Happily for those of us who appreciate the desert and Arizona's heritage, the fancy resorts respect Southwestern style. We're not Hawaii, after all. Attention is given to desert landscaping, for the most part. Tribute is paid to the state's Native American and Spanish roots through architecture, all kinds of art and sometimes through the food served in restaurants. The resorts offer great choices for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Some visitors are lucky enough to come to a resort as part of a business meeting or convention.
Even if a resort is not in your vacation budget, you might think about splurging on dinner or Sunday brunch in one of the restaurants, or sipping cocktails at sunset in one of the lounges. If you're just in for a brief visit, be sure to take some time to walk the main grounds. All of the top-rated resorts recognize the importance of spas. Steam rooms, massages, facials, whirlpools, lap swimming pools, fitness machines and free weights are the kinds of ultimate indulgences that well-heeled vacationers seek. The Boulders, for instance, can perform a special massage with hot rocks.