With its stifling desert climate, travellers to Arizona’s neighbouring cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale may well be attracted by the idea of a cooling swimming pool.
(Photo: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa)
Thankfully, despite being hundreds of miles from the ocean, there are a wide number of hotels and resorts in this part of Arizona with on-site swimming pools that are available either for overnight guests or day visitors. If you’re coming to Phoenix or Scottsdale and would like to find somewhere to cool off after a long day’s sightseeing in the oppressive sun, we’ve picked out 10 of the area’s best accommodations with pools .
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 temperature, 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 these enticing pool offerings, the resort also features two whirlpools, a Serpentine Water Slide, and a kids’ splash pad. There are also upgraded experiences for guests, including Private Cabana Cottages, Poolside Suites, Daybeds and Chaise Lounge Chairs, as well as Griffin Bay, an ultra-exclusive package that comes with upgraded food and beverages, VIP seating, and poolside service. Rooms from $259 per night.
Book at Booking.com. Or you can access this resort’s pools and other amenities by booking a day pass via Resortpass.com.
Arizona Grand Resort
(Photo: Arizona Grand Resort)
Positioned southeast of central Phoenix, close to the vast green expanse of the South Mountain Park & Preserve, this large upscale resort offers fun for all ages. For adults, there’s an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa and wellness centre, and a fitness room, while food and beverage options include several restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine. Guest rooms come with a TV, and some also have a terrace with garden views.
As for aqua-based activities, where to start? Spread over an incredible seven acres is an all-singing all-dancing water park complete with a large wave pool and a lazy river. The park’s centrepiece attraction, however, is the 8-storey Slide Canyon Tower that includes three exhilarating slides. There’s also an activity pool and a splash pad for little ones, while for more grown up pursuits a 25-person Caliente Springs hot tub offers the chance to relax and unwind while the kids get wet ‘n’ wild. Rooms from $324 per night.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
(Photo: Courtesy Visit Phoenix)
This premier 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 Scottsdale’s fashionable Old Town district.
Dotted among the resort’s lush grounds, each of its pools offer picture-postcard views of the desert landscape’s surrounding palms and citrus trees. The Oasis Pool delivers a tranquil experience for adults, with direct mountain views. Guests can refresh in the sun-kissed pool or retreat into the shade of a cabana. There’s also the rooftop Joya Terrace pool to use after a spa treatment, where guests can enjoy a poolside meal while soaking up the breath-taking views. Rooms from $250 per night.
Book at Booking.com. Or you can access this resort’s pools and other amenities by booking a day pass via Resortpass.com.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
(Photo: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa)
Located within the picturesque landscapes of Camelback Mountain, this eponymous resort is a famed property is set amid 53 acres of 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 style, offering 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 provide guests with a private retreat with ample creature comforts including chaise lounge chairs, cooling fans, chilled refreshments, and a television. Guests can enjoy poolside meals and and other complimentary treats from Sanctuary staff while they lounge. Rooms from $336 per night.
AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown
(Photo: AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown)
Situated just east of Phoenix in the city of Tempe, a little under a mile from Arizona State University, AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown features a restaurant, a bar and shared lounge, and private parking. 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, and 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 while perched high above the action in a state of uninterrupted relaxation. Rooms from $193 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 distinct luxury of mid-century modern design. There are three 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 trio. 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 offers a menu of light bites, handcrafted cocktails, and a daily happy hour. For a more serene 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 book one of the private bungalows, each with their own designated pool. Rooms from $199 per night.
The Phoenician
(Photo: The Phoenician)
The Phoenician features an impressive collection of pools in a three-tiered water complex, with its famous hand-tiled Mother of Pearl pool on the lower level, and three separate, recreational-styled pools on the upper level. A newly-designed central lounge area offers family-friendly seating on the northside, and adult-only accommodations with pools and cabanas on the southside.
The Mother-of-Pearl Pool is a refreshing 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 will find a large twisting waterslide and a Kids’ Zone. The 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 aquatic experience, guests of the Phoenician spa can sink into the sheltered waters of the rooftop pool. Rooms from $870 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 gorgeous views all around. From romantic dinners and special celebrations to activities for the entire family, there’s 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. Work up and appetite and head to al fresco eatery H2Oasis, offering tasty bites including kids’ dishes and a collection of signature tropical cocktails for grown-ups. Rooms from $208 per night.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
(Photo: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess)
This resort offers six luxurious pools and hangout spots for kids in which 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 in. Rooms from $236 per night.
Book at Booking.com. Or you can access this resort’s pools and other amenities by booking a day pass via Resortpass.com.
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 Adventure Water Park is one of the hotel’s most popular attractions – and for good reason. It’s home to the iconic Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator that allows guests to surf amid Scottsdale’s desert climate, and 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. Rooms from $432 per night.