s not go on hiking trails at night without a proper guide or equipment. Plus, animals, creatures, and critters come out at night to enjoy the cool temperatures, so as always, safety first. I am just saying, consider a quick walk outside to look up at the night sky and take in the beauty of the desert after the sun has gone down. Basically, some good old star gazing.

Enjoy the expansiveness of the night sky sprinkled with thousands of stars and enjoy the beauty the desert has to offer against a completely different backdrop than the scorching sunshine of the daytime hours. Nighttime is where it is at people.

#2 Do Some Desert Bathing

One excellent way to embrace the desert as an oasis is to partake in some desert bathing. Available at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, desert bathing draws inspiration from the property’s high Sonoran Desert setting. 

It begins with some intention setting followed by a meditative zen hike, where hikers take in the sights of Mother Nature’s astounding beauty. The zen hike incorporates intentional yoga poses along the way allowing a deeper connection to the surrounding environment. What better way to embrace the desert than that?

#3 Explore Old Town Scottsdale

A great way to embrace the desert climate, while also enjoying a bit of reprieve with some cooler conditions would be to explore Old Town Scottsdale. This is a great option for someone who wants to enjoy the desert landscape with heat and sunshine, but also not melt. 

Besides enjoying a walk around town or exploring spots like the river walk, you can discover new restaurants, shops, and spots. What’s not to love? It’s desert meets some modern-day air conditioning. You literally get the best of both worlds.

Restaurant recommendations: Farm & Craft, perfect for brunch and lunch. FnB featuring Arizona wines and locally sourced elevated vegetable creations.

#4 Find Respite at the Four Seasons Scottsdale

Nestled in the cooling foothills of Pinnacle Peak and just a short drive from the Phoenix International Airport (roughly 40 minutes), the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North features unparalleled views of the high Sonoran Desert and the city below. (Yeah, it is as beautiful as it sounds).

Designed to blend flawlessly with the surrounding environment, the Five-Diamond property combines authentic design, scenic beauty, and superb Four Seasons service to create an intimate desert experience that is absolutely unmatched in the Southwest.

One of the best parts about this property is that it channels the surrounding Sonoran Desert and includes it in practically everything. The hotel design, the floral and fauna, and the overall aesthetic of the property. The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North does an incredible job at embracing the desert across every step of the property, ultimately inviting guests to do just that upon their stay – appreciate, embrace, and see the beauty that is the desert.

Restaurant recommendations: Proof, an American Canteen. Talavera, a contemporary Spanish steakhouse that focuses on traditional Latin ingredients.

#5 Hike Gateway Loop Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve

One of the best ways to embrace and experience the desert is to explore it in the early morning hours or later evening hours when the temperatures are not too hot and starting to finally cool off. A great spot to check out is McDowell Sonoran Preserve and its Gateway Loop Trail.

A 4.5-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 650 feet, this hiking trail wanders up to a low saddle before winding back to the Gateway Trailhead. The length and grade changes make this a moderately difficult hike, but one worth trying. Make your way at an enjoyable pace while enjoying the wildflowers and wildlife. Though this trail is moderate in intensity, it is suitable for trail running. 

You can also look into working with REI Co-op Experiences. REI Co-op stands behind one simple belief that a life outdoors is a life well-lived. Learn all about the wildlife and unique flora that thrive in the Arizona landscape and get answers to all of your questions from seasoned guides. REI’s guides in Arizona are local experts itching to share their knowledge of the Sonoran Desert and their favorite outdoor places with fellow hikers and outdoorsmen (or women).

#6 Indulge in Local Spa Services

Another way to embrace the desert as an oasis is to explore local spa services that incorporate elements from the desert itself. If you check into the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, you will also have access to their spa, which offers an extensive array of Indigenous, innovative, and seasonal body treatments, clay wraps, facials, scrubs, and skin treatments.

A personal recommendation of mine would be the nopal massage, which incorporates an element from the desert – the nopal cactus. The nopal cactus, more commonly known as the prickly pear cactus, is famous for offering health benefits due to its high antioxidant, mineral, and vitamin content. The massage incorporates the application of warm cactus gel delivered straight from the cactus paddles themselves right onto your skin, which feels absolutely heavenly.

#7 Pool Time at the Princess

Another great way to enjoy the desert while also staying cool is to pull up a pool chair and take a dip in the pool while you enjoy the sun rays of the desert sun and the surrounding desert setting. A great spot? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Located on 65 acres in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has come to reflect the dynamic environment that surrounds it – a mixture of a sophisticated Southwestern community and a spectacular desert environment. This AAA Five Diamond luxury resort reflects the true beauty, charm, and warmth of the Southwest including the desert. 

Fairmont Scottsdale offers no fewer than five distinctive restaurants and lounges and a host of superb boutiques.  Let’s not forget the beautiful six heated outdoor swimming pools including an adults-only pool.

Restaurant recommendations: La Hacienda.

#8 See the Sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon

The Sonoran Desert is a unique and beautiful place when observed from ground level, but the view from above is astounding in its expansiveness and grandeur. Hot air ballooning is a wonderfully fun and surprisingly tranquil experience to embrace the desert as an oasis from a completely different, new, and unique vantage point. 

A sunrise ride with Hot Air Expeditions provides magnificent views of desert terrain and towering mountain ranges, as well as the opportunity to spot local plant life and wildlife – all from up to 5,000 feet. The view from the balloon’s handcrafted wicker basket is virtually unobstructed during flight, which is a photographer’s dream.

#9 Walk Up to Pinnacle Peak

Another beautiful outdoor hiking option includes a bike ride or walk up to Pinnacle Peak. Wake up early to a sunrise hike or explore the Sonoran Desert on a mountain bike all while immersing yourself in the beauty of the high Sonoran Desert.

Beat the Desert Heat and Cool Off

Embracing the beauty of the desert is a magical experience, but if you need a break from the desert heat, sun, and surroundings, try one or all of these options.

#1 Book an Ayurvedic treatment with Dr. Thanki at Second Nature Clinic

Feeling off after a long flight? Book yourself an Ayurvedic treatment with Dr. Thanki at Second Nature Clinic. This Natural Medicine hub is located in Old Town Scottsdale and offers 

Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Medical Therapies. 

Dr. Thanki is a believer in introducing components in the realm of natural health that eventually become a “second nature” part of a self-care routine. Get it? Second nature. This is the reason that the Zen Lounge Experience (happy hour for the mind, body, and soul) came to fruition.

Second Nature Clinic brings a personalized approach to eliminating health conditions, restoring balance, and transforming lives and offers a variety of services including acupuncture treatments, IVs, and massages among so much more. 

I highly recommend a hot oil massage, which helps to restore balance in the body and ground you in the present moment of your current desert oasis adventure.

#2 Eat Light Bites and Taste Some Sips at The Wine Collective

Okay, so when you are in the desert you definitely need to hydrate, but if you are interested in sipping on something other than water, take a trip to The Wine Collective, Old Town Scottsdale’s only one-stop-shop for Arizona wines. 

This Napa-style tasting room pairs Arizona wine flights with artisan meats, cheeses, and curated local chocolates. Stay and enjoy a glass of wine on the beautiful patio or take home a bottle of Arizona wines. Maybe both.

With over 30 wines open to taste, you will discover new wine regions, varietals, and winemakers. This hidden gem does an excellent job at representing the unrepresented on the Scottsdale wine trail. Cheers to that!

#3 Enjoy a Sound Bath Meditation at Shanti Sound

If you are looking for another way to completely zen out, stop by Shanti Sound for a sound bath. The therapeutic vibrations of sound have been utilized throughout human history to accelerate the body’s healing mechanisms, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. 

Receiving a sound bath and spending time in a meditative state will provide a multitude of healing benefits, reset the central nervous system, and soothe anxiety and stress. The best part is that there is absolutely no effort or preparation required other than to arrive, relax, and receive.

I am not going to lie, this was a service I was super skeptical about, and truly believed the power of sound would do absolutely nothing for me. To my surprise, this was a magical experience that completely zenned me out in a way I never have experienced before. It practically put me to sleep in the most relaxed way ever. This is an experience I highly recommend and will definitely do again!

Note: Featuring a 1,200 SF open area, Shanti Sound is a full-service meditation studio with blankets, bolsters, and yoga mats provided for convenience.

Plan Your Next Desert Oasis Adventure

The next time you are thinking of planning a long weekend or week away, abandon the usual locations and try something new and unexpected like the desert vibes of the Southwest in Scottsdale, Arizona. To start planning your desert getaway, check out Experience Scottsdale and follow them on Instagram.