Best Luxury Hotels in Arizona
The Grand Canyon State (home to the many millennia-old 227-mile formations of red rock), is also known as the Copper State, for its prolific mining of the mineral. It’s a good idea to hire a car (or saddle a horse) to see as much as possible, such as the turquoise pools of Havasu Falls, Horseshoe Bend in the north, Area 66, the Arizona Folklore Preserve, American Indian Tribal Lands, the History of Pharmacy Museum, lively cities like Phoenix, and the vineyards among its many wine-producing valleys. The Mexican food is superb, and the state is building a formidable gastronomic reputation across all genres of cuisine.
Arizona, Marana
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
(5 stars)Encompassing several tiers, each low rise, this Ritz-Carlton hotel has been carved into Tortolita Mountain. Beamed ceilings complement serene contemporary furnishings, with Asprey toiletries, Nespresso machines and private terraces boasting gas fires for cosy evenings stargazing the clear, dark skies. Leisure facilities include a tennis court, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, wellness and mixology classes and three swimming pools (including a Serenity Pool with a tanning island) set across the multiple tiers. There are also six restaurants, a spa, and a programme of activities at the “Rangers Station” for the younger guests.
Arizona, Tucson
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
(4 stars)Occupying nearly 100 acres of desert plateau in the Catalina Mountain foothills, this resort is fronted by its own lake and multiple waterfalls. This leads onto two golf courses and four floodlit tennis courts. The spa has won multiple awards and there are two heated pools and jacuzzis for some relaxation time. 398 rooms and 27 suites have private balconies, on which you can dine. Or pay a visit to the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort’s two restaurants; Flavor Ventana for a gourmet take on Arizonian favourites and the Flying V Bar & Grill, a casual eatery offering 70 different types of tequila and a “guacamoliere”.
Arizona, Phoenix
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
(5 stars)Spa lovers will find they’re never far from a quality wellness resort in Phoenix. And one such, is the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Arizona’s largest hotel. It has 950 guestrooms, including 81 suites, and occupies 316 acres of the Sonoran Desert, on the perimeter with Scottsdale. The AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Recommended award-winning property has superb views of the McDowell Mountains. Its many amenities include five restaurants and a lounge, large meeting spaces, a spa, tennis courts, a lake with inbuilt fountains and bridges over, a golf course and five freeform, lap and river-style outdoor pools.