“When you're in the desert, you look into infinity. ... It makes you feel terribly small, and also in a strange way, quite big.”

—David Lean

Why have people long been drawn to the desert? At its most extreme it seems inhospitable—searing heat, biting cold, a lack of water making it difficult for all but the most resourceful, and perhaps stubborn, forms of life.

Yet among its starkness is immense beauty: Pops of color appear brighter against the predominant neutral hues, cacti and other desert flora create a unique, almost alien feel, and the rugged natural features of the landscape present a sharp relief.

This contrast is among the reasons the desert takes hold in so many hearts, and why people seek solace, rejuvenation, or even reinvention in its wide-open spaces.

Here, noise and distractions fade away—both external and internal, allowing us to home in on what truly matters. Of course, that is different for everyone, which means the desert experience is different for all. For some, it is about quieting the mind and replenishing the soul through reflection and self-discovery. Others may seek adventure and excitement. And there are always those in search of a fresh start, inspired by the blank desert canvas to build anew.

That’s why we tend to think of Andaz Scottsdale less as a destination and more as a vehicle—a way to help you get to wherever you want to be. Ultimately, our resort is whatever you wish to make of it. Just like the desert itself.