Fiery sunsets, dry heat, and cactus-studded landscapes — those are a few of the hallmarks of a desert holiday at the best resorts in Arizona. Travel + Leisure readers’ favorites are primarily found in the hills surrounding Phoenix and Scottsdale or in the Sonoran Desert. To some travelers, those environments might just seem barren, but to others those pockets of the Copper State offer the space and solitude to recharge and leave more refreshed than when they arrived.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.
Courtesy of Castle Hot Springs
Most of readers’ picks for 2022 are traditional resorts with luxe accommodations, world-class restaurants, and a plentiful array of activities. One such property — No. 3 Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, now a Gurney’s Resort & Spa — is beloved for its culinary program by chef Beau MacMillan of Food Network fame, as well as hiking trails that show off the area’s impressive natural vistas. The restorative magic of the desert can also be felt at No. 8 Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. “There are serene private areas that are quite relaxing,” one reader wrote.
But glamping mecca No. 5 Under Canvas Grand Canyon also impressed voters, who appreciated the property’s proximity to the namesake wonder’s South Rim — a mere 30 minutes away. “Sleeping in a yurt under the stars with bonfires around was incredible,” wrote one guest, who noted that the food exceeded expectations.
Still, it was a property that married nature with unabashed pampering that took home the No. 1 spot among the best resorts in Arizona for a second year running. Read on to find out which hotel landed on top — and which others joined it on this year’s list.
- Castle Hot Springs, Morristown
Courtesy of Castle Hot Springs
This 1,100-acre desert retreat, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, offers a variety of wellness, adventure, and culinary experiences. “An incredible destination to recharge your mind and body,” wrote one fan. “The meals are exquisite and abundant in their offerings, and the staff makes you feel at home.” While yoga and meditation are on offer, the most popular activity is — as the resort’s name implies — taking a dip in the thermal waters, which are naturally loaded with magnesium and other health-promoting minerals.
Score: 93.81
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- The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley
Courtesy of The Hermosa Inn
Score: 93.38
Book on Tripadvisor
- Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley
Courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa
Score: 93.34
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- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton
Score: 91.90
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- Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Junction
Bailey Made
Score: 91.85
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- L’Auberge de Sedona
Courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona
Score: 91.21
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- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson
Courtesy of Loews Hotels
Score: 90.56
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- Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Paradise Valley
Courtesy of Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Score: 90.49
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- The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Courtesy of The Luxury Collection
Score: 90.33
Book on Tripadvisor
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Score: 90.33
Book on Tripadvisor
Fiery sunsets, dry heat, and cactus-studded landscapes — those are a few of the hallmarks of a desert holiday at the best resorts in Arizona. Travel + Leisure readers’ favorites are primarily found in the hills surrounding Phoenix and Scottsdale or in the Sonoran Desert. To some travelers, those environments might just seem barren, but to others those pockets of the Copper State offer the space and solitude to recharge and leave more refreshed than when they arrived.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.
Most of readers’ picks for 2022 are traditional resorts with luxe accommodations, world-class restaurants, and a plentiful array of activities. One such property — No. 3 Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, now a Gurney’s Resort & Spa — is beloved for its culinary program by chef Beau MacMillan of Food Network fame, as well as hiking trails that show off the area’s impressive natural vistas. The restorative magic of the desert can also be felt at No. 8 Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. “There are serene private areas that are quite relaxing,” one reader wrote.
But glamping mecca No. 5 Under Canvas Grand Canyon also impressed voters, who appreciated the property’s proximity to the namesake wonder’s South Rim — a mere 30 minutes away. “Sleeping in a yurt under the stars with bonfires around was incredible,” wrote one guest, who noted that the food exceeded expectations.
Still, it was a property that married nature with unabashed pampering that took home the No. 1 spot among the best resorts in Arizona for a second year running. Read on to find out which hotel landed on top — and which others joined it on this year’s list.
1. Castle Hot Springs, Morristown
This 1,100-acre desert retreat, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, offers a variety of wellness, adventure, and culinary experiences. “An incredible destination to recharge your mind and body,” wrote one fan. “The meals are exquisite and abundant in their offerings, and the staff makes you feel at home.” While yoga and meditation are on offer, the most popular activity is — as the resort’s name implies — taking a dip in the thermal waters, which are naturally loaded with magnesium and other health-promoting minerals.
Score: 93.81
Book on Tripadvisor
2. The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley
Score: 93.38
3. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley
Score: 93.34
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana
Score: 91.90
5. Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Junction
Score: 91.85
6. L’Auberge de Sedona
Score: 91.21
7. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson
Score: 90.56
8. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Paradise Valley
Score: 90.49
9. The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Score: 90.33
