In the Sonoran desert, far from urban lights, the heavens seem to open up, spilling millions of stars above Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. After the first evening of just staring up in wonder (and maybe a neck massage in the morning), guests are ready to explore the skies further. Each suite is equipped with its own high-powered telescope, and a detailed star chart is left in the room at bedtime.

Local astronomer Richard Allen is also available for group seminars, nighttime excursions in the desert via Hummer – in addition to a telescope, he’ll bring along night-vision goggles to check out the wilderness nightlife – and private one-on-one sessions.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale may be one of the most beautiful places to stay in the Southwest, but the first thing guests want to do is go outside. Nestled at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, which towers 600 feet (183 metres) above the desert floor in the high Sonoran desert, the Resort is home base for those who love the outdoors.

Guided interpretative hikes for all levels introduce visitors to desert plant life, including banana yuccas and jojoba plants. The fauna includes mountain lions, coyotes and gila monsters, poisonous 2-foot (0.6-metre) orange and black lizards (but don’t worry – if they’re left alone, they’re harmless).

Flowers abound, particularly in early spring, when wildflowers such as the Arizona fiesta flower, desert hyacinth and woolly daisy are in full bloom. For a real treat, sign up for the sunset hike up the Peak to view the desert landscape at its very best.