Find Your Oasis At 20 Top Desert Resorts In Arizona And Nevada
Desert getaways offer a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty that you won’t find anywhere else.
From stunning mountain backdrops to pristine swimming pools that shimmer against red rock landscapes, Arizona and Nevada boast some of America’s most breathtaking resort destinations.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed vacation, these 20 desert oases deliver unforgettable experiences in the Southwest’s most dramatic settings.
1. Castle Hot Springs: A Historic Hideaway
Tucked away in a remote canyon, this century-old retreat has welcomed everyone from Rockefellers to Roosevelts.
The thermal springs bubble up at a toasty 120 degrees, offering natural healing in a setting that feels miles from civilization.
Adventure seekers can explore the property’s hiking trails, while relaxation enthusiasts soak in the three-tiered mineral pools.
Farm-to-table dining completes the experience with ingredients harvested just steps from your table.
2. The Phoenician: Scottsdale’s Crown Jewel
Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, this AAA Five-Diamond marvel shines like a desert mirage.
Marble walkways lead through lush gardens, connecting nine sparkling swimming pools where guests lounge beneath swaying palms.
Golf enthusiasts flock to the 18-hole championship course, redesigned to perfection in 2018.
After sunset, the property transforms as fire pits illuminate private cabanas and the stars twinkle above the expansive grounds.
3. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge: Family Paradise
Water features steal the show at this sprawling North Phoenix playground.
Five pools include a lazy river where families drift through the desert heat on inner tubes, while fountains create a playful atmosphere throughout the grounds.
Tennis courts and two championship golf courses await active travelers.
When hunger strikes, eight restaurants serve everything from casual poolside bites to upscale dining, all with the stunning McDowell Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop.
4. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: Celebrity Retreat
Perched dramatically on the north slope of its namesake peak, this boutique hideaway has long attracted Hollywood elites seeking privacy.
Casitas blend into the natural landscape, offering unobstructed views of Paradise Valley from private patios.
Celebrity chef-inspired cuisine draws foodies to elements restaurant.
The infinity-edge pool seems to float above the valley floor, creating Instagram-worthy sunset moments that capture the essence of desert luxury.
5. Andaz Scottsdale: Mid-Century Modern Marvel
Artists and creatives gravitate to this design-forward retreat where bungalows showcase local artwork against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain.
The property’s partnership with the nearby Cattle Track Arts Compound brings authentic artistic experiences directly to guests.
Morning yoga sessions on the lawn give way to afternoons by the Turquoise Pool.
When evening falls, fire pits become gathering spots where travelers share stories under starlit skies.
6. The Boulders Resort & Spa: Nature’s Masterpiece
Ancient 12-million-year-old granite formations create a prehistoric playground at this north Scottsdale sanctuary.
Casitas seem to grow organically from the landscape, their adobe walls echoing the colors of the surrounding desert.
Jackrabbits and quail scurry across two Jay Morrish-designed golf courses.
The spa incorporates indigenous healing traditions with treatments in outdoor pavilions where desert breezes carry the scent of sage and mesquite.
7. Talking Stick Resort: Entertainment Epicenter
Rising from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, this entertainment powerhouse combines Vegas-style action with authentic Native American culture.
The casino floor buzzes with energy while cultural art installations honor the property’s indigenous heritage.
Summer weekends transform the main pool into a dayclub scene with DJs and cabanas.
When baseball’s spring training arrives, the resort becomes home base for fans catching Cactus League action at nearby Salt River Fields.
8. Camelback Inn: Southwestern Soul
Since 1936, this adobe-style landmark has embodied the spirit of the Southwest with its pueblo-inspired architecture and genuine warmth.
Casitas scatter across 125 acres of flowering desert landscape, providing peaceful retreats beneath the watchful presence of Camelback Mountain.
Generations of families return year after year for holiday traditions and summer escapes.
The resort’s entrance sign – “Where Time Stands Still” – perfectly captures the timeless charm that keeps guests coming back decade after decade.
9. Mountain Shadows Resort: Mid-Century Reborn
Completely rebuilt in 2017, this Paradise Valley gem honors its 1959 origins with sleek lines and retro-inspired design.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Camelback Mountain views so stunning they appear almost painted onto the glass.
The 18-hole par-3 golf course challenges players with dramatic elevation changes.
After sunset, The Living Room lounge becomes the social heart of the property, where craft cocktails and small plates bring guests together under the glow of custom lighting.
10. Desert Club Resort: Vegas Villa Vibes
Just one block from the famous Las Vegas Strip, this all-suite property offers a peaceful alternative to casino hotels.
Families appreciate full kitchens and separate living areas that provide space to spread out after days of desert adventures.
Five swimming pools create a resort atmosphere without the crowds.
The central location puts you minutes from world-class entertainment while providing a quiet oasis to return to when the neon becomes overwhelming.
11. JW Marriott Las Vegas: Garden Oasis
Once you enter the Mediterranean-inspired grounds, it’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
Waterfalls cascade through 50 acres of gardens where walkways wind beneath palms and flowering shrubs in this Summerlin sanctuary.
The 11,000-square-foot pool features a waterfall grotto perfect for cooling off.
Unlike many Vegas properties, this resort embraces tranquility with spaces designed for relaxation rather than sensory overload.
12. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa: Water Wonderland
Families flock to this South Mountain adjacent playground for its 7-acre water park complete with wave pool, lazy river, and eight-story thrill slides.
The all-suite accommodations provide ample space for wet swimsuits and excited kids.
Golfers appreciate the challenging course that winds through desert preserves.
After active days, the resort’s Spanish-inspired architecture creates cozy gathering spaces where parents can relax while watching little ones splash in zero-entry pools.
13. Arizona Biltmore: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy
Architectural history lives and breathes at this Phoenix landmark where Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is evident in every “Biltmore Block.”
Since 1929, the resort has hosted presidents and celebrities beneath its distinctive copper roof.
Seven swimming pools include the Paradise Pool with its 92-foot waterslide.
Recently renovated rooms honor the property’s Art Deco heritage while adding modern luxuries that today’s travelers expect from a Waldorf Astoria property.
14. Amara Resort and Spa: Red Rock Retreat
Waking up to Sedona’s famous red rock formations is the daily reality at this boutique sanctuary along Oak Creek.
The infinity-edge pool appears to merge with the ruddy landscape, creating a seamless connection between luxury and nature.
Yoga classes on the lawn take full advantage of the energizing vortex energy Sedona is famous for.
Evening fire pits become gathering spots where travelers share tales of hiking adventures while watching the rocks change color with the setting sun.
15. The Westin La Paloma: Desert Golf Heaven
Golfers dream about the 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed challenges that wind through this Catalina Foothills retreat.
Desert wildlife watches from saguaro-studded hillsides as players navigate fairways that showcase the best of Sonoran Desert landscape.
Five pool areas include a 177-foot waterslide that delights younger guests.
As the sun sets, the property’s location provides front-row seats to the purple mountain majesty of the Santa Catalina range.
16. The Venetian Resort: Italian Fantasy
Gondoliers serenade passengers along indoor canals at this Venice-inspired wonderland on the Las Vegas Strip.
The all-suite accommodations feature sunken living rooms and marble bathrooms that average twice the size of typical Vegas rooms.
The pool deck transforms the desert into a Mediterranean retreat with cabanas and daybeds.
When hunger strikes, celebrity chef restaurants offer culinary journeys from Italy to Asia without ever leaving the property.
17. Bellagio: Fountain Fantasies
Made famous by its dancing fountains, this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece represents the pinnacle of Las Vegas luxury.
The conservatory changes with the seasons, displaying elaborate horticultural displays that draw crowds of admiring visitors.
Guest rooms offer views of either the famous Strip or the pool courtyard inspired by Italian villas.
Art lovers appreciate the Gallery of Fine Art, while culinary connoisseurs choose between restaurants helmed by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
18. The Palazzo at The Venetian: Suite Sanctuary
Connected to its sister property The Venetian, this all-suite tower takes luxury to new heights with some of the largest standard rooms on the Strip.
Sunken living rooms and marble-clad bathrooms create residential-style comfort for extended desert stays.
The pool deck offers a quieter alternative to typical Vegas pool scenes.
Inside, a waterfall atrium creates a dramatic entrance experience where 65-foot fountains welcome guests to a world of Italian-inspired elegance.
19. Wynn Las Vegas: Garden Glamour
Floral mosaics and natural light revolutionized Las Vegas resort design when Steve Wynn unveiled this curved copper building in 2005.
The botanical theme continues throughout the property with living walls and seasonal flower displays that bring the outside in.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room offer panoramic views of either the Strip or the 18-hole golf course.
The shopping esplanade features luxury boutiques from around the world, creating a retail experience as impressive as the accommodations.
20. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: Refined Retreat
Occupying five floors of the Mandalay Bay tower, this non-gaming sanctuary offers a completely different Vegas experience.
The absence of casino noise creates a peaceful atmosphere rare on the Strip, while a private entrance ensures discretion for high-profile guests.
The intimate pool provides attentive service without the crowds.
Art Deco-inspired rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing desert mountain views, creating a sophisticated residential feel miles away from typical Vegas flashiness.
