Self Guided Walking Tour
Where Montelucia Gets Its Name
Montelucia is the Spanish translation for “mountain of light,” referring to the warm glow radiating off Camelback Mountain at sunset. In 2004, the property began its transformation after new ownership traveled to Spain and Morocco, drawing inspiration from the textures, aromas, and culture to infuse into every handcrafted detail of the resort.
Location 1: X Trees
Centuries ago, Spanish explorers left behind “X” markers to identify where treasures were hidden. Today, modern explorers come to the Southwest seeking unforgettable experiences, and at Omni Montelucia, they find that “X” truly marks the spot.
Location 2: Front Drive Doors
Our journey begins at the grand entrance, where rustic pine wood doors from 1560–1580 Spain welcome guests. These historic doors feature a small “zaguan” (door within a door) and hand-forged iron “clavos,” setting the tone for your immersive Andalusian-inspired stay.
Location 3: Cortijo Plaza
Cortijo Plaza reflects a traditional Andalusian-style country estate and serves as a welcoming gathering place. It houses the front desk, shops, dining venues, guest rooms, and more—bringing the spirit of a Spanish village to life.
Location 4: Castillo Lucena
“Castillo Lucena” means “Castle of Light,” symbolizing strength and enlightenment. The 18th-century solid teak doors at the entrance were sourced from the Portuguese colony of Goa and feature 72 framed panels, including a small “zaguan.”
Location 5: Olive Jars
Outside Prado, two oil jars from 1790–1810 stand as historical pieces from a cortijo near Ubeda in northeastern Andalusia. Known as “tinajas,” these jars could hold up to 1,000 liters of olive oil.
Location 6: History of Prado
Prado is named after Spain’s famed Museo del Prado in Madrid. Inspired by Italian design, the restaurant features a terrace styled after Michelangelo’s Villa San Michele and showcases artwork influenced by Juarez Machado’s collection.
Location 7: El Camino Real Bell
The El Camino Real Bell, designed by America’s first female bell maker, Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes, represents the historic King’s Highway. The dates on the bell—1769 to 1906—mark the path of missions established along California’s coast.
Location 8: Kasbah Fountain
At the heart of the resort sits Kasbah Fountain, where guests gather at dusk to take in the sunset over Camelback Mountain. Visitors are invited to toss a coin and make a wish as part of the resort’s weekend tradition.
Location 9: Citrus Path
Begin your journey through Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia along Citrus Path. This Andalusian-inspired oasis in the Sonoran Desert is filled with rich stories and architectural wonders that bring each corner of the resort to life.
