By Norah Bradford

Scottsdale, Arizona offers an alternative, great respite form the bitter winters of recent years to hit the United States. The kind climatic conditions in the winter coupled with the golf, spa and increasing dining scenes make a visit a change from the often more familiar visit to Florida.

In terms of hotels, there are many though few which offer an all-round mix of quality in terms of accommodation, dining, spa and golf. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North should be right at the top of your list for four reasons – one for each season of the year; Accommodation: The resort has some 210 guest rooms including some 22 luxury suites and some 25 adobe casitas. All the luxury suites have experienced recent renovation and amongst the features include new rugs, upholstery, sleeper sofas and the new "Signature Sleep by Four Seasons" customized bed offering an even more restful night.

Dining: Three restaurants – Talavera, Proof and Seguaro Blossom plus the Onyx Bar & Lounge can cater to just about every authentic taste of local and classic cuisine. Talavera offers a unique perspective on the Steakhouse with prime cuts from local purveyors. Proof offers a continent-wide road trip in just one location offering classic American diner cuisine. Saguaro Blossom specializes in light poolside fare – try their seafood cobb salad. Onyx Bar & Lounge offers drinks and small plates against the backdrop of the colouful palette of the Sonoran sunset behind Pinnacle Peak.

Spa: By the numbers – 14 treatment rooms, 10 different types of massage, no less than eight combinations of facials, 5 signature treatments. Ladies – why not try the Pinnacle facial. A decadent experience indulging both the face and the body. An intensely stimulating facial that uses the anti-inflammatory properties of gold brings radiance to the complexion, while the body is treated to a gold-infused sugar scrub and shimmer oil. For Gentlemen the Golfer's massage – a unique therapeutic massage using warmed golf balls and stretching techniques  to knead tight muscles and ease
golf-related stiffness.

Golf: Troon North manage a spectacular desert golfing experience with two, eighteen hole courses – Pinnacle and Monument. The upkeep of the course is first class and the club facilities, not to mention the staff are outstanding. Best of all – the course is a few minutes from your hotel room.
For more information:
fourseasons.com/scottsdale