One minute a day for the BEST skin of your life.

The Clarisonic Cleansing System and Opal Sonic Infusion System have both been introduced to all facial services in this month at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders!  We want you to be up-to-date and in-the-know about the latest and greatest in skin cleansing.

Research shows that Clarisonic Facial Cleansing does the following:  removes 6 times more makeup than manual cleansing; leads to 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C when compared to manual cleansing; helps improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, elasticity and firmness in mature skin; makes skin look and feel softer, smoother and healthier; is safe and gentle enough to use twice a day.

AND when using the Opal Sonic Infusion (for the eye area) 87% of women found an immediate reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; twice daily use of Clarisonic Opal reduced the appearance of aging skin around the eye and leads to brighter, younger and healthier looking skin; increased skin hydration and gentle enough for daily use; and consistent use of the Clarisonic Opal leads to noticeably firmer skin.

These great facial tools are NOW being utilized in ALL facials provided at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders.

To schedule your facial at the Golden Door Spa, please call 480-595-3500.  We look forward to providing you a Clarisonic Experience!

Promise Rock

Discovered by The Boulders but created by nature, Promise Rock in the Sonoran Desert foothills is a uniquely beautiful site premiering this spring for couples entering life’s most important union—marriage.  The eternal strength and grace of the 12-million-year-old boulders provide a rock solid foundation while a stunning waterfall signifies the abundance of love and intensity of emotion the bond of marriage evokes.  Even flora and fauna seem to celebrate the joy of nuptials as prickly pear cactus bloom in rich colors, newborn rabbits scamper across the grassy knoll and families of quail scurry among the saguaro cactus. 

The entrance of Promise Rock is marked with a welcoming gate, constructed of natural latillas, (“little sticks”) and adorned with blossoming rosebush vines spilling over with color. The Boulders’ commissioned rock art, of a couple holding hands, is reminiscent of an ancient petroglyph and affirms the honor of marriage throughout civilization. Even the “his & her” saguaro cactus overseeing the venue, symbolize nature’s partnership.  When couples exchange their vows in front of Promise Rock, it’s as if history itself is blessing the union. 

Michael Hoffmann, The Boulders’ Managing Director, the visionary who found the spot for Promise Rock, designed the venue and oversaw its transformation into one of the most extraordinary event sites anywhere in the world.  The stirringly romantic occasion of marriage was his inspiration. “The Sonoran Desert is exquisitely magical and I was compelled to create the most ideal spot in this natural paradise for two people starting their lives together.  I can think of no better way to celebrate the excitement of marriage and honor its importance,” said Hoffmann.

The wedding site is elevated 2,288 ft. above ground level providing extraordinary artist-brushed pink sunset views and panoramic vistas of the valley below.  The lush green manicured meadow is a unique “desert bouquet” and can accommodate up to 250 people for a wedding ceremony.  Wedding guests will get a true bird’s eye view of the glorious desert, including a peek of the emerald green fairways of The Boulders pristine golf course. 

The Latilla Restaurant is named the “Most Scenic View”

As a tribute to the excellent experience provided, OpenTable.com diners voted the Latilla Restaurant the “Most Scenic View Restaurant”.  This restaurant features hand-sculpted booths, latilla and viga wood ceilings, a large picture window with views of a cascading waterfall from a 12-million-year old boulder formation, and an adjoining outdoor patio with an adobe wood-burning fireplace. 

For reservation and additional information, please call 480-488-7317 or visit www.DiningAtTheBoulders.com.

The Boulders Resort Names New Latilla Chef 

Chef Stephen Jones joins the talented culinary team at the Latilla, the Boulders’ signature restaurant renowned for its organic offerings and regional cuisine. As the Latilla’s new Chef de Cuisine, Jones will oversee a kitchen staff of 12 cooks.  “I’d love to add more swagger and panache to Latilla,” says Jones.  “My hope is that our regular local diners and returning resort guests will see the restaurant in a new light.  We are on the verge of taking Latilla to a whole new level, starting with the new menus I’ve planned for the upcoming season.” 

Chef Jones plans to continue offering New American Fare, inspired by flavors of the Southwest.  The menu items will be flavorful yet healthy; rich yet affordable; and creative yet familiar comfort foods.  Thanks to Chef Jones’ intrigue with Arizona’s “history of hunting” (and a 160 year-old recipe he found) he plans to include more wild game, regional local fish and organic starters for the fall menu.   “In the fall, 75% of the organic products are from Arizona,” says Jones. “It makes sense to use these locally-grown products in as many dishes as possible.” 

Please enjoy the recipe for Flat Bread created by Chef Jones.  A favorite in the Latilla Restaurant. 

Flat Bread

Ingredients:

½ oz   Active Dry Yeast

½ c   Whole Milk, Warm

1c + 3 Tbsp  All Purpose Flour

½ tsp  Salt

Directions:

1. Using microwave, place the milk in on high for 1 min
2. Remove the milk from microwave, stir in the yeast and let sit for 5 min
3. Combine salt and flour, pour in warm milk and knead for 5 min and form a ball
4. Place in a metal bowl, cover with plastic and place in a warm place and let rise for 30 min
5. Remove dough from bowl and separate into 8 balls
6. Using a pasta machine, roll each ball through as you would for pasta
7. Once rolled completely out place on full sheet tray with parchment paper, drizzle with EVOO

 Yields: 8 Rolled Portions

In teaching Golfsimplified I believe firmly in keeping it simple. The simplest swing theory is “two turns and a swish”.

One of the central issues to help you apply that theory in the full golf swing is ‘core rotation’. Although you hear a lot about ‘shoulder turn’, your hips should be involved too. Turning your hips will help you achieve a better arc, plane, and increasing the club head speed.
Your shoulders should turn, but I prefer the word of rotate; your shoulders should rotate twice as much as your hips. So allow your hips to turn both back and through.

Think of rotating your hips in a barrel, which is an old picture thought, quoted from icon Mr. Ben Hogan. That picture and thought will never go out of fashion.

Taking that picture thought a step farther, rotate your belt in a level or horizontal plane. Watch the accompanying video clip to see how the hips should rotate back and through on a level plane.
This motion helps the club swing on an inside to inside arc, with a big plus to make room and freedom through the hitting area. Another bonus is that hip turn will take some strain off of a stiff or inflexible back.

Experiment with this in your swing and you will start to feel a smoother, less restricted hitting action through the ball. This will also help you ‘transfer your weight’ which is always controlled by your core rotation.

Just a word of caution; before you start a vigorous practice session, warm up and stretch out your hamstrings, back, and hip flexors. More on this subject in my next Boulders Blog.

Donald Crawley PGA
Director of Instruction Boulders Golf Academy TOP 100 Teacher

If you are ready for an adventure, then the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is a great place to be!  Not only do we offer your typical spa services of massages, facials and body treatments along with our great fitness and wellness programs, but we offer outdoor adventures as well.  What other resort and spa can boast on-property rock climbing as well as desert hiking, mountain biking and night-biking??  The Boulders can and does! 

• Desert Hiking – Explore the scenic Sonoran Desert and learn about local flora, fauna and history from an experienced guide.  A variety of unique destinations are available, from modest rolling desert to challenging mountain terrain.  Hiking shoes are highly recommended, but any sturdy athletic footwear will do.  Wearing a hat is a great idea.  We’ll supply a fanny pack, water bottle and transportation to the trail head.

• Mountain Biking – Enjoy a guided tour on some of Arizona’s best trails, located just pedaling distance from The Boulders.  The rolling desert terrain is challenging and fun and the scenery is unforgettable.  Our mountain bikes are full-suspension models with disk brakes.  We’ll supply the helmet, water bottle and some expert riding tips.

• Rock Climbing – Experience the thrill of rock climbing on teh resort’s majestic granite.  Our program is a genuine rock climbing experience, with natural routes rising up to 75 feet.  Climbing is an activity that relies on technique and finesse, not raw strength.  Participants are often surprised by their own abilities.  Our expert guests supply all the gear and teach the basic skills.

Here are few simple tips to take when the temperatures outside starts to rise:

• Always wear light colored, loose fitting clothes – dark color, tight fitting clothes keeps the heat in and prevents your body from cooling down.
• Avoid sunburn - if you need to be exposed to the sun always apply a sunscreen (at least an SPR30) and wear a cap or large floppy hat that will keep the sun off your face and neck.  Having a sunburn will prevent your body from cooling off.
• Find an air conditioned building – if the heat starts to affect you, find an air conditioned building or store right away. This will help your body to cool down faster.
• Drink plenty of water – drinking water will keep your body hydrated and help it sweat to maintain normal body temperature.
• Check with your doctor if you are on medication that may make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.  If you can’t reach your doctor check with your pharmacy or go on line and check all the side effects of your medications.
• Never stay in a parked car or get into your car if it’s been sitting in the sun. Car temperatures can reach more than 140 degrees in a matter of minutes. Always cool your car with the AC or open the windows to cool it down.  NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car.
• Limit exercise and strenuous work outside. If your job requires you to work outside remember to take plenty of breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. If you work outside everyday your body will eventually adapt to the heat.

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea; dizziness; weakness; headache; pale, cool and moist skin; fast and weak pulse; disorientation; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; fainting

At the first signs of heat exhaustion, you should stop activity and cool the body by seeking shade, shelter or a cool room, and drinking cold fluids.  Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe.   If you recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, take the following actions:

• Stop activities and rest
• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages
• Take a cool shower, or bath
• Move to an air-conditioned room
• Remove extra clothing

There are plenty of ways to avoid heat exhaustion while at The Boulders.  A few ideas include:

• Start your day EARLY.  During the hot summer months, the sun is up as early as 5:30am and that is the coolest time of the day.  Take your morning walk or run at this time.
• Exercise indoors!  The Golden Door Spa has a great fitness facility that will meet your complete exercise routine.  Fitness classes are also offered throughout the day.
• Schedule an early golf tee-time.  It’s ideal to finish your round of golf prior to the hottest time of the day.

During the hottest time of the day, enjoy indoor activities such as spa services and shopping.  If you are outdoors during this time, stay in the shade, use and re-use your SPF and find a pool to cool off in.  There are several pools at The Boulders to do just that!

One of the more popular forms of yoga is Hatha yoga.  Offered at the Golden Door Spa several times per week, it focuses on the physical poses and controlled breathing.

POSES – In a typical hatha yoga class, you may learn anywhere from 10 to 30 poses.  More experienced yoga students might know many more, including more advanced poses that require advanced stretching and twisting.  Poses range from the seemingly easy, such as the corpse pose, which involves lying on the floor, completely relaxed, to the most difficult poses that take years of practice to master.

Remember, you don’t have to do every pose your instructor demonstrates.  If a pose is uncomfortable or you can’t hold it as long as the instructor requests, don’t do it.  Good instructors will understand.  Spend time sitting quietly, breathing deeply until your instructor moves the class on to another pose that’s more comfortable for you.

BREATHING – Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga.  In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy.  Yoga teaches that controlling your breath can help you control your body and gain control of your mind.

You’ll learn to control your breathing by paying attention to it.  Your instructor may ask you to take deep, regular breaths as you concentrate on your breathing.  Other techniques involve paying attention to your breath as it moves into your body and fills your lungs, or breathing through alternate nostrils.

Overall, yoga offers a good means of relaxation and stress relief.  Its quiet, precise movements focus your mind less on your busy day and more on the moment as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration.

To see a monthly schedule of fitness classes offered (including a variety of yoga styles) at the Golden Door Spa, please click here.  Namaste …

 The Penn Glee Club is a choral group of men that has been around for 148 years, the original Glee club beginning as early as 1862. This group has performed all over the world wowing audiences in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica, among others!

Fidel says, “In my Series I wish to convey light and color reflected through the water from the illumination of the sky and the richness of the plants, as seen underwater, swaying in motion.  The paintings have been divided into seasons, each color reflecting the all-absorbing warmth of summer, the coolness of winter, and the delicate warmth and richness of spring and fall.  This series calls for immersion in each painting, and the reward is the renewed discovery of shapes, forms and light.  I aim to convey the message that less can certainly be more.”

Fidel creates visual excitement in her paintings by combining geometric imagery that is root in mystical/occult teachings with brush strokes that typify expressive abstract painting.  Known for her abstracts, oils, encaustic, endangered/exploited species, flight, mixed media, creation of the word triptych, and portrait of an artist series, Fidel’s work showcases life journeys by creating an emotional pull from the tension between abstract shapes and geometric figures.  Fidel is engaged in an ongoing process of experimentation and exploration, to discover innovative ways to capture the viewer in a visual experience that is both “unique and timeless, immediate and transcendent,” she says.

Other works currently displayed by Fidel include “…And Then There Were None – Cheetah…”, expressing awareness to the viewer of the slow dicimation of the natural animal world and its effect on our own lives and environment, and “The World as Ground Zero”, expressing the shock and despair of terrorism worldwide. 

“I wanted the art itself to physically be the violence of terrorism, as much as the medium would allow.  Although it has no peace in it, the reality expressed through the art suggests the hope that man’s expression of true civilization and creativity will overcome evil,” says Fidel.

Wildlife abounds in the desert surrounding The Boulders Resort.  You may encounter some native inhabitants of the Sonoran Desert while strolling on the grounds.  Although inhabiting our domesticated environment, the desert animals need to forage for themselves and benefit from their natural diet, so when you visit please do not feed the animals.  Here are a few of the native inhabitants of the Sonoran Desert that you will find at The Boulders Resort.

Desert Cottontail Rabbit is very common in the Arizona deserts and even in some residential areas. Their body color is grayish and their white tails are very noticeable as they run.

Rock Squirrel is often seen sitting on big rocks.  Its general their color is grey with mottling on the back, and its bushy tail separates it from other desert squirrels.  Unlike most desert wildlife, the rock squirrel is active during the daylight hours.

Cactus Wren is the state bird of Arizona and a common “resident” of the cactus thickets.  They nest and hide in the tickets taking advantage of the natural protection it provides against the wren’s enemies. The male is an avid singer.

Gambel Quail makes a peeping sound while running from bush to bush.  They mate for life and are usually seen in pairs with their young until late fall, when large convoys of the birds are formed.

Snakes commonly associated with the Sonoran Desert are wary of humans and remain harmless unless frightened or threatened.  They prefer remote sections of the desert where they can stretch out in a warm sunny location, rarely crawling near human habitat.  Many desert snakes are poisonous and should be avoided.

Chuckwalla Lizard has a black body tinged with red and yellow.  It can grow up to 15 inches long and can be seen around rocks and hidden in crevices.

 Gila Monster can grow up to two feet in length and when they bite for protection they will not let go.  They are characterized by orange and black stripes.  Gila Monsters are the only poisonous lizards in the United States.

 Javelina are small nocturnal wild pigs still common in the desert lowlands.  Timid unless cornered, they feed at dawn and at night along the moist arroyos.  They feed on prickly pear and other cactus fruits.  The Javelina differ from true pigs because of their long, pointed snouts, which end in an oval, flattened disc.

 Mule deer with its prominent ears, is the desert’s largest mammal.  They travel in small herds, most often in early evening and night.

 Coyote is a popular desert animal.  During the day, they are often hidden under the cover of the desert brush.  They are quite shy, usually running away when encountering people.  Their nighttime howls are the coyote’s own language, and each makes different noises across a wide vocal range.