34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, Arizona, United States | (480) 488-9009
Quiet, visually stunning grounds, filled with native flora and wildlife
Adobo-style rooms feature Southwestern decor, wood-burning fireplaces, and private terraces
Private villas with full kitchens and laundry facilities
33,000-square-foot spa is one of the best in the Southwest
Excellent regional cuisine; on-site organic garden
Guided hikes, walking trails, nighttime bike tours, and mountain biking
Two challenging and highly praised 18-hole golf courses
Secluded, but close (by Arizona driving standards) to cute shops and restaurants
Free 24/7 golf cart "taxi service" around the property
Pool is on the small side, considering size of the resort
Daily resort fee (includes Wi-Fi)
Wildlife can include spiders and scorpions
45-minute drive from Phoenix International Airport (longer with traffic)
Nestled into the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, Boulders Resort & Spa is one of the most scenic resorts in the Southwest. The desert getaway is built to impress -- it has an exceptional spa and fitness center, two renowned golf courses, and several restaurants featuring organic cuisine grown on the grounds. The resort's pueblo-style buildings and their interiors harmonize seamlessly with the natural surroundings; the 215 casitas and villas feature flagstone flooring, wood-beamed ceilings, and wood-shuttered doors that open onto private patios. It's one of the best resorts in Phoenix, though the less-remote Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, close to swank restaurants and nightclubs in Scottsdale, could be an alternative.