Phoenix Smart Splurges

Scottsdale and neighboring Phoenix are all about relaxation and, consequently, upscale resort spas. This elegant resort wraps its guests in desert beauty, making it an alternative to the more urban Phoenician.

2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Desert Spa Bliss

Situated on 53 acres on Camelback Mountain, 98 quaint casitas provide swanky, spacious quarters designed to blend with their desert environment. There's also a mountain-side infinity-edge pool and an exceptional, Asian-inspired spa that comes complete with Zen meditation garden and indoor and outdoor treatment rooms – even if you don’t spend the night at the resort, don’t leave Phoenix without trying the popular Watsu water massage. See more Smart Luxury Award winners

 

Occupying 250-plus acres (including a private cacti garden) at the foot of Camelback Mountain, a magnificent marble lounge, bubbling fountains, multi-million dollar art collection, and unforgettable valley views justify high rates.

Explore backcountry along rugged, dirt-paved roads accessible only to off-road jeeps or Hummers. Roadrunner Desert Adventures offers superb up-close desert encounters, including special stops at abandoned mines or ancient Native American ruins.

Situated among high-desert ravines and rolling foothills at the base of North Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak, the thrilling 130-slope-rated Monument and Pinnacle courses are worth the steep fees.

Go for their Asian-inspired treatments (try the popular water Watsu massage), Zen meditation garden, and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms. Open to non-resort guests Monday through Thursday.

Even in a town dedicated to antiques and art, Red Modern Furniture stands out for its well-curated combination of old and new (think '50s Russel Wright armchairs alongside contemporary pieces by Max Gottschalk). Expect to spend top dollar here, but when it comes to finding the perfect home accent, there simply is no better place to go shopping. Items can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Phoenix has been a city of spas ever since new-agers starting flocking here in the 20th century in search of a little desert-inspired R&R. None, however, are as dedicated to their Arizona roots as the Biltmore, which goes the extra mile to incorporate local elements like revitalizing desert mud, healing rose quartz, and cactus flower into its treatments. The heavenly Sonoran Stone massage, which melts away stress with a combination of Swedish massage and warm basalt desert stones, is worth its weight in gold.

The Boulders course is the only Arizona golf resort course listed on Golf Magazine’s Platinum Medal Winners. This elite award, chosen by over 8,000 readers, showcases properties that excel in course design, playability, and luxury accommodations. Only nine other courses in the country received the same honor. The Boulders offers two, 18-hole par 71/72 championship courses.

Opened in November 2008, Joya Spa is the new standard to beat for Scottsdale spas. The Moroccan-inspired design features candlelit corridors, a co-ed relaxation lounge fit for the King and Queen of Sheba, and the only Hammam bathing facility in Arizona. For pure indulgence, rent the Grand Palace Suite, complete with a $22,000 custom-made, king-size bed – pure joy!