Phoenix, AZ is a world-class resort destination, drawing visitors from across the globe to soak up the dry desert heat, play on championship golf courses, and relax under the palm trees. Nestled between dramatic desert mountains like Camelback and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, the Valley of the Sun is home to some of the most luxurious and historic resorts in the United States. Unlike standard business hotels, a true Phoenix resort is designed as an all-encompassing retreat, featuring expansive pool decks, award-winning spas, and outdoor dining that blends seamlessly with the natural desert landscape.
Whether you are planning a relaxing spa getaway, a golf trip, or searching for the best resorts near me Phoenix has to offer, choosing the right property is crucial. Some resorts lean into historic 1920s architecture and Hollywood heritage, while others offer modern, multi-pool complexes with lazy rivers and water slides for families. To help you plan your stay, we have put together a guide to five of the absolute best resorts in the Phoenix area.
Top 5 Best Resorts in Phoenix
1. The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort — Arcadia, Phoenix
Located at 6000 E Camelback Rd at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician is the pinnacle of classic luxury in the Valley. The resort features a spectacular, three-tiered outdoor pool deck tiled in mother-of-pearl, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a world-class spa. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, featuring a dedicated cactus garden and quiet walking paths that highlight the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Why you should go: The Phoenician offers a grand, five-star luxury experience with impeccable service, pristine golf greens, and a stunning pool complex overlooking the mountains.
2. Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort — Central Phoenix, Phoenix
Situated at 2400 E Missouri Ave, the Arizona Biltmore is a historic landmark opened in 1929. Known as the "Jewel of the Desert," the resort’s iconic concrete block architecture was designed with consulting from legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Biltmore has hosted presidents and celebrities for decades (it is where Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" by the pool). The property features the historic Saguaro Pool, a modern family pool with water slides, and two championship golf courses.
Why you should go: The Biltmore offers a unique blend of Frank Lloyd Wright design, rich Hollywood history, and modern Waldorf Astoria luxury in a central Phoenix location.
3. Royal Palms Resort and Spa — Arcadia, Phoenix
Tucked away at 5200 E Camelback Rd, Royal Palms is an intimate, romantic boutique resort originally built in 1929 as a private Spanish-style estate. The property is characterized by stone pathways, hidden courtyard gardens, orange groves, and stone fireplaces. The rooms, casitas, and villas are decorated in warm, Mediterranean styles, and their on-site restaurant, T. Cook’s, is a favorite local dining destination.
Why you should go: Royal Palms is the top choice for couples seeking an intimate, quiet, and highly romantic Spanish estate atmosphere at the base of Camelback Mountain.
4. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa — North Phoenix, Phoenix
Located at 5350 E Marriott Dr in North Phoenix, Desert Ridge is a massive, family-friendly resort. The property is famous for its extensive water amenities, which include a heated outdoor pool, a long lazy river, and water slides. The resort also features 36 holes of championship golf, a massive pickleball complex, and several outstanding restaurants.
Why you should go: JW Marriott Desert Ridge is the ultimate resort choice for families and active travelers looking for extensive pool amenities, lazy rivers, and golf.
5. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort — Paradise Valley, Phoenix
Perched on the northern slope of Camelback Mountain at 5700 E McDonald Dr in the exclusive enclave of Paradise Valley, Sanctuary is a boutique luxury resort known for its privacy and stunning views. The modern, casita-style accommodations are terraced into the mountain, providing maximum privacy. The resort features a sleek, adults-only infinity pool, an Asian-inspired spa, and a popular cocktail lounge (Jade Bar) overlooking the valley.
Why you should go: Sanctuary offers the most private, exclusive, and contemporary luxury experience in the Valley, complete with dramatic hillside mountain views.
Insider Tip: If you visit the Arizona Biltmore, grab a cocktail at the Wright Bar. It is the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise, created there in the 1930s by bartender Gene Sulit for a guest who wanted a refreshing poolside drink.
How to Find the Best Resorts in Phoenix Near You
To ensure your desert stay is perfect, keep these local tips in mind:
- Understand the Locations: If you want central access to dining, shopping, and hiking, look for resorts in Phoenix (Arcadia or Biltmore area). If you want an exclusive, upscale residential feel, focus on Paradise Valley. For trendy nightlife, dining, and shopping, look just across the border in Old Town Scottsdale.
- Factor in the Resort Fee: Almost all Phoenix-area resorts charge a daily "resort fee" (ranging from $40 to $55+ per night) to cover pool towels, Wi-Fi, fitness class access, and tennis court rentals. Make sure you calculate this into your nightly budget.
- Look for Summer Deals: Summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceed 100°F, which causes resort rates to drop by 60% or more compared to winter peak season. If you can handle the heat, you can stay at five-star properties for under $200 a night.
- Book Spa Treatments Early: The spas at The Phoenician and Sanctuary are highly popular with local residents. If you want a massage or facial, book your appointment at least two to three weeks before your arrival.
Average Nightly Rates for Phoenix Resorts
Resort rates in the Valley of the Sun vary dramatically between the hot summer months and the peak winter/spring seasons:
| Resort Category | Average Rate (Summer: Jun-Aug) | Average Rate (Peak: Jan-Apr) |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Family Resort (e.g. JW Marriott) | $150 – $220 | $450 – $600 |
| Historic Waldorf Astoria (e.g. Biltmore) | $180 – $260 | $550 – $750 |
| Ultra-Luxury Hillside (e.g. Sanctuary) | $320 – $450 | $750 – $1,100+ |
Final Thoughts
A stay at one of Phoenix's world-class desert resorts transforms a standard trip into a relaxing, sun-drenched escape. Whether you are floating down the lazy river at Desert Ridge, playing golf at The Phoenician, or soaking in the history of the Biltmore, these properties offer the best of Arizona hospitality. Find your perfect desert escape near me and start relaxing in the sun.
