Carefree Golf
Resort Villas
The Valley of the Sun is the golf capital of the southwest, with over
200 courses in the region that makes up metropolitan Phoenix, including
the upscale Scottsdale community which features the most high-end accommodations,
clubs and resorts in the area. Most courses and developments in Scottsdale
are relatively new compared to Phoenix, having sprouted up from the
80s to present, and many are built with luxurious homes, condos and
villas on the fairway or close by. Even most residential communities
set aside units for seasonal or even short-term renting. Golf packages
are often offered with these condos at not just the course it's situated
on but many in the area.
The historic town or Carefree is host to the 40-plus year old Carefree
Resort Villas. The 2,000 square foot villas include a master and junior
suite, each able to accommodate double occupancy. The master suite features
an oversize living room, dining area, kitchen, two baths and full balcony
or patio. No golf course is onsite, but the resort has golf packages
with numerous courses in Carefree and the Valley of the Sun. Three separate
meeting rooms welcome business travelers or conventions. Vacation Planners
onsite at the resort also assist in finding every guest the perfect
itinerary for their trip.
Golf Courses
Discover the lure of the some of the Southewest's finiest links! The
Carefree Resort & Villas specializes in planning full golf vacations
and corporate golf events. The Carefree and Scottsdale areas offer many
first class golf courses to choose from. Why not try something different?
Picture your next golf vacation adventure in Arizona in the casual surroundings
of Carefree, where you can choose from over sixteen challenging championship
golf courses!
Anthem Golf & Country Club
The championship course combines dramatic elevation changes; deep canyon
washes and holes that hug the edges of Daisy Mountain to provide an
unforgettable golf experience. The par-72 course measures 7,219 yards
from the back tees to 5,267 yards from the forward boxes; the preliminary
course rating by the Arizona Golf Association is 74.5 with a slope of
139 from the back tees. Length is not the only challenge that golfers
will face. More than four dozen bunkers can gobble up errant shots;
natural washes and canyons come into play on at least half the holes
and one-third of the greens are tiered in two or three levels.
Dove Valley Ranch
This beautifully designed golf course is renowned for its 360-degree
panoramic views and over 7,000 yards of pure golfing challenge. Dove
Valley Ranch has a natural feel and appearance that is spectacular at
every turn, in addition to offering a variety of challenges to every
player, from the beginner to the professional.
"This isn’t just another golf course," says Robert Trent
Jones, Jr., the designer of the course. "This course is unsurpassed
in natural beauty and play."
Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain is a memorable club with unique features and postcard
views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The course includes cliffs
over the 17th hole which have become a nesting site for a pair of Swainson’s
hawks and a natural box canyon that has been incorporated into the course’s
design. Eagle Mountain is considered a target course with abundant challenges
for any level of player.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Raptor Course - The scenic Raptor Course has unique
views and a friendly atmosphere. Ranked by GOLF Magazine as the 49th
best course under the 1998 category of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play
in the U.S., the Raptor course has gained a reputation as one of the
most enjoyable and unique courses in the Scottsdale area.
Talon Course - The Talon course provides thrilling
golf combined with breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert and the
nearby McDowell Mountains. The course features elevated greens that
are extremely large and undulating, and water hazards come into play
on two holes. Golf Digest rated the Talon 56th among the Top 75 Upscale
Courses for 1996. GOLF Magazine selected the course among the Top 100
Courses You Can Play in the U.S. for 1998.
Kierland Golf Club
These dramatic courses feature emerald green fairways etched into golden-colored
desert grasses and constantly changing elevations that challenge golfers
of any level. The Kierland Golf Club features more than 300 bunkers,
large, cool lakes, dry desert washes and stands of desert trees. In
1997, the club hosted the United States Golf Association Team Championship.
Legend Trail Golf Club
One of Arizona's premier golf facilities, Legend Trail features spectacular
views of the surrounding McDowell and Mummy Mountains, along with spacious
fairways and large, challenging greens. The course winds through forests
of saguaro cacti and palo verde trees and has been described as the
"Cypress Point of the Desert." GOLF Magazine rated this course
88th under the 1998 category of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play in
the U.S.
Rancho Manana Golf Club
This course is beautifully designed and is considered by many to be
the most scenic course in the state. The playing here is demanding,
but well worth the panoramic views of the Black and Superstition Mountains.
The Raven
Masterfully created by David Graham and Gary Panks, the Raven blends
a challenging golf experience with the uniqueness of a plush forest
setting in the Arizona desert. At the Raven, more than 6,000 pine trees
line the fairways to help give players the illusion of a non-desert
setting and give the course a more Midwestern look and feel. The Raven
manages to combine an expansive, golf-friendly feel with its considerable
eye appeal.
SunRidge Canyon
SunRidge Canyon makes golf an adventure. The course is hidden among
the ridges and foothills of the McDowell Mountains, widely considered
one of the most picturesque and dramatic stretches of natural land left
in the Southwest. The beauty and challenge of this golf experience has
made SunRidge Canyon one of the most highly rated clubs in Arizona.
Talking Stick Golf Club
The two uniquely different courses of Talking Stick offer many options
according to the golfer's level of playing skill. Located on and owned
by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the North and South courses
blend with their tranquil desert surroundings to provide a serene yet
challenging day of play.
Tatum Ranch Golf Club
Set against the backdrop of the high Sonoran Desert, Tatum Ranch’s
challenging course enchants players of all skill levels. The course
features rolling fairways, strategic bunkering around many of the greens
and breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Tonto Verde Golf Club
Tonto Verde respects the pristine beauty of the surrounding sonoran
desert by “molding” the course to the natural saguaros and
ironwood trees. Natural desert winds gracefully through the courses,
creating a peaceful outdoor experience. Tonto Verde’s two courses
are some of the most challenging and breathtaking courses in Arizona.
Golf Digest rated the Peaks course as the 14th Best in State course
for 1995-1996.
Tournament Players Club
Desert Course - The Desert Course has been distinguished
as the Valley’s “Diamond in the Rough.” The course
has become well-known as one of the top municipal courses in the Valley.
The well-manicured, natural terrain Desert Course offers a level landscape
with magnificent mountains creating a stunning backdrop. Tee times can
be made up to 7 days in advance.
Stadium Course - Home of the FBR Open (formerly the
Phoenix Open), The Stadium course will challenge any player with its
mounds and bunkers strategically placed throughout its design. The course
features a spacious layout fringed by saguaro cacti and mesquite trees,
with a view of Pinnacle Peak to the north. In 1998, GOLF Magazine named
the course to its list of “Silver Medal Resorts.”
Troon North
Monument Course - The Monument presents a challenging
layout for the pros, as well as an enjoyable experience for the average
golfer. The desert comes into play on this breath-taking course, creating
an environment with magnificent views and challenging design. In 1996,
Golf Digest rated this course as the #1 Best Public Course in the state.
Pinnacle Course - Rated #1 Public Maintained Facility
in the United States and the Best Conditioned Golf Course in North America
by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. The Pinnacle features a more traditional
desert layout with tight washes and spectacular carries over desert
washes. Built around dramatic granite boulders and striking elevation
changes, the Pinnacle is a spectacular course with challenges to suit
any level of player.
Wildfire Golf Club at Desert Ridge
Host of the 2000 Toyota Skills Challenge, Wildfire Golf Club is considered
one of the best new facilities to open in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area
in the past 5 years. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, the course delivers
a target golf experience yet the expansive fairways allow the player
remain in play even on a slightly errant shot. No matter what the player's
skill level, Wildfire Golf Club provides a challenging and pleasant
golf experience for everyone.
Accommodations
If you’re searching for that perfect vacation or weekend getaway
... escape to Carefree Resort & Villas and take advantage of one
of the Resort’s luxury golf or spa vacation packages, or simply
choose from one of the Resort’s deluxe guest rooms and prepare
to enjoy the “Carefree” elegance of the historic Southwest
at its finest.
Guest Rooms and Suites:
Guest rooms and suites at the Carefree Resort & Villas have been
thoughtfully designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
All rooms offer king or queen-sized beds, convenient study areas, and
telephones with voice mail and data ports for high-speed internet access.
Meetings & Events
The Carefree Resort & Villas offers meeting planners a full meetings,
convention, and conference center with state-of-the-art, award winning
service. The conference facilities at Carefree offer more than 35,000
square feet of flexible meeting and banquet venues to choose from.
Carefree Resort & Villas has served as host for more then one hundred
Fortune 500 companies requiring the ultimate in professional meeting
services. Flexible meeting and banquet space includes the 10,000 square
foot Saguaro Ballroom with built-in rear screen projection, 5,000 square
foot Cholla Ballroom and the 11,000 square foot Carefree Opera House.
The Opera House, a highlight among the many unique meeting venues offered
by the Resort, combines the Santa Fe-style architecture of Arizona's
territorial days with the technical features of a modern studio sound
stage. Carefree's very own western-themed venue, Stagecoach Pass, is
located just outside the Opera House and provides a wonderful opportunity
to experience the "Old West." Golf Groups appreciate the destination's
proximity to more than sixteen of Arizona's challenging championship
golf courses.
Activities
The Spa
More than just another health spa resort, Carefree Resort & Villas
specializes in luxury spa vacations. Our experienced reservations team
will assist you in planning the perfect spa vacation getaway. Locals
in the area looking for a Scottsdale day spa, will find that Carefree
Resort & Villas offers pristine surroundings and a peaceful retreat
from everyday concerns.
Fitness Center
The fitness center features the computerized PreCor workout circuit,
treadmills, lifecycles, stair steppers and a complete array of Cybex
weight training equipment.
Extended hours of operation allows exercise enthusiasts the opportunity
to keep to their workout schedule while on the road.
Outdoor Activities
Four Wheel Drive Tours
Jeep, Hummer, or a jacked-up Chevy. Your choice. We just ask that you
buckle up. Embark on an adventure with a desert-savvy guide through
a spectacular landscape into the Tonto National Forest, to an ancient
Native American ruin or wherever you want to go. Take the road less
traveled. Every tour strives to be unique through a tradition of jealously
guarded trails and locations.
Mountain Biking the Superb Arizona Trails
Make your way through some of the greatest mountain biking trails in
the world on today's hi-tech equipment, or just cruise the scenic roadways
on a traditional bicycle, both available on-site at the Carefree Tennis
and Bike Ranch. With hundreds of miles of Arizona mountain biking trails
to choose from, you may have to stay for awhile. Come over to the Tennis
and Bike Ranch and pick out a trail from an aerial photograph. You can
enjoy scenic forays into the Tonto National Forest and pedal through
the scenic surrounding foothills. The tours feature both single-and
double-track Arizona mountain biking trails with assurance that our
knowledgeable staff will direct you to a tour designed for your skill
level.
Horseback Riding
In addition to enjoying the local Arizona mountain biking trails, Resort
guests can hop on a saddle and catch a trail ride. Some folks will tell
you the only way to truly experience this stretch of Arizona is from
the saddle. They're not wrong. Due to Carefree's rural location we find
ourselves amid a number of ranches and horseback rental corrals. Whether
you have ridden before or are just climbing into the saddle for the
first time, trail rides and lessons can be arranged that meet or challenge
a variety of abilities. Please don't ask for English saddles as you
may get an unexpected reaction, after all, you're in Cowboy Country.
Cattle Drive
Yes, we covered horseback riding, but this is taking it up a notch.
The excitement begins as you saddle up and head out to the mountainous
terrain adjacent to the Agua Fria River. You'll be given a taste of
the real Frontier West and experience plenty of panoramic desert splendor
as you round 'em up and drive cattle through an amazing terrain back
to the ranch.
Flight
If you just want to soar, choose from hot air balloons, gliders or
a ride in a single engine aircraft with a pilot whose knowledge of the
area is only challenged by his knowledge of the skies.
Dining
Lariat Grill
A favorite of guests and local residents, the Lariat offers a warm,
comfortable ambiance with dramatic views of the majestic surrounding
mountains. This intimate dining room features a delightful collection
of contemporary cuisine influenced by flavors of the American Southwest,
Pacific Rim and Mediterranean served with impeccable attention to detail.
Mesquite Dining Room
The Mesquite Dining Room can seat up to 400 guests in a setting accented
by massive stone fireplaces and dramatic oil paintings depicting scenes
of the Old West. To accommodate busy meeting schedules, breakfast and
lunch are served buffet style with tempting displays of hot, cold and
specialty items to please every palate. Evening dining is leisurely,
offering menus of five entrees accompanied by soup, salad, beverages
and the popular desert buffet. Menu rotations ensure that the same meal
is not offered twice during even a two-week stay.
Red Horse Saloon
The Red Horse Saloon offers indoor and outdoor entertainment options.
The Saloon's interior can be used alone for a Western casino night,
and also may be combined with an adjoining 4,000-square-foot patio offering
inspiring views of the surrounding natural desert landscape.
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