Arizona: Discover the Pinnacle of Luxury in the Sonoran Desert

Arizona is a land of contrasts—a place where striking desert landscapes meet world-class hospitality, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern indulgence, and where luxury travelers can find both adventure and relaxation in perfect harmony.

I had the privilege of being personally invited by the Tourism Boards of Arizona, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Phoenix to explore the state’s most exclusive luxury experiences. While Scottsdale, Tucson, and Phoenix are often known for their sun-soaked resorts and golf courses, I learned through my travels that they are also home to some of the most extraordinary culinary experiences, cultural gems, and exclusive activities.

Throughout my tour, I experienced lavish accommodations, decadent dining, and unparalleled curated experiences. Here’s how to curate the perfect itinerary in this hidden gem for luxury travellers.

Where to Stay: The Epitome of Desert Luxury

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort – A family-friendly property in Scottsdale

This was our first stop and we were immediately struck by the stunning architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. This gorgeous property offers breathtaking mountain views, captivating botanical gardens, and six gourmet dining experiences, including cuisine crafted by celebrity chef Richard Blais.  But most of all, this resort is very family friendly with a climbing wall, waterslide, and a sandy poolside beach right off one of their 10 pools!

W Scottsdale Hotel – A vibrant oasis in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District 

This hotel is chic, stylish and glamorous. Enjoy luxury accommodations, a rooftop WET Deck pool with world-class DJs, and an exclusive spa experience at AWAY Spa.  The rooms are uniquely designed with unexpected features such as glass closets and pullout ironing boards. This hotel was once a residence, so there are great options for large suites including the Mega Suite that is so spacious and luxurious, it has a pool table!

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – A secluded intimate retreat

Nestled among the Weiskopf-designed golf courses, this adobe-style resort is a little off the beaten track, but when you get there, you’re sure to be overcome by a sense of peace and relaxation.  The casitas have private plunge pools, deep soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces and outdoor showers.  Not only is the Four Seasons an intimate retreat with spectacular desert vistas, fine dining and a luxurious spa, it is the perfect launching point for a wide range of outdoor activities including golf, tennis, hiking and biking.

Mountain Shadows – Bachelorette and Golfing Destination 

A modernist icon reimagined, offering stylish guest rooms and loft residences with sweeping views of Camelback Mountain. Enjoy craft cocktails and ingredient-driven fare at Hearth ‘61, and a round of golf on the stunning 18-hole par-3 course.  In addition, this Paradise Valley retreat is the perfect place to focus on wellness, whether you prefer a high-intensity workout or poolside lounging under the palms. Admire the iconic mountain views from the two scenic pool areas, sign-up for a complimentary fitness class, or reserve an in-room massage. 

Royal Palms Resort and Spa – Spanish Colonial Revival Villa

This secluded hideaway at the base of Camelback Mountain has an atmosphere of romance and refinement. Once a 1920s-era winter home in Phoenix, this hotel offers rejuvenating spa services, world-class cuisine and sweeping Arizona desert landscapes. If you are looking for a Spanish Mediterranean vibe, this luxe hotel near Camelback Mountain is for you.

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort – A breathtaking escape set against

the Tucson Mountains

This hotel near downtown Tucson features a world-class spa, 27 holes of championship golf, and cascading outdoor water features. The floor to ceiling windows bring the big sky of the desert into the lobby, drenching it in natural light.  Test your swing on the Arnold Palmer-designed desert golf courses, pamper yourself at the spa or take a dip in the multi-level pool and lazy river.  Especially lovely is the serene, light-filled spa lounge with expansive windows framing the breathtaking Tucson mountains.

The Westin La Paloma – A top-tier retreat in the Tucson foothills

This hotel offers newly renovated guest rooms, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, an indulgent spa, and luxurious pools with a thrilling 177-foot waterslide. This hotel is a standout for south western hospitality-  the Casa 71 Tequila Lounge buzzes with a vibrant mix of hotel guests and stylish locals creating a spirited ambiance.   I was sad to have to leave this hotel early in the morning but the sunrise over the mountains was stunning!

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Historic & Distinctive

Everything about this hotel is glamorous, stylish and intriguing! It has been an iconic landmark since 1929, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, exquisite dining, and luxury spa experiences.  This hotel even has a Speak Easy used by the likes of  Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Clark Gable during prohibition.  This chic hideaway lounge has a secret escape door and a bar that rotates to turn into a bookcase.  Luckily, these days you can effortlessly enjoy a cocktail in the Spire or Wright Bars as well as the Citrus Club Lounge, an exclusive, adults-only lounge with dedicated concierge services, a curated bar selection and buffet style dining.  Reserve a getaway at the Biltmore if you appreciate a place of glamour, fresh playfulness and exquisite design.

Where to Eat: Savouring Arizona’s Culinary Excellence

Donabe at W Scottsdale – A Japanese steakhouse residency offering rare wagyu, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted sushi in a seductive setting.  I got to sample many sumptuous dishes at this restaurant from the Chilean Sea Bass to a Wagyu Cheeseburger, but the most delicious was the Crispy Rock Shrimp- hands down the best I have ever tasted!

Mesa Centrale at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale – A vibrant American grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.  I recommend the house-baked pastries and the churro donut holes with cajeta, a traditional Mexican caramel sauce.  To die for!

Proof at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale – A comfort-food haven with an upscale twist, featuring handcrafted cocktails and a selection of fine bourbons. The Desert Dessert is such a beautiful piece of art, arriving in a glass dome of smoke- it’s seems too beautiful to eat!  But I am so glad we did as it was absolutely delicious. The southwestern inspired Prickly Pear Margarita is also not to be missed.

The Desert Dessert

Prickly Pear Margarita

T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort and Spa – A Mediterranean-inspired menu showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients in an intimate, romantic atmosphere. The focaccia dipped in their signature pesto was absolutely scrumptious! 

Focaccia & Signature Pesto

Signature Grill at JW Marriott Starr Pass – A showcase of authentic Southwestern flavors, featuring farm-fresh ingredients and locally sourced spices. There were many great locally inspired choices on the breakfast menu such as Pozole, Huevos Rancheros and the Sonoran Omelet.

Seis Kitchen – A must-visit for lovers of Mexican street food, inspired by six distinct culinary regions of Mexico. Seis has earned numerous accolades and international coverage, including holding continuous UNESCO Gastronomy designations.

*It should be noted that Tucson is a must-visit destination for food connoisseurs. As the first U.S. city designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, its culinary heritage dates back 4,000 years, with flavors steeped in Native American and Mexican traditions.

McArthur’s– Named in honor of Albert Chase McArthur, the Arizona Biltmore’s visionary architect, McArthur’s, is a place of warmth, iconic design and a few surprises. Some of my favourite menu items were Chicken Tortilla Soup, Hot Honey Pizza and Ensenada Shrimp Tacos.  For dessert, the Tequila Sunrise Cake was heavenly- inspired by the Tequila Sunrise cocktail, which was invented at the Arizona Biltmore!

What to See and Do: Exclusive Arizona Experiences

Carlson Creek Vineyard – Experience the refined elegance of Arizona’s wine country at one of the state’s premier vineyards, offering tastings of award-winning varietals in a sophisticated setting.  Watch out Napa Valley, the Arizona viticultural landscape is emerging!

Party Bike Experience – A one-of-a-kind way to explore Scottsdale’s nightlife—pedal your way through the city with a drink in hand and music pumping through a premium sound system.  This is the ultimate way to celebrate in style- perfect for bachelorette events, graduations and any party-worthy occasion.

Luxury Shopping Experience at Scottsdale Fashion Square – A paradise for luxury shoppers, featuring designer boutiques such as Gucci, Versace, and Cartier, alongside bespoke private shopping experiences.  Immerse yourself in the history, the trends, and the collection of today’s most fashionable brands. You will enjoy a red-carpet welcome, special gifts, tasteful treats and bubbles upon bubbles. Fashion industry experts will share the history of luxury fashions and the latest runway trends during a private shopping experience of iconic brands curated just for you.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West (Self-Guided Audio Tour) – Immerse yourself in the visionary world of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential architects of our time with an exclusive audio tour of his desert masterpiece. Taliesin West is where Wright and his apprentices lived, worked, and pushed the boundaries of architectural innovation.  The landscape, the light, the architecture are all breath-taking and the historical narrative brings it all to life.

Taliesin West Salon

Saguaro National Park – Wander through the mesmerizing landscapes of Saguaro National Park, home to North America’s largest cacti and awe-inspiring hiking trails. The saguaro (suh-waa-row), also known as the giant cactus, has been an iconic symbol of the American southwest for ages. They are a very slow growing cactus with branches normally beginning to appear when a saguaro reaches 60 to 75 years of age. Found only in a small portion of the United States, these majestic plants are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of Tucson. Here you will find a stunning desert landscape unlike anything found anywhere else.

Saguaro Cacti

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – This is a unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, offering an immersive journey through the Sonoran Desert’s diverse ecosystem.  Despite getting caught in a desert rainstorm during my visit, I thoroughly enjoyed the many exhibits of this captivating mostly outdoor museum, which is regularly listed as one of the top ten zoological parks in the world

Sol Garden at Tierra Luna Spa (Arizona Biltmore) – It is no surprise that this spa was a Forbes 2024 4-star Spa Award Winner.  Here you can indulge in a transformative spa experience that blends fire, water, ice, and earth to restore balance and rejuvenation.  I indulged in several luxurious treatments including a Swedish massage on their signature Dream Table, which provides a multi-sensory experience with the use of light therapy, heat therapy, and quartz or water surfaces.  In addition, I experienced the Sun-Worshipper Mud & Alchemy Experience in the Sol Garden, emerging cleansed, radiant harmonized!

Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hot Air Expeditions – Float above the breathtaking Sonoran Desert at sunrise or sunset, taking in panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and iconic saguaro cacti below.  Both exhilarating and gentle, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind.  This magical experience culminated in a celebratory champagne breakfast back on land.

Conclusion: Arizona Awaits the Discerning Traveler

For those who seek a destination that is both adventurous and indulgent, Arizona delivers on every level. Arizona is the perfect getaway destination in the winter with average temperatures of around 20°C.  But summer can be a great time to visit too! Even though it is a little on the hot side, there are fabulous hotel deals to be had and you can still enjoy the spas, fine dining and poolside indulgences.

Whether it’s the luxury of a secluded desert retreat, the exhilaration of outdoor adventure, or the culinary richness of a 4,000-year-old gastronomic tradition, this sun-drenched paradise offers experiences that are as unforgettable as they are exclusive.

Contact me today if you'd like to discuss trip planning!