The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is surrounded by 40 acres of awe-inspiring desert - wonderful for hiking, biking, exploring and star-gazing. Also on offer are group activities like cooking classes and margarita-mixing lessons. If this all gets a bit too spiritually rewarding, the luxury resort's slick service and fine dining allows for some good old fashioned self indulgence, too.

The facilities

An outdoor pool, a spa and two bars (one outdoors, one inside) all have the signature Four Seasons polish. Two ultra-exclusive golf courses at the luxury resort's Troon North golf club add to the refined atmosphere.

Two restaurants reflect Arizona's diverse culinary heritage. Talavera offers contemporary American cuisine against stunning views of Pinnacle Peak and the Valley of the Sun, while Crescent Moon serves modern Mexican food. Here, tuck in to fresh fish, salads, grilled meat and homemade flatbreads made in the restaurant's wood-fired kiva oven.

The rooms

210 guest rooms and suites are housed in the luxury resort's 25 casita buildings. All rooms have a private terrace or balcony, all the better for taking in spectacular desert or mountain views. Partial View Casita Rooms enjoy a private patio that looks directly onto the desert.

Rooms at the Four Seasons Scottsdale have LCD TVs, DVD players, MP3 docks and Wi-Fi as standard. Bathrooms come with double sinks and luxurious deep-soak tubs.