Phoenix Staycations // Mountain Shadows

I set out with one goal in mind when getting to Mountain Shadows – escape. Even though Mountain Shadows is a mere 20 minute drive from my home, it truly is an oasis, and a perfect getaway without having to get very far away, tucked into Paradise Valley.

When we first arrived to our room at Mountain Shadows, I was impressed with the industrial aesthetic of the room, a nod towards 1950’s modernism and towards the original hotel, which opened in 1959.  I loved how the room made use of concrete floors, and with in-room martini glasses, I immediately felt like a classic Mad Men character. Also, the bathroom shower was built of pure glass, and was totally badass.

The name of the hotel, Mountain Shadows, undoubtedly stems from the picturesque views and literally, being in the shadow of Camelback Mountain everywhere you turn. While we lounged in the sleek swimming pools, we were surrounded by mountains on both sides. And even walking the grounds, I was happy to catch Camelback Mountain, steady in the background.

For dinner we headed down to Hearth ‘61. I ordered drinks, Help and Strawberry Fields - both cocktails inspired by the mixologist’s love for the Beatles. For appetizers we ordered the Warm Duck Confit, Washington Oysters, and Ahi Tartare. All of the appetizers tasted amazing, the seafood was especially light and well-seasoned. For my entree, I ordered the Short Rib Agnolotti, ranked one of the “10 Best Dishes of 2017” by Phoenix New Times. Imagine the most tender ribs in the most pillowy pasta topped with a horseradish crème fraîche that is just divine. It is truly one of the most remarkable dishes I have ever eaten in Phoenix. We still had room for dessert, and ordered the Spring Berry Brioche Bread Pudding and Flourless Chocolate Torte. The Brioche Bread Pudding tasted airy and I enjoyed the custard. The Flourless Chocolate Torte fulfilled all my sweet tooth needs.

The next morning we returned to Hearth ‘61 for  breakfast, and I ordered the Banana Ricotta Pancakes. These are some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had! There’s a caramel pistachio compote plus, bacon! It was delectable, as were the Belgium Waffles. Our stay at Mountain Shadows had come to an end, but I felt as if I’d traveled far, when I hadn’t traveled very far at all.