His and Hers: The Boulders Resort, Carefree, Ariz.
05/01/2005
The Boulders Resort, Carefree, Ariz.The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa grew from the genius pairing of a world-renowned spa with world-class golfing. Just a 30-minute drive from Phoenix, the 1,300-acre resort on the high Sonoran desert boasts approximately 750 private homes. The first major construction in 10 years is creating another 26 luxury golf villas ranging from $1.2 million to $2 million. They will line the fifth and sixth fairways of Boulders’ South Course, with completion of the first Santa Fe–style units scheduled for January 2006.
Homeowners who join the Boulders Club have full access to the 33,000-square-foot Golden Door Spa. Designed in Southwestern style with adobe walls and pine timbers, the west wing houses the fitness center, yoga and Pilates studios and the Spa Café.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The resort’s North Course is renowned for its challenging play and unspoiled
beauty. (Click image to enlarge)The tranquil east wing of the spa, inspired by the ancient Honjin inns of Japan, features Japanese baths, 24 treatment rooms and outdoor facilities including a Watsu pool—where a trained Watsu therapist supports your body while moving you through water. You can stroll through a labyrinth made of brick, and enter an 18-foot tepee for guided meditation sessions with a Native American shaman. More pragmatic types can consult with nutritionists, lifestyle coaches and exercise physiologists. Various fitness classes are available: yoga, Pilates and tai chi, among them.
Built into the desert foothills, the North and South Courses at Boulders Resort are known for their demanding play and rugged beauty. The 6,811-yard North Course has a 73.4 rating and 137 slope, while the 6,726-yard South Course has a 73.3 rating and 140 slope.
Members of the Boulders Club have access to restricted clubhouse areas, and alternate with resort guests to ensure that they have one course to themselves every day. “It creates the ambience and experience of a private golf and country club,” says spokesman Brian Lawson. “There’s a sense of community.