Romantic Weekend Getaways in Arizona
Sun-drenched deserts, star-filled skies, and hidden luxury retreats make Arizona an unforgettable backdrop for a romantic weekend getaway. After busy days filled with work and errands, slipping into the desert’s stillness felt like pure magic. From stargazing in Sedona to spa escapes in Scottsdale, Arizona offers couples the perfect chance to slow down and reconnect.
Picture sipping wine as the sun sets over the red rocks, or waking up to quiet mornings in a cozy desert casita. I’m sharing my favorite ways to spend a dreamy 48 hours on a romantic Arizona getaway from my four weeks of road tripping across the state, and I hope they inspire your own adventure.
1. Loews Ventana Canyon - 1 hour 45 minutes from Phoenix, Arizona
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is one of my favorite desert escapes. From downtown Tucson, I drove 25 minutes into the Catalina Foothills. I loved that the resort is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes that make every view feel like a postcard.
The resort feels both luxurious and relaxed, an underrated blend that makes it perfect for couples, families, or even a solo retreat.
I found our room for two days spacious and elegant, with plush bedding, desert-inspired décor, and a balcony that made it easy to enjoy the view.
For couples, Loews Ventana Canyon is one of the best romantic getaways in Arizona, with candlelit dinners, spa treatments, and starry desert nights that create the perfect mood.
I especially loved dining at Flying V Bar & Grill, where Southwestern flavors and warm ambiance made every meal feel special.
The resort’s golf courses were another highlight, offering championship-level play with some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever experienced.
I liked having a lot to see and do in Tucson nearby. You can visit natural attractions like Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and hike in Sabino Canyon.
Loews Ventana Canyon is my favorite kind of desert sanctuary, where relaxation, adventure, and romance come together in one unforgettable getaway.
Check availability and prices for Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.
My personal highlight was the private hiking trail that leads to a beautiful natural waterfall—it felt like such a unique touch for a resort stay.
2. Mindful Escape at Miraval Resort & Spa
I think that Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson is one of the best places for a transformative weekend getaway.
I love that it’s tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by desert beauty that makes the entire property feel like a hidden gem of peace and renewal.
From Tucson, I drove 25 miles north to Miraval Arizona, a resort nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
The resort is truly underrated for how much it offers—everything from meditation and yoga to equine therapy and challenge courses designed to inspire balance and mindfulness.
My favorite part was the spa, which felt like a sanctuary within a sanctuary, offering world-class treatments, quiet spaces, and outdoor pools with mountain views.
Our rooms for two days was warm and inviting, with soft earth tones, luxurious bedding, and a private patio which was so relaxing.
For couples, Miraval is one of the best romantic retreats, with opportunities to reconnect through spa massages, mindfulness workshops, and peaceful desert walks together.
My mornings often began with sunrise yoga, followed by a guided hike that set the tone for a day of balance and rejuvenation.
My favorite sites nearby are Mission San Xavier del Bac and the Pima Air and Space Museum.
For me, Miraval Resort & Spa is a favorite sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit come together in an unforgettable experience of healing and renewal.
Check availability and prices for Miraval Resort & Spa.
My highlight was the culinary experience. I loved how every meal was fresh, healthy, and beautifully prepared, making dining one of my favorite highlights of the stay.
3. Briar Patch Inn
I love that Briar Patch Inn sits right along Oak Creek, where the sound of flowing water creates a calming atmosphere that makes the inn feel like a private sanctuary.
From Flagstaff, it was a 30-mile drive south into a landscape of red rocks and forest.
The property feels wonderfully underrated, with 19 rustic cabins scattered among gardens, sycamores, and fruit trees—it’s like stepping into a storybook retreat.
My favorite part was the cozy cabin I stayed in, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, colorful Southwestern décor, and a private patio that made the evenings magical.
I found breakfast to be a highlight as well—homemade, fresh, and served outdoors with breathtaking views of the red cliffs surrounding the inn.
For couples, Briar Patch Inn is one of the most romantic escapes in Sedona, offering quiet spaces, starry skies, and a sense of total seclusion.
I especially loved lounging in a hammock by the creek with a good book, listening to the water and birds—it was my favorite moment of pure relaxation.
The location is perfect too, just minutes from Uptown Sedona, while still feeling far removed from the bustle of shops and tourists.
Sedona activities include hiking Cathedral Rock, or visiting Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon. Other activities include exploring the spiritually significant Chapel of the Holy Cross, visiting the Amitaba Stupa and Peace Park, and relaxing at Slide Rock State Park.
Briar Patch Inn is my favorite kind of Sedona getaway, where romance, nature, and tranquility come together in the most unforgettable way.
Check availability and prices for Briar Patch Inn.
My highlight was a picnic-style breakfast brought to our door that included homemade granola, fresh fruit, warm muffins, and locally roasted coffee.
4. Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas Grand Canyon is one of my favorite glamping experiences in the Southwest.< I love that it combines the adventure of camping with the comfort of a boutique hotel, making it an underrated way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing luxury.
From Williams, it was just a 30-mile drive north into the high desert plains.
Our tent for two days was spacious and beautifully designed, with king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, and private decks that made my stay feel cozy and romantic.
I found the location perfect, just a short drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim, while still feeling secluded enough to immerse myself in nature.
For couples, this spot is one of the best romantic adventures, with private tents, glowing lanterns, and the chance to experience the canyon in a unique way.
I especially loved the on-site dining, which offered fresh, seasonal meals and added to the sense of community with other travelers.
The staff were warm and welcoming, offering tips for exploring the canyon and arranging activities like guided hikes and horseback riding.
For me, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is more than just glamping—it’s my favorite way to combine adventure, comfort, and nature for an unforgettable desert getaway.
Check availability and prices for Under Canvas Grand Canyon.
My favorite part was sitting out by the firepit at night, watching the stars light up the Arizona sky—it felt like pure magic.
A downside? Sleeping under the stars was magical, but the rustic setup meant chilly nights.
5. The Royal Palms
I love that The Royal Palms Resort and Spa blends Spanish Mediterranean style with Arizona’s natural beauty, making the entire property feel timeless, elegant, and wonderfully underrated.
Right in Scottsdale, the resort itself is stunning, with cobblestone paths, lush gardens, and courtyards filled with fountains that create an atmosphere of pure romance.
My favorite part was the historic mansion at the heart of the property, which gave the resort so much character and charm.
Our room for three nights was beautifully designed, with rich textures, warm colors, and private patios that made my stay feel intimate and special.
For couples, this is one of the best romantic getaways in Arizona where every corner feels designed for connection, from candlelit dinners to serene spa treatments.
I especially loved dining at T. Cook’s, the on-site restaurant, which served incredible Mediterranean-inspired dishes that felt both fresh and indulgent.
The Royal Palms is my favorite kind of getaway, where history, romance, and luxury come together in one unforgettable Arizona escape.
Check availability and prices for The Royal Palms.
The location was a highlight, just minutes from downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, yet it feels like a secluded desert retreat.
I enjoyed having great attractions so close by, including hiking at Camelback Mountain, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Musical Instrument Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum.
6. Clear Sky Resorts
Clear Sky Resorts in Williams, Arizona, is one of my favorite weekend getaways under the stars.
I love that the resort offers unique geodesic dome accommodations, making it an underrated alternative to traditional hotels in the area.
Our dome for two days was cozy yet modern, with plush bedding, climate control, and large panoramic windows that made stargazing my favorite part of the stay.
I found the property full of fun extras like hammocks, swings, yard games, and fire pits that created a playful, family-friendly atmosphere.
I especially loved the sense of seclusion—the resort feels remote and adventurous, yet it’s just a short drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and the nightly s’mores by the campfire added a charming touch to the stay.
For me, Clear Sky Resorts is more than just a hotel—it’s my favorite kind of Arizona adventure, where comfort, creativity, and nature come together in one unforgettable getaway.
Check availability and prices for Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon.
My personal highlight was watching the sunset over the high desert and then seeing the Milky Way come alive through the dome’s giant sky window.
A downside? The futuristic domes were fun and unique, but the remote desert setting meant limited dining nearby.
Conclusion
From Sedona’s spiritual stillness to Tucson’s desert-luxe retreats, Arizona offers more than romantic escapes, it offers shared experiences you’ll carry home with you. Whether you find your magic under a dome of stars, in a mountain spa, or over wine in a historic hideaway, one thing is certain: Arizona makes it easy to fall in love all over again. With the landscape as your backdrop, the journey becomes just as romantic as the destination.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how Arizona offers the best of both worlds, Sedona’s breathtaking red rocks, Scottsdale’s spa resorts, the underrated charm of Jerome, or Flagstaff’s cool mountain air. Each feels unique and has quickly become one of my favorite romantic getaway experiences.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
