If you’re looking for a luxurious lifestyle in a city that prioritizes health, outdoor activities, and public amenities, look no further than Scottsdale, Arizona. With its dry weather and resort-centric culture, Scottsdale is a prime destination for those seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle, with no shortage of opportunities for pickleball enthusiasts.
One of the best places to play pickleball in Scottsdale is G.R. Herberger Park, which attracts an active group of locals in the early morning hours. For those seeking private instruction, The Phoenician Resort offers one-hour private lessons for $120, and also has two dedicated pickleball courts. The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale also offers four dedicated courts and is a favorite among regulars.
But it’s not just about the pickleball. Scottsdale also boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts that double as pickleball meccas. The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is home to 17 pickleball courts, including a stadium court capable of hosting 400 spectators during tournaments. And the new Adero Scottsdale overlooks the Four Peaks and McDowell Mountains from a certified Dark Sky Community, offering stargazing from each of its 177 rooms in addition to its six pickleball courts.
When it comes to accommodations, Scottsdale has plenty of options to choose from. The Phoenician offers guests one hour of daily pickleball court time and equipment, as well as access to a two-story athletic club with a fitness center, free bikes for two hours a day, and a 37,000-square-foot spa with its own rooftop pool. And for those seeking a mid-century modern vibe, the Hotel Valley Ho offers convenient access to downtown Scottsdale, as well as two swimming pools and architectural tours of the 1956-vintage property.
And of course, no luxury lifestyle would be complete without fine dining. Old Town Scottsdale offers a concentration of restaurants with enticing options morning, noon, and night.
Start the day at Farm & Craft, which focuses on healthy fare with flair, including açai bowls with fresh berries and almond butter and poached egg–topped avocado toast. For lunch, score a table at the Herb Box, a popular downtown Scottsdale café with a shaded patio in the back. And for dinner, make reservations several weeks in advance to dine at Tratto, newly named to the New York Times’s list of 50 favorite restaurants in the country.
But if you need a break from the courts and the dining scene, Scottsdale also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. The western home and architecture school of Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West, captures the architect’s love of the desert in outdoor pavilions and skylit rooms. And for a true escape into the wilderness, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers over 225 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty, including the 5.1-mile round-trip Tom’s Thumb Lookout Viewpoint Trail, which gains about 1,000 feet of elevation en route past granite rock formations, wildflower patches, and profuse cacti.
In conclusion, Scottsdale is a paradise for those seeking luxury, outdoor activities, and a vibrant community of pickleball enthusiasts. With its abundance of amenities and stunning natural beauty, Scottsdale is the perfect place to call home for those seeking a truly fulfilling lifestyle. So come for the pickleball, stay for the resort living, and explore all that this wonderful city has to offer.