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A recent renovation project at Boulders Resort & Spa refreshed the resort in the Valley of the Sun that opened in 1985 but was millions of years in the making.

That’s a lot of centuries, but the proof is rock solid and all around. Everywhere a visitor looks, quirky rock formations abound at the aptly named resort in Carefree, Ariz., that dropped Waldorf Astoria from its title after new ownership took over and is now managed through the Curio Collection by Hilton.

The resort and its two golf courses spread out over 1,300 acres of Sonoran Desert, where endless foothills, granite boulders, cacti, indigenous plants, wildflowers, palo verde trees and rugged foliage combine for an eerily beautiful scene. The North and South courses have enough variety to give visitors a different feel if multiple days of golf are on the agenda. Both of the Jay Morrish-designed layouts have received national recognition and differ slightly from typical desert designs in that forced carries off the tee aren’t a constant part of the round. But that doesn’t mean sprayed tee shots will easily be found because desert waste areas are prevalent, as they are in most places in this part of the country.

“The golf, obviously, is a huge part of the attraction here,” said resort general manager Howard Harris. “The layouts have a lot of diversity and charm.”

The North plays slightly longer than the South (6,811/6,726 yards), with the latter’s layout tighter to some of the property’s eclectic rock formations and putting surfaces near boulder piles and desert foliage that handsomely frame green complexes. The North is a little more open regarding fairways, and the desert areas and washes are a bit wider and deeper.

Off the links, the 160 casitas and 61 pueblo villas and haciendas blend into the landscape and have a calming and spiritual feel. The upgrades to the casitas maintained the adobe-style architecture and signature fireplaces and include an updated interior design and new finishes and furnishings. The casitas are grouped in village-like clusters around a main lodge that houses a couple of the resort’s restaurants and lounges. A lively dining experience can also be had at the Spotted Donkey Cantina at el Pedegral, an outdoor shopping and culinary area that is part of the resort’s sprawling property.

“The changes are truly remarkable,” Harris said of the renovations that started in May 2015 and were completed this summer. “The fresh look preserves our rich history by continuing to draw inspiration from our surrounding desert environs.”

The resort’s serene scene is enhanced by its 33,000-square foot spa, health and fitness center. The site has one of the property’s two pools, in addition to various treatment rooms, exercise locations, movement rooms, a yoga studio, café and an organic garden. It’s all a refreshing microcosm of the Southwestern aura and Native American influences that are prevalent in the region.

RENOVATION HIGHLIGTHS

Some of the resort’s upgrades and renovations include:

Main Lodge

A sophisticated, yet casual, look includes new furniture upholstered in warm natural palettes and hand-woven carpeting infused with rich desert tones.

Discovery Lounge

Views of the Sonoran Desert and the 12-million-year-old boulder formations take center stage at the lounge and its floor-to-ceiling windows. The room’s furnishings include large sofas and chairs in deep muted shades of persimmon, white and navy.

Palo Verde

The restaurant’s décor now complements its contemporary Southwestern cuisine, as the renovation added wood patchwork panels to the hexagon dome of the ceiling and geometric parquet wood flooring. New furnishings for the outdoor patios offer a relaxed dining experience. 

Bakery Café

The new interior is spacious and viewed as a melding of a European espresso bar with contemporary stylized features. Patio outdoor seating serves as a place to gather on a sunny morning or afternoon.

Casitas

The 550-square-foot rooms have a fresh palette of earthy desert tones with teal and orange accents. Enhancements include a headboard wall with indigenous patterns and detailing; art and colorful chair pillows that are juxtaposed with area rugs in bold colors and patterns; contemporary chairs; a spacious shower with high-end fixtures and pebble walls; and private patios with fresh decking and custom lighting.

For more information, or to make a reservation, call (866) 397-6520, (480) 488-9009 or visit TheBoulders.com.