drinking by pool

5 Resorts for Gluten-Free Poolside Dining

Indulging in a blissful day by the pool is a quintessential summer pleasure. Yet, for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, the mere glimpse of poolside menus can evoke disappointment, as they are often dominated by gluten-laden finger foods like crispy chicken fingers and juicy hamburgers. 

Luckily, the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas are havens of exquisite resorts embracing diverse dietary needs. Be it an out-of-town adventure or a refreshing local escape, these five resorts dive into the deep end of understanding how to do gluten-free poolside dining.

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The Scott Resort & Spa

The Scott Resort & Spa

Scottsdale

The Scott is a vibrant, Cuban-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale that boasts two tropical tree-lined pools, a sandy swim area and airy day beds. The hotelā€™s restaurant, The Canal Club Poolside, presents a variety of delicious gluten-free poolside dining options, including grilled tacos, fresh salads and other shareable dishes. 

The chips and salsa ($10) can be served with chips from a dedicated fryer, making it safe for those with a sensitive gluten allergy or Celiac disease, in addition to the fries in the loaded Cuban street fries ($14). The marinated skirt steak tacos ($15) and blackened snapper tacos ($15) can both be enjoyed gluten free with corn tortillas. And all four of the mouthwatering salads like the quinoa and avocado ($14) and the cobb ($17) are all naturally gluten free, with the exception of the croutons on the kale salad.

Poolside service is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To learn more, visit www.thescottresort.com.

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Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Phoenix

Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Hotel Palomar offers a trendy rooftop atmosphere amidst the bustling cityscape. The third-floor rooftop pairs a sparkling pool and private cabanas with a beautifully aesthetic restaurant, newly opened Eden Bar, which provides the gluten-free options for brunch diners and poolside loungers alike.

Some of the lighter gluten-free options include the yellowfin tuna crudo with cucumber and watermelon ($21); shellfish crudo with orange and garbanzo bean ($21); and the organic quinoa salad with butternut squash and goat cheese ($16). For something heartier, guests may choose the chipotle deviled eggs with bacon ($16) or request the roasted lamb meatballs with tomatillo-harissa sauce ($19) from the dinner menu, both naturally gluten free. 

Every weekend, Eden Bar hosts the Sunday Garden Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can soak up the weekend sunshine, DJ tunes and shareable brunch bites (this menu is also available poolside).

Food is served poolside from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. To learn more, visit www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com.

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Mountain Shadows Resort

Mountain Shadows Resort

Paradise Valley

Settled in the stunning Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows Resort is a modern, bright retreat for relaxation and culinary delights. The resort dishes up the perfect variety of snacks to enjoy for gluten-free poolside dining options, from crispy chips and queso to a light and refreshing poke bowl.

The tortilla chips con queso ($14) and guacamole are served with blue and yellow corn chips fried in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. Seafood options include the avocado and shrimp ceviche ($22), the shrimp cocktail ($26) and the poke bowl ($26) with Hawaiian tuna, hold the vinaigrette. For more filling options, guests can choose the red chile-braised pork tacos ($16), served on corn tortillas, or the chicken caesar salad ($18), hold the croutons. 

Food is available poolside daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit www.mountainshadows.com.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Carefree

Relaxation and nourishment are the goals at CIVANA Wellness Resort, located in the town of Carefree. The serene desert resort features Terras restaurant, known for its healthy and mindful cuisine, and serves both pools on property. The resort’s commitment to holistic wellness extends to accommodating dietary needs, providing a seamless experience for guests with gluten intolerance.

Flavors of the Southwest are incorporated into Terras menu, including the gluten-free Desert Guacamole ($14), served with corn chips and cruditĆ©; the Southwestern cobb salad ($17) with a chipotle-cashew dressing; and the green chile chicken tacos ($17) or seared salmon tacos ($18), served with jicama slaw and amarillo crema. Vegetarian/vegan options include the Superfoods Bowl ($17) with cauliflower tabbouleh and turmeric-tahini vinaigrette and the jackfruit carnitas tacos ($16), both also gluten free. Thereā€™s also two fresh smoothies on the menu: the The Green Goddess ($13) with apple, avocado and chlorophyll or the Radiance ($13) with coconut milk, berries and maqui.

Food is served poolside daily from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. To learn more, visit civanacarefree.com.

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The Phoenician

The Phoenician

Scottsdale

The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale offers a luxurious oasis of nine multi-tiered pools with breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Those with dietary restrictions will find exceptional gluten-free poolside dining options at Kalio Kabobery, the Mediterranean-inspired poolside restaurant.

The menu offers a variety of gluten-free grilled kabobs like the prime beef kabob ($23) with cumin and the chicken shawarma kabob ($22) with harissa and lime, all served with cucumber salad, quinoa tabbouleh, tzatziki and jalapeƱo-schug salsa, hold the naan. Additional menu items include the Pacific shrimp aguachile ($20), the quinoa and chickpea bowl ($16) with carrot-sumac vinaigrette and the Kalioā€™s Greek salad ($15) with lemon vinaigrette. For dessert, choose from a frozen fruit paleta ($10) or a fresh fruit bowl with lime yogurt ($12).

Food is served poolside daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.thephoenician.com.

Ali Dugaw (a k a Gluten Free Travel Girl) is always on the hunt for the best gluten-free spots. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

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