Top 10 Resorts in Arizona in 2027

1. The Phoenician

The Phoenician ranks first because it scores highest across the widest set of criteria, blending 250 acres at Camelback Mountain with 27 holes of championship golf, a multi-tiered pool complex with a water slide, and a 2-acre cactus garden. Its Canyon Suites hold Arizona's only combined Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond rating. Peak-season rates run $500–$1,200 per night. Dining spans Mowry & Cotton and J&G Steakhouse.

This is for travelers who want everything in one place and accept the trade-offs of scale: five to ten minutes of walking between your room and the pool, and a busy, resort-wide atmosphere. Compared to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess below, The Phoenician offers more golf on property and a more exclusive top tier, but the Princess counters with six pools and stronger kids' programming. Choose The Phoenician for breadth and prestige.

2. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess ranks second for its unmatched family amenities and event-driven energy, anchored by six pools, a sand-bottom beach pool, a water slide, and seasonal programming. Its 750 rooms sit adjacent to TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, making it functionally excellent for golfers despite no on-site courses. Peak-season rates run $450–$1,100. December's Christmas at the Princess pushes demand and rates back to peak.

This is for families and large groups who prioritize activity variety over intimacy, and who accept crowds and scale as the cost of that depth. Compared to The Phoenician above, it trades 27 on-site holes for a marquee public course next door and a livelier, more kid-focused vibe. If you want a quieter, more adult-oriented stay, The Phoenician is the better pick; the Princess wins for sheer amenity volume.

3. Enchantment Resort

Enchantment Resort ranks third for its singular setting inside Boynton Canyon, with red-rock walls on three sides and casitas that put scenery above all else. Peak-season rates run $450–$1,000, and the Mii amo destination spa adds a top-tier wellness layer. The canyon location moderates heat somewhat relative to Phoenix. However, it sits far from Sedona proper, and on-site dining options are limited, making most dinners a drive after dark.

This is for couples and scenery-focused travelers who accept a drive to town and fewer dining choices in exchange for the most dramatic red-rock views in Arizona. Compared to L'Auberge de Sedona below, Enchantment offers more space, a spa, and canyon immersion, but L'Auberge wins on walkable uptown access and creekside intimacy. Choose Enchantment for landscape and seclusion, not for convenience.

4. L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona ranks fourth for its creekside cottages on Oak Creek and walkable access to uptown Sedona, making it the most romantic and convenient Sedona option. Peak-season rates run $500–$1,200, with creekside cottages at the top of that band. The acclaimed creekside restaurant is the entire proposition, and there is no golf. Its compact inventory is built for couples, not resort-scale family infrastructure.

This is for couples on an anniversary or romantic trip who want intimacy and immediate town access, and who are willing to trade golf and large-pool amenities for that experience. Compared to Enchantment above, L'Auberge is smaller, quieter, and closer to town, but lacks the canyon drama and Mii amo spa. If you want red-rock views from your window at all times, Enchantment wins; for creekside charm and walkability, L'Auberge is superior.

5. Arizona Biltmore

Arizona Biltmore ranks fifth as the value pick among marquee properties, open since 1929 with Frank Lloyd Wright influence and a recent multimillion-dollar renovation. It offers eight pools, including the historic Catalina pool, and signature Biltmore Blocks architecture, at peak-season rates of roughly $350–$800—below the newest five-star competition. Its Phoenix neighborhood setting provides walkable proximity to city amenities. The renovation is precisely what moved it into value territory.

This is for travelers who want luxury at a lower price and don't require open-desert landscape, accepting a neighborhood location over unbroken Sonoran scenery. Compared to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess above, the Biltmore is smaller, quieter, and cheaper, but lacks the Princess's six-pool scale and kids' programming. Choose the Biltmore for architectural heritage and value; choose the Princess for family amenity depth.

6. JW Marriott Camelback Inn

JW Marriott Camelback Inn ranks sixth for its historic 1936 heritage and two on-site golf courses, set in the Paradise Valley foothills with a spread-out casita layout. Peak-season rates run roughly $400–$900. The property's age shows in some areas, so verifying your specific room category's renovation status is essential. Its two courses make it a solid golf destination without the scale of The Phoenician.

This is for golfers and history buffs who want a classic Arizona resort with a casita feel and are willing to trade modern polish for character. Compared to the Arizona Biltmore above, Camelback Inn offers more golf and a more desert-like setting, but the Biltmore counters with a more recent renovation and eight pools. Choose Camelback Inn for golf and casita privacy; choose the Biltmore for a fresher, pool-focused stay.

7. The Boulders Resort & Spa

The Boulders Resort & Spa ranks seventh for its distinctive setting among 12-million-year-old granite formations across roughly 1,300 desert acres, with adobe-style casitas and two championship courses. Peak-season rates run $350–$800, with casitas at the upper end. The geology is unmatched by any other Arizona property, offering genuine seclusion. It sits about 25 miles north of Scottsdale, adding drive time.

This is for couples and those seeking solitude in a dramatic desert landscape, who accept distance from Scottsdale and a long walk between casitas and amenities. Compared to Camelback Inn above, The Boulders offers more dramatic scenery and seclusion, but Camelback Inn is closer to Phoenix and has a longer history. Choose The Boulders for the most distinctive geology in Arizona; choose Camelback Inn for convenience and heritage.

8. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort ranks eighth for its mountain-base setting against the Santa Catalina range, with two Tom Fazio courses and an 80-foot on-property waterfall. Peak-season rates run $300–$650, making it a strong value for a golf resort. The guest mix is distinctly quieter than Scottsdale's. Some rooms read dated against newer competition, so confirm renovation status.

This is for golfers and those seeking a quieter, more affordable Arizona resort experience, accepting a longer drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor and thinner dining density. Compared to The Boulders above, Loews offers better value and a mountain backdrop, but The Boulders has more dramatic geology and seclusion. Choose Loews for price and golf; choose The Boulders for scenery and solitude.

9. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass ranks ninth for its 27 holes of Arnold Palmer-designed golf and Sonoran Desert setting, with a lazy river and pools that suit families. Peak-season rates run $300–$650, matching Loews Ventana Canyon on price. Its large footprint means meaningful walking or shuttle dependence. It pairs large-group infrastructure with genuine leisure appeal, making it a strong corporate incentive choice.

This is for families and corporate groups who want golf, a lazy river, and space to spread out at a Tucson price point, accepting the drive from Phoenix and a less intimate atmosphere. Compared to Loews Ventana Canyon above, Starr Pass offers more golf holes and a lazy river, but Loews has a quieter, more scenic mountain base. Choose Starr Pass for family amenities and golf volume; choose Loews for calm and scenery.

10. Miraval Arizona

Miraval Arizona ranks tenth because it is a category of its own: an all-inclusive wellness resort in the Santa Catalina foothills, bundling meals, classes, and most experiences—from equine therapy to aerial yoga—into a rate of roughly $900–$1,800. Its Life in Balance Spa and digital-detox ethos are designed for solo restorative travelers, not for nightlife or tee times. The rate looks high on a nightly comparison but narrows once meals and treatments are priced in.

This is for solo travelers and wellness devotees who want a phone-down, present-focused week and are willing to trade golf, nightlife, and conventional resort amenities for that experience. Compared to JW Marriott Starr Pass above, Miraval is far more expensive but includes everything, while Starr Pass offers traditional resort value. Choose Miraval for a transformative wellness retreat; choose Starr Pass for a conventional resort stay.

How we ranked these

We measured ten Arizona resorts across five regions, weighting region, activity priority, group composition, and season. We scored each property on golf access, pool complexes, wellness programming, scale, and rate benchmarks, using peak-season double-occupancy data and amenity counts. The outcome reflects a balanced assessment of what drives a successful stay, not a single 'best' label.

We deliberately ignored subjective rankings and star ratings, as they fail to capture the critical trade-offs between regions and property types. We also excluded off-peak discounts and event-window spikes from the core scoring, since these are situational and can mislead. Instead, we focused on structural factors that persist across seasons, ensuring the ranking remains useful for diverse traveler needs.

Related questions

Which Arizona resort has the most golf on property?

The Phoenician in Scottsdale and JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass each offer 27 holes on site, Starr Pass with an Arnold Palmer design. Camelback Inn, Loews Ventana Canyon, and The Boulders each have two courses. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess relies on adjacent TPC Scottsdale.

Is Sedona or Scottsdale better for a first Arizona trip?

Scottsdale, if the trip is under four nights — it's 20–30 minutes from Sky Harbor and has the deepest concentration of resort inventory. Sedona is worth the two-hour drive when the red-rock landscape is the actual reason for the trip and you have four or more nights.

How much cheaper are Arizona resorts in summer?

Substantially — desert seasonality is severe enough that peak-season rates can more than halve between March and July. The trade is triple-digit heat, which restructures the day around early mornings and pool time rather than golf or midday hiking.

Which resort works best for a corporate incentive trip?

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass both pair large-group infrastructure with genuine leisure appeal. Enchantment and L'Auberge are too small to absorb a large program without effectively buying out the property.

What's the difference between Enchantment and L'Auberge in Sedona?

Enchantment sits inside Boynton Canyon — canyon walls, casitas, the Mii amo destination spa, and a drive to town. L'Auberge sits on Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona with freestanding creekside cottages, walkable uptown access, and no golf.

Which Arizona resort is best for families?

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess stands out with six pools, a kids' club, and seasonal programming. JW Marriott Starr Pass offers a lazy river and spacious grounds. Both provide the scale and amenities that keep children entertained, while parents enjoy resort-quality dining and relaxation.

Which resort is most romantic for couples?

L'Auberge de Sedona is the top choice, with creekside cottages and an acclaimed restaurant. The Boulders in Carefree also excels, offering secluded casitas among granite formations. Both prioritize intimacy and quiet, making them ideal for anniversaries or honeymoons.

FAQ

Which Arizona resort is the strongest all-around choice?

The Phoenician in Scottsdale. Its 250-acre footprint at the base of Camelback Mountain combines 27 holes of championship golf, a multi-tiered pool complex with a water slide, a marble-domed lobby, a 2-acre cactus garden, and dining spanning Mowry & Cotton and J&G Steakhouse. Its Canyon Suites carry Arizona's only combined Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings. It wins on breadth rather than on any single category.

Which resort delivers the best value at the luxury tier?

The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. Open since 1929 and shaped by Frank Lloyd Wright's influence, it emerged from a recent multimillion-dollar renovation with eight pools, the Spire bar, and its signature Biltmore Blocks architecture intact — at roughly $350–$800 in peak season, below the newest five-star competition. The trade-off is a Phoenix neighborhood setting rather than open desert.

When is the best time to visit Arizona resorts?

January through April is peak season with the most comfortable weather and the highest rates across every property. Summer (June–August) offers deep discounts but triple-digit heat. Shoulder months like May and October–November provide a balance of pleasant weather and moderate pricing, though December at the Fairmont Princess spikes due to 'Christmas at the Princess.'

How far in advance should I book an Arizona resort?

For peak season (January–April), book at least 3–6 months ahead, especially for popular properties like The Phoenician or Enchantment. For summer, last-minute deals are common, but if you want a specific room category or casita, earlier is safer. Event windows like the WM Phoenix Open require even more lead time.

Are resort fees and taxes included in the quoted nightly rate?

No. Arizona resorts commonly add a daily resort fee plus state and local lodging taxes, and parking may be additional. Budget the quoted rate as roughly 75–85% of your real per-night outlay. Confirm the specific fee structure at booking to avoid surprises.

Which resort is best for a spa-focused wellness retreat?

Miraval Arizona is the clear leader, with an all-inclusive rate covering meals, classes, and most experiences. Its programming emphasizes digital detox and mindfulness, with options like equine therapy and meditation. The Phoenician's Canyon Suites also offer a top-tier spa, but Miraval's holistic approach is unmatched.

What is the best airport for reaching Sedona resorts?

Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the primary gateway, about a two-hour drive north. Sedona's own airport (SDX) has limited commercial service, mostly private flights. Tucson International (TUS) is roughly two hours south, but with fewer connections. For most travelers, PHX is the most practical choice.

Can I visit both Scottsdale and Sedona on one trip?

Yes, but plan a split stay. For example, two nights in Scottsdale and three in Sedona. The drive between them is about two hours, so avoid day-tripping. This approach lets you enjoy both the golf-and-pool scene and the red-rock landscape without spending all your time in transit.

Which resort has the best pool complex for kids?

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers six pools, including a sand-bottom beach pool and a water slide, plus a kids' club. JW Marriott Starr Pass has a lazy river and multiple pools. The Phoenician also features a multi-tiered complex with a slide, but the Princess is the most family-oriented.

Sources

• https://www.phoenician.com/
• https://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale-princess/
• https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/
• https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxca-jw-marriott-camelback-inn-resort-and-spa/overview/
• https://www.enchantmentresort.com/
• https://www.lauberge.com/
• https://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon
• https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tusjw-jw-marriott-tucson-starr-pass-resort-and-spa/overview/
• https://www.miraval.com/resorts/arizona
• https://www.theboulders.com/

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