Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in the American Southwest
From the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon, the American Southwest covers an enormous area, including the USA States of Nevada, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma. Known for its Wild West legends, the region is a magnet for travelers because of its breathtaking scenery, which includes world-famous canyons, lush forests, vast cattle ranches, mysterious caverns, and white sand beaches. Not only is the American Southwest famous for its unique landscapes and some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, it is also home to a fascinating native American culture, geological treasures as well as world-class lodging. Here’s my top 10 list of the best luxury lodges & hotels in the American Southwest.
There is more info (with YouTube videos & reviews) below the slide show. Think I missed a hotel in the American Southwest? Leave a comment below.
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10. EL TOVAR, GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA
This celebrated historic hotel located directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon first opened its doors in 1905. The hotel was built from local limestone and Oregon pine. It cost $250,000 USD to build, and many considered it the most elegant hotel west of the Mississippi River. In 1987 the Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark. In the past, the hotel has hosted such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Western author Zane Grey, President Bill Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, and countless others. Today, El Tovar retains its elegant charm and is widely considered the crown jewel of Historic National Park Lodges. The hotel has 78 rooms (many of which are suites). a fine dining room, lounge, gift shop, and newsstand.
- Hotel website: El Tovar
- Other accolades: El Tovar also features in my top 10 list of the best lodges in the USA’s National Parks.
9. ROSEWOOD INN OF THE ANASAZI, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
An intimate world-class retreat, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi celebrates the enduring creative spirit of the region’s early Native Americans and the rich heritage of the city’s Spanish founders. Set in the cultural heart of New Mexico’s capital, the inn is situated just steps from the city’s galleries, shops, museums, and the historic Santa Fe Plaza. The 57 rooms and 1 suite, all with handcrafted textiles, beamed ceilings, and gas-lit kiva fireplaces, provide a homey atmosphere. Dine in the award-winning Anasazi Restaurant or Bar, enjoy alfresco dining on The Patio, or escape to The Wine Cellar for a private, candlelit dinner.
- Hotel website: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
8. THE RITZ-CARTLTON DOVE MOUNTAIN, TUSCON, ARIZONA
The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is a place where adventure and a gracious spirit come to life. This luxury Arizona resort near Tucson in Marana AZ is nestled in the high Sonoran Desert against the Tortolita Mountains. Beautifully appointed hotel rooms and suites reflect the elegance of the desert, featuring the indigenous textiles, natural materials and earth tones of Tucson along with terraces with mountain views. Guests can enjoy a world-class spa (offering holistic, gemstone-inspired therapies), a sprawling swimming pool complex, a 235 ft (70 m) water slide, 27 championship holes at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, hiking, biking and geocaching trails, stargazing and five indoor and outdoor dining options including the True American Cuisine at CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar.
- Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit)
- Review: read my review of The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain here.
7. THE CANYON SUITES AT THE PHOENICIAN, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
With a fresh, contemporary elegance that captures the beauty of its Sonoran Desert surroundings, The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician is the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel in the Valley of the Sun. The 60-room property, composed of 40 luxurious suites and 20 guest rooms, and features many exclusive offerings, such as a private pool and daily, complimentary artisan breakfast at the Canyon Lounge. In addition, the resort within a resort provides guests access to the signature services and amenities of The Phoenician, which recently completed an extensive transformation to include new dining, pool, and spa offerings.
- Hotel website: The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
6. AMBIENTE, A LANDSCAPE HOTEL, SEDONA, ARIZONA
Set on the border of the spectacular Coconino national forest, adults-only Ambiente Sedona is a first-of-its-its-kind destination hotel where the American Southwest’s natural splendor takes center stage. Comprised of a collection of private atriums perched atop the red rock hills, each scenic outpost is designed to immerse guests in Sedona’s brilliant landscape while maintaining a reverence for the harmony of the surrounding environment. Lush, earthy color pallets and textures blanket each distinct atrium, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views that invite the beauty of the forest and rock formations indoors. Ambiente Sedona is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
- Hotel website: Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: coming soon
5. FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH, ARIZONA
The irrefutable highlight of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is the Troon North Golf Club, praised as one of the top golf clubs in the United States. Of course, that’s not all there is to recommend at this recently renovated hotel in the American Southwest. Enjoy renowned Four Seasons amenities and service in casitas tucked seamlessly into the desert environment. Of the 210 new contemporary guest rooms and suites, there are one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites available for larger groups and families. The recently renovated Talavera restaurant, with views of Pinnacle Peak and the valley below, offers flavorful Spanish cuisine in a lively setting.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit)
- Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North here.
4. MIRAVAL ARIZONA RESORT & SPA, TUSCON, ARIZONA
Nestled at the base of the stunning Catalina Mountains in the American Southwest, Miraval Resort & Spa’s 400 acres of lush Sonoran Desert creates an inspiring hotel backdrop that is warm and welcoming any time of the year. There are 118 casually elegant casita-style rooms and suites grouped in six villages, each with a variety of rooms and features. Each room features responsibly sourced and sustainable materials. Offering an array of dynamic growth and development programs; one-of-a-kind, luxurious spa treatments; authentic, flavorful, and healthful cuisine; and an expert staff of renowned well-being specialists, it’s no wonder the readers of Travel & Leisure, SpaFinder and CondéNast vote Miraval Resort & Spa the #1 spa in the world, year after year.
- Hotel website: Miraval Resort & Spa
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
3. BISHOP’S LODGE, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Settled more than 150 years ago by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, this iconic Santa Fe landmark hotel has undergone a sensitive restoration to preserve its distinctive Southwestern heritage for the next generation. Managed by the Auberge Resorts Collection, the property is now a luxury ranch that blends modern comforts with cultural authenticity. The luxury room accommodations at Bishop’s Lodge were crafted with reverence for the rich textures and subtle colors of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the talented local artisans in Santa Fe. Bishop’s Lodge was recently named as the #1 resort in the USA Mountain West and one of the top 10 hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Hotel website: Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
2. ENCHANTMENT RESORT, SEDONA, ARIZONA
At Enchantment Resort, the dramatic red rocks of Sedona’ set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Enriching mind, body, and spirit, the resort provides a deep connection with nature, exhilarating adventures, and moments of total relaxation. The property’s rooms – called casitas – feature Southwestern décor inspired by Sedona’s iconic landscapes. All rooms feature a private deck or patio overlooking the red rock formations of Boynton Canyon. Steeped in Native American history and culture and surrounded by some of the USA’s most iconic landscapes, Enchantment Resort offers an endless number of curated experiences, highlighted by golf at Seven Canyons and remarkable dining options showcasing imaginative cuisine using regional ingredients.
- Hotel website: Enchantment Resort
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
1. AMANGIRI, UTAH
Overlooking starkly beautiful desert scenery and the Southwest’s iconic flat-topped mesa rock formations, Amangiri (meaning ‘peaceful mountain’) is located in the most iconic luxury hotel in the American Southwest. Five national parks, numerous national monuments and the Navajo Nation Reservation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, surround the resort, which is also managed by Aman. Draped around a central swimming pool with spectacular view, the hotel’s minimalist decor and surrounding raw landscape of immense power have enormous Instagram potential to wow your friends and inspire your followers. Amangiri’s 34 suites are situated in two elegant wings, which sweep from each side of the resort’s main pavilion. All suites offer private terraces, fireplaces, king-size beds and private courtyard entrances, with some suites having their own pool. Amangiri also features a high-end ‘glamping’ site – called Camp Sarika – which is linked to the main resort.
- Hotel website: Amangiri
- Other accolades: Amangiri also features in my top 10 lists of the best resort & hotels in the USA, world’s best wilderness resorts, the world’s best hotel room views, the world’s most beautiful hotel pools, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s most Instagrammable hotels & resorts, the world’s most luxurious desert retreats, and my favorite Aman resorts in the world.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
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This list is incomplete without a mention of Encore or one of the amazing resorts on beautiful Lake Tahoe. It is consistently evident that the author of this site ignores Nevada which is unfortunate.