Nestled in the gorgeous Camelback Mountain, the stunning, multi award- winning, Montelucia Resort & Spa brings the beauty, class, luxury, soul and spirit of Europe to the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Every once in a while I find a hotel that I can hardly wait to write about. I happily discovered a hotel that is so unique and fabulous, that it is truly exciting for me to review and tell the world. I completely loved the Montelucia Resort & Spa and enjoyed every second of my stay.

With the plush ambiance of a delightful Andalusian village, the resort features 293 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, the Moroccan-inspired Joya Spa, six amazing dining options including the critically-acclaimed Prado Restaurant,  and a multitude of beautiful pools. It is located in the exclusive residential area of Paradise Valley. This storybook resort offers a perfect location with easy access to golf, recreation, nightlife, and entertainment. 

In every single aspect possible, I was treated royally by the entire friendly and eager to please staff. From the moment I arrived, my every need was taken care of effortlessly.

I greatly enjoyed walking around the opulent grounds on my way to indulge in one activity to another. The fountain-lined Alhambra Walkway seemed to transport me to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain which it was modeled after. Through meticulous details and magnificent creative attention to design, the Mediterranean countries of Southern Spain and Italy lend to the decor and ambiance of the resort and spa’s vibrant colors, feel, and architecture. There are more than 170 European and Moroccan antiquities that can be found around the property, including 16th century hand-carved doors sourced from Andalusia.
 
Guest Rooms & Suites:
 
I felt comfortable, at home, and loved everything about the lavish, sophisticated, warm yet chic rooms that I saw and stayed in. This hotel managed to create and combine old world charms with modern day luxury. The attractive, well appointed Montelucia guestrooms have rich hued colors that are accented with a distressed Cantera stone entryway. The room is decorated with dark lavish wood throughout, which was so lovely and relaxing to be in. The bathroom is outrageous with its oversized tiles, awesome sunken tub and separate glass shower. The views I enjoyed from my grand terrace of the majestic Arizona mountain range and pool was nothing short of glorious. I felt as pampered and spoiled as a movie star. The room offered all the amenities you could want or need (including a flat-screen 42-inch TV with interactive on-screen guest guide, iPod docking station and data port for in-room surround sound, wired and wireless high-speed Internet). The Custom-designed, ultra-luxurious and cozy Devine Beds are quite plush and I felt as if I was sleeping on a cloud. The Egyptian cotton 300-thread-count felt divine and insured a perfect night’s sleep. I truly never wanted to leave my comfy and quiet room, but I had to as I couldn't wait to experience all the hotels delights and offerings.

The hotel has a total of 293 guest rooms, with large private terraces and mountain and pool views.  Among the guestrooms are 38 luxury suites from 640 square feet with private terraces, separate living areas and dazzling views.

Also available is a 2,800 square foot Camelback Villa featuring two bedrooms with a sprawling private event lawn, outdoor and direct mountain views.

You might wish to stay in the amazing 2,800 square foot Andalusian Presidential Suite featuring two bedrooms with hand-painted ceilings, marble entryway, direct mountain views and a private pool. Decadent!

Joya Spa:

The Joya Spa is one of the most over-the-top gorgeous spas I have ever had the good fortune to experience anywhere. The Spa features Arizona’s only authentic Hammam. Inspired by the deserts of Morocco, the moment I set foot inside the incredibly spacious lobby of Joya, I knew I had arrived in a very special place indeed. I immediately sensed, on a profound level, an absolutely magical, awe-inspiring and relaxing atmosphere. I felt an aura of well-being and spirituality the moment I walked into this mysterious, exotic and beautiful environment. This spa is first class from its beauty, services, talented spa staff and therapists, wellness programs, musical selections and extravagantly spacious environment and treatment rooms to the many uniquely lovely and dramatic relaxation rooms (The white quiet room of 10 beds and the red Moroccan room) and amenities offered. The afternoon I spent in this brilliant unparalleled spa brought me memorable experiences that inspired rebirth, serenity, relaxation, pampering, joy and tranquility of the highest degree.

Joya Spa extends over 31,000 square feet and includes the impressive Hammam bathing area, 19 serene treatment rooms, plush lounges, peaceful spa pool terrace with mountain view and luxury suites like the private Grand Palace Suite – an 850-square-foot suite with a king-size daybed, whirlpool, fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to the pool terrace. I must say that the Joya Spa artistically blends the highest of technological advances with pleasurable simplicity. The spa offers high-tech accoutrements like a zero-gravity pedicure chair, a massage table that vibrates in tune to the music, and top-of-the-line fitness equipment. Do not miss out on this spa experience that you will never forget!!!

Montelucia Resort & Spa features six dining options:
 
Joya Terrace: serves healthful spa cuisine
Crave Café: reminiscent of a European café offers gelato, coffee, sandwiches and wraps.
Various poolside dining options
Spa bistro: fare on the rooftop pool deck or in the privacy of your spa suite.
ROQ Outdoor American Bistro: features modern twists on American classics alfresco


Prado Restaurant: the resort’s signature, Four Diamond restaurant, serves an imaginatively creative and diverse menu of Italian flavors and contemporary seasonal cuisine as well as an extensive wine list. The decor is inspired by the beautiful domed ceilings, dramatic archways and oral-draped terraces of the Michelangelo-designed Villa San Michele in Tuscany, Italy. The inside of Prado is elegant yet relaxed. However, I enjoyed a more casual dining setting outside overlooking firewalls, a huge fireplace and fountains. It was simply wonderful. Prado’s menu showcases Chef de Cuisine Peter DeRuvo’s artistic, versatility and talent for masterfully layering flavors from around the world, served in an intimate and cozy setting.

I would love to offer a few of my dining suggestions. However, even the most sophisticated of foodies can't go wrong with anything on the Prado menu. I thank Arne Richardson the manager for all his help and food suggestions.

 
 
Start with the crazy fantastic Antipasti:

It offers so many delectable flavors in one dish and looks like poetry on a plate!

Fritto Misto: A tantalizing fried dish with crispy calamari, shrimp, sole, zucchini, onion, tomato etc. A burst of tasty flavors.

Nonna’s  Spaghetti : Add some lobster and oh, is this dish to die for. YUMM!  An authentic  taste of Italy! 

Half organic chicken duo: Light, healthy and delectable!

Filet of Beef: An outstanding filet at its best! It is sinfully great.

Wild Stripped Bass Al Cartoccio: delicate, melts in your mouth, a scrumptious dish.

Every dessert is a winner! So go for it!

The dishes are prepared with the freshest and best seasonal ingredients found locally and beyond. You will long remember the tastes and flavors of this fine restaurant for eternity.

Within Prado is Mbar, featuring tequila and tapas in an ambiance perfect for socializing.

The hotel offers:

Fitness center

Hair and nail services

24-hour Instant Service, Concierge, Business Center and Fitness Center

Planet Trekkers Kids Club with educational games, Wii, X-Box and a Mac computer lounge

VIP access to top championship golf courses with Troon Golf Vacations

Four sparkling pools with 30 luxurious poolside cabanas

Meetings & Events

More than 27,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 74,000 square feet of outdoor space

2 ballrooms, 9,216 and 4,590 square feet

Castillo Lucena, 2,400 square feet

14 breakout rooms

2 private dining rooms

6 hospitality suites

2 luxury presidential suites

7 unique outdoor event locations ranging from 500 – 23,000 square feet

Weddings & Social Events

Resort designed for social parties and galas for 10 to more than 1,000 guests, offering spectacular venues for any celebration.

Wedding venues include: Castillo Lucena, Sunset Garden Lawn, Valencia Lawn, Camelback Wedding Villa & Event Lawn, Valencia Ballroom and Alhambra Ballroom

Bridal preparation room offering privacy and access to Castillo Lucena

Wedding-designed spa and salon treatments for the entire bridal party, made even more relaxing in the oversize spa suites.

200 area golf courses, nationally award-winning restaurants, 125 art galleries and museums, vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping
Contacts for hot air ballooning, hiking, horseback riding.

Centrally located, day trips to Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Tombstone.

Readers, I cannot recommend the Montelucia Resort & Spa highly enough. I rate it an A+, hands down. From its beauty, hospitality, activities, and services, DO NOT miss out on a memorable resort experience on your next vacation, honeymoon, business or family travels. Staying at this stellar resort was like taking a journey into a world of opulence, excellence, fun, serenity, class and relaxation. I was so spoiled at this resort that I almost (Almost ) felt guilty! BRAVO!

I would like to thank Erica Rich for all her help in making this article possible!

Montelucia Resort & Spa
4949 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
888.627.3010 or 480.627.3200
For more information go to:  www.montelucia.com