The Arizona Biltmore (2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602/955-6600, www.arizonabiltmore. com), covering 39 acres at the base of the Phoenix Mountains, is the Valley’s most famous, and still in most ways its best resort. Other places may come and go, but this Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired (and, many contend, designed — Wright received a consulting fee on the project) “Jewel of the Desert” just keeps getting better with age. There are 738 guest rooms, including one- and two-bedroom villas, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses at the country club next door, a spa, an enormous outdoor chess set, and four restaurants, including Wright’s at the Biltmore (6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily). The Arizona Biltmore History Package ($238–437) is a great way to discover the resort; it includes a tour of the grounds, dinner, a night in one of the historic rooms, plus two tickets to Wright’s Taliesin West.

The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa (34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree, 480/488-9009, $119–749 d), out in the wild desert of Carefree, has been named America’s top spa 14 years in a row, offering gorgeous suites, casitas, villas, and haciendas in a secluded setting outside of the city. It provides far and above the norm in comfort, style, and recreation.

The Phoenician (6000 E. Camelback Rd., 480/941-8200, www.thephoenician. com, $365–775) along the Camelback corridor has an excellent golf course, high-end style, and a Center for Well-being.

The Royal Palms (5200 E. Camelback Rd, 602/840-3610, www.royalpalmshotel.com), right by the Phoenician at the base of Camelback Mountain, is a lush hideout with all the amenities and then some.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (7575 E. Princess Dr., 480/585-4848, www .fairmont.com/scottsdale, $129–819 d) is a five-diamond resort in downtown Scottsdale with unbelievably comfortable and richly decorated rooms, suites, and casitas, as well as golf courses, three restaurants, and one of the top spas in the nation.