Luxury Escapes - Elevate Your Stay At These Five Star Resorts in Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

About:

The absolutely iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is known globally as the host of the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open. Golf lovers descend on the Valley of the Sun for a week of spectating their favorite sport, and others join the fray just to be a part of the See and Be Seen Scottsdale scene. But what you may not know is that the Princess (as locals affectionately call it) has nearly three decades of AAA Five Diamond status under its belt. In addition to the world-class golf course, it offers sparkling pools complete with sandy beaches and waterslides, expansive and lushly landscaped grounds, fantastic dining, a serene spa and family-focused programming.

Highlights:

• Pools: With SIX sparkling pools, you can truly enjoy the best of the outdoors at the Princess. There are pools geared towards kids, complete with waterslides and a zero-entry pool deck, as well as an adults-only oasis.

• Golf: A golfer's paradise, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers golf lovers the opportunity to hit the links on its famous onsite course — TPC Scottsdale. Shop the pro shop, enjoy the clubhouse and let the golf concierge book a lesson with their Pro. Perhaps you'll hit your own hole-in-one at the infamous 16th hole.

• Spa: The Well & Being Spa, recognized as one of USA Today's "10 Best" Reader's Choice Top 10 Winner Best Hotel Spa, offers elevated self-care with an innovative fusion of spa and wellness. Your personalized journey will leave you feeling rejuvenated, enlightened and totally empowered. I personally love the invigorating Desert Botanical Facial.

• Dining: With several restaurants onsite, you will definitely not starve here. From Bourbon Steak (the resident steakhouse), Ironwood American Kitchen (known for its breakfast and brunch) and the outdoor Plaza Bar, you'll have options. My favorite, however, is La Hacienda. A traditional upscale Mexican restaurant that serves cuisine infused with innovation, seasonally inspired menus and saltillo-tiled patios peppered with fireplaces that will welcome you here. My go-to is the tableside guacamole — it cannot be missed.

Vibe: Casual elegance.

Come here for: Golf, relaxation and fun for the whole family!

Pro Tip: While the Princess is a fantastic spot to stay year-round, my personal favorite time of year is Christmas at the Princess, where you can celebrate the season on a property transformed by the addition of more than 7.5 million sparkling LED lights. Enjoy the ice skating rink, meet Santa and other holiday characters. Roast marshmallows over firepits or enjoy cocktails at the winter lounge, all while relishing in Arizona's perfect winter weather. It's an experience the entire family will fall in love with.

VIP Perks:

• $100 food / beverage or spa credit

• $41 daily breakfast credit per person.

• One-category room upgrade whenever possible.

• Early check-in / late check-out whenever possible.

The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort (w/ The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician A Luxury Collection Resort)

About:

Known for its contemporary elegance and unparalleled luxury, the Phoenician is another AAA Five Diamond resort, and an icon in Scottsdale. The sweeping and expansive grounds include palatial guest rooms and casitas, renowned dining, golf, spa, pools and a state-of-the-art athletic club. Additionally, with more than 160,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, this resort is primed and ready to host you for your next event. Whether that be an intimate wedding with 100 guests or a professional conference with 1,000 of your industry colleagues.

Highlights:

• Pools: A multi-tiered pool system that includes family-friendly aquatic recreation in the upper pool, a lower-level pool, the stunning Mother-of-Pearl Pool and an adult-only oasis in the center.

• Golf: The Phoenician offers a world-class 18-hole course that showcases the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

• Spa: Winner of the 2023 Forbes Five Star Award (it's the fourth consecutive year for the honor), you will not be disappointed with your rejuvenating spa experience. The rooftop pool is also exclusive to spa guests, so be sure to indulge!

• Dining: There are eight — yes EIGHT — diverse dining options at the Phoenician, so there is something to tempt even the most discerning palette. Dine al fresco at J&G steakhouse, sip on a savory cocktail while enjoying the sweeping views at the Thirsty Camel or enjoy finger sandwiches and scones at the traditional Afternoon Tea.

Vibe: Resort casual by day, understated luxury by night.

Come here for: The golf, the pools, the views and the space!

Pro Tip: It's no secret that The Phoenician is a master of excellence and luxury when it comes to resort stays — but if you truly want to step up your experience and have the budget to do so, I'd encourage you to check out The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician — an ultra-luxe and exclusive resort within a resort, complete with its own pool, concierge and VIP experiences.

VIP Perks:

• $100 hotel / resort credit

• Welcome amenity.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa

About:

This luxury boutique resort sits at the base of Camelback Mountain and overlooks the valley below. Offering dramatic casita-style accommodations and private villas with stunning views. This resort is truly a sanctuary of relaxation. Known for its celebrity sightings and world-class spa, this is one of my favorite go-to spots to really show off what the desert has to offer when friends come to town.

Set on 53 acres of lush desert grounds, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is an iconic destination for those seeking a luxurious retreat in Scottsdale.

Highlights:

• Pools: One of my favorite resort pools to relax in is the infinity pool found at the Sanctuary. Float in the cool turquoise water while gazing at the desert valley below, or at the striking views of the mountain behind you.

• Golf: While Sanctuary doesn't have its own golf course onsite, it DOES have access to its sister property's course found next door (Mountain Shadows). They'll even provide transportation and help you book your tee times! All you have to do is show up.

• Spa: Sanctuary Spa provides a serene escape with inspiring treatments in both indoor and outdoor settings. Book unique treatments like Reiki or the Luk Pra Kope (a massage utilizing organically grown herbs that are steamed, rolled and pressed along the energy pathways of the body). When you're done with your treatment, enjoy the Zen meditation garden, the co-ed quiet room or take a group pilates class.

• Dining: Indulge in farm-fresh American cuisine at Elements restaurant, featuring seasonal menus with a focus on local and sustainable seafood. Or head to Jade Bar for handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list in a lively atmosphere.

Vibe: Ultra Luxe Zen.

Come here for: A girls weekend spa retreat!

Pro Tip: Grab a reservation at sunset on the patio of Elements. After the sky has simmered from stunning golds, pinks and purples and the sun has dipped below the horizon, enjoy dining where the stars twinkle above you, and the lights of the valley twinkle below. This is an excellent date spot for those of you looking to impress your significant other.

VIP Perks:

• $125 hotel / resort credit

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Royal Palms Resort & Spa

About:

History and luxury blend together seamlessly at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, where Camelback Mountain acts as a stunning backdrop to this stunning Spanish Mediterranean-inspired haven. Built in 1928, the Royal Palms offers a delightful fusion of captivating art, gorgeous architecture, serene landscaping and fabulous cuisine.

Highlights:

• Pools: There is one beautiful pool on property. Enjoy poolside snacks and cocktails on a lounger, or while enjoying your private cabana or daybed. One of my favorite perks here is the free sunscreen station set up under the shaded patio dining space.

• Spa: Your journey to wellness begins here. A haven for relaxation and renewal, the Alvadora Spa offers a range of therapies to soothe your body and soul.

• Dining: Discover a taste of the Mediterranean at T. Cook’s in Phoenix, where hand-selected ingredients are transformed into sumptuous dishes. Enjoy the elegant desert ambiance with stunning views of Camelback Mountain from the outdoor patios. It's the perfect spot to savor bold flavors and relax in style.

Vibe: Hideaway Luxe.

Come here for: Privacy & Romance. If you're looking for a place to not be seen, the Royal Palms is it. Known for its quiet corners, hidden garden fireplaces and exclusive private patios, this is where you come to reset and relax without being bothered by your neighbors.

Pro Tip: If you're NOT staying at the Royal Palms, visit for happy hour at Mix Up, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or an expertly crafted cocktail in the Mission Courtyard while enjoying live music, or you can take your glass "to go" and wander the beautifully lined walkways, discovering all of the lovely nooks and crannies throughout the property.

VIP Perks:

• $100 hotel / resort credit

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

About:

Located on 40 acres of breathtaking Sonoran Desert landscape at the northern tip of the city of Scottsdale, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is a desert escape for someone looking to unplug, unwind and enjoy the majestic scenery around them. While the other properties mentioned are all centered in or near Old Town Scottsdale and the nightlife and activities it offers, the Four Seasons is a gem found outside the confines of the city — away from the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale and closer to nature. Guest rooms are housed in low-rise Southwestern-style adobe casitas (recently renovated) that capture the vibrant hues of the desert. Each room comes complete with a balcony or terrace, a cozy gas fireplace and modern amenities, so you can truly take in the beauty of the desert as you relax in your own space. The property comes complete with a complementary kids program (ages 5–12), multiple pools, pickleball, tequila tastings and an on-site hiking trail to enjoy.

Highlights:

• Pools: With multiple pool options to enjoy, including a children's pool, I recommend grabbing a cabana and letting the sun shine down on you and the family while you splash through the day.

• Golf: There are TWO championship golf courses to enjoy at Troon North, just a quick shuttle drive away.

• Spa: The spa at Four Seasons is top-notch, an absolute haven to destress and practice the ultimate self-care. My favorite treatment is the Weekend Warrior Massage — a full-body massage that places special emphasis on the legs, using a magnesium scrub and sage to rejuvenate those tired muscles. This is perfect after a lovely morning hike.

• Dining: Talavera, a contemporary steakhouse, offers sweeping and dramatic views of the desert via its al-fresco patio and floor-to-ceiling windows from the dining room. Latin flavors will pique your interest with dishes like the stuffed Iberico Pork and Duck Breast Sevillana (literally mouth-watering).

Vibe: Southwestern beauty meets nature-lover's paradise, wrapped up in the magic of the Four Seasons.

Come here for: Quiet relaxation, golf, a family escape and to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert!

Pro Tip: For a unique experience, book a session at the Aroma Design Bar. A dedicated alchemist will guide you through the process of creating your own custom-blend scented 8oz body butter. Once created, you can indulge in a custom massage with your specially curated product. You then get to take your custom blend home with you, to remember your visit and enjoy it when you re-enter the real world.

VIP Perks:

• Breakfast daily.

• $100-200 Hotel / resort credit.

• One-category upgrade whenever possible.

Ultimately, where you choose to stay depends entirely on what your vibe is, and what you'd like to get out of your luxury vacation. Whether you're teeing off on world-class golf courses, treating yourself to a pampering spa day or indulging in mouthwatering culinary delights, Scottsdale is your ultimate getaway destination.

From the iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to the serene Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, each five-star resort in Scottsdale is a haven of sophistication and relaxation. With lavish amenities, top-notch service and stunning surroundings, these resorts redefine luxury.

Soak up the sun-drenched paradise of Scottsdale and take your vacation to the next level with its luxurious offerings and unbeatable beauty. Take the time to treat yourself — you won't regret it!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Scottsdale. In need of further inspiration? Check out Marci Bylund's Trip Report, Enjoy a Desert Southwest Oasis at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.