The Most Romantic Desert Resorts in the U.S

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is the best overall romantic desert resort in the U.S.

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If you're planning a romantic vacation for a special occasion, a spontaneous getaway, or even a honeymoon, desert resorts can offer the ultimate escape. Trade your daily routine for the serenity of arid climates and stunning views at the most romantic desert resorts in the U.S. Spend your days exploring the otherworldly landscape and enjoying pampering spa treatments before stargazing at night. From grand dame resorts and hip hotels to splurge-worthy sanctuaries and modern-minimalist retreats, we’ve rounded up the best unique and beautiful desert digs in the country.

Most Romantic U.S. Desert Resorts of 2023

Best Overall : Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado


Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado resort view

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Why We Chose It

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offers a wide variety of entertaining activities for all couples to enjoy, blended with luxury amenities for the best overall experience.

Notable Amenities
  • Private patios with views of Sangre de Cristo foothills
  • Multiple suites and casitas to choose from
  • Pool and spa on-site
  • Limo and town car service to downtown Santa Fe
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Located close to Santa Fe attractions

  • Five-star service

  • Both city and outdoor activities nearby

Cons
  • Expensive nightly rates

  • Smaller site than some other options (57 acres)

Hotel Overview

A bastion of untrammeled beauty, the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado seamlessly blends five-star luxury—superior service, upscale accommodations, and award-winning cuisine—with an intimate ambiance.

The result is a 65-casita enclave of comfort that’s lavish yet laid-back. Plus, it puts you in proximity to the myriad galleries, artisan markets, and museums in downtown Sante Fe. Simply put: It’s the perfect place for leisure or adventure pursuits.

Best Luxury : Amangiri


Amangiri Suite Desert Lounge

Courtesy of Amangiri

Why We Chose It

Amangiri is praised for its luxurious rooms and amenities while being located on a stunning 900-acre site in southern Utah.

Notable Amenities
  • Views of desert canyons, gorges, ridges, and flat-topped mesas
  • Freestanding suites with king-sized beds, fireplaces, and outdoor lounges
  • Central swimming pool and water pavillion with sauna, cold plunge pool, and step pool
  • Floatation therapy and relaxing activities on-site
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Modern naturalist architecture

  • Nearby to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

  • Large 900-acre site

Cons
  • Expensive nightly rates

  • Customer service can be unreliable

Hotel Overview

Amangiri is a remote refuge nestled within 900 acres of protected wilderness in Canyon Point, Utah. Architecture and décor pay homage to the stark desert that surrounds.

Clean lines, natural materials, and sun-scorched hues create visual harmony. Refined interiors are appointed with white stone, concrete, fir timber, and blackened steel. Each of the freestanding suites has a king-sized bed, fireplace, and outdoor lounge with sweeping views of the canyons or flat-topped mesas. The pièce de résistance? An expansive swimming pool and sunken terrace.

Best for Relaxation : L’Auberge de Sedona


L’Auberge de Sedona resort

Courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona

Why We Chose It

L’Auberge de Sedona features an on-site nature spa with personalized relaxation treatments, plus creekside yoga, stargazing, and a calming location.

Notable Amenities
  • On-site spa with treatments focused on healing, relaxation, and invigoration
  • Nationally recognized fine dining and local creekside fare
  • Revitalization retreats and event bookings available
  • Yoga, hiking, healing classes, meditation, art classes, and tarot readings offered
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Private cottages, creekhouse, and lodge rooms available

  • Mountain and desert views

  • Focus on sustainability

Cons
  • Expensive nightly price

  • On-site activities are not suitable for all guests

Hotel Overview

Situated on the banks of Oak Creek, encircled by magnificent red rock formulations, L’Auberge de Sedona is a respite of rest and renewal. Every element of the guest experience is thoughtfully curated to inspire connection.

Cozy cottages are equipped with large decks and plush toiletries. Indigenous botanicals, herbs, and flowers take center stage at the spa, which features locally-influenced rituals as well as a custom apothecary station.

Best On-Site Activities : The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain


The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Why We Chose It

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers a golf club, 26 miles of hiking trails, a holistic luxury spa, and a swimming pool complex to ensure guests have plenty of entertainment on-site.

Notable Amenities
  • Private casitas
  • Guided activities
  • 27-hole championship golf club
  • Bookings for weddings and meetings available
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • More affordable than some other options

  • Close location to downtown Tucson

  • Multiple dining options on-site and nearby

Cons
  • Restaurant quality does not match high prices

  • Customer service can be unreliable

Hotel Overview

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain may be located 30 minutes from downtown Tucson, but its rugged terrain and tranquil atmosphere feel distinctly far-flung. Honestly, we’re not sure what’s more spellbinding the Sonoran Desert setting or the soulful aesthetics.

The spirit of the Southwest comes alive through dark mesquite woods, rich textiles, and authentic artwork. Wondering how to spend your time besides staring at the stunning Tortolita Foothills? Trek through towering saguaro cacti or partake in a mixology class at Ignite.

Best Budget : El Conquistador Tucson


El Conquistador Tucson yard

Courtesy of El Conquistador Tucson

Why We Chose It

El Conquistador Tucson is a Hilton resort with classic Southwest charm and activities for an affordable price.

Notable Amenities
  • Weekly activities
  • On-site spa
  • Nearby championship golf courses
  • Multiple swimming pools
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Affordable nightly rates

  • Several rooms and suites to choose from

  • Large 500-acre site

Cons
  • Not all rooms have landscape views

  • Customer service can be unreliable

Hotel Overview

El Conquistador Tucson is the epitome of a desert paradise. Nuzzled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this sprawling oasis is distinguished by its windswept peaks, epic sunsets, and native flora. You don’t have to look far to find local flavor.

Savor Southwestern cuisine and cocktails at Epazote Kitchen. Afterward, rekindle the romance in front of the crackling fire. Did we mention all this is just steps from the miles of hiking and biking trails in Catalina State Park?

Best Historic Resort : Arizona Biltmore


Arizona Biltmore resort

Courtesy of Arizona Biltmore

Why We Chose It

Built in 1929, Arizona Biltmore is a historic resort with a longstanding reputation for its chic architecture and on-site activities.

Notable Amenities
  • Championship golf courses
  • 22,000+ square-foot spa
  • Multiple pools on-site
  • Meeting and special event space available
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Restored in 2021

  • Luxe designer rooms

  • Unique architecture influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright

Cons
  • Expensive nightly rates

  • Smaller site than some other options (39 acres)

Hotel Overview

The Arizona Biltmore, crowned the “Jewel of the Desert,” is steeped in history and architectural legacy. A favorite of high-profile clientele since it first opened in 1929, the landmark hotel has hosted Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Tony Bennett.

This Phoenix institution continues to lure travelers with its impeccable reputation and manicured gardens. Adding to its list of accolades are two championship golf courses, seven pools, and a more than 22,000-square-foot luxury spa.

Best for Wellness : Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa


Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Why We Chose It

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is focused on wellness, including an on-site spa, meditation, spirit and soul classes, creative expression classes, wellness counseling, and more.

Notable Amenities
  • Views of Santa Catalina Mountains
  • Rooms, suites, and villas available
  • Outdoor adventures on-site like hiking, biking, climbing, and more
  • Nutrition and culinary classes
  • Transportation available from Tucson International Airport
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Adults-only resort

  • Food and drinks included

  • Sunny weather forecast 350 days each year

Cons
  • Expensive nightly rates

Hotel Overview

There’s nowhere quite like Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. The 400-acre holistic haven takes a mindful approach to well-being with an array of immersive programs, restorative amenities, and exclusive therapies.

For couples, this could mean communication-strengthening activities, introspective workshops, or side-by-side massages. Outdoorsy types can opt for an afternoon of indulgence in temperature-controlled treatment tents. Equally impressive is the ever-evolving menu of healthy, seasonal eats.

Best City Entertainment : Hotel Paseo


Hotel Paseo

Photo by Daniel Collopy

Why We Chose It

Hotel Paseo is located in California's Palm Desert with plenty of entertainment options nearby in Palm Springs, including shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and more.

Notable Amenities
  • Luxury rooms and suites
  • Local events and festivals, including music, art, golfing, and more
  • Nearby shopping and dining
  • On-site spa
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Affordable nightly rates

  • Boutique hotel

  • Rooms, suites, and unique experiences available

Cons
  • Local hotel shuttle is not always reliable

  • Room service can be subpar

Hotel Overview

A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection and the first luxury debut to hit Palm Desert in over three decades, Hotel Paseo captures what makes the destination so iconic—an inimitable mix of scenic splendor, mid-century modern design, and Cali-cool vibes.

The property offers a variety of activities for guests, including, but not limited to catching some rays, shopping the nearby boutiques, cruising around town on a complimentary bike, or playing a game of cornhole on the lawn.

Final Verdict

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is our best overall pick for romantic desert resorts in the U.S. This resort includes luxury amenities with stunning desert views, award-winning cuisine, a romantic ambiance, and plenty of on-site and nearby activities for all guests to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are the Most Affordable Desert Resorts in the U.S.?

    The best affordable desert resorts in the U.S. include the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, El Conquistador Tucson, and Hotel Paseo. These hotels offer rooms for less than $500 per night.

  • What Is the Best Overall Desert Resort in the U.S.?

    The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is our best overall pick for desert resorts in the U.S., but several other top options are available as well. For a luxurious experience, consider Amangiri in southern Utah. For wellness, Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa offers a variety of relaxing activities.

  • Is a Desert Resort a Good Place to Spend a Honeymoon?

    Desert resorts make excellent options for honeymoons. The serene, relaxing landscape of the desert also offers plenty of activities to stay entertained, while many desert resorts feature luxury amenities and spas for a romantic vacation.

Methodology

To find the most romantic desert resorts in the U.S., we researched top options and compared them based on their prices, customer reviews, amenities, locations, and nearby activities. Each resort featured here offers entertainment in desert locations. We included options in various regions with different amenities to find the best options for all types of travelers.

Brides / Designed by Amelia Manley