Forget the Beach: These Are the 10 Most Luxurious Desert Hotels in America
From Amangiri to Sensei Porcupine Creek, these are the 10 most luxurious desert hotels in America, spanning from Utah to Sedona and Santa Fe.
Ten hotels, four states, and one compelling case for embracing the desert heat. The most opulent desert retreats in the U.S. range from the sandstone-and-concrete minimalism of Amangiri in southern Utah to the glass-walled atriums at Ambiente and the Boynton Canyon views at Enchantment in Sedona. The list continues with the wellness-focused Miraval in Tucson and Sensei Porcupine Creek—formerly the residence of Larry Ellison—in Rancho Mirage, alongside Rancho Encantado and Bishop’s Lodge in the high desert near Santa Fe. Sanctuary on Camelback, plus the Ritz-Carlton properties at Dove Mountain and Rancho Mirage, complete a collection that shares one defining trait: a sunset so spectacular they would surely charge for it if they could.
Here is the secret about desert luxury that often goes unmentioned. You can construct the world’s most stunning pool, install a fireplace in every suite, and recruit a Michelin-starred chef, but the memory that will truly stick with a guest is stepping outside at 6:47 p.m. to watch the mountains glow as the sun dips below the horizon.
The finest properties understand this dynamic. They are designed specifically to frame that fleeting moment, all while ensuring your glass remains full. (If you prefer to have someone else handle the reservations, Haute Black is highly recommended for this.)