Finding Design Inspiration at the Scott Resort & Spa

As an interior designer, travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. A vacation becomes more than a break from my normal routine; it is a great way to broaden my perspective, reinvigorate my senses, and spark creativity. I love to emulate the styles, fragrances, colors, textiles, and overall feeling of a place within my projects and will often ask my clients travel-related questions to begin visualizing their ideal spaces. 

The last two years have helped me to cherish the luxury of travel more than ever, and I was so excited to return to one of my absolute favorite destinations, The Scott Resort & Spa, for an epic three-day girls’ trip.

Location & Amenities

The Scott is a vibrant, Mission-inspired boutique hotel located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. If you know me and my personal style, you’ll understand how I immediately fell in love with the resort’s eclectic, bohemian aesthetic that is reminiscent of Hemingway’s Havana.

THE LOBBY. Upon first entering the lobby, it becomes clear that The Scott transcends time and place to create the perfect oasis. The past dwells in the present, and inside spaces blend together with nature and the outdoors, sparking memory and imagination while igniting the senses.

The cohesive style and attention to detail are remarkable. Warm, wooden furniture and bronze fixtures create a welcoming, old-world charm. My eye was drawn to the ceiling, which has exposed wooden beams that have been painted white and finished with a plaster comb to create texture. During the day, natural lighting pours in through the windows while hanging lanterns create an enchanting romantic ambiance at night.

I’d never been so compelled to spend much time in a hotel lobby before this trip, and I found myself seeking quiet moments to relax and sip on a drink while instrumental Cuban music played in the background.

THE ROOMS. The Scott offers a variety of room options, ranging from high-end suites to luxury guestrooms like those my girlfriends and I stayed in. Each of our rooms had beautiful cane headboards, retro-inspired tropical artwork, and stunning views of the courtyard, pool, and garden landscaping. All rooms come with free WiFi, coffee, and bathrobes, and those with a king-sized bed also feature a dining banquette perfect for ordering room service.

THE POOLS. After we’d checked in and dropped off our luggage in the rooms, my friends and I suited up for the pool. There are two swimming options. One is a kid-friendly sand-bottom pool, and the other is an expansive outdoor pool with private cabanas available to rent, poolside firepits, music, and poolside bar service. I’ll give you one guess where we spent most of our time…

THE GROUNDS. Between swims, I enjoyed walking through the lush landscaping and took the time to soak in every little detail, taking photos of the decor and jotting down notes.

Even on vacation, I could not quiet my designer mind. Every corner presented a fresh opportunity for inspiration or to capture a perfectly curated editorial moment.

THE LA VIDORRA SPA EXPERIENCE

THE SPA. On day two of our stay, I treated myself to a truly transformative experience at The Scott’s on-site spa, La Vidorra, which translates to “the good life.”

To access the spa I had to walk under a trellis of bougainvillea vines, something that forever reminds me of growing up in Ventura, CA. Under the trellis was the cutest hanging rattan swing that I recognized from Serena & Lily.

Inside the spa, I admired the mounted wall sconces and Anthropologie light fixtures before fully immersing myself in the La Vidorra Experience.

When I say that this spa treatment was transformative, I mean it. The package includes a 20-minute detoxifying soak in a copper tub filled with essential elements, an aromatic exfoliation, and a full-body massage. My mind was transported to warm, sunny beaches as I drifted in and out of sleep throughout the entire treatment.

THE SCENT. Travel is such a sensory experience. I’m always amazed how a smell can evoke the relaxation or sentiment we attach to the places we have been. With this in mind, I was eager to take home The Scott’s signature scent—an unforgettable combination of fig leaves, carrot seed, violet, eucalyptus, papyrus wood, cedar, sandalwood, and musk. Created exclusively for The Scott by Air Aroma, the scent comes in a room spray or candle option and is only available for purchase directly from La Vidorra. (Pro tip: if you can’t physically get to La Vidorra any time soon, you can call and place an order by phone!)

THE CANAL CLUB AT THE SCOTT

THE FOOD & DRINKS. Not only does The Scott have a signature scent, but they also have a signature drink. My girlfriends and I made regular trips from the pool to refill our water bottles with their house tea, a cold brew white ambrosia with coconut and pineapple that I am obsessed with.

All on-site drinks and dining are provided by The Canal Club at The Scott. Much like the rest of the hotel, The Canal Club is surrounded by lush greenery and an open-air style that evokes Old Havana with a touch of New Orleans. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering elevated American cuisine with fun Caribbean twists, and the bar is open for tapas, drinks, and poolside service throughout the day and into the evening.

When I wasn’t drinking the house tea, I was sipping on a craft cocktail from the bar. My personal favorite is the Helen & Maude, a tropical blend of Puerto Rican rum, lime, mint, and soda. Though, a close runner-up is the Sin & Santeria, a citrus vodka drink with strawberry, lemon, fernet, and basil. The herbaceous strawberry muddle in the Sin & Santeria is next-level! I’m already trying to recreate each of these cocktails at home.

When night falls, The Canal Club projects old black & white Cuban movies on the wall above their outdoor Cabana seating.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

On a three-day trip, there is almost no need to even leave the resort! However, there is amazing hiking at nearby Camelback Mountain and great nightlife and dining in Old Town Scottsdale. We dined at Olive & Ivy Restaurant + Marketplace and Toca Madera, a restaurant specializing in modern takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. You must make a reservation for Toca Madera months in advance, but I assure you that it’s well worth the wait. I loved their moody, gothic decor with rustic wood elements, wrought iron, and Dia de Los Muertos folk art.

Also, be sure to check out my Instagram reels! We learned that Scottsdale is one of the nation’s bachelorette party capitals and had so much fun zipping around in golf carts, the main form of bar-hopping transportation and a hilariously fun change of pace from Uber rides.

until next time

I’m returning from this girls’ trip rested, with a full heart, and ready to book my next stay. Vacationing with the women in my life who I love and trust is so necessary. Even if only for a few days, taking time apart from our kids, husbands, and daily responsibilities provides such a valuable opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, laugh, relax, and create new memories. The Scott is a destination where I intend to bring new and old friends for years to come.

My time at The Scott also reignited my creative vision for a new-build project in Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood that I’m working on with Apex Homes called The Mission Med. This is an incredible project that blends Mission and Mediterranean styles, and I’m working through some fresh ideas for the powder bathroom, trim work, and more. Follow along on my Instagram reels.

SHOP THE LOOK:

1.  Hanging Rattan Chair  |  2. Walsh Upholstered Stool  |  3. Fela Tasseled Chandelier  |  4. Summerland Outdoor Round Pendant  |  5. Gleaming Primrose Mirror |  6. Sunbrella Tropical Leaf Outdoor Throw Pillow  |  7. Wells 11″ Tall Bathroom Sconce  |  8. Madelyn Capiz Faceted Sconce  |  9. Retrospec Hybrid-Bicycles Beaumont City Bike |  10. Cooper Leather Stool  |  11. Vallejo Tote  | 12. Concrete Fluted Planter |  13. Market Umbrella |  14. Gold and Glass Staggered Test Tube Vases |  15. Button-Up Cover Up Shirtdress |  16. When Tulips Kiss Wrap Crop Top |  17. Cabana Stripe Beach Towel  |  18. Crochet Bralette Bikini Top