This
selective list, our top choices for the
resorts to visit in Arizona, is not in
a particular order of ranking, but
offers different kinds of experiences,
whether you're interested in golf,
tennis, riding, enjoying the southern
desert, or hiking in the
wilderness.
Rancho
de los Caballeros
1
The
Boulders
Located
in Carefree, north of Phoenix, This is
a golf resort that offers a spectacular
desert ambience, to golfers and
non-golfers alike. All 160 rooms are in
casita-style buildings, mostly
duplexes, all with fireplaces. The
deluxe resort's use of the natural
landscape set among huge boulders, is
outstanding. There's a focus on native
plants that blends into the surrounding
desert. At night, outside lights are
kept low, and fires with burning
juniper provide a spectacular scene and
wonderful smells. 34631 N. Tom
Darlington Dr., Carefree, 800-553-1717
or (602) 488-9009.
2
Wigwam Resort
One
of only two Mobil 5-star resorts in the
state, the venerable Wigwam boasts
three golf courses, fine dining,
organized tours, tennis, horseback
riding, bicycling, croquet, and a
relaxed atmosphere. It's just outside
of Phoenix and has retained its top
quality from the days when it was the
first super-deluxe resort in the area.
Although the resort has been here for a
long time, it recently had a $30
million renovation, including addition
of new buildings and pools. Everything
is subtle here, including the original
lobby built in 1918. Litchfield Park,
800-327-0396, or (602) 935-3811.
3.
Marriott's Camelback Inn
This
is the other 5-star hotel, located in
Scottsdale, close to power shopping and
other Phoenix-area attractions. The
place is famed for its service, food,
super-deluxe lodgings, and fine
grounds. 5402 E. Lincoln Dr.,
Scottsdale, 800-242-2635, or (602)
948-1700.
4
Arizona Biltmore
The
hotel, inspired by the work of Frank
Lloyd Wright, is the main attraction
here., and has been for almost 70
years. Not only the concrete block
building is spectacular; the
wonderfully-landscaped grounds are just
as fabulous, as are the pool area and
the lobby's great hall. While there are
600 rooms here, the hotel always gives
a feeling of intimacy. 24th Street
& Missouri Ave., Phoenix,
800-950-0086, or (602) 955-6600.
5.
Ventana Canyon Resort
The
Tucson area's finest all-over resort
operation, The 400-room hotel blends
into the landscape of the Santa
Catalina Mountains. Golfing is the
major activity here, along with tennis,
large swimming pools, whirlpool,and
huge tubs with each room, and bicycles
available for recreation. Nature trails
lead through the saguaro cacti, with
many birds to be seen and heard. At
night the lights of Tucson twinkle in
the distance. 7000 N. Resort Dr.,
Tucson, 800-234-5117, or
520-299-2020.
6
Rancho de los Caballeros
A
guest ranch with a championship golf
course, just outside of the Old West
town of Wickenburg, this fine ranch
provides the quintessential Arizona
desert experience. Riding the range is
a must, along with other offerings that
include tennis, trap and skeet
shooting, swimming, desert cookouts,
and fine eating in a relaxed ambience.
People have been returning here for
years, a sure sign of the ranch's
status as a vacation destination. 1551
South Vulture Mine Rd., Wickenburg,
(520) 684-5484
7
Enchantment Resort
A
tennis and health resort set at the
mouth of Boynton Canyon, near Sedona,
Enchantment offers standard hotel-style
rooms plus one- and two-bedroom suites
in casitas, and efficiency units. There
are four heated pools, tennis courts
with instruction, a putting green and a
pitch & putt golf course. Dining
includes a fabulous Sunday brunch.
Boynton Canyon offers one of the Sedona
area's finest hikes. 125 Canyon Circle
Drive, Sedona, 800-826-4181, or (520)
282-2900.
8
Tanque Verde Ranch
This
country inn and guest ranch, located
east of Tucson on the Sonoran Desert,
has an Old West atmosphere with a focus
on riding. The ranch has a hundred
horses for riding over the desert
hills. Rooms and suites are
luxurious--many with fireplaces--and
all have private patios. The ranch
features indoor and outdoor pools,
tennis, a health spa, and a program for
children. 14301 East Speedway, Tucson,
(520) 296-6275.
9
Muleshoe Ranch Preserve
For
a vacation of a very different sort,
The Nature Conservancy operates
this small hot spring resort set in the
rugged foothills of the Galiuro
Mountains, about two-hours' drive east
of Tucson, and an hour north of
Willcox. Set in a magnificent nature
preserve, the ranch has casita-style
accommodations, the larger units with
kitchen facilities, plus a common
kitchen and lounge. Rooms are not
expensive. Hiking and wildlife viewing
are at their best in this special
wilderness resort. RR#1, Willcox, (520)
586-7072.
