Top 10 Resorts in Arizona
Top 10 Resorts in Arizona
*Published June 23, 2026 · Updated June 23, 2026*
The best resort in Arizona is The Phoenician in Scottsdale, a 250-acre AAA Five-Diamond property with 27 holes of golf, a marble-domed lobby, and a tiered pool complex at the base of Camelback Mountain. For desert luxury at a relative discount, the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is the Best Value pick, a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced 1929 landmark recently renovated to modern standards.
This statewide list spans Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, and Carefree. Every property is real, currently operating, and bookable in 2026-2027. Rate bands reflect peak winter-and-spring (January-April) doubles; summer rates fall sharply.
1. The Phoenician 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Luxury desert golf resort | Price: $500-$1,200/night | Location: Scottsdale | Best for: Golf, pools, and all-around five-star polish
Spread across 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician pairs a gold-domed Italian-marble lobby with 27 holes of championship golf, a multi-tiered pool complex, and a 2-acre cactus garden. Dining spans farm-to-table at Mowry & Cotton and steaks and seafood at J&G Steakhouse, while The Canyon Suites within the resort hold Arizona's only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings together.
The scale, polish, and amenity depth make it the strongest all-around resort in the state.
Pros:
- 27 holes of golf: A full championship golf experience on site.
- Tiered pool complex: Multiple pools plus a water slide.
- Top-tier dining: Mowry & Cotton and J&G Steakhouse.
- Five-star pedigree: Canyon Suites carry Arizona's only dual top rating.
Cons:
- Among the most expensive resorts in the state.
- Large footprint means lots of walking between amenities.
Verdict: The best overall Arizona resort and the safe choice for a flagship stay.
2. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Historic desert resort | Price: $350-$800/night | Location: Phoenix | Best for: Architecture, history, and value
Open since 1929 and shaped by Frank Lloyd Wright's influence, the Arizona Biltmore is a Phoenix landmark that emerged from a recent multimillion-dollar renovation with eight pools, the Spire bar, and its signature Biltmore Blocks architecture intact. Long a retreat for presidents and celebrities, it now blends historic grandeur with refreshed rooms at rates below the newest five-star competition.
The combination of architecture, history, and recent updates makes it the best value among Arizona's marquee resorts.
Pros:
- Iconic architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design throughout.
- Eight pools: Including the historic Catalina pool.
- Recent renovation: Modernized rooms and amenities.
- Strong value: Lower rates than newer five-star properties.
Cons:
- Set in a Phoenix neighborhood rather than open desert.
- Large size can feel busy during events.
Verdict: The best value pick, blending genuine history with modern comfort.
3. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Type: AAA Five-Diamond golf resort | Price: $450-$1,100/night | Location: Scottsdale | Best for: Golf, families, and seasonal events
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the state's most-requested resort, with 750 rooms, six pools including a white-sand beach pool, the Well & Being Spa, and adjacent championship golf at TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open. Its Christmas-season "Christmas at the Princess" event draws crowds statewide.
The blend of golf, family amenities, and seasonal programming makes it a perennial Arizona favorite.
Pros:
- TPC Scottsdale golf: Adjacent to the PGA Tour venue.
- Six pools: Including a sand-bottom beach pool.
- Family programming: Kids club and seasonal events.
- Award-winning spa: Well & Being is highly rated.
Cons:
- Very large; can feel busy during peak events.
- Premium rates in winter and spring.
Verdict: The top pick for golfers and families who want resort-scale amenities.
4. Enchantment Resort
Type: Red-rock destination resort | Price: $450-$1,000/night | Location: Sedona (Boynton Canyon) | Best for: Scenery and the Mii amo spa
Tucked into Sedona's Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort surrounds guests with red-rock walls and adobe-style casitas. It is home to the destination spa Mii amo, plus hiking trails, tennis, and Native American cultural programming. The setting is among the most scenic of any resort in the American Southwest.
It is the choice for travelers who come to Arizona for the landscape and red-rock immersion.
Pros:
- Boynton Canyon setting: Surrounded by towering red rock.
- Mii amo spa: A renowned destination spa on site.
- Outdoor focus: Hiking, tennis, and guided experiences.
- Casita-style rooms: Private, southwestern accommodations.
Cons:
- Remote canyon location; Sedona town is a drive.
- Limited dining options beyond the resort.
Verdict: The best pick for red-rock scenery and a wellness-leaning escape.
5. JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Type: Historic adobe casita resort | Price: $400-$900/night | Location: Scottsdale (Paradise Valley) | Best for: Understated desert luxury
Open since 1936, the Camelback Inn pairs Pueblo-style adobe casitas with views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains. It offers two golf courses, a large spa, and a quieter, more residential feel than the mega-resorts, with manicured gardens and a long legacy of repeat guests.
It suits travelers who want classic Arizona desert character over a high-energy resort scene.
Pros:
- Historic adobe casitas: Authentic 1930s southwestern style.
- Mountain views: Camelback and Mummy Mountain backdrops.
- Two golf courses: Plus a sizable spa.
- Quieter atmosphere: Residential calm versus mega-resort buzz.
Cons:
- Some areas show the property's age.
- Spread-out layout requires walking or shuttles.
Verdict: A timeless desert classic for understated luxury seekers.
6. L'Auberge de Sedona
Type: Creekside luxury resort | Price: $500-$1,200/night | Location: Sedona (Oak Creek) | Best for: Creekside cottages and romance
L'Auberge de Sedona sits on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of town, with freestanding creekside cottages, an outdoor pool, and an acclaimed restaurant known for creekside dining. The sound of the water and red-rock surroundings make it one of Arizona's most romantic stays.
It pairs in-town convenience with a serene natural setting that the canyon resorts cannot match.
Pros:
- Creekside cottages: Private cabins along Oak Creek.
- Romantic setting: Water and red rock combined.
- Acclaimed dining: Renowned creekside restaurant.
- In-town location: Walkable to Sedona's uptown.
Cons:
- Premium rates for the cottage rooms.
- Compact property without resort-scale amenities.
Verdict: The most romantic Sedona option, ideal for couples.
7. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Type: Mountain-base golf resort | Price: $300-$650/night | Location: Tucson | Best for: Catalina Mountain views and golf value
Set against the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Loews Ventana Canyon features two Tom Fazio golf courses, an 80-foot waterfall on the grounds, and a desert setting with hiking access. It delivers a full destination-resort experience at rates that typically run below comparable Scottsdale properties.
Tucson's quieter scene and lower prices make it a value-forward alternative for golfers and nature lovers.
Pros:
- Two Fazio golf courses: Championship desert golf.
- Catalina Mountain setting: Dramatic backdrop and hiking.
- On-site waterfall: A signature natural feature.
- Good value: Lower rates than Scottsdale peers.
Cons:
- Tucson is farther from the Phoenix airport hub.
- Some rooms feel dated relative to newer resorts.
Verdict: The best value golf-and-mountain resort in southern Arizona.
8. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
Type: All-inclusive wellness resort | Price: $900-$1,800/night (all-inclusive) | Location: Tucson (Santa Catalina foothills) | Best for: Wellness and digital detox
At the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Miraval Arizona is an all-inclusive wellness destination offering hundreds of activities from equine therapy and aerial yoga to meditation and the Life in Balance Spa. Rates cover meals, classes, and most experiences, and the property emphasizes a phone-down, present-focused approach.
It is a different category from the golf-and-pool resorts, aimed squarely at restorative retreats.
Pros:
- All-inclusive wellness: Meals and most activities bundled.
- Hundreds of experiences: From equine therapy to forest bathing.
- Life in Balance Spa: A renowned destination spa.
- Digital-detox ethos: Designed for genuine unplugging.
Cons:
- High nightly cost, though it is all-inclusive.
- Not suited to travelers wanting golf or nightlife.
Verdict: The top wellness retreat in Arizona for a restorative reset.
9. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Type: Desert golf-and-spa resort | Price: $300-$650/night | Location: Tucson | Best for: Sonoran Desert immersion and golf
JW Marriott Starr Pass sits within the Sonoran Desert outside Tucson, with panoramic desert views, a 27-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, a lazy river, and nightly sunset rituals. The setting feels remote and immersive despite being minutes from the city, and it suits golfers and families wanting space.
The combination of golf, pools, and desert scenery delivers strong value for a JW Marriott property.
Pros:
- 27-hole Palmer golf: A full championship layout.
- Sonoran Desert setting: Immersive, scenic surroundings.
- Lazy river and pools: Family-friendly water features.
- Good value: Competitive rates for the brand.
Cons:
- Removed from downtown Tucson attractions.
- Large layout requires shuttles or long walks.
Verdict: A scenic, golf-forward value pick in southern Arizona.
10. The Boulders Resort & Spa
Type: Desert golf-and-spa resort | Price: $350-$800/night | Location: Carefree (north of Scottsdale) | Best for: Dramatic boulder setting and golf
About 25 miles north of Scottsdale in Carefree, The Boulders is built among 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations on roughly 1,300 desert acres. It features two championship golf courses, adobe-style casitas, and the well-known Golden Door-style spa, with a quieter, more secluded feel than the central Scottsdale resorts.
The geology and seclusion give it a setting no other Arizona resort can replicate.
Pros:
- Ancient boulder setting: A one-of-a-kind natural backdrop.
- Two championship courses: Highly rated desert golf.
- Secluded casitas: Private, spacious accommodations.
- Renowned spa: A longtime wellness draw.
Cons:
- Far from Scottsdale and Phoenix nightlife.
- Premium rates for the casita rooms.
Verdict: The best pick for golfers and couples who want a dramatic, secluded desert setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best resort in Arizona? The Phoenician in Scottsdale is the top overall pick for its 250-acre scale, 27 holes of golf, tiered pools, and Arizona's only dual Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond rating within its Canyon Suites.
Which Arizona resort offers the best value? The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix delivers Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, eight pools, and a recent renovation at rates below the newest five-star competition.
When is the best time to visit Arizona resorts? January through April is peak season with ideal weather and the highest rates; summer (June-August) brings deep discounts but triple-digit desert heat.
Which Arizona resort is best for wellness? Miraval Arizona near Tucson is the leading all-inclusive wellness retreat, bundling meals and hundreds of activities, while Enchantment's Mii amo spa is the top destination-spa alternative.
Which Arizona region has the best scenery? Sedona (Enchantment, L'Auberge) offers red-rock landscapes, while Tucson resorts (Loews Ventana Canyon, JW Starr Pass) sit against the Santa Catalina Mountains and Sonoran Desert.
Related on PULSE
- Top 10 Resorts in Scottsdale — a focused look at the state's resort capital.
- Top 10 Resorts in Colorado — a mountain alternative for the warmer months.
- Pulse Tools — trip-budgeting and comparison calculators.
Bottom Line
Arizona's best resorts span distinct regions and experiences: The Phoenician and Fairmont Princess for Scottsdale golf and pools, the Arizona Biltmore and Camelback Inn for Phoenix history, Enchantment and L'Auberge for Sedona's red rocks, and Loews Ventana Canyon, JW Starr Pass, and Miraval for Tucson's mountains and wellness.
All ten are real, currently operating, and bookable for 2026-2027, with the best weather and highest rates from January through April.