TL;DR

Atmosphere: Desert retreat with chic stone architecture and lush greenery.
Luxury: Understated, relaxed sophistication rather than flashy excess.
Celebrity appeal: A private hideaway frequented by stars.
Views: Stunning panoramas of Camelback Mountain and desert sunsets.
Check prices here

Based on the name, you might expect this Paradise Valley, Phoenix boutique hotel to be a fairly straightforward luxury retreat, but we’re happy to report it is far from ordinary.

From celebrity guests (give Britney her privacy though, ya hear?) to elegant stone architecture and well-placed greenery, the entire property glows with elegance.

It gives ‘desert’ without feeling barren, and well-heeled without any pretension.

This subtlety is ideal for a ‘sanctuary,’ and a key element of the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain experience.

It’s not overt luxury, it’s the kind that gradually sneaks up on you until you’re on your third martini, floating serenely in the infinity pool.

Throw in some truly spectacular views towards nearby mountains, and you’ve got yourself a vacation for the books.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 110 guestrooms, suites, and villas.
Variety: Casitas start at 500 sq ft, suites around 1000 sq ft, villas sleep up to 8.
Style: Chic, modern décor in whites and sandy grays, with mountain views in many rooms.
Amenities: Climate control, coffee machines, Chromecast TVs, Salt & Stone products, soaking tubs.
See each room in detail here

Buckle up, because there are some decisions to be made at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.

Accommodation ranges from full villas that sleep up to 8 to smaller (technically true) ‘casitas’ that still run to 500 square feet.

Suites are a lovely middle ground, with the Camelback Suite King offering some truly amazing vistas of the mountains beyond that will have you rushing back to your room for sunset.

Most run around 1000 square feet, with some lush sitting areas and expansive patios.

All rooms include individual climate control, coffee machines and mini fridges, with soft linens and big screen TVs with Chromecast.

Be sure to check the room’s pet policy before you book, as some do not allow animals.

The decor is chic and modern, with clean lines in whites and sandy grays. Bathrooms feature glossy tiling, custom robes, and Salt & Stone bath products.

Most feature both a lush shower and soaking tub.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining: Elements Restaurant for gourmet meals and sunset views, plus creative cocktails at Jade Bar.
Wellness: Full spa & salon with meditation courtyard, massage, and treatments.
Recreation: Fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and extensive activity schedule.
Pools: Infinity pool, lap pool, and cabanas with bar service.
Extras: Complimentary parking, retail shops, and acres of mountainside to explore.

The patio at Elements Restaurant is a must for a sunset dinner or drinks. You’re in the West at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain so savor it.

You’ll also feast on truly gourmet versions of every meal. Deviled eggs have caviar, pancetta-topped Cobb salad smoky ranch dressing.

Even the doughnuts are a savory masterpiece of pork belly with onion jam.

Try classic cocktails are reimagined and bar snacks with East Asian flare at Jade Bar. Both the gorgeous mirrored bar or the breezy patio are open 11-evening.

Our more active vacationers will enjoy acres and acres of mountainside, tennis and pickleball courts, a decked-out fitness center with a movement studio and a full schedule of fitness activities.

Personal trainers are available on request.

Pools are great for laps and relaxing, with bookable cabanas and bars ready to serve you up a cocktail before you settle in for the afternoon.

Once you’re good and sore, take advantage of the Spa & Salon, where you can book any number of services or simply enjoy some structured peace and quiet in the meditation-ready courtyard.

Be prepared to lounge, sip, snack and pamper yourself for the entirety of your stay at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Seclusion: Private resort setting with mountain backdrop.
Nearby cities: 20 minutes to Phoenix, 10 minutes to Scottsdale’s restaurants and attractions.
Activities: Sports, shows, museums in Phoenix; award-winning dining in Scottsdale.
Outdoors: Excellent hiking and walking trails near the property.

Though Sanctuary Camelback Mountain boasts hard-to-find seclusion, you’ll be happy to know that this boutique hotel is still not far from Phoenix proper, and even closer to its more upscale big sister, Scottsdale.

Take the 20-minute, beautiful drive to the center of the city, or the 10-minute jaunt to Scottsdale’s collection of sites and award-winning restaurants.

In Phoenix you’ll be able to enjoy a show at one of the many event venues, a game at one of the many sports stadiums, or a visit to the Science Center, the Children’s Museum, or the Capitol Museum.

More outdoorsy guests will find excellent hiking and walking paths near the property.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”This is a special property with special people running the resort! We come to this property several times each year and always enjoy our visit…”

”Beautiful views of the of the camel back mountain, gentle and friendly staff, hot weather, a refreshing pool, beautiful rooms are few of the things you may expect when you visit the Sanctuary. It was a good experience…”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”The screen door in our room was broken couldn’t open the door…..”

”Salon services were very average; paying for the on-site amenities is expected; sharing with so many non-guests is not – especially when it becomes crowded….”

Read all the reviews right here