Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, is nothing short of an oasis in the Arizona desert. Whether you’re planning a serene getaway, a luxurious retreat, or a celebratory escape, this iconic resort delivers an experience so impeccable, it feels like a dream brought to life. With sweeping mountain vistas, unparalleled service, and indulgent amenities, Sanctuary is not just a place to stay — it’s a destination in itself, where every moment feels like a scene from a desert paradise.
An Unmatched Arrival: The Beginning of Bliss
From the moment you arrive at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, you’re transported into a world of effortless luxury. The drive up to the property winds through the sun-drenched beauty of Paradise Valley, where towering cacti and rugged red-rock formations frame the landscape. Upon entering the resort, you’re greeted by an attentive staff who anticipate your every need, setting the tone for a truly bespoke experience.
The grounds themselves are a masterpiece. Spread across 53 acres of immaculately landscaped desert terrain, the property feels both expansive and intimate. The winding pathways lead to stunning gardens, serene reflection ponds, and architectural marvels that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings — with the Gurney’s resort offering golf cart shuttles at your beck and call to take you from point A to point B as you traverse your new sanctuary (quite literally). Every corner offers a new vista, from the dramatic silhouette of the Praying Monk formation to the pastel hues of the Arizona sunset.
Luxurious Accommodations: Where Comfort Meets Elegance
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain boasts 110 luxurious casitas and suites, each designed to offer a harmonious balance between modern sophistication and desert-inspired charm. Whether you opt for a mountain casita or one of their expansive suites, you’re guaranteed a sanctuary of your own. Spacious layouts, plush furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows invite the beauty of the outdoors inside while ensuring the utmost privacy and comfort. The property truly creates a haven for each and every one of its guests — a place where you will feel like you are at your home away from home, with 5-star service.
Each suite is thoughtfully appointed with custom-designed furniture, rich textiles, and spa-like bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Private terraces provide an idyllic setting to sip your morning coffee while watching the sun rise over the valley — a personal favorite memory of mine during my time spent at the property — or unwind in the evening under a blanket of stars.
The Spa Suites are another exquisite option for those craving a wellness-focused escape. These suites offer private outdoor soaking tubs, spacious living areas, and panoramic desert views. With their close proximity to the Sanctuary Spa, guests can transition seamlessly from indulgent treatments to the comfort of their serene retreat.
For those seeking the pinnacle of indulgence, the newly-renovated Villa Ventana is an experience unto itself. Perched on the highest point of the North side of Camelback Mountain, this private villa offers sweeping 270-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including Praying Monk, Pinnacle Peak, Four Peaks, and the glowing cityscape beyond. The expansive patio, complete with a private whirlpool, invites guests to bask in the breathtaking Scottsdale sunsets in unparalleled seclusion. Every detail of Villa Ventana exudes exclusivity and elegance, making it the ultimate retreat for discerning travelers.
Adding to its allure, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain has long been a coveted hideaway for Hollywood’s elite and sports icons. Beyoncé and Jay-Z famously chose the resort for their honeymoon, while other high-profile guests such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, and Hugh Jackman have all sought refuge within its tranquil confines. The property has also welcomed former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp, as well as entertainment legends like Johnny Carson and Burt Reynolds. This storied guest list speaks volumes about the resort’s unparalleled privacy, impeccable service, and the sheer magic it offers those in search of a true escape.
A Culinary Journey: Savor Every Bite
Dining at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is nothing short of a revelation. The resort’s signature restaurant, elements, offers a menu inspired by the natural elements of earth, fire, water, and air. Here, Executive Chef Matthew Hobbs crafts innovative, seasonally-driven dishes that showcase the freshest local and organic ingredients.
Breakfasts are a delight, with offerings ranging from their “egg sammy” — complete with a brioche bun, scrambled eggs, wisconsin cheddar, caramelized onion, chipotle pepper aioli, breakfast potatoes, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or avocado — to classic pancakes with lemon curd and blueberry compote and nourishing açai bowls. For lunch, the patio at elements becomes a sun-drenched haven where you can savor everything from fresh seafood to decadent truffle fries while soaking in panoramic mountain views. And as the sun sets, the restaurant transforms into an intimate, candlelit retreat where dishes like the milk poached seabass and K4 ranch 16 oz. beef ribeye take center stage.
Cocktail enthusiasts will find their sacred spot at Jade Bar, where mixologists craft artful libations that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Sip on a spicy margarita while watching the sky blush with sunset hues, or indulge in a handcrafted chocolate Old Fashioned by the flickering glow of the outdoor fire pit.
Sanctuary Spa: A Haven of Wellness and Relaxation
No visit to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is complete without a stop at the Sanctuary Spa. Spanning 12,000 square feet, this award-winning wellness retreat offers a menu of restorative treatments rooted in both modern and ancient healing traditions. The 12 indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms are meticulously placed facing the reflection pond, with doors opening into this idyllic courtyard, allowing the desert breeze and sounds of the water to soothe you into a state of peace and relaxation during your treatment — making you feel one with all of the Earth’s elements.
During my time at the property, I personally indulged in the CBD Wellness Massage, a blissful treatment designed to melt away tension while harnessing the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD oil. My skilled therapist expertly combined soothing traditional massage techniques to enhance circulation, relieve tension, and reduce muscle fatigue, leaving me feeling completely restored. As the calming scents of essential oils filled the air, the tension from weeks of travel seemed to dissolve, offering a true sense of renewal.
One of the spa’s most unique offerings is its Watsu Therapy, a deeply calming aquatic treatment performed in a warm, private pool. This gentle, floating massage is designed to relieve tension and restore balance, and Sanctuary is one of the only destination spas in Arizona offering this exclusive experience. Guests can also take advantage of outdoor treatments in the newly-renovated Sanctum, a secluded space where nature and luxury converge, complete with a private whirlpool and outdoor deluge shower.
Whether you’re indulging in a CBD-infused massage or taking part in an energy healing Reiki treatment, every moment at Sanctuary Spa is designed to nurture both body and soul.
Endless Adventure: Activities and Amenities
Beyond the spa, the resort offers a wealth of wellness classes and activities to delight every type of traveler. Fitness enthusiasts can take part in outdoor boot camps, water fitness classes, bike rides and hikes, aerial yoga with sound healing, one-on-one sessions with personal trainers, and so much more. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain’s fitness professionals leading these classes are highly skilled trainers who ensure each activity is personalized to the guests and their goals.
One morning, I joined an invigorating Outdoor Fit Camp, which combined strength training with high-intensity cardio against the stunning backdrop of Camelback Mountain. Getting to move my body while exploring Paradise Valley and seeing the desert from above as we worked our bodies out up the mountain was a highlight of my trip — and one that I won’t forget anytime soon.
During my stay, I also decided to cool off with a refreshing Water Fitness Class in the gym’s private lap pool, where the low-impact movements felt both energizing and restorative. These activities added an empowering, health-focused dimension to my luxurious stay, crafting a well-rounded wellness experience.
The resort’s Infinity Pool is another undeniable highlight — a sparkling, temperature-controlled haven offering uninterrupted views of the desert landscape — and one where I spent ample time during my stay. Imagine this, you take a dip in the refreshing water and emerge to 360-degree breathtaking views and a sun-drenched poolside. Sanctuary staff members are available for your every need, bringing you delicious cuisine and refreshing beverages of your choice while you soak up the sunrays that only Arizona can offer.
Guests can elevate their poolside experience by reserving a private cabana, with even more personalized service, plush loungers, and chilled refreshments creating the ultimate setting for a day of indulgence under the Scottsdale sun.
Tennis and pickleball lovers will appreciate the resort’s newly expanded, world-class courts. The property decided to double its number of courts with the growing popularity of the sport throughout the Scottsdale destination — showcasing just how strong Sanctuary’s dedication to meeting all of its guests’ needs is. This space provides both casual play and professional-level coaching, with a variety of private 1:1 clinics, group classes, private lessons, and more for guests and club members alike, honoring Sanctuary Camelback Mountain’s racquet sports history.
For those craving adventure, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is perfectly positioned for outdoor exploration. Embark on a sunrise hike up Camelback Mountain for awe-inspiring views or take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Desert Botanical Garden. Golf enthusiasts will find world-class courses just minutes away, while shoppers can indulge in Scottsdale’s upscale boutiques and art galleries.
Why Scottsdale? A Desert Destination Like No Other
Scottsdale itself is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan flair. Known for its year-round sunshine, world-renowned spas, and vibrant arts scene, it offers something for everyone. Visitors can explore Old Town Scottsdale’s charming shops and art galleries, discover the region’s Native American heritage at the Heard Museum, or enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain offers the perfect home base to experience the best of Scottsdale. The resort’s central location allows for easy access to the area’s cultural attractions while providing the perfect serene, upscale escape from the hustle and bustle.
The Verdict: Paradise Found
In a world where luxury often feels impersonal, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, stands apart as a place where every guest is treated like family. From the stunning desert vistas to the impeccable service and world-class amenities, this resort delivers an experience that is as magical as it is memorable.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, or a celebratory gathering with friends, Sanctuary is the ultimate destination to unwind, indulge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Arizona desert. One visit, and you’ll understand why this extraordinary property is the crown jewel of Scottsdale’s luxury resorts.
