Roughly 20 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona, the Carefree Highway slips away off Interstate 17 and runs due east toward the desert foothills. It ends at a hulking mound of 12-million-year-old granite rocks as haunting as the monuments of lost civilizations. It’s as if the Earth itself had heaved up a great dam against the urban sprawl that is rapidly devouring acre after acre of the Valley of the Sun.
Hidden behind those rocks is a 1,300-acre resort sensitively designed to preserve the raw power of the surrounding Sonoran Desert while cradling guests in uncommon comfort. Dubbed The Boulders, it takes the very shape and color of the rocks as an architectural model. The main lodge blends so well with the stones behind that from a distance it seems to be part of the landscape itself. So too do the 160 generously sized rooms, which have fireplaces, traditional viga ceilings, leather chairs, and private patios or balconies. Scattered below that pile of rocks, they occupy low, pueblo-like casitas the color of adobe and are thus themselves barely visible among the saguaro cactus, feathery palo verde trees, and the rest of a botanical garden of desert foliage. Rabbits, quail, and roadrunners scurry across paths and in and out of the foliage.
No less impressive are its two sterling golf courses—both the North Course & the South Course rank among the top 75 resort courses in the nation—and its tennis club and spa. There are natural trails and paths around the grounds including el Pedregal on the far side or to the top of the rock for sunset views across the Valley of the Sun.
The tennis and pickleball complex also basks in that desert landscape. Its five hard tennis courts and twelve pickleball courts cluster below the golf clubhouse, where they share space with a swimming pool, fitness center, and modest tennis pro shop with views to the west of that riveting pile of rock. It is 10 to 15 degrees cooler there in this part of Scottsdale than it is in Phoenix, which encourages guests and members to play.
Tennis director Dale Light and his staff follow the hotel’s policy of providing attentive service, which on the courts means working assiduously to set up games. “I want us to have a complete program so that people can come from anywhere and get all the tennis they want,” says Light.
Tennis Staff: I’ve known Dale Light since the 1980s when he was at New Mexico’s Inn of the Mountain Gods. I caught up with him again, Dale Light, Boulders Resort and Spa, Carefree, Arizonamore than a decade later, at Colorado’s Broadmoor, where he started a tennis aerobics program and worked with its then camp director and former U.S. Davis Cup Captain Dennis Ralston. He continues to introduce innovative ideas here at Boulders, a post he’s held since 2000. Currently he describes his approach as “Heart-Centered Holistic Coaching,” which, he says, strives to find a balance and purpose in playing. “I’m not Dr. Dale,” he told me, “but I have a really good background in the healing arts.” And it’s that background he seeks to utilize in his approach to tennis coaching.
Tennis Programs: His weekly roster lists instruction and drill clinics every day of the week. At first glance, these may seem to be typical of those you’d find at any other active resort. What sets them apart, however, is Light’s approach to teaching. Adopting an Eastern-influenced philosophy (he spends three weeks in China each year), he feels that players can improve more by focusing on posture, alignment, and movement, and even health and diet, than from a narrow concentration on technique. He is also acutely attuned to differences in players’ internal makeups and strives to help them be aware of what he calls “their signature style” and to nurture it. “The joy we derive from tennis should come from engaging in a healthy, holistic, fun experience and not be dependent on winning,” he believes, adding “I teach completely from that place.”
Much of the activity at the courts is designed with local or seasonal members in mind, including leagues, tennis exchanges with local clubs, and special events. Guests, however, are welcome to take part in most of these activities, and every other week or so Light stages a social mixture, which also brings locals and guests together.
Court Complex: The five hard tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts spill down several levels through the natural desert landscaping and of plots of yucca, ocotillo cactus, and desert flowers in reds, oranges, and purples. Bike rentals are also available here. The courts lie perhaps a quarter mile from the rooms, along a nature trail through a botanical garden of desert species—though a free shuttle is available for those who choose not to walk. Mornings are generally busier than afternoons.
Court fees: $25/court-hour
Off Court
Golf Courses: Boulders has two 18-hole golf courses, Jay Morrish designed both to draw their power from the surrounding desert landscape.
Spa & Fitness Center: At 33,000 square feet, the Zen-inspired Spa at the Boulders delivers a broad range of treatments and services variously focused on relaxation, healing, and beauty using aromatic scents, organic ingredients, and therapeutic intentions.
Within the spa is a well-equipped fitness center spanning several rooms. A suite of Cardio workout equipment has been strategically placed to face windows that frame view of the desert foliage and rocks. Those are supplements an array of LifeFitness stations and free weights. Classes are offered in Pilates, Tai chi, yoga, and water fitness, as well as spinning, Zumba, stretching, TRX, and more.
Other options include guided hikes, boulder climbing, guided mountain biking tours, and nighttime bike rides along the golf cart paths while wearing night-vision lenses.
Dining: Palo Verde in the main lodge spills out onto a terrace that overlooks the golf course and duck pond. Its menu runs to contemporary Southwestern-inspired cuisine, sourced, as much as is feasible, locally. Alternatively, guests can dine at the Kitchen Grill and Bar in the golf clubhouse near the tennis courts, which serves everything from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and dry-aged steaks; at the Spotted Donkey Cantina in El Pedregal just a short walk or shuttle from the main resort, a popular hangout for Mexican food and tequila; or the Spa Cafe, which serves healthy, nutritious breakfast and lunch options prepared, when possible, from ingredients in the resort’s own gardens.
Accommodations
The lodging options at The Boulders begin with the 550-square-foot casita suites scattered through the desert to the north and south of the main Lodge, its restaurant, and swimming pool. Fresh from a total renovation, these spacious digs now sport flagstone floors, big leather chairs facing wood-burning fireplaces, viga ceilings, and outdoor patios or balconies with views of the desert and its foliage. Each has a huge bath with walk-in closet, separate tub and shower (the walls of the latter faced with a mosaic of colorful pebbly stones), twin sinks, and bright lighting. Guests needing more space or teams and groups of players can opt instead for one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas or even larger two-to-three-bedroom haciendas all with fully equipped kitchens and a range of luxury amenities.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though most comfortable from September to June.
Travel Instructions:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), roughly 20 miles to the south.
Love playing on their tennis courts. They keep them in great condition, resurfacing when necessary. The staff and instructors were friendly and helpful. Dale and Jheng especially. Their tennis lessons are very helpful, and a great workout, whether in a group or single session.
MJ
Best tennisinstruction and facilities ever. Great space and food is great.
BB
The courts are in a remarkably beautiful desert setting. The pros are superbly qualified, and are excellent teachers. Their daily group drills are fun and great practice. Resort guests and Boulders residents provide friendly competition if one needs a partner or an opponent. A few of the courts need maintenance work, which management has agreed to accomplish this summer.
MU
Great programs to improve both technical and game playing skills.
SP
Beautiful setting. Great courts. Excellent professional staff. What more could you ask for?
HT
Excellent ! I recently joined and have enjoyed the programs and plan to take advantage off the drills and coaching more as I have recently retired. Very professional and friendly atmosphere makes it a fun experience. My personal thanks to Dale, Jheng and the entire staff.
RB
the tennis program is stellar. the two pros are gracious, fun and great teachers. They have clinics which are fun. They do the stroke of the day early in the morning for those who just want to practice early in the morning. Both Dale and Jeng are fun. the setting is beautiful and the courts are good and player friendly. You couldn’t ask for much more for a tennis getaway. I come every year.
SH
Beautiful resort and excellent tennis program including tennis professionals
NG
My review will be a dated one. I hope they have changed. No one arranged tennis games/ match up. Basically you were on your own. Thank goodness my husband played tennis with me and we bumped into a couple we knew from back East so we could play doubles. The accommodations were very nice. The food was above average but the chef was annoyed when I sent back my duck beast that was cooked rare. Being pregnant at the time, I wanted week cooked fowl no matter how annoyed the chef was.
KM
The drills are a great offer for those that want to play tennis and have no one to play with
LW
Jheng & Dale, great clinics & enthusiasm for the game & teaching. Courts are probably in need of an upgrade….. Spa pool is the best for food & relaxing experience. Yoga program in the a.m. Is very strong. Water fitness with Dolores is a particular favorite. Very good gym, steam/sauna areas are getting a look of tiredness under the Curio brand.
MH
This resort is located on extraordinary grounds just north of Scottsdale in Carefree, AZ. This area is a lot more laid back than central Scottsdate–much less traffic and congestion. The courts are well maintained and beautiful views abound. The teaching staff is great. Dale is the head pro and is amazing. He can improve all aspects of one’s game. The assistant pro Jheng keeps drills lively. Limited hours during the summer heat so plan to play early or come back other months (Oct-May) for all day tennis.
VF
I love the Boulders Resort! It’s such a beautiful place to play tennis. Everyone is so nice and every day there is a good day. Love to shop at the tennis center, too!
TO
Our tennis team has Dale Light as our teaching pro. He is very professional, patient and all of our games have greatly improved. The setting is beautiful and all of the staff is very kind and helpful. We are blessed to have such a great facility and pro.
SL
Strong Pro/ nice setting by the pool/ reliable and responsive staff/ Changing room could be bigger
LR
Beautiful setting, wonderful people, courts are in tip top shape. Dale Light is fantastic; makes me feel as if I am keeping healthy as well as playing my favorite sport!
KS
I live nearby full time and play on a team out of the Boulders. I tell people all the time, that it is so beautiful I feel like I’m on vacation…
VM
I love Boulders. The desert setting is amazingly beautiful and the staff is wonderful. Instructors make you feel that they really want you to improve and enjoy tennis to the ultimate. I highly recommend going there!
ES
Highly recommend. Beautiful tennis courts in a beautiful setting. The coaching is first class and even though I am not a regular at coaching sessions (live abroad) I am always made very welcome when I am able to attend, and come away feeling I have learned something. First class facilities.
MH
This resort is surrounded by lush, native desert plants and outstanding million year old gigantic boulders hence the resort’s apt name. The tennis staff is friendly and professional. I take team clinics with the head pro Dale. He strives to help players with their mental game, position placement, footwork, among other instruction and is truly an extraordinary coach. This is our team’s home courts and our opponents are always complimenting the beauty surrounding the courts and the excellent condition of the courts and facilities.
JL
This is located in a beautiful area. Courts (one sort of red clay.. others cushioned hard surface) are in excellent shape. Nice bunch of tennis pros available for clinics and private lessons.
JP
Beautiful setting. Well-kept courts. And the best tennis instruction from pros Dale and Jheng you could ask for.
KL
Excellent facility, even better Pro’s!
SM
One of the best tennis resorts in the world! The staff are second to none.
CW
Outstanding ambience: scenery is drop-dead gorgeous. The welcome from everyone is genuine and friendly. Excellent courts and amenities (ice, towels, water). Superb staff, whether you’re reserving a court or taking clinics/lessons. These pros care about you, not just your game.
KD
Unique setting to play tennis with friendly staff (love Jheng) and great weather!
FD
THE BEST MATCH ARRANGING Each year I visit The Boulders with my friends. I have always requested for some game matches for me and my friend while in the property. Jheng one of the Pro was always very attentive of our needs. She works her magic each time! Last month I walked in and she remembers me. Of course she knew that I was looking for some matches, she made some phone calls and the next day, we had our games match up and the next few days. We will continue coming back to The Boulders because of her and she shows a lot of effort and making our stay a very memorable one!!!
FS
A gorgeous setting. Tennis courts in excellent condition.
RM
Variable court surfaces; beautiful weather year round
NS
Strengths: Experienced pleasant staff, beautiful setting Weakness: No lights, no backboard,cracks on some courts, fencing with holes, limited 3 of 4.0+ players
JB
Beautiful facility in a beautiful setting
SB
The setting is surreal – nothing can surpass gorgeous mountains and desert cactus, blooming in April. Dale, the head pro, is a master at his craft and his advice to me has been game-changing. He understands that high performance tennis requires more than the proper strokes – it calls for relaxed and mindful play..his coaching is a revelation – you must experience it!
TA
Great location in absolute beauty with well kept hard courts and experienced, fun tennis pros. Especially Jheng Wekow!
YD
Ask for Jheng Wekow!!! She’s awesome tennis pro! I went twice to see her. She remembered me right away even though some years had passed. First time I went with girlfriends (levels 3.5-4.5) and we did clinics and the second time I just got private lessons. She’s so fun, knowledgable and I can’t wait to go back – she is the first person I will call when I get back to the BOULDERS, in CAREFREE ARIZONA!!!!! HI Jheng!
TW
I live in the Carefree area, and have played tennis as a guest at the Boulders facility dozens of time over the past 10-12 years. it is an absolutely first-class facility, especially with the recent rebuilding of the back four courts. The scenery surrounding the courts is exceptional, but it is the warmth and personality of the teaching pros, Dale and Jheng, which sets it apart. They put every visitor at ease, and share their expertise in a positive way.
RC
We have played tennis and had instruction at the Colony Beach, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Palisades, Saddlebrook, and Valencia to name just a few. I said that to say this. Dale Light and his staff take a back seat to no one when it comes to instruction and arranging matches. Dale has a holistic approach to this wonderful game of ours. He and his staff can make you a better player, and a rekindle your love for this game.
RS
Playing tennis at the Boulders has been a great experience. Of course the surroundings are beautiful, but it’s the clinics that are really exceptional. While Dale does provide stroke development pointers, I believe my game has improved because of the insights he gives on the mental aspects of the game. Kathy, who works at the front desk, is very friendly and helpful. All in all, I know when I play at the Boulders I know it is going to be a great day of tennis!
CH
Very informative and different approach to the inner game of tennis. Dale helps Teach the mental portion of the game. Beautiful resort & surroundings. Serene.
MM
A wonderful facility with wonderful staff! What a beautiful setting. I highly recommend The Boulders!
PT
Amazing place to play tennis!! All My grandchildrens takes lessons from Jheng every year. She is such a wonderful teacher with great personality, and fun on and off the court. Dale has a unique teaching style than anyone one I know. Both tennis pro’s are OUTSTANDING!!!
JD
Love this place — the tennis staff is very accommodating and professional
MD
Fabulous tennis staff surrounded by stunning views, our favorite tennis resort in the world.
MV
I have been coming to this resort for a long time and it was so nice to see the same faces Jane and Dale. I know they have been there for quite a long time. Dale is such a great instructor, calm and have a lot of patience. Jane has always been so good in finding matches for me. She is probably the most efficient and hard worker that I have ever known. Best of all she is very friendly and full of life. I believe those 2 has been running the Boulders program for a long time that is why it’s very successful. The tennis facility is so beautiful and always kept clean. I am looking forward to my return this coming fall.
EM
A beautiful setting for tennis. Excellent professionals and classes.
GS
I think those of us who’ve stayed in other Waldorf Astoria Hotels may find The Boulders’ laid back rustic charm a bit disappointing. Rooms and common areas are in desperate need of renovation. However the Hotel’s natural setting, and the properties grounds are well maintained and quite simply spectacular. It’s as though you’ve arrived in the Flintstones’ Bedrock. We generally do not eat Hotel food as it’s often a disappointment so I cannot comment on The Boulders’ restaurants. The Hotels spa is apparently newer than the Hotel itself. We found our spa experience to be exceptional. My father played a round of golf and said the links course was quite challenging and very well maintained. Golf club ck-in was easy and the facility, although dated, was comfortable and clean. I took lessons from two of the tennis pros and found them both to be very beneficial. One pro focused on both technique and mental game, while the other was more a hitting coach. The tennis courts were in very good condition. Apparently several of the courts had been recently resurfaced. The staff was casual but respectful, friendly, very motivated and encouraging. I enjoy being pushed hard physically during a lesson and both pros saw to it that my expectations were met. The tennis pro shop is small, but it covered the basics; i.e. balls, racquets, restringing, cold drinks, etc. Finally let me add that the Hotel is in a fairly remote part of northern Scottsdale away from the more trendy downtown area which boasts lots of shopping, restaurants, art galleries and other amenities. Some may find this annoying, but if you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some unusual scenery, then The Boulders is place to go.
CG
Courts are great. Personnel worked to please their guests. Food was great and located near a truly western town of Cave Creek.
AD
beautiful area, perfect weather, great rooms. Many reaturants and activities in the area. Drills every day.
AT
This facility was well equipped, courts are kept in excellent condition and the coaches who offer private instruction challenge you to the best of your ability.
GS
The tennis at The Boulder’s is excellent. The pros offer great instruction, all are friendly, and there is a great variety of instruction and clinics daily.
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126 Reviews on “Boulders Resort and Spa”
Love playing on their tennis courts. They keep them in great condition, resurfacing when necessary. The staff and instructors were friendly and helpful. Dale and Jheng especially. Their tennis lessons are very helpful, and a great workout, whether in a group or single session.
Best tennisinstruction and facilities ever. Great space and food is great.
The courts are in a remarkably beautiful desert setting. The pros are superbly qualified, and are excellent teachers. Their daily group drills are fun and great practice. Resort guests and Boulders residents provide friendly competition if one needs a partner or an opponent. A few of the courts need maintenance work, which management has agreed to accomplish this summer.
Great programs to improve both technical and game playing skills.
Beautiful setting. Great courts. Excellent professional staff. What more could you ask for?
Excellent ! I recently joined and have enjoyed the programs and plan to take advantage off the drills and coaching more as I have recently retired. Very professional and friendly atmosphere makes it a fun experience. My personal thanks to Dale, Jheng and the entire staff.
the tennis program is stellar. the two pros are gracious, fun and great teachers. They have clinics which are fun. They do the stroke of the day early in the morning for those who just want to practice early in the morning. Both Dale and Jeng are fun. the setting is beautiful and the courts are good and player friendly. You couldn’t ask for much more for a tennis getaway. I come every year.
Beautiful resort and excellent tennis program including tennis professionals
My review will be a dated one. I hope they have changed. No one arranged tennis games/ match up. Basically you were on your own. Thank goodness my husband played tennis with me and we bumped into a couple we knew from back East so we could play doubles. The accommodations were very nice. The food was above average but the chef was annoyed when I sent back my duck beast that was cooked rare. Being pregnant at the time, I wanted week cooked fowl no matter how annoyed the chef was.
The drills are a great offer for those that want to play tennis and have no one to play with
Jheng & Dale, great clinics & enthusiasm for the game & teaching. Courts are probably in need of an upgrade….. Spa pool is the best for food & relaxing experience. Yoga program in the a.m. Is very strong. Water fitness with Dolores is a particular favorite. Very good gym, steam/sauna areas are getting a look of tiredness under the Curio brand.
This resort is located on extraordinary grounds just north of Scottsdale in Carefree, AZ. This area is a lot more laid back than central Scottsdate–much less traffic and congestion. The courts are well maintained and beautiful views abound. The teaching staff is great. Dale is the head pro and is amazing. He can improve all aspects of one’s game. The assistant pro Jheng keeps drills lively. Limited hours during the summer heat so plan to play early or come back other months (Oct-May) for all day tennis.
I love the Boulders Resort! It’s such a beautiful place to play tennis. Everyone is so nice and every day there is a good day. Love to shop at the tennis center, too!
Our tennis team has Dale Light as our teaching pro. He is very professional, patient and all of our games have greatly improved. The setting is beautiful and all of the staff is very kind and helpful. We are blessed to have such a great facility and pro.
Strong Pro/ nice setting by the pool/ reliable and responsive staff/ Changing room could be bigger
Beautiful setting, wonderful people, courts are in tip top shape. Dale Light is fantastic; makes me feel as if I am keeping healthy as well as playing my favorite sport!
I live nearby full time and play on a team out of the Boulders. I tell people all the time, that it is so beautiful I feel like I’m on vacation…
I love Boulders. The desert setting is amazingly beautiful and the staff is wonderful. Instructors make you feel that they really want you to improve and enjoy tennis to the ultimate. I highly recommend going there!
Highly recommend. Beautiful tennis courts in a beautiful setting. The coaching is first class and even though I am not a regular at coaching sessions (live abroad) I am always made very welcome when I am able to attend, and come away feeling I have learned something. First class facilities.
This resort is surrounded by lush, native desert plants and outstanding million year old gigantic boulders hence the resort’s apt name. The tennis staff is friendly and professional. I take team clinics with the head pro Dale. He strives to help players with their mental game, position placement, footwork, among other instruction and is truly an extraordinary coach. This is our team’s home courts and our opponents are always complimenting the beauty surrounding the courts and the excellent condition of the courts and facilities.
This is located in a beautiful area. Courts (one sort of red clay.. others cushioned hard surface) are in excellent shape. Nice bunch of tennis pros available for clinics and private lessons.
Beautiful setting. Well-kept courts. And the best tennis instruction from pros Dale and Jheng you could ask for.
Excellent facility, even better Pro’s!
One of the best tennis resorts in the world! The staff are second to none.
Outstanding ambience: scenery is drop-dead gorgeous. The welcome from everyone is genuine and friendly. Excellent courts and amenities (ice, towels, water). Superb staff, whether you’re reserving a court or taking clinics/lessons. These pros care about you, not just your game.
Unique setting to play tennis with friendly staff (love Jheng) and great weather!
THE BEST MATCH ARRANGING Each year I visit The Boulders with my friends. I have always requested for some game matches for me and my friend while in the property. Jheng one of the Pro was always very attentive of our needs. She works her magic each time! Last month I walked in and she remembers me. Of course she knew that I was looking for some matches, she made some phone calls and the next day, we had our games match up and the next few days. We will continue coming back to The Boulders because of her and she shows a lot of effort and making our stay a very memorable one!!!
A gorgeous setting. Tennis courts in excellent condition.
Variable court surfaces; beautiful weather year round
Strengths: Experienced pleasant staff, beautiful setting Weakness: No lights, no backboard,cracks on some courts, fencing with holes, limited 3 of 4.0+ players
Beautiful facility in a beautiful setting
The setting is surreal – nothing can surpass gorgeous mountains and desert cactus, blooming in April. Dale, the head pro, is a master at his craft and his advice to me has been game-changing. He understands that high performance tennis requires more than the proper strokes – it calls for relaxed and mindful play..his coaching is a revelation – you must experience it!
Great location in absolute beauty with well kept hard courts and experienced, fun tennis pros. Especially Jheng Wekow!
Ask for Jheng Wekow!!! She’s awesome tennis pro! I went twice to see her. She remembered me right away even though some years had passed. First time I went with girlfriends (levels 3.5-4.5) and we did clinics and the second time I just got private lessons. She’s so fun, knowledgable and I can’t wait to go back – she is the first person I will call when I get back to the BOULDERS, in CAREFREE ARIZONA!!!!! HI Jheng!
I live in the Carefree area, and have played tennis as a guest at the Boulders facility dozens of time over the past 10-12 years. it is an absolutely first-class facility, especially with the recent rebuilding of the back four courts. The scenery surrounding the courts is exceptional, but it is the warmth and personality of the teaching pros, Dale and Jheng, which sets it apart. They put every visitor at ease, and share their expertise in a positive way.
We have played tennis and had instruction at the Colony Beach, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Palisades, Saddlebrook, and Valencia to name just a few. I said that to say this. Dale Light and his staff take a back seat to no one when it comes to instruction and arranging matches. Dale has a holistic approach to this wonderful game of ours. He and his staff can make you a better player, and a rekindle your love for this game.
Playing tennis at the Boulders has been a great experience. Of course the surroundings are beautiful, but it’s the clinics that are really exceptional. While Dale does provide stroke development pointers, I believe my game has improved because of the insights he gives on the mental aspects of the game. Kathy, who works at the front desk, is very friendly and helpful. All in all, I know when I play at the Boulders I know it is going to be a great day of tennis!
Very informative and different approach to the inner game of tennis. Dale helps Teach the mental portion of the game. Beautiful resort & surroundings. Serene.
A wonderful facility with wonderful staff! What a beautiful setting. I highly recommend The Boulders!
Amazing place to play tennis!! All My grandchildrens takes lessons from Jheng every year. She is such a wonderful teacher with great personality, and fun on and off the court. Dale has a unique teaching style than anyone one I know. Both tennis pro’s are OUTSTANDING!!!
Love this place — the tennis staff is very accommodating and professional
Fabulous tennis staff surrounded by stunning views, our favorite tennis resort in the world.
I have been coming to this resort for a long time and it was so nice to see the same faces Jane and Dale. I know they have been there for quite a long time. Dale is such a great instructor, calm and have a lot of patience. Jane has always been so good in finding matches for me. She is probably the most efficient and hard worker that I have ever known. Best of all she is very friendly and full of life. I believe those 2 has been running the Boulders program for a long time that is why it’s very successful. The tennis facility is so beautiful and always kept clean. I am looking forward to my return this coming fall.
A beautiful setting for tennis. Excellent professionals and classes.
I think those of us who’ve stayed in other Waldorf Astoria Hotels may find The Boulders’ laid back rustic charm a bit disappointing. Rooms and common areas are in desperate need of renovation. However the Hotel’s natural setting, and the properties grounds are well maintained and quite simply spectacular. It’s as though you’ve arrived in the Flintstones’ Bedrock. We generally do not eat Hotel food as it’s often a disappointment so I cannot comment on The Boulders’ restaurants. The Hotels spa is apparently newer than the Hotel itself. We found our spa experience to be exceptional. My father played a round of golf and said the links course was quite challenging and very well maintained. Golf club ck-in was easy and the facility, although dated, was comfortable and clean. I took lessons from two of the tennis pros and found them both to be very beneficial. One pro focused on both technique and mental game, while the other was more a hitting coach. The tennis courts were in very good condition. Apparently several of the courts had been recently resurfaced. The staff was casual but respectful, friendly, very motivated and encouraging. I enjoy being pushed hard physically during a lesson and both pros saw to it that my expectations were met. The tennis pro shop is small, but it covered the basics; i.e. balls, racquets, restringing, cold drinks, etc. Finally let me add that the Hotel is in a fairly remote part of northern Scottsdale away from the more trendy downtown area which boasts lots of shopping, restaurants, art galleries and other amenities. Some may find this annoying, but if you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some unusual scenery, then The Boulders is place to go.
Courts are great. Personnel worked to please their guests. Food was great and located near a truly western town of Cave Creek.
beautiful area, perfect weather, great rooms. Many reaturants and activities in the area. Drills every day.
This facility was well equipped, courts are kept in excellent condition and the coaches who offer private instruction challenge you to the best of your ability.
The tennis at The Boulder’s is excellent. The pros offer great instruction, all are friendly, and there is a great variety of instruction and clinics daily.
Great staff of professionals