Cowboys haven’t parked their horses on Scottsdale, Ariz.’s Main Street for quite some time, said Alan Solomon in the Chicago Tribune. There’s now an abundance of art galleries, brokerages, and pizzerias in the city that once proudly called itself “the West’s most Western town.” But there are still ample mountains and desert only a short drive away. Scottsdale is also famous for its spa resorts—rivaled only by those in Palm Springs, Calif. Here are the very best:
Fairmount Scottsdale Princess
This “astounding desert resort” features a Grand Canyon–inspired spa called Willow Stream, which has a cascading waterfall designed for serious “spa-sters.” La Hacienda is among the best Mexican restaurants in the U.S. Other attractions include two 18-hole golf courses, five pools, and “really, really nice” rooms. 7575 E. Princess Drive, (800) 344-4758
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
“Intimate and luxurious, not in-your-face opulent.” All rooms have fireplaces, suites have telescopes for star-gazing, and the two golf courses “are legendary.” The small spa specializes in “golfers’ massage”—kneading tight muscles with warm golf balls. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, (480) 515-5700
Camelback Inn: A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
This adobe-style resort opened in 1936 and for years was “a prime hangout for movie stars.” The spa is renowned for a lap pool with mountain views and Sprouts, its health-food restaurant. A spa specialty is the Adobe Clay Purification Wrap. 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, (800) 24-CAMEL
The Phoenician
Marie Elaine’s, this spa’s expensive French restaurant, “is a knockout.” The hotel also displays its own $25 million art collection. The 22,000-square-foot facility offers a caviar facial for $250. This is a place for grown-ups to dazzle (or seduce) other grown-ups. 6000 E. Camelback Road, (800) 888-8234
Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch
This hotel’s style is country club with a hint of Frank Lloyd Wright “during his Japanese period.” The lobby is Native American, the Italian restaurant offers a gondola ride, and the Spa Avania is “big and dreamy.” 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, (480) 444-1234
