…and, if airports, luggage, passports, and in-flight meals have no appeal, there is always domestic travel.
It’s a short flight — just about an hour and twenty minutes — and even better, you can depart from the easygoing Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport. Soon enough, you find yourself descending into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, where wildflowers, cactus blossoms, and vibrant greenery flourish beneath the wide, endless sky. Iconic Saguaro cacti are silhouettes along the horizon. From there, it’s a short drive to the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.
Opened in 1986 as part of the famed Gainey Ranch development — once a thriving Arabian horse ranch — the resort has recently emerged from a spectacular $115 million renovation. The grounds are lush, a paradise of tall, swaying palms and endless golden light. There’s an immediate sense of calm and quiet luxury that settles over you as soon as you arrive.
Wandering the expansive grounds, you notice playful stretches of astroturf where children laugh and run freely. Beyond that, a sprawling pool complex beckons, complete with private cabanas and even a white-sand beach area — a perfect playground for young adventurers.
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort blends Sonoran Desert serenity with the polish of a high-end resort. It’s big, bold, and unashamedly resort-y—but in all the right ways. Think palm-lined pools, open skies, and just enough Southwestern flair to remind you you’re not in Florida.
The Setting
Located in the upscale Gainey Ranch neighborhood, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort puts you in one of Scottsdale’s most desirable pockets. It’s quiet, green, and ringed by mountain views. You’re about 10 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale—close enough for a dinner out, far enough to escape the traffic and tourists.
The resort itself sits on 27 acres of manicured desert landscaping. with a large canvas agaunst a blue sky. Yes, it’s a little theatrical. But it works.
Rooms
The rooms are comfortable and clean, with great views. Expect classic Southwestern tones—earthy palettes, wood accents, and big windows. Many rooms come with patios or balconies, and mountain or pool views. If you can, go for a room that faces Camelback Mountain at sunset—it’s worth it.
Pools & Play
This is where the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort flexes: ten pools, including an adult-only area, a sandy beach for kids, a 3-story waterslide, and hot tubs tucked under palms. The pool scene is chill during the week and more lively on weekends.
The property also includes a 27-hole golf course next door, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and daily activities like yoga, Native American storytelling, and desert wildlife presentations. There’s plenty to do, but the resort doesn’t shove it in your face.
The Spa
Spa Avania is located within the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (now rebranded as Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa) AZ Spa Girls Arizona Spa GuideHyatt.
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The spa’s design is inspired by nature and ancient traditions, blending Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences with the tranquility of the Sonoran Desert. Its sprawling setting across 2.7 acres includes indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, gardens, meditation areas, and water features such as a lotus pond.
Spa Avania Offers a luxurious wellness environment featuring:
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A state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga/movement studio
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A French Celtic mineral pool (~16,290 gallons) plus hot and cold plunge pools
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Steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor storm showers, and a lily pond for serene lounging
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Salon services, a boutique, a meditation space, and a couples’ suite
The spa specializes in:
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Massages, facials, and body treatments, including Vichy water immersion therapies
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Hair & nail services: hair treatments, styling, manicures, pedicures, and updos
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Additional offerings like airbrush tanning, body wraps, and a salt room for relaxation
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Food & Drink
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers a diverse array of dining options that reflect the resort’s transformation and culinary innovation. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Richard Blais, the resort has introduced six new dining concepts, each bringing a unique flavor to the Scottsdale dining scene.
La Zozzona
A sophisticated Italian-American restaurant offering handmade pasta, wood-fired steaks, and seafood dishes. The menu features flavors inspired by Rome, Florence, and Tuscany, complemented by an extensive wine list. The elegant setting includes private dining options for special occasions.
Tiki Taka
A vibrant fusion of Japanese sushi and Spanish tapas, Tiki Taka combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. The menu includes inventive small plates and signature cocktails, set in a lively atmosphere with an outdoor patio. Hyatt
Mesa Centrale
An American grill showcasing Southwest flavors, offering a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and an epic buffet, all while taking in stunning views of the McDowell Mountains.Experience Scottsdale+1
Grand Vista Lounge
A stylish lobby bar serving a curated selection of cocktails and light bites. The lounge offers a refined atmosphere, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or casual gatherings.
H2Oasis
A poolside eatery offering island-inspired tacos with global flavors from the South Pacific, Polynesia, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The casual setting provides a relaxed dining experience by the water.Phoenix New Times
Poolside Grill
A family-friendly poolside spot serving classic American fare such as burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal while enjoying the resort’s amenities.
These dining establishments are part of the resort’s extensive renovation, which also includes updates to guest rooms, the spa, fitness center, and other public areas. Whether you’re seeking fine dining or casual fare, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers a diverse range of culinary options to enhance your stay.
Who It’s For
This isn’t the spot for minimalist luxury or urban edge. It’s for families, couples, and conference-goers who want an easy, sun-drenched escape with everything in one place. You’ll see kids in the pool, golfers on the course, and couples at the spa—all coexisting comfortably.
Why Here?
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort delivers a classic, full-service Arizona resort experience. It’s polished without being pretentious, relaxed without being dull. If you want to enjoy the desert without roughing it—and still have enough amenities to keep you busy for days—it’s a strong choice.
Fear of Flying : a sidebar
If you’ve ever heard the expression “fear of flying,” I had it. Elevators with windows? No thanks. Mountain ridges? I’ll admire them from afar. Edges at the Grand Canyon? Step back, please. Airplanes? I eventually forced myself to take the ride—whether I liked it or not—but helicopters? That was another story.
So when the idea of a short day trip from the resort to H5 Helicopters was announced, I boldly declared, “I’ll go… but I’m not getting on a helicopter.”
H5 turned out to be unexpectedly captivating. One side of the hangar held a gleaming line of exotic, perfectly preserved cars. On the other sat what looked like a giant toy—a polished helicopter, every inch sparkling under the lights. I peeked inside. Buttons, levers, switches—enough to make my palms sweat.
As our small group prepared to board, fear and indecision swirled into one strange, uncomfortable brew. That’s when Mitch Kelldorf, the owner and pilot, stepped in. We’d chatted earlier in the office, where my eyes had landed on a book on his desk—Beatles Gear by Andy Babiuk. Mitch noticed and said, “Take it, it’s yours. I know the author; I can get another.”
I was delighted with the gift—but then came the moment of truth. The helicopter was ready. My inner voice whispered, Have fun, guys. See you soon. But Mitch pulled me aside: “Look, I’m gonna take you up—if you don’t like it, I’ll bring you right down. OK?”
There was something in his tone—steady, confident—that bypassed my hesitation. Minutes later, I was in the back seat, feeling the lift as we rose straight from the ground. And just like that, the fear evaporated. In its place was pure, unfiltered thrill. I was soaring through the mountain corridors of the Southwest, the landscape rushing beneath me.
That moment, and the many like it, is why I love to travel. To experience something new—from food in another country to sunsets on unfamiliar shores, to sitting with strangers and sharing the moment. I’m thankful to Mitch for how he handled it. His quiet confidence made me feel safe. And, of course, he likes the Beatles.
