With its desert climate, travellers to Arizona’s neighbouring cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale may enjoy the benefits of staying somewhere with a refreshing swimming pool.
(Photo: Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale)
Gratefully, despite the area’s landlocked geography which places it hundreds of miles from the ocean, there are a wide number of accommodation options that include an on-site swimming pool. If you’re coming to Phoenix or Scottsdale and would like to be based in a property where you can cool off in a pool after a long day’s sightseeing, we’ve picked out 5 of the best resort and hotel pools you can find.
Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
Situated on 1,300 acres of land and surrounded by an impressive collection of 12-million-year-old granite boulders, this resort boasts a choice of casitas, villas, or suites, all of which open to views of the inviting Sonoran Desert. This resort also features four self-contained pools catering to all ages, each heated to 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
The Lodge Pool is open 24 hours a day and features a serene waterfall and dining service from the Pool Pavilion, complete with spectacular sights of the desert landscape. Next, there’s the Spa Pool which is reserved for guests aged 16 and up and is open for non-guests to use with the purchase of a day pass or spa treatment. For those coming from a round of golf of game of tennis, the Club Pool is the ideal place to relax and offers dining service from The Grill. Finally, those who book a villa can make use of the intimate Villa Pool, designated solely for guests of the on-site villas to enjoy. From $538 per night.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
(Photo: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa)
Arizona’s largest resort features 950 guestrooms spread across 316 acres in the Sonoran Desert, with sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains. Guests can access five different pools. There’s the Mesa Pool, the Wildfire Pool, and the Revive Spa Pool, which has swimming lanes for guests to slip in some exercise and earn an extra prickly pear margarita at happy hour. There’s also the Sidewinder Pool which is always set to a cool 60 degrees, as it’s used for cold plunges which help control joint inflammation and enhance muscle recovery. The fifth and final pool is a Lazy River Pool, affording gorgeous views of the desert.
On top of incredible pool experiences, the resort also features two impressive whirlpools, a Serpentine Water Slide, and a kids’ splash pad. There are also upgraded pool experiences for guests, including Private Cabana Cottages, Poolside Suites, Daybeds and Chaise Lounge Chairs, as well as Griffin Bay, an exclusive new pool package that comes with upgraded food and beverage services, VIP seating, and poolside service. From $780 per night.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
(Photo: Courtesy Visit Phoenix)
This premier luxury resort is littered with lavish amenities, including an opulent 31,000 square foot Joya Spa, gorgeous pools, guest rooms with private patios or balconies, and unparalleled dining, and nightlife options. There’s also easy access to the many nearby golf courses and local shopping outlets. All of this is nestled at the base of majestic Camelback Mountain, just minutes from the fashionable district of Old Town Scottsdale.
This resort has also brought these impeccable standards to its multiple stunning pools, each of which offer stunning views of the desert landscape’s surrounding palms and citrus trees. Hidden among these lush resort grounds, the Oasis Pool is a tranquil poolside experience for adults with direct views of Camelback Mountain. Guests can retreat into the shade of a cabana and refresh in the sun-kissed pool and soothing spa. There’s also the Joya Terrace pool to use after a spa treatment, where guests can enjoy a poolside meal or soak up the breath-taking views from this rooftop terrace pool. From $620 per night.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
(Photo: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa)
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Camelback Mountain, Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa is a famed luxury resort set upon 53 acres of lush desert. A spectacular oasis overlooking the red rock tumble of its namesake mountain, the resort’s guest rooms and suites are spread across light stucco buildings and casitas in classic Sonoran design, offering a contemporary design and exceptional views.
The resort also lays claim to having the area’s largest infinity-edge pool. For the ultimate in relaxation, poolside cabanas offer guests a private retreat with ample creature comforts including chaise lounge chairs, cooling fans, refrigerated refreshments, and a television. Guests can enjoy poolside meals and are regularly treated to chilled fruit and other complimentary gifts from Sanctuary staff while they lounge. From $1,067 per night.
AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown
(Photo: AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown)
Situated just east of Phoenix in Tempe, 0.9 miles from Arizona State University, AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown features a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the other notable facilities are an ATM and a business centre, and there’s also evening entertainment. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning and a desk.
For an invigorating swim and jaw-droppingly beautiful views of the area, head to the rooftop pool overlooking Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium as well the city’s famed “A” mountain. Guests can take in the vistas of the scenic desert landscape and skyline of Tempe, as well as the bustling atmosphere of this lively neighbourhood from perched high above the action in a state of unparalleled relaxation. From $215 per night.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
(Photo: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows)
Situated among majestic giant saguaros and desert wildflowers, this 23-acre resort exudes the luxury of mid-century modern design. There are three distinct pools spread across the expansive property. First, the Turquoise Pool sits at the heart of the resort and is undoubtedly the most lively of the pools. There’s a large sundeck, chaise lounges, day beds and 13 private cabanas – six of which are connected to guest rooms and a suite overlooking the pool.
The adjacent Turquoise Pool Bar features a menu of light bites, handcrafted cocktails, and a daily happy hour. This pool is also open to guests not staying at the hotel who want to purchase a day pass. For a more tranquil experience, the resort’s Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary pool is a private, intimate space for the exclusive use of spa guests. Finally, those craving a uniquely secluded retreat can even book one of the private bungalows which each have their own designated pool, providing guests with the ultimate privacy and tranquility separate from the rest of the resort. From $718 per night.
The Phoenician
(Photo: The Phoenician)
The Phoenician features an impressive collection of pools in a three-tiered water complex, with its iconic, hand-tiled Mother of Pearl pool on the lower level; and three separate, recreational-styled pools on the upper level. A newly designed centre lounge area offers reserved, family-friendly seating on the northside, and adult-only accommodations with pool and cabanas on the southside.
The Mother-of-Pearl Pool is a refreshing and sparkling oasis for all visitors, complete with a collection of Cabanas to reserve, with an adjacent adults-only hot tub. A variety of imaginative adventures await kids at the premiere treehouse and waterslide attractions, along with a splash pad. On the upper deck, guests can find a large twisting waterslide and a Kid Zone. This play area also has a swaying bridge, pirate ship sails, and a splash pad with spray-guns, falling buckets of water and shooting waterspouts. For a more relaxing water experience, guests of the Phoenician spa can try the spa’s scenic rooftop pool. From $798 per night.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
(Photo: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch)
The awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert surround this ultra-luxurious resort in Scottsdale which sits framed against the McDowell Mountains. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, suites, and casitas with beautiful views all around. From romantic dinners and special celebrations to activities for the entire family, there’s quite simply something for everyone here.
Not least the property’s grand total of 10 swimming pools, together with 20 fountains and 45 waterfalls, and a 2.5-acre water playground complete with a sand beach and a 3-story high-speed waterslide. Each and every poolside desire will be met by the attentive servers at H2Oasis, offering tasty bites al fresco including special treats for the kids and a collection of signature tropical cocktails for grown-ups. From $563 per night.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
(Photo: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess)
This resort offers six luxurious pools and hangout spots for kids to spend a leisurely day in the sunshine. The Sonoran Splash Pool is family-friendly, with a 200-foot twisting water slide and a sandbox play area with beach toys to keep little ones entertained for hours. Next, the Sonoran Landing Pool is the resort’s exclusive adults-only pool, with two lanes for swimming lengths and an array of oversized hammocks, plush day beds, floating bean bags and plenty of poolside libations.
The Princess Pool sits at the heart of the resort and offers sweeping views of the property’s lush lagoon greenery and on-site golf course, as well as hot tubs and a selection of signature cocktails at the poolside café. The Well & Being Rooftop Pool sits on top of the on-site spa, and is only available to spa guests. Finally, Sunset Beach is the resort’s largest pool, with beach chairs perched on pristine white sand and an enormous splash pad for children to play. From $597 per night.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
(Photo: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)
An inspirational retreat located in the heart of “new” Scottsdale in the Sonoran Desert, this unrivalled oasis offers a glut of fabulous amenities. Among them are the OdySea Aquarium, an award-winning golf course, and a sumptuous spa and salon. Hotel suite are equipped with a work desk, a coffee maker, a flat-screen TV and lavish bathrooms with complimentary signature bath products.
The waterpark is one of the hotel’s most popular attractions – and for good reason. The Adventure Water Park is home to the iconic Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator that allows guests to surf amid Scottsdale’s desert climate. There’s also a lazy river and a 110-foot-long water slide. Guests can rent a private family-friendly poolside cabana to relax in shaded luxury, or enjoy their very own “Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef private island”, which features exclusive access to a secluded section of the lazy river, private lounge chairs and pre-reserved innertubes. From $443 per night.
