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The Spa at Boulders Resort is an oasis in the Arizona desert, and not just in the literal sense; it is also a place of inner peace and true relaxation for the guests who come here seeking the spas unrivaled and unique services. Set in the rolling hills of the Sonoran Desert, amidst ancient boulder formations, the Golden Door has embraced the Zen-like ambience of the landscape and incorporated it with Native America traditions to develop signature treatments, services, and activities that are intended to rejuvenate the entire body, mind and spirit.
The Boulders Resort & Spa
34631 North Tom Darlington Dr
Carefree, Arizona
85377
Nearest Airport: PHX
Our waitress Megan does a wonderful and very friendly job with us each time we visit the David the manager quickly recognizes us and it’s nice to feel at home
Jim B
We stayed here about a year and a half ago and decided to give it another try because of its proximity to somewhere we needed to be. I'd say that this experience was very similar to the last. Overall, it felt middle‑of‑the‑road. A few areas stood out: Service & Staff We didn’t find most team members to be particularly friendly, with the exception of the golf cart drivers and servers (both tipped positions). This was a concern during our previous stay as well. The front desk team, the Discovery Lounge bar attendant, the hostesses at the breakfast restaurant off the main lobby, and the spa desk staff all came across as disengaged or stressed out/unfriendly. Room & Balcony The casita-style room design is charming, private, and cozy, but the space is showing its age. The balcony was large, but the view was completely blocked by a tree- something we noticed on many casitas. We also had several bees going in and out of the balcony’s wood frame. Inside, the fireplace is only operational in winter, which was disappointing since we hoped to enjoy a nighttime fire. The room needs refurbishment: black stains on the bathroom floor, paint issues on the ceiling, and general wear. We also encountered a large spider, though someone did come quickly to remove it from near the ceiling. The beds and pillows were quite comfortable. Location & Transportation The resort is about 25 minutes from local attractions, so we relied on Uber. It would be a great improvement if the resort offered transportation to nearby spots like the rodeo, but we were told the van doesn’t go offsite. Allowing short-distance transport would really enhance the guest experience. Additionally, the official website states that the resort offers bike rentals. This is not the case. You have to call an outside agency and they will bring the bikes over to you at the tune of $40/hour, although she lowered the price when it sounded like I wasn't going to bite at the cost. A suggestion would be to have a few bikes available near the front lobby for guests to enjoy free of charge. Because the property is so expansive, golf cart transportation is essential unless you enjoy long walks. The golf course looks beautiful and well maintained, though we aren’t golfers. Trails & Grounds One area that needs significant attention is the trail up the mountain near the main pool. The pathways were unclear, poorly maintained, and we even encountered a snake. I suggested last year that perhaps a local group (Boy Scouts, Rotary, etc.) could help restore it, and I still think that would be beneficial. Pool & Spa Pool towels were often unavailable, and dirty towels weren’t picked up regularly-another repeat issue from our last visit. The spa and pool closing at 6 pm feels very early, especially for a resort of this size. On a positive note, the spa café team was fantastic, and we loved the healthy fruit smoothies on multiple occasions. It would be wonderful to see more co‑ed spa options for couples, such as shared steam/sauna areas or even an indoor hot tub for relief from the outdoor heat. The main pool was lovely at night-quieter, cooler, and the view of the waterfall with the moon and stars was stunning. The hot tub, however, is very small and felt crowded, and the jets were overly strong. The pool temperature itself was perfect. Overall There are several newer spa resorts in the area that have surpassed this one in terms of offerings and co‑ed amenities. While The Boulders has a unique charm, it’s clear that many areas need attention. For now, we’ll likely continue visiting the newer resorts, but we hope to see improvements here in the future.
Jennifer Q
We have been to the boulders for the last six years. I had different times of the year. We absolutely love it. But one of the reasonswe keep going back is the friendly staff in the discovery lounge specifically Jaclyn. She actually remembers us from year to year. Her service is impeccable, she’s an amazing mixologist, and she makes our experience so much better. We try to go to the bar every night that we’re here and it truly is because of Jaclyn .
Stay608478
Our bartender Etkin, was a wonderful host and a great addition to the team. She was friendly, attentive and always had a smile. We are planning another staycation soon.
Kevin H - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
We had a very nice experience at the pool. London and it was another young lady that worked hard. They were both nice, pleasant, and helpful! Despite the heat, they kept it pleasant! They acknowledged our anniversary!! Thank you ladies!!
Pioneer547996
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