Beat the Arizona Summertime Heat at These Desert Retreats
Cool pools are as common as cactus in Arizona. Whether you’re summering in Sedona, day-tripping to Tucson or savoring a staycation in Scottsdale, there’s a pool nearby to make a splash in! And with temperatures that often soar above 100 degrees, especially in the summertime, taking a dip during an Arizona summer is essential. From massive water parks to secluded resort retreats, here’s our guide to 19 of the best pools in Arizona.
Arizona Biltmore
The Arizona Biltmore is a darling from the Jazz Age, a place where luxury and leisure coincide—not to mention the timeless architecture stylings of Frank Lloyd Wright. Your days at The Biltmore begin with hearty breakfast at McArthur’s, before heading to the property’s adults-only Saguaro Pool, secluded Ocatilla Pool or family-friendly Paradise Pool. Watch high-energy daredevils whoosh down a trio of towering waterslides at The Twist, and be sure to reserve a cabana to stay shady! The Arizona Biltmore is also home to several smaller pools if you’re craving a bit more seclusion. These include the Bougainvillea Pool, Terrace Court Pool, Catalina Pool and more. Recharge with a light lunch at McArthur’s—we recommend the seared ahi tuna and steak frites—then steal some time at the adults-only Saguaro Pool.
Location: Phoenix
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Check in and adjust your out-of-office settings: everyday feels like a weekend at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. There’s something special about the warm desert breeze and sunset views of South Mountain. And the massive waterpark located just moments from your vacation villa might have something to do with that summertime feeling. Action-seekers can make a splash at the Oasis Wave Pool and zip down steep Slide Canyon Tower for the ultimate adrenaline rush, while those seeking relaxation can float in the lazy Zuni River. Find your own private paradise inside an Island Cabana, where you can savor crispy fish tacos and frosty prickly pear piña coladas delivered from Oasis Bar & Grill.
Location: Phoenix
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The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is the ideal family getaway. There’s something for everyone here: golf courses for dad, spa treatments for mom and a boardsports simulator for the kids. The notorious FlowRider is just one of many splashy amenities at the Kierland Adventure Water Park. Kids—and kids at heart—will also be fans of the lazy river and the 100-foot-long water slide. Stay cool as a cucumber in a cabana at the Adventure Pool, where poolside perks like cold towel service pair nicely with chilled cucumber coolers from J. Swilling’s Pool Bar & Grill.
Location: Scottsdale
The Wigwam
Over a century old yet newly renovated, The Wigwam looks better than ever thanks to a recent refresh of its 331 Southwestern-style rooms and suites. The Tower Pool also received a major facelift and now features brand new dual water slides! Swimmers and sunbathers can also paddle with mermaids and catch a flick from a floatie at the Tower Pool on summer weekends through Sept. 1, 2024. Adults can escape to the Oasis Pool for some R&R and frozen treats like housemade mango raspberry fruit pops from the pool bar. But whatever you do, be sure to end your day by the pool with a cooling restorative massage or revitalizing facial at LeMonds Spa. Then relax in one of 331 completely reimagined rooms and suites.
Location: Litchfield Park
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Hotel Valley Ho
If your summer playlist includes The Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane and The Supremes, Hotel Valley Ho is the place for you. This midcentury marvel is like a time machine that will send you to the Swinging Sixties—if the 60s had misted cabanas and poolside Tito’s bottle service. Bring your sunnies, and if you’re feeling kitschy, your vintage swim cap, because OH Pool is one of the hottest pool scenes in Old Town Scottsdale. Don’t forget to grab your best accessory while there: a Sonoran Paloma from the OH Bar. After a day in the sun, and before you retreat to your retro room, book a table at ZuZu for elote-style grilled oysters and buttermilk fried calamari.
Location: Scottsdale
Enchantment Resort
Enchantment Resort is at the top of every wellness warrior’s travel bucket list. Tucked in the high desert among the iconic red rocks and energy vortexes of Sedona, this luxury resort is the place to be if you’re looking to recharge—and we’re not just talking about crystals. After a morning of exploring nearby Boynton Canyon, unwind with a transformative spa treatment, like the Desert Mist Body Renewal, at Mii amo. The renovated pool area, poised amid a red rocky landscape, is the best place to ground yourself with a good book and vegan maca shake. Guests can enjoy luxury amenities like cabanas and dedicated concierge, creating a relaxing setting to enjoy your poolside escape.
Location: Sedona
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has your family pool days covered like SPF. From waterslide thrills at Sonoran Splash and white sand beaches at Sunset Beach to the newly renovated Princess Pool overlooking TPC Stadium, there’s a pool here for every swimmer. For a more serene setting, take a dip at Well & Being Rooftop Pool, replete with panoramic views of North Scottsdale, or brush up on your backstroke in the lap lanes at Sonoran Landing. For the ultimate VIP experience, escape to the exclusive Privado Pool while the kids are covered at Summer Day Camp.
Location: Scottsdale
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
The desert is hot, hot, hot! Stay cool at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa with the Splash Into Summer package. In addition to some savvy perks, the summertime offer includes a $50 daily resort credit, which can be put to good use at the resort’s newest restaurant, Kembra, plus access for four guests to the recently-renovated AquaRidge WaterPark. Take a trip down the Gullywasher, the most exciting slide in the park, or catch a thrill on The Drop. For the little ones, the tiny turns of the Little Eddy are perfect for introducing young adventurers to water slides.
Location: Phoenix
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia
Leave your passport at home and retreat to Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia where you can experience the atmosphere of Andalusia—without the jet lag. This charming Spanish-style getaway feels like a world away, when truly you’re in the heart of Scottsdale, not far from Camelback Mountain. Visit Joya Spa for a Pink Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and enjoy some rooftop relaxation at the Joya Terrace Pool. Unwind at the adults-only Oasis Pool or turn up the fun at the lively Kasbah Pool, where you can share carne asada fries with your family in your cool cabana.
Location: Scottsdale
Mountain Shadows
This Paradise Valley boutique retreat is a popular desert hideout for trendy types. Modern architecture, swaying palms and contemporary amenities give the historic property an effortlessly cool ambiance. At the pool, luxury private cabanas call to crowds of bronzed sun worshipers and dramatic views of the mountainous landscape are unmissable from every poolside seat. After a refreshing dip, quench your thirst with a classic margarita and snack on avocado and shrimp ceviche from The Citizens Club. On Friday nights, stop by the Hearth ‘61 patio before your dinner reservation for a special sunset champagne sabering and complimentary Veuve tasting.
Location: Paradise Valley
The Phoenician
For a family-friendly vacation destination where you can spend your days poolside, The Phoenician is it. First, drop your bags and shimmy into your swimsuits. At the Kids Zone, play pirates with the kiddos and watch them get soaked with spray guns, falling water buckets and shooting waterspouts while they navigate the tree house and swinging bridges. When lunchtime comes, refuel at Kalio Kabobery with Mediterranean cuisine like chicken shawarma and chickpea falafel wraps. Later, unwind in a cabana overlooking the hotel’s signature pool, which features spectacular hand-laid Mother-of-Pearl tile, while savoring a citrus spritz.
Location: Scottsdale
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
There’s an undeniable allure to Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa—it simply radiates luxury and leisure. For summertime fun and adventure, look no further than the resort’s ten sparkling pools. Spanning 2.5-acres, the recently-remodeled swim spots have all the best bells and whistles: shady loungers and luxe cabanas, sandy beaches, rushing waterfalls, a high-speed waterslide, lanes for laps and activities like water volleyball. By day’s end, you’ll be ready to retreat to your Casita Suite where you can marvel at the postcard-perfect views of the McDowell Mountains from your personal rooftop deck.
Location: Scottsdale
W Scottsdale
Located in Old Town, at the center of the city’s nightlife scene, W Scottsdale is a happening hotspot where you can see and be seen while mixing and mingling with the local glitterati. The elevated W Scottsdale pool has no shortage of Scottsdale swank with a hint of Vegas vibes—think private cabanas and luxury loungers plus poolside bottle service and EDM-fueled Wet Deck pool parties all weekend long. Before your next night out, reserve seats at Donabe, the hotel’s newest restaurant. And, for the ultimate Old Town experience, secure a VIP table at Cottontail Lounge.
Location: Scottsdale
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
The aptly named Turquoise Pool at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a true desert gem. Found at the center of the resort, this pool is your passport to summer. Start your heated holiday in a private cabana with a round of tiki mules and chicken tinga tacos. Seeking seclusion? Unwind at the adults-only Palo Verde Spa Pool or escape to the private Retreat Pool for some serious relaxation. Slip away to your accommodations at the art-centric Albers House. This chic villa has two master suites and floor-to-ceiling windows—a setting primed for sunset watching.
Location: Scottsdale
Castle Hot Springs
Without a doubt, Castle Hot Springs is Arizona’s best-kept secret. Tucked within the Bradshaw Mountains, just 54-miles from Phoenix’s urban center, this unparalleled oasis is surrounded by stunning scenic terrain and boasts its very own natural hot springs. Since the late 1800s, visitors have flocked to Morristown to soak in the mineral-rich springs. Today, you can pair your hot springs soak with a cold plunge, energy aligning spa treatment or lap swim in the resort pool. Plus, this summer you can find your balance with a guided Paddle Board Yoga class in the springs.
Location: Morristown
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Perched between Tucson’s vibrant urban city center and scenic Sabino Canyon, with views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a family-friendly Sonoran Desert retreat perfect for beating the summertime heat. The best way to stay cool? A roaring ride down the twisty-turny 177-foot water slide at the main pool. Later, practice your best breaststroke moves on your way to the swim-up bar at Sabino’s Pool Bar & Grill for a bucket of iced-down local brews, plucked from Tucson’s own booming brewery scene.
Location: Tucson
Omni Tucson National
Framed by views of the picturesque Santa Catalina Mountains, Omni Tucson National promises refreshment and rejuvenation in equal measure—whether you’re checking in for a weekend getaway or a day of relaxation. Here, the best place to start your vacation is at Sweetwater Pool. Make a splash and catch a dive-in movie from the water or your cushy cabana. For a more mellow mood, there’s Catalina Pool. The choice is yours: swim laps or work on your bronze from the pool tanning deck. No one will disagree: a golden glow is the best vacation souvenir.
Location: Tucson
VAI Resort
When VAI Resort unveils later this year in Glendale, it will be Arizona’s most happening resort. When the $1 billion, 60-acre stunner is complete, it will include four hotel towers, a concert venue and 12 restaurants all built around a “swimming oasis,” which is set to feature white sand beaches, a party island and other entertainment hotspots. VAI Resort will also be home to Mattel Adventure Park, a 9-acre amusement park complete with Hot Wheels coasters and a Barbie beach house.
Location: Glendale
Amara Resort & Spa
Situated in Sedona’s signature red rock country, Amara Resort & Spa holds your keys to relaxation. When in Sedona, do as the Sedonans do: treat your taste buds to a Southwestern-inspired meal at SaltRock where you can feast on valley-to-table cuisine like pork belly tostadas and poblano relleno with forbidden black rice. Take a dip, day or night, in Amara’s heated outdoor zero-edge infinity pool. And when the starry skies emerge, which are some of the best in the state, cozy up on the balcony of your Creekside Suite for some stargazing while listening to the tranquil soundtrack of Oak Creek.
Location: Sedona
