Wellness classes take place in the privacy of your room at this Arizona resort

It’s not often I invite a stranger into my room at bedtime. The first and only time was at Mountain Shadows Resort in Arizona. She was there to perform a Good Night Reiki session, designed to clear my mind, relax my body, and bring about restorative sleep. It was my first night at the resort, and the session was just one part of a personalized itinerary created through <a href="https://mountainshadows.com/blog/unique-scottsdale-wellness-experiences-tailored-to-you-introducing-the-citizens-curator/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Citizens Curator, the resort’s wellness concierge service. 

I was a little nervous about the Reiki session. I wasn’t familiar with the practice and worried I might feel too self-conscious to fully relax. But my practitioner’s soothing voice and gentle demeanor quickly put me at ease. The session included soft music and quiet verbal affirmations as she moved her hands above my body

I usually wake up frequently, unable to still my mind. That night was different. I slept deeply, and when I did stir to change positions, I drifted back to sleep almost immediately. By morning, I felt rested, energized, and ready for the day

The Citizens Curator experience

I came to Arizona for a reset after a difficult year. A few days of sunshine, desert scenery, and wellness programming felt like exactly what I needed. 

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Citizens Curator isn’t a one-size-fits-all package. A wellness concierge customizes an itinerary to fit your needs and desires. It can be something as simple asmorning yoga or pilates, followed by an afternoon at the pool, or fitness experiences like Par 3 golf and wellness walks. 

I selected experiences designed to relax my mind and nourish my body. In addition to the Goodnight Reiki Ritual, I booked an in-room sound healing session. I’ve always loved sound healing, but I’d only participated in group settings. The private session was a revelation. 

I’ve always loved sound healing, but I’d only participated in group settings. Usually, the experiences took place lying on a yoga mat on a lawn or hard floor. The private session was a revelation. Since it took place in the privacy of my room, I was able to lie in my soft bed as sounds and vibrations from crystal bowls swirled around me. 

My mind quieted, my body relaxed, and I drifted into an in-between state where I wasn’t quite asleep and wasn’t fully awake. By the time the session ended, I felt centered, calm, and refreshed

My last activity was a Healthy Table cooking demonstration with Chef Charles Wiley, executive chef of Mountain Shadows. His accolades include “The Ten Best New Chefs in America” from Food & Wine magazine and recognition by the James Beard Foundation as “One of the Best Hotel Chefs of America.” 

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During the demonstration, Chef Wiley prepared a three-course meal in under an hour, sharing practical tips and healthier ingredient swaps along the way. The dishes were delicious, and I left with simple recipes for farro with kimchi and asparagus, salmon, and cucumber-honeydew gazpacho, which I’ve already recreated at home to my boyfriend’s delight. 

About Mountain Shadows Resort 

Mountain Shadows Resort is one of the most picturesque stays in the Scottsdale area, set in Paradise Valley between Camelback and Mummy Mountain. The property opened in 1959 and quickly gained fame as a celebrity hangout, attracting guests such as Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, and Sammy Davis Jr

The resort closed in 2004. In 2014, the old structure was razed, and the new Mountain Shadow Resort opened in 2017. Today, Mountain Shadows carries forward the mid-century modern identity of the original property while presenting a more refined, contemporary take. 

The architecture is low to the ground, with clean lines, flat planes, and expansive glass walls to showcase the views. Courtyards, shaded walkways, and layered outdoor spaces allow you to enjoy the views from virtually any place in the property, while details like breeze block walls pay homage to the resort’s original design

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Inside, the look is saturated with natural materials and desert-toned finishes, inviting the scenery to take center stage. 

Accommodations at Mountain Shadows Resort 

My premium guest room was 427 square feet, plus a 95-square-foot private balcony to start my day with morning coffee. The decor was a blend of contemporary and mid-century elements with a concrete ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and hues of white, taupe, brown, and black. 

An open bathroom concept made the already generously sized room seem even larger, with a clear-glass shower, a privacy curtain, and a toilet behind a separate door.  

The room was thoughtfully designed with a reading chair, a work station, and a headboard with built-in nightstands. I especially appreciated small touches like cozy robes, plush bedding, in-room coffee, and luxurious Red Flower bath amenities. 

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Other accommodation styles include suites, penthouses, and residences. 

Food and drink 

Rusty’s serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks on a casual outdoor patio adjacent to the golf course. I ordered a platter of fresh fruit and an asian cobb salad. Both were excellent. 

Hearth ’61 is the pinnacle of the Mountain Shadows Resort culinary experience and has been consistently recognized as one of Scottsdale’s best restaurants. The environment is upscale, with indoor or outdoor seating options, and an exhibition-style kitchen featuring a hearth oven. Brunch includes options like banana ricotta pancakes, baja shrimp tacos, and a breakfast parfait with berries and honey yogurt. 

The Hearth ’61 dinner menu revolves around fresh flavors and inventive takes on favorites such as an Iberian pork chop with a black-pepper glaze, roasted halibut with chorizo gnocchi, and blistered shishitos with red harissa aioli and delicate bonito flakes. I sampled several dishes, and every bite was outstanding

The adjacent bar has a posh yet lively vibe and a separate menu of casual bites, like cheese boards and burgers, alongside expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. 

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Further food and drink options include room service or poolside dining. 

Standout Amenities 

Amenities at Mountain Shadows Resort include The Citizen Club, a wellness complex with two pools, cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and complimentary fitness classes. 

The adults-only Sunset pool provides daybeds, plush lounge chairs, and stunning views of Camelback Mountain. 

The resort is also home to an 18-hole Par-3 golf course, a pro shop, and electric vehicle chargers. Complimentary valet parking and golf club rentals are included in the resort fee. 

How to get the most bang for your buck 

Check out Mountain Shadow Resort’soffers page for special discounts, packages, and promotions

Tamara Gane Creator
Tamara Gane is based in Reno/Lake Tahoe. She writes about hotels, national parks, travel gear, and travel destinations for dozens of newspapers and magazines.
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