Paradise Valley, Arizona
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Camelback Mountain hillside resort
Camelback Mountain hillside resort
Casitas step up Camelback Mountain's red rock slope, offering quiet lookouts over the desert floor of Paradise Valley.
“The views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the adobe casitas look out at the mountain and across Paradise Valley.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Heated outdoor Watsu pools and Asian therapies open onto a Zen meditation garden.
Notable
Dedicated valet golf carts shuttle guests up the mountain to secluded hillside casitas.
Notable
Four swimming pools and championship tennis courts honor its desert racquet club past.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The resort definitely skews more adult than family-oriented. Children are not permitted at the main pool on weekends but are allowed to use the smaller satellite pools around the property.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Hiking trails climb Camelback Mountain just outside, and downtown Scottsdale is a ten-minute drive away.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windows look across the desert, and selected casitas add open lava-rock fireplaces or outdoor soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated infinity pool looks across Paradise Valley, set against the red rock face of Camelback Mountain.
The spa
Treatment suites surround a courtyard with stone water channels, and morning yoga gathers on the lawn below the peak.
Restaurant
elements
Tables line a stone terrace overlooking Paradise Valley, serving seasonal American dishes accented with Asian flavours.
jade bar
Drinks are shaken at an illuminated jade stone counter, and patio tables open to mountain views at sunset.
How it began
The property opened in 1957 as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club, hosting Hollywood stars for weekend tennis tournaments.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.