Last week we looked at the best suites at the Top 10 ranked hotels by U.S. News. This week we go back to their “best of the best” list to look at someplace warm.
Whether you want a Presidential Suite or an expansive 5,500 sq. ft. villa, the Valley of the Sun – Phoenix and Scottsdale – is a great choice. From world-class spas to challenging golf and an eclectic dining scene, it’s one of my favorite places to get away.
1. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
2. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
3. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
4. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
5. Royal Palms Resort and Spa
6. Boulders Resort & Spa
1. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
U.S. News reports: Situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, this offshoot of The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, offers spectacular views at every turn. Recent guests say they arrived expecting a high caliber of service and that the exceptional staff delivered.
The Canyon Suites all feature beds with Frette Italian linens, private terraces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flaunt views of the desert scene or golf course. Speaking of the golf greens, visitors say the 18-hole championship golf course is not to be missed.
In addition to a golf course, there are a plethora of other on-site facilities, including tennis courts, a full-service spa, and an infinity pool with Camelback vistas (a particular guest favorite). When you need to refuel after a full day of activity, you’ll have your choice between eight fine and casual dining options as well as an afternoon tea service.
Presidential Suite
Natural sunlight greets guests as they enter the 1,800 sq. ft. Presidential Suite, where they will stop to take in the sweeping views of the resort’s lush landscaping and Valley beyond.
The newly remodeled contemporary décor features desert tones, comfortable sofas, and an inviting fireplace surrounded by locally commissioned signature artwork throughout the suite.
Presidential Suite guests also receive complimentary use of a private cabana at the exclusive Canyon Suites infinity pool and complimentary round trip airport transportation from the airport.
See more suites at The Phoenician.
2. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
U.S. News says: Its name describes this resort perfectly – Sanctuary. And its location, lodged on the side of Camelback Mountain, is rife with opportunities for both rejuvenation and physical activity. No wonder this hotel has seen its fair share of Hollywood heavyweights passing through its doors. Guest rooms are bright and beautiful, with exposed, whitewashed brick walls, deep soaking tubs, and panoramic views.
But for most travelers, Sanctuary’s highlights are located outside the rooms. Guests lounge in (or by) the infinity pool and watch their worries drop off the edge of the world. And for an extra dose of pampering, travelers head straight to the resort spa, which boasts a bevy of Asian-inspired treatments. Visitors can also sip a variety of cocktails made from premium liquor and local ingredients at Jade Bar before enjoying a meal at Elements, the hotel’s restaurant run by chef Beau MacMillan.
Villa Luna
Designed by Paul Christian Yager, this 5,500 sq. ft. home offers sweeping panoramic mountain views and — for a change from natural beauty — six flat-screen TVs.
The master suite features floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding valley. A private indoor and outdoor shower with an oversized soaking tub allows you to experience the mountain’s natural elements and for the ultimate relaxation, unwind on the surrounding view deck.
Recently renovated, the multi-level Villa Luna still features its original floor-to-ceiling glass walls and concrete staircases. Four bedrooms, four baths, and two powder rooms are complemented by a gourmet kitchen and artful dining area. A plush living area with spectacular views that opens onto a deck to enjoy the sunsets and mountain vistas.
See more of The Sanctuary’s villas.
3. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
U.S. News writes: Travelers willingly travel to the sprawling desert landscape of Pinnacle Peak (in the far reaches of North Scottsdale) for the signature service and luxurious accommodations that only a Four Seasons can provide, not to mention the property’s two championship golf courses. It’s exactly the type of seclusion that previous guests had been seeking.
The accommodations garner high praise for their comfortable furnishings and high-class amenities, which include a private patio with an adobe-style gas fireplace. And though the resort feels remote, travelers say that you’ll find plenty to do here: Spend your days lounging by the pool, working up a sweat on the tennis courts, or being pampered at the spa. Meanwhile, recent visitors describe the fare at the four on-site restaurants as delicious.
Pinnacle Three-Bedroom Suite
The bright colors of the Southwest welcome you into this 3,000 sq. ft. suite, which sleeps up to nine people. Residential-style furnishings and a color palette inspired by the Sonoran Desert sunset feature a combination of red, orange, pink, purple, and indigo.
Each bedroom offers its own fireplace for cozy nights. Enjoy views of Crescent Butte Mountain. There are three full bathrooms, two with garden showers, plus a guest powder room with a shower.
See more suites at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.
4. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
U.S. News reports: The Waste Management Phoenix Open, a popular PGA tournament, puts the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in the spotlight once a year and takes over the resort’s two golf courses. Yet guests believe this palatial resort deserves the fanfare year-round.
They rave about the spacious guest rooms, which are adorned in earthy hues and equipped with soaking bathtubs, wet bars, and private patios or balconies overlooking the desert landscape. This expansive property in Scottsdale also boasts six pools, some of which include waterslides, along with a full-service spa. Meanwhile, Fairmont’s multiple restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes. Carnivores can get their fix at Bourbon Steak, while spicier palates can indulge in some of Arizona’s best Mexican fare at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval.
Presidential Suite
The 3,150 sq. ft. Presidential Suite located on the 4th-floor rates Five Diamonds from AAA. Situated on the fourth floor of the main building, this VIP suite offers unparalleled views of the TPC golf course, lagoons, and mountains. Enter through double doors into a foyer which leads into a living area of 2,100 sq. ft.
The suite includes a pantry, kitchen, and a full bar. The living area offers a sofa bed and desk with a two-way fireplace as the focal point of the room, accessible from the living room or its own hallway entry for a private retreat. The spacious bathroom offers a spa-like experience with its stand-alone soaking tub and walk-in shower.
See more suites at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
5. Royal Palms Resort and Spa
U.S. News writes: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa has drawn many a VIP because of its intimate, luxurious atmosphere. Guest rooms here look as if they belong in an elite Southwestern estate, boasting vibrant, jewel-toned decor and deep soaking tubs.
The property’s pool area provides a much-needed respite from the blazing Arizona heat and the open-air Alvadora Spa is also nice, offering wellness classes as well as a long list of treatments. Meanwhile, the outdoor dining area at T. Cook’s provides a nice ambiance for the restaurant’s bold flavors. Located in the Camelback Corridor, this resort is just a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix.
Presidential Villa
6. Boulders Resort & Spa
U.S. News reports: The guest rooms, or casitas, at the Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton in Scottsdale, Arizona (roughly 32 miles north of downtown Phoenix) look out over miles of cacti and rugged mountains. When you’re not admiring the views from your private patio or balcony, order room service and curl up in front of your wood-burning fireplace. You can also play golf on one of two courses, lounge by one of four pools, or grab a bite to eat at one of five restaurants. However, according to recent visitors, you’d be remiss if you stayed here and didn’t indulge in a treatment at the massive on-site spa.
The Villa Retreat
The Villa Retreat features two contemporary style villas that offer over 5,700 sq. ft. of luxury resort living with an infinity pool, large Japanese soaking tub, sculptured fire pit, and BBQ perfect for entertaining vacationers, families, and corporate travelers alike.
The main two-story villa features a large kitchen, separate catering kitchen, washer and dryer, living room with fireplace, entertainment room, private patio, and three-bedroom suites with the Master Bedroom overlooking the pool and the magnificent ancient boulder rock formations.
View more suites and villas at The Boulders.
