In the foothills of Camelback Mountain at the Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort in Scottsdale, a new collection of eight single-story casitas introduces an elevated sense of seclusion to the 200-acre property.
Architecture firm Cooper Carry designed the Villas at Canyon Suites—comprising 20 luxury accommodations—to function as a private village that melds into the desert landscape.
“Today’s hotel guests are seeking more out of their accommodations, from premium amenities to flexible living options,” says Kathy Logan, principal at Cooper Carry. “The Villas at Canyon Suites provide more opportunities for families or large groups in need of long-term stays, or simply for those who like to feel at home when they travel.”
Designing for the desert landscape
With interiors handled by Parker-Torres Design, each villa offers two to four suites wrapped in an inviting, earth-toned palette. The residential-style layouts feature a full kitchen, dining area, and large living room that opens directly onto a private terrace equipped with a patio fire table.
Working in harmony with the resort’s longstanding Southwestern aesthetic, the architecture utilizes stone and stucco, with a layout that takes advantage of the scenic locale. All patios are oriented to the south and west to capture sunset views overlooking a pond and the 18-hole golf course.
The Villas at Canyon Suites are adapted for the climate
The casitas were constructed to combat the extreme Arizona heat, with tall interior ceilings that promote free-flow ventilation and overhangs that shield the windows from direct sunlight. Furthermore, every material—from the hand railings to the pool deck—was selected for its heat-resistant properties.
The surrounding native landscaping, meanwhile, was kept minimal to ensure straightforward day-to-day maintenance while remaining authentic to the region.
Elevated private amenities
In addition to full access to the broader resort’s offerings, guests of the Villas enjoy their own serene pool, also designed by Cooper Carry. An adjacent guest amenity area features a spa, private pantry, and separate facility with restrooms, coming together to cultivate a distinctly private and elevated guest experience.
“The design emphasizes privacy, connection to the landscape, and effortless indoor-outdoor living, while carefully complementing the architectural character that has defined the Phoenician for decades,” says Keith Simmel, principal at Cooper Carry.
