The J.W. Camelback Resort and Spa is one of those places... once visited, never forgotten. The grand resort is set among the foothills of Camelback Mountain, from which it takes its name. Camelback first opened for play in 1936, and claims to have been Scottsdale's premier golf destination ever since. The claim is true enough, at least in my opinion. And the resort is "Grand" in every sense of the word: J.W. Marriott Resorts never do anything on a small scale:
My first visit to Camelback was way back in 1984; it was an impressive resort even then. Today, the resort offers a complete family experience; for us golfers, however, it's the two amazing, 18-hole golf courses that are the main attraction. Designed by Arther Hills and Arthur Jack Snyder, these 36-holes of championship golf are a golfer's dream come true. But there's more, much more: resort amenities include the signature Spa at Camelback, lavish meeting space for conferences and events, hotel casitas with traditional Southwestern décor are spread throughout the resort's desert landscape. All of the guest rooms at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale have balconies or patios, with private pools available. The resort also boasts an extensive pool complex ideal for family vacations. And all of this is located just minutes from downtown Phoenix, AZ, and all the other great golf courses and resorts in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.Camelback Golf Club features:
- Two-championship, 18 hole courses
- Practice facility that includes a complete driving range with chipping and putting greens
- A 36,000-square-foot pueblo-style clubhouse designed by Douglas Fredrikson
- A 2,400-square-foot golf shop named one of Golf World Business' Top 100 Golf Shops
- The Golf Grill, serving American classics and an exquisite Sunday Brunch in Southwestern country club style
- A luxurious lounge with outdoor, fireside patio seating Meeting and event space for groups of 15 to 300
- Golf Memberships
- A John Jacobs/Shelby Futch Golf Academy
The Courses:
Padre CourseDesigned and created by world-renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, Padre promises an enjoyable and unforgettable golf adventure. Towering trees, subtle landforms and impressive bunkering to sharpen your game are just some of the features of this innovative layout. At just over 6,900 yards, this par 72 design is known for its strategic layout and challenging water holes; the 9th hole was recently voted the best water hole in the state by Arizona Golf Magazine.
Indian Bend Course
Indian Bend is a traditional American links-style course designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and seemingly dropped down in a stunningly breathtaking setting with magnificent mountain backdrops, lush palm and eucalyptus-lined fairways, and scenic water holes. At 7,014 yards, this par 72 course features a dynamic layout that will surely test your skills. Tough as it seems at first sight, it does in actuality offer a friendly golf experience for players of all levels of skill.
Recreation at Camelback
Camelback Inn offers a whole range of different activities, including basketball, a pitch n' putt golf, two heated swimming pools - the Jackrabbit Pool offers beverage and dining service from 10am - 8pm daily and the lap pool at The Spa is available for the swimmers looking for a total work-out.
Beyond the Resort you can discover thousand-year-old ruins and the latest fashions on 5th Avenue. You can explore the region on horseback, by jeep, white-water raft, even hot air balloon.
If Tennis is your game, you have a "one-of-a-kind" experience awaiting you. Camelback Inn's Tennis Pavilion, features three all-weather courts lit for night play, and one screened for private play. Plus, the Tennis Pavilion's "matching service" will pair you with other players of equal skill level. Lessons, clinic, ball machines and racquet rentals are also available.
Hopalong College, the hotel's seasonal program for children ages 5-12, offers a great assortment of fun, educational festivities designed to make youngsters feel at home. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, water games, tennis clinics, bicycling, nature walks, breakfast rides, ice cream socials, "camelhunts", cookouts, Indian storytelling and computer classes. In short, you can rest easy knowing they'll be well looked after while you're out on the course or playing tennis.
The Spa at Camelback:
No resort worth the name would be complete without a world-class spa, and spas are JW Marriott's forte'. The Spa at Camelback is recognized as one of the top 100 best spas in the world in the premier spa guide, 100 Best Spas Of The World; The Spa at Camelback Inn is perennially voted "best spa and best massage in Phoenix" by the readers of Phoenix Magazine as well as "best spa" by Scottsdale Life. The 32,000-square-foot, world-class facility includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, 32 treatment rooms and Scottsdale's only spa restaurant, Sprouts. Panoramic views of the crimson-hued Camelback and Mummy mountains complete the experience.
Camelback Inn, Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona, 480-948-1700
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How to Get There:
The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX / KPHX). This airport offers international and domestic flights from Phoenix, Arizona and is about 8 miles from the center of Scottsdale, AZ.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
- Airlines - Compare Prices for airfares to Scottsdale
- Rental Cars - Compare Prices for car rentals in Scottsdale
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