The Best Resorts to Book in Scottsdale, Arizona

You know what to expect from the Four Seasons – and if you don’t yet, then prepare to be amazed. This five-star desert paradise is set against a towering mountain backdrop – lose yourself in the spa, sample southwest cuisine, and bring your clubs for the two world-class courses, just a free shuttle away. Accommodation-wise, opt for the private casita with your own firepit to up the romance level to the max – or choose from suites with private telescopes. Add-on one of several bucket-list experiences including a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and a cycle tour with wine tasting. This place takes memory-making to the next level.

This place claims it allows you “to chase whatever stirs your soul” – and we can believe them. A lot of work has gone into creating an environment where people can lose themselves – whether that’s in wellness, hedonism, or just the stunning natural landscapes. The humble-looking white-washed adobe bungalows open to reveal designer-clad interiors and there are some seriously well-equipped suite options – including those that include gym equipment or your own private cabana by one of the three pools.

Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection – which prides itself on curating hotels with real character – the Boulders resort is styled to fit seamlessly into its locale. Built on 1,500-acres (607ha) of indigenous land – ripe for exploration by foot, bike and horse – its adobe bungalows meld into the boulder-dominated desert backdrop, while their distinctive decor is informed by the Sonoran Desert’s First Nation art and culture. For those attached to typical western pleasures, there are two 18-hole golf courses, a pool, gym, cycle rental, and tennis – but for others who would like to revel in a deeper history of the area, you can meditate in the labyrinth or shamanic tipi. Either way, make sure you eat at the Spotted Donkey cafe – said to have the best Mexican food in Arizona.

A hipster’s favorite, this hotel – part of the Classic Hotels and Resorts portfolio – hasn’t just got the perks you’d expect from a luxury resort in Scottsdale. Aside from the two pools, fitness center, and six-treatment-room spa, the Scott is full of knowing touches that are squarely aimed at the Instagram generation. Cocktails served in pineapples, check. Daily yoga and bicycle hire included in the resort fee, check. Hanging wicker chairs for posing, or just reading, check. Plus you can bring up to two dogs – for that essential shot of Fido in paradise.

The idea of having “something for everyone” is such a cliche but unless you’re weirder than most, this Scottsdale resort will undoubtedly come up trumps for your family holiday. Little kids have got a 2.5-acre (1ha) water playground – complete with a sandy beach – while the older ones will love the three-story waterslide, kids club, and local horse-riding lessons. There’s a golf pro for adult lessons, too – or just bring your clubs along if you’re practically a pro yourself. Not a fan of golf? Lounge by the adults-only pool or relax in Spa Avania’s Himalayan Salt Room before a romantic Italian/Japanese/Southwestern dinner at one of the resort’s three restaurants.

We just love it when we find a resort-style hotel near the city center – like this DoubleTree resort in Scottsdale. There’s nothing quite like having all those luxury resort amenities within walking distance of the historic center. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it’s just 1mi (1.6km) from Old Town Scottsdale – with its dining and museums – but is a destination in its own right, with two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a nine-hole putting green. As a bonus, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport so you can pop in and pop out without a hitch. Weekender in the mountains, anyone?

Opened as a conference center in 1976 – accompanied by a 36-hole McCormick Ranch championship golf course and with oodles of venue space – this hotel has upped its luxury vacation credentials since then. After a $10 million revamp in 2015, guests today will find an AAA Four Diamond resort with a full-service Luna Spa, three characterful restaurants inspired by local flavors, and a bang-up-to-date swimming pool and guest rooms. Popular with weddings, this is a solid choice for a traditional high-end hotel in Scottsdale.

A surfing holiday in the desert? Well not exactly, but it’s still cool that you can test your skills on the Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator at the resort’s own Adventure Water Park. Along with a 35m-long (115ft) waterslide, lazy river, and OdySea Aquarium with SeaTrek Helmet Diving, the simulator helps to make this desert escape an unlikely hit with watersport lovers. Golfers are also in heaven with three Scott-Miller-designed nine-holes – while the spa encompasses both the esoteric (craniosacral energy therapy) and practical sports-style massage. The latter presumably is in case your surfing efforts go awry.