Last updated October 14, 2025
Looking for the best resorts in Phoenix? This desert city isn’t just a stopover—it’s a dreamscape.
Cactus-studded horizons, glowing sunsets and air charged with possibility set the stage for slowing down and soaking up the magic of the Southwest.
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Spend your days drifting between pool and spa, hiking rugged mountain trails at dawn or savoring Sonoran flavors under the stars. Phoenix makes it easy to reset and recharge.
To help you plan, we’ve rounded up five of the best resorts in Phoenix (and nearby). Each has its own way to turn a simple getaway into something unforgettable.
Five Favorite Resorts in Phoenix
From historic icons to hot-spring hideaways, here are five resorts in (and around) Phoenix where desert dreams really do come true.
1. Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Tucked against the dramatic backdrop of North Mountain, Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort strikes that sweet balance between desert seclusion and city convenience—just 20 minutes from downtown, yet worlds away.
The resort’s architecture blends seamlessly into the rugged Sonoran surroundings, while waterfalls, terraces and seven sparkling pools (including a 138-foot waterslide) make cooling off part of the daily rhythm.
Golfers can tee off at the Troon-managed Lookout Mountain Golf Course, famous for its panoramic desert views and the highest tee box in Phoenix. Outdoor enthusiasts can also grab a trail map from the bell desk and head straight into hiking and biking adventures.
On-property, you’ll also find tennis and pickleball courts, a full-service spa and plenty of cabanas for post-activity lounging. The all-suite accommodations lean into Southwestern style, with earthy tones, traditional patterns and private balconies made for sunset-gazing.
2. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
For those who like their desert escape with a splash of playfulness, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is basically a playground for all ages. The centerpiece is a seven-acre waterpark complete with twisting slides, a giant wave pool, Phoenix’s only side-by-side active lazy river and even a 25-person hot tub. Beyond the Oasis, six additional heated pools are tucked throughout the resort for quieter dips.
Golfers can test their skills on the par-71 championship course with sweeping desert and mountain views, while the full-service spa and sprawling athletic club ensure wellness seekers are just as satisfied as thrill-seekers. After a day of adventure, unwind with a massage, facial or body treatment before heading to one of the resort’s lively dining spots.
Suites here feel residential, with living rooms, balconies and enough space to spread out. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends or colleagues, the vibe is very much “home away from home”—if your home happened to come with a waterpark and a golf course, that is.
3. Arizona Biltmore
Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the Arizona Biltmore has been dazzling guests since 1929 with its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and Old Hollywood allure.
But don’t mistake it for a relic; recent refreshes have given this grande dame a fresh, modern edge. With seven pools (including a glamorous adults-only option), an energetic outdoor bar and stylish spa and fitness facilities, the Biltmore blends heritage with contemporary flair.
Wellness here feels a little bit magical, especially at Tierra Luna Spa. Treatments incorporate native botanicals, healing crystals and desert rituals designed to ground and restore. Fitness classes range from yoga and aqua aerobics to body sculpting, while the desert itself provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking and golf.
Accommodations include everything from elegant guest rooms to sprawling villas and cottages. Whichever you choose, expect refined desert chic: a little Hollywood sparkle, a little Sonoran serenity and plenty of thoughtful touches designed for true rest.
4. The Global Ambassador
Phoenix’s newest gem brings fresh sophistication to the desert scene with sleek, contemporary design that feels both cutting-edge and timeless. This modern property redefines luxury desert escapes through clean architectural lines that perfectly frame the rugged Sonoran backdrop.
The wellness offerings blend innovative treatments with desert-inspired rituals, while the sparkling pool complex balances energetic social spaces with quiet retreats. Dining showcases globally-inspired cuisine using local ingredients, all framed by stunning desert views.
Accommodations embrace minimalist luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that celebrate the surrounding landscape.
5. Castle Hot Springs
Technically not Phoenix but worthy of our list nonetheless… an hour northwest lies Castle Hot Springs, a hidden desert oasis built entirely around the art of restoration. Accessible by a rugged, unpaved road, this historic hideaway feels worlds away from the bustle of daily life.
The resort’s selling point is the natural mineral hot springs that cascade into three soaking pools of varying temperatures. Days here unfold with a rhythm of their own: yoga on the lawn, guided hikes through cactus country, farm-to-table meals sourced from the resort’s on-site gardens and perhaps a dip in your private outdoor stone tub, fed with spring water.
Adventure-seekers can try via ferrata climbing, mountain biking or horseback riding, while stargazers will love the Sky View cabins equipped with telescopes for epic night skies. With no TVs or distractions, Castle Hot Springs is all about reconnection to nature, to yourself and to the present moment.
Snapshot Summary
The best resorts in Phoenix offer desert luxury beyond expectations. From Hilton Tapatio Cliffs’ dramatic mountain setting and waterslides to Arizona Grand’s seven-acre waterpark, each property delivers unique experiences. The historic Arizona Biltmore channels Old Hollywood glam, while The Global Ambassador brings fresh sophistication to the desert scene.. For ultimate wellness, Castle Hot Springs’ natural mineral pools offer secluded desert healing an hour northwest of the city.
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