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When I lived on the East Coast, I craved Arizona sun by the time March came along. These are my favorite places to stay. Some have sparkling pools and lush landscaping. Others focus on spacious accommodations. If you are traveling with kids, there are lazy rivers and kids' clubs. Some hideaways are close to the Grand Canyon. I also love the Sonoran Desert (and the hotels there).

Luxury Arizona Resorts:

1. Arizona Biltmore

Rating: ★★★★★

Arizona Biltmore

© Arizona Biltmore

Location:

Phoenix, Arizona

Highlights:

Originally built in 1929, the iconic Arizona Biltmore blends timeless luxury with resort-style fun across 39 landscaped acres. From championship golf and butler-serviced Club Rooms to family-friendly pools and waterslides, this Phoenix resort is a destination in itself.

Recommended For:

Families, couples, golfers, and luxury travelers looking for upscale accommodations with a full suite of amenities in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

What I Love:

Eight outdoor pools including a 92-foot waterslide, chic rooms and Club Level suites with butler service, two golf courses, and five dining venues—all set against beautifully maintained gardens and mountain views.
  • Stay in deluxe rooms or upgrade to private villas and suites with full kitchens, fireplaces, wet bars, and furnished balconies for sweeping desert views.
  • Swim in one of eight resort-style pools, complete with a massive waterslide and a fun swim-up bar.
  • Play tennis on one of seven courts or golf on two championship courses, both designed to challenge and delight players of all levels.
  • Dine at one of five on-site restaurants and lounges offering everything from cocktails and casual fare to upscale Southwestern-inspired cuisine.
  • Unwind with treatments at the spa and wellness center or recharge at the 24-hour fitness facility.
  • Enjoy family perks like a kids’ camp, playground, and a wide range of on-property activities for all ages.
  • Indulge in Club Level privileges including personal concierge service, complimentary continental breakfast, and all-day drinks in a private lounge.

Address:

2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602-955-6600

2. Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center

Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center

© Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center

Location:

Ajo, Arizona

Highlights:

Set within the historic Curley School Campus, Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center blends artistic charm with comfort in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. With original architectural details, beautifully restored guest rooms, and flexible group accommodations, it’s a unique and welcoming retreat for solo travelers, couples, and creative groups alike.

Recommended For:

Artists, history lovers, group retreats, and travelers looking for an affordable, thoughtfully restored stay in an inspiring desert setting.

What I Love:

Eight-foot windows flooding rooms with light, industrial Southwest design, the flexible Mesquite Bunkhouse for groups, and the vibrant guest lounge with games, cable TV, and creative energy throughout the property.
  • Stay in one of 21 restored guest rooms with original architecture, private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, A/C, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upgraded suites include kitchenettes and dining areas.
  • Gather in the Mesquite Bunkhouse—ideal for larger groups—with space for up to 12 guests and two full bathrooms.
  • Relax in the Ocotillo Guest Lounge, open 24 hours, featuring satellite TV, board games, and cozy seating for socializing or unwinding.
  • Cook for your group or event in the on-site commercial kitchen, available to rent for catering or group meal prep.
  • Explore the town of Ajo and the surrounding desert beauty, including nearby hiking trails and cultural attractions.

Address:

55 South Orilla Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321
Phone: 520-373-0804

3. L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona

© L'Auberge de Sedona

Location:

Sedona, Arizona

Highlights:

Set along Oak Creek and surrounded by towering red rocks, L'Auberge de Sedona is a luxurious retreat designed for peace, nature, and five-star indulgence. With refined cottages, spa offerings, and unmatched access to Sedona’s trails and charm, it’s an ideal escape for those seeking serenity and sophistication.

Recommended For:

Couples, wellness travelers, luxury seekers, and nature lovers looking for a high-end resort experience in Sedona’s scenic heart.

What I Love:

Creekside cottages with outdoor cedar showers, private decks and fireplaces, fine dining with canyon views, and an unbeatable setting near Red Rock trails and Uptown Sedona.
  • Stay in individually appointed cottages and guest quarters featuring modern French country decor, private outdoor spaces, and unique features like open-air cedar showers and wood-burning fireplaces.
  • Relax with spa treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, designed to promote tranquility and well-being.
  • Explore Red Rock Country right outside your door—hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and Uptown Sedona’s galleries and shops are all minutes away.
  • Dine creekside at Cress on Oak Creek, the resort’s award-winning restaurant offering locally inspired cuisine in a stunning natural setting.
  • Experience the harmony of luxury and nature with elevated service and immersive surroundings on a peaceful 11-acre property.

Address:

301 Little Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 800-905-5745

Romantic Arizona Resorts:

4. Arizona Inn

Arizona Inn

© Arizona Inn

Location:

Tucson, Arizona

Highlights:

Originally built in 1930 by Arizona’s first female U.S. Congress member, Arizona Inn is a historic desert retreat surrounded by lush gardens and elegant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. With tranquil casitas, thoughtful amenities, and an inviting ambiance, it’s a timeless oasis in the heart of Tucson.

Recommended For:

Couples, history buffs, cultural travelers, and anyone looking for quiet luxury with a strong sense of place and heritage.

What I Love:

Pink-stucco casitas, 14 acres of landscaped gardens, historic charm blended with modern comforts, and a lovely outdoor pool and cantina for classic Tucson relaxation.
  • Stay in casita-style guest rooms and suites with Southwestern furnishings, en-suite baths, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and balconies offering scenic desert or garden views.
  • Unwind by the sparkling outdoor pool, play a match on one of two tennis courts, or stay active in the on-site fitness center.
  • Dine at the fine-dining American restaurant or enjoy drinks and bites at the elegant bar or poolside cantina.
  • Explore the inn’s unique history and architecture, originally envisioned by trailblazer Isabella Greenway and still lovingly preserved across the 14-acre property.
  • Host intimate gatherings in a range of private event spaces, both indoors and within the stunning gardens.

Address:

2200 E Elm St, Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 520-325-1541

5. Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa

Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa

© Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa

Location:

Sedona, Arizona

Highlights:

If you’re seeking deep relaxation and awe-inspiring scenery, Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa offers a transformative escape set on 70 tranquil acres in the breathtaking Boynton Canyon. Surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rock formations, this luxury retreat blends nature, wellness, and high-end comfort into one unforgettable experience.

Recommended For:

Wellness travelers, couples, solo retreaters, and luxury seekers looking for a rejuvenating desert getaway with world-class amenities and outdoor adventure at their doorstep.

What I Love:

Southwestern-style guest rooms with private decks and canyon views, access to the renowned Mii Amo Spa, multiple dining venues, hiking trails, tennis courts, and family-friendly programming—all nestled in one of Sedona’s most scenic and sacred spots.
  • Stay in refined guest rooms and suites with private decks overlooking red rock vistas. Upgraded accommodations include living areas, fireplaces, kitchens, and even private pools or hot tubs.
  • Rejuvenate at the exclusive Mii Amo Spa, offering transformative wellness experiences, body treatments, and spiritual healing in a serene setting.
  • Dine at two full-service restaurants, enjoy light bites and drinks at the tapas bar, or relax in the casual canyon-view café.
  • Stay active with five tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and direct access to scenic nature trails for hiking and exploration.
  • Bring the family—with a dedicated kids’ activity program and plenty of open space, this is a luxury retreat that welcomes all ages.

Address:

525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 928-282-2900 or 888-250-1699

Unique Arizona Resorts:

6. The Camby

The Camby

© The Camby

Location:

Phoenix, Arizona

Highlights:

Set in Phoenix’s exclusive Biltmore neighborhood, just steps from the luxury shops and dining of Biltmore Fashion Park, The Camby blends modern sophistication with Southwestern flair. With a rooftop pool, on-site spa, and stylish rooms, this Autograph Collection hotel is perfect for travelers who crave both indulgence and convenience.

Recommended For:

Couples, business travelers, and design-conscious guests looking for chic accommodations with luxe amenities in one of Phoenix’s top shopping and dining districts.

What I Love:

Marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, rooftop pool with skyline views, hip dining options, poolside yoga sessions, and a walkable location near premier retail and entertainment.
  • Stay in contemporary rooms and suites with Southwestern-inspired design, featuring marble bathrooms, walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs, sleeper sofas, iPod docks, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Dine at a high-end restaurant and trendy bar or enjoy relaxed meals at the casual bar and grill—perfect for everything from brunch to cocktails.
  • Swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic city views and unwind in a poolside cabana or during a sunset yoga session.
  • Relax at the hotel’s luxury spa, or keep your routine on track at the fitness center—complete with wellness programs and modern equipment.
  • Explore the upscale Biltmore area on foot, with designer shopping, fine dining, and golf all just minutes from your door.

Address:

2401 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602-468-0700

7. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

© Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Location:

Tucson, Arizona

Highlights:

Nestled on 39 acres in the scenic Catalina Foothills, Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is a historic luxury escape filled with Southwestern charm, lush gardens, and stunning views. Originally built in 1929, this former girls' school turned resort is now a tranquil destination just minutes from Sabino Canyon and the heart of Tucson.

Recommended For:

Couples, history lovers, and upscale desert travelers looking for a romantic retreat with rustic elegance and unforgettable views.

What I Love:

Casitas with fireplaces and private patios, an award-winning restaurant with a massive wine cellar, and relaxing lounge areas framed by blooming gardens and mountain backdrops.
  • Stay in historic or hacienda-style rooms and casitas, featuring en-suite bathrooms, cozy fireplaces, private patios with views, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Relax in the communal patio and lounge areas, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and desert tranquility.
  • Dine at the acclaimed on-site restaurant, offering gourmet fare and one of Arizona’s most extensive wine collections.
  • Host events or meetings with ease in the resort’s modern business center and flexible indoor/outdoor event spaces.
  • Explore nearby natural treasures like Sabino Canyon—just five miles away—for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic views of the Sonoran Desert.

Address:

5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: 520-299-1501

8. Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho

© Hotel Valley Ho

Location:

Scottsdale, Arizona

Highlights:

If you love mid-century modern style with a splash of Scottsdale glam, Hotel Valley Ho delivers a stylish and fun boutique experience in the heart of the Arts District. Originally opened in the 1950s and lovingly restored, it combines vintage flair with contemporary luxury just two blocks from buzzing Main Street.

Recommended For:

Design lovers, couples, event-goers, and anyone looking for a playful, upscale stay near Scottsdale’s best dining, art galleries, and nightlife.

What I Love:

Iconic mid-century architecture, live DJs by the pool, kitchen-equipped suites, private balconies with city or garden views, and the hotel’s close walkable access to everything downtown Scottsdale has to offer.
  • Stay in retro-inspired rooms and suites with plush beds, en-suite baths, and optional full kitchens with washer/dryers, mini-fridges, and microwaves (fee-based).
  • Swim in the vibrant outdoor pool surrounded by private cabanas, where the scene includes live music, weekend DJs, and a lively poolside bar.
  • Unwind at the on-site spa or hit the fitness center to stay energized between gallery hopping and happy hours.
  • Dine and celebrate in the elegant ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows—ideal for weddings, receptions, or stylish private events.
  • Explore the Scottsdale Arts District just outside your door, with world-class galleries, craft cocktail spots, and renowned restaurants all within a few blocks.

Address:

6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-376-2600

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