ARIZONA

Arizona has quietly become one of America’s premier luxury travel destinations, and Scottsdale sits at the center of it. The combination of dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape, world-class golf, exceptional spa culture, and a resort scene that has invested heavily in design and service over the past decade makes it one of the most satisfying domestic luxury destinations in the country — particularly in the cooler months when the desert climate is genuinely hard to beat.

Our Arizona coverage is focused on Scottsdale, based on firsthand experience. Nothing here is sponsored.

Where we cover in Arizona:

Scottsdale — Scottsdale’s resort corridor stretches north from the city center into the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, where some of the best desert resort properties in America are located. The landscape here — saguaro cacti, red rock formations, and big open skies — provides a backdrop that gives even conventional resort amenities a sense of drama. Scottsdale works exceptionally well as a destination for groups and girlfriend getaways — the spa culture is genuinely strong, the golf options are outstanding, and the Old Town restaurant and bar scene has matured into something worth a trip on its own.

Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North — Located in north Scottsdale at the base of Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons at Troon North is one of the most beautiful resort settings in Arizona — casita-style accommodation spread across the desert landscape, with the saguaros and mountain views as constant companions. We stayed here for a girls’ trip and came away with a nuanced view: the setting and design are exceptional, the spa is outstanding, and the overall experience is strong — but there were specific areas that fell below typical Four Seasons standards. Read our full Four Seasons Scottsdale hotel review for the honest picture before you book.

Scottsdale for a girls’ trip: Few destinations in the US do the girlfriend getaway as well as Scottsdale. The combination of spa resorts, pool days, excellent restaurants, and easy walkability in Old Town creates a trip that works from arrival to departure without much planning. The Four Seasons, the Boulders, and Miraval are all strong options depending on what you’re prioritizing — we’ve covered the Four Seasons in detail and will be expanding to the others.

Best time to visit Scottsdale: October through April is the sweet spot — warm, sunny days, cool evenings, and the desert in full bloom by spring. May brings pleasant warmth before the heat sets in. June through September is peak summer heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F — most visitors avoid this period, though resort rates drop significantly and the monsoon season in July and August brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that are spectacular to watch from a pool.

More Arizona coming soon. We’re expanding our Arizona coverage to include Sedona and additional Scottsdale properties. Sign up for updates below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​