If your travel plans have been waylaid by the current pandemic, I encourage you to consider a “staycation” at one of the valley’s most chic and stylish resorts, Mountain Shadows Resort. Hubby and I recently stole away for a night of rest and relaxation in the midst of the hectic winter holidays. Even though the resort is located within a few miles of our home, the minute we stepped into the lobby, we felt as if we were transported far away to a luxurious desert hideaway. Read on to the end of the post to see how you too can escape to Mountain Shadows using my special promotional code.
Mountain Shadows Resort is so named for being situated in Paradise Valley, literally in the shadow of Phoenix’s majestic Camelback Mountain, and was designed using the inspiration of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Originally built in 1959 as a mid-century retreat for the rich and famous, Mountain Shadows was completely torn down and rebuilt in 2017, reopening to great fanfare. There are 183 retro-inspired guest rooms, suites, and residences, a restaurant called Hearth ’61, led by award-winning chef, Charles Wiley, two 75-foot pools, a par-3 golf course redesigned by Forrest Richardson, and indoor and outdoor event spaces.
After an easy check-in, we settled into our king bedroom with a private balcony. We had a gorgeous view of the courtyard and Camelback Mountain. Color tones throughout the resort reflect cool blues and greys. I loved the large walk-in shower, the vanity area with the blue velvet stools, the coffee station (very important!), and the lounge chairs on the patio.
We stopped by the bar to pick up a cocktail before touring the grounds. Wesley the bartender whipped up a Cosmopolitan-type cocktail for me using a house-made pomegranate syrup and Hubby ordered a Pomegranate Yuzu Punch, with Hendrick’s gin, pomegranate syrup, yuzu, lime juice, and campari. We walked outside in the courtyard and admired resort and the views of Camelback Mountain, before catching the last rays of light fade at Rusty’s Patio & Lounge, a casual bar with snack food catering mainly to the golfing crowd.
We ate dinner at Mountain Shadow Resort’s renowned restaurant, Hearth ’61, whose name reflects the year of the incorporation of Paradise Valley. Hearth ’61 is a beautiful dining space, with a wide open exhibition kitchen centered around the namesake hearth, that serves a menu of local and seasonal ingredients under the direction of Chef Charles Wiley, an award-winning chef with 40 years of experience. Plus, add to the fact that the Food and Beverage Director, Jim Gallen, has worked at some of the valley’s finest establishments, and you have an incredible combination.
I stuck to the fish dishes, starting with a Ahi Tartar with Persian cucumbers and shishito peppers, and then moved on to the Hawaiian Swordfish with Calabrian chili oil. Hubby ordered the Duroc Farms Pork Chop, touted as being one of the best in the valley, and you did not hear him dispute otherwise.
I have written periodically about the various events offered at Hearth ’61, such as the Sipping Seminars here and here. I have also attended several food and wine events, like Chef Wiley’s cooking classes. It comes as no surprise then when I say that the food is outstanding at Hearth ’61, and if you haven’t been yet, then put it on your calendar. Mother’s Day Brunch is phenomenal here, as are the To Go family dinners prepared for special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is a certain attention paid to the customer that is rarely even found at small restaurants. Case in point, for breakfast the next morning, when Hubby asked for a spicy salsa to accompany his omelet, they brought out three different kinds that the chefs whipped up at the spur of the moment. I challenge you to find this kind of personal service at any of the other resorts worldwide, much less in the valley.
As if this isn’t all reason enough to check out Mountain Shadows, I have a great offer for you: how do you feel about 10% off the room rate, plus a welcome amenity, and (when available) a room upgrade?!?! So great, right? There is no pre-payment required, and Mountain Shadows has a flexible 48-hour cancellation period. You just need to follow a couple of rules. First of all, book on their website, at www.mountainshadows.com, using the code TEXAZTASTE for the discount. Please note that the discount cannot be used for call-in reservations, and cannot be used retroactively to a reservation previously made on another plan. If you decide to take advantage of this wonderful deal, then be sure to drop me a line to let me know how you liked it! Enjoy my photos, feel free to ask me any questions, and here’s to wishing you a very happy new year!!! XoM
All photos by Marci Symington for TEXAZTASTE.COM.
