It’s no secret that Arizona boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Here is the insider’s guide to some of the most jaw-dropping, sweetest suites at our faves:
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Tucked away in the heart of North Scottsdale in the acclaimed Kierland community, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s coveted Presidential Suite presents more than 2,100 square feet of luxury wrapped in sprawling views of the resort’s lush rolling golf course greens and nearby mountain vistas. Known for its blissful Roman-style bath area – featuring stunning mosaic tile artistry and deep-soaking rejuvenation – and an expansive private balcony ripe for enjoying a quintessential Southwest sunset, the lavish space showcases designs and details that pay homage to the rich Essence of Arizona.
W Scottsdale
The Extreme Wow Suite – W’s quirky take on a presidential suite – is 2,150 square feet with two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Featuring modern décor, a private kitchen and spacious living area, the Extreme Wow Suite showcases sprawling balcony views of the WET pool deck and surrounding Scottsdale area. This suite also comes with roundtrip airport transfers and a complimentary cabana rental (excluding Saturdays and holiday weekends).
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Centered on the top floor of the resort with panoramic views of the city lights, the golf course, the resort pools and Tucson’s picturesque mountain ranges, the 2,200 square foot Presidential Suite features stylish, contemporary designs and furnishings inspired by the region’s landscape. The suite features a living room, dining table for eight, separate kitchenette area with staff entrance, a private office, a gas fireplace in the parlor, oversized bathroom and additional bath, with connecting bedroom.
Mountain Shadows
In March 2018, Mountain Shadows unveiled a luxury wing of 40 resort condominiums – including four penthouses – for the ultimate live-play desert destination, with the option for resort guests to book the new condos and suites for their travels. The largest penthouse is 3,410 square feet and broke records for the most expensive sale in the state of Arizona per square foot when it sold for $4.1 million. The owners put it back into the resort rental pool for at least the first two years, which means guests (and locals) booking at Mountain Shadows have the opportunity to stay in this stunning condominium. The resort condominiums are also for sale so people can enjoy the resort lifestyle as their actual residence.
The Tavern Hotel
Nestled along the picturesque (and wine tasting room-filled) main street of Old Town Cottonwood, the Tavern Hotel – a historic building refurbished in recent years into one of Northern Arizona’s top hotel destinations boasts only deluxe rooms and luxury penthouses. Its 900-square-foot bocce suite boasts two bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, full living room and massive rooftop patio. Its big sister – the 2,300-square-foot Tavern Hotel Penthouse – is quite possibly the most fabulous accommodations in all of Verde Valley with three outdoor patios, master bedroom with eye-popping bathroom, two additional bedrooms, oversized kitchen, formal dining room and cozy family room.
The Camby
Spread across an impressive 1,750 square feet, The Presidential Suite at The Camby boasts a lavish seating area, a dining room, a kitchenette, a separate grand master suite complete with a Whirlpool bathtub and 1.5 bathrooms. Designed by renowned Stonehill & Taylor, the Presidential Suite’s design elements draw on Arizona’s five C’s – cotton, cattle, citrus, climate and copper. All five aspects can be found throughout the rooms contemporary decor and distinctive finishes.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort & Spa
Their magnificent 3,225-square-foot Presidential Suite features hardwood flooring, modern furnishings with earthy accents and a variety of upscale amenities, as well as two full bedrooms. The master bedroom showcases a wooden four-poster bed, dressing area with full-length mirror and additional seating. The large parlor offers a massive flat screen television, conference area, dining area that seats six and a large wet bar. But that’s not all –the resort also features Fairmont Gold, an exclusive hotel within a hotel with 69 junior suites, each giving private access to a VIP lounge, meeting center and concierge services.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
What’s better than one private pool? Try two of them! Famous for being among Mr. Marriott’s favorite places to vacation, the resort’s vibrantly decorated, 1,500-square-foot Jackrabbit Suite not only boasts a full butler’s kitchen, wet bar, massive master bedroom, additional guest sleeping quarters, office space and surround sound, but includes both a backyard overlooking Camelback Mountain with its own full-size pool (with jets!) and the semi-private spa pool nearby. Although plenty of space to entertain all night, it is worth leaving the suite – even briefly – to visit the resort’s newest dining concept, Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse.
CIVANA
The newly launched resort’s 1,200-square-foot tranquility suite located high in the Sonoran Desert overlooks the resort pool and offers partial views of the Continental Mountains. The space includes private sleeping quarters; a great room with a dining table, and kitchenette; two bathrooms; and a gorgeous balcony. The suite is at the heart of the wellness resort, with ample access to its 22,000-square-foot Spa CIVANA opening in winter 2018 and both casual and fine dining options – both led by award-winning chef Justin Macy of Miraval Resort fame.
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel
Back in 2015, the resort – which is situated between the pristine Sonoran Desert and the burgeoning shopping, restaurant, gallery, and club scene of Scottsdale – went through a massive $10 million renovation, including upgrades to its 325-plus accommodations. But, what most people don’t know is that during this renovation, the presidential suites on property – of which there are 3 – received hefty upgrades as well. Each one now boasts 1,375 square feet of space for entertaining and/or romance with stunning views of their championship golf course.
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
The Hilton Sedona – nestled along the Red Rock Scenic Byway and steps from some of the most majestic scenery on the globe – recently went through massive, multi-million enhancements. The final phase complete earlier this year, the new look includes a new restaurant concept called ShadowRock Tap + Table, the addition of an on-site “hiking concierge” and a one-of-a-kind red sand boot camp playground called the Warrior Pit. But, perhaps even more impressive than the full-on additions is the Red Rock romance suite. The 700 square foot suite features a comfy fireplace and a private terrace overlooking the Red Rocks not to mention a Jacuzzi jet soaking tub right in the bedroom for maximum romance.
L’Auberge de Sedona, A Destination Hotel
L’Auberge de Sedona is tucked into the green and gorgeous Oak Creek, making it an altogether otherworldly Sedona experience. On-site there are actually two suites so amazing, it’s hard to choose just one. First, there are the Creekside cottages, each with both indoor and outdoor shower options and a deck overlooking the babbling brook of the creek, often with ducks, squirrels and birds swirling about. For those looking for something even grander, however, there is the Creekhouse. Similarly, steps from the creek, this actual creek-side, multi-level house features 2,800 square feet of communal space including a full kitchen, great room, dining room and terrace for entertaining, plus a master bedroom and optional additional bedrooms.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
This nearly 2,300-square-foot presidential suite offers some of the most stunning views – and the most luxurious balcony – in the Valley, not to mention occasional live entertainment to enjoy as it overlooks the lobby lawn and patio. Designed to impress, and having played host to some of Hollywood’s most notable celebrities, as well as big families – it’s ample bedrooms, full dining room table and great room rivals any local mansion and is the epitome of luxury in the Southwest. A bathroom for the ages, its tub is finer than most you would find in a full-service spa.
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
The Canyon Suites’ two, 1,800-square-foot Presidential Suites at the Canyon Suites were updated in recent years, along with the entire boutique hotel. Featuring works from local artists, the presidential suites also offer enhanced, private terraces with a large fire pit and seating for 12; marble dining table for 10; full kitchen; an expansive master bedroom with sitting room; and a second bedroom option. At the Phoenician side of the resort, which is almost done with its multi-year renovation to the entire property, two other presidential suites are offered. Each of these two-bedroom suites is approximately 4,000 square feet with a master bedroom, multiple entertainment areas and marble bath.
Boulders Resort
Boulders Resort offers an exclusive retreat of two side-by-side estate homes set on private grounds within the property. The 5,000-square-foot Villa Retreat offers all the luxury and amenities of a Presidential Suite with the privacy and comfort of an estate home. The Villa Retreat’s two homes are connected by a dramatic negative-edge pool and lush landscaping. Each home may be stocked with food, drinks and essentials according to the guests’ needs and desires. And, of course, The Villa Retreat can be fully staffed with a butler, upon request.
