Arizona's luxury resorts continue to be the best in the Southwest, according to a new national ranking.
Conde Nast Traveler released its 2026 Readers' Choice Awards results, based on readers' favorite travel experiences in the U.S. and the world. Close to 799,000 travelers cast votes in the 2026 awards.
As in previous years, Arizona dominated the ranking of readers' favorite Southwestern resorts, with eight Arizona hotels among the top 12. Arizona hotels took the top 3 positions. Ranchos de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, which was the runner-up in the 2024 and 2025 rankings, was named the No. 1 resort.
Here are the Arizona winners of the 2026 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice awards.
Wickenburg dude ranch is the No. 1 Southwestern resort
Ranchos de los Caballeros, a self-described luxury dude ranch
near the Vulture Mountains outside Wickenburg, was named the No. 1 Southwestern resort by Conde Nast Traveler readers. It ranked at No. 2 in 2024 behind Vermejo in New Mexico, maintaining that rank in 2025 behind Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
The resort boasts casitas with rustic decor and stunning Sonoran Desert views, a spa, a championship golf course and dining options that include evening cookouts during the summer.
Sanctuary and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess round out the top 3
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa came in at No. 2. The 53-acre Paradise Valley resort is beloved for its views of Camelback Mountain and its wellness amenities including an award-winning spa. The resort recently announced an extensive guest room renovation, expected to finish in September 2027.
At No. 3 was the Faimont Scottsdale Princess, which was No. 1 in 2025. The 65-acre resort has a range of accommodations that include the high-end Privado Villas, one of the nation's best spas and a favorite holiday tradition, Christmas at the Princess.
The Scottsdale resort has a new owner: the San Manuel Investment Authority, a unincorporated governmental entity of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a tribe based near San Bernadino, California.
Other Arizona resorts named best in the region
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain was the highest ranked of four Arizona resorts that are new to this year's ranking. The other three are the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (No. 5) and two Tucson resorts, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (No. 7) and Tanque Verde Ranch (No. 10). The Scottsdale Four Seasons was a stop on this reporter's tasting tour of Arizona resorts with prickly pear-flavored drinks.
Arizona Biltmore came in at No. 6, one spot higher than 2025. The Biltmore's 2024 purchase by London-based real estate management firm Henderson Park brought subtle changes to the resort that included locally-focused ingredients on the menus at Renata's Hearth and McArthur's restaurants, new treatments at the Tierra Luna Spa and a rebrand to an LXR Resorts hotel that reflects the Biltmore's uniqueness in Phoenix's travel landscape.
Henderson Park just bought the adjacent Wrigley Mansion, aligning the Biltmore's brand with the mansion's acclaimed dining options that include Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion, one of the first Arizona restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide.
At No. 8 was Enchantment Resort, a wellness resort nestled in Sedona's Boynton Canyon, an area believed to have healing energy. Enchantment's accommodations include casitas and suites, with designs and decor inspired by the Southwest desert landscape and views of Sedona's red rock buttes. Separately, Conde Nast Traveler readers named Enchantment's Mii amo spa the No. 1 spa in the U.S.
Conde Nast Traveler 2026 Top 12 Resorts in the Southwest
- Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg.
- Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale.
- Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, Texas.
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Scottsdale.
- Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix.
- The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson.
- Enchantment Resort, Sedona.
- Vermejo, Raton, New Mexico.
- Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.
- Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas.
- Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona resorts nab 8 of 12 best in region wins, including No. 1 spot
