Arizona has long been one of the country’s favorite wellness destinations. For decades, travelers have come to the Grand Canyon State seeking rest and rejuvenation in a delightfully warm, dry climate while enjoying stunning desert landscapes. In the last few years, however, a new generation of modern wellness retreats has emerged, from mega-resorts to petite boutique hotels. Many of these give guests the ability to find their center through amenities such as mineral spring-fed soaking tubs, in-room massage services, and meticulously groomed golf courses. In this year’s “World’s Best Awards” survey, wellness getaways dominated the list, and Travel + Leisure readers singled out the very best of the best.
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How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Castle Hot Springs
What Readers Loved
While resorts in Scottsdale dominated Arizona’s World’s Best Awards last year, 2025’s winners are scattered around the state in cities such as Sedona, Tucson, and Phoenix. Still, four of the 10 reader-picked hotels are located in Scottsdale, which has a long-standing reputation as a retreat destination. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale (No. 2), which ranked eighth last year, was praised for its “amazing service, views, and staff,” by one reader.
And while many properties on this list tout their wellness offerings, some hotels, like The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (No. 8) are focused on providing family-friendly experiences, too. “My kids love the Kids Club at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa,” one reader shared. “They have been to many kids clubs and this is by far their favorite. Janet and her staff are very attentive and fun. The only bad thing about the kids club is that my children never want to leave when I pick them up.”
Over in Sedona, known for its red-rock buttes and mystic vibes, L’Auberge de Sedona (No. 3) offers another solid choice for a relaxing Arizonan retreat—one person described it as a “one-of-a-kind property.” And while children are welcome here, it might be better suited for older (or at least very well-behaved) kiddos. In fact, another review recommended it as the perfect venue for a romantic stay. “Incredibly relaxing and romantic hotel with beautiful views, a great spa, and delicious restaurant,” the reader said. “The perfect place to stay in Sedona.”
But one property definitively claimed the top spot on this year’s list, and it’s a hotel that’s been on our readers’ radars for some time. Keep reading to learn who cinched the top spot, and to see the full list.
The Winner
Castle Hot Springs: Morristown, Arizona
Castle Hot Springs
T + L Reader
The service is outstanding, the grounds are amazing, and the food is terrific. There is no place like it, and [I] highly recommend.
— T + L Reader
This year’s winner also came in first place in 2024: Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona. The 31-room, all-inclusive resort is located about an hour north of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. Most of the accommodations are stand-alone, and some are kitted out with outdoor soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces, and private patios. However, as the name implies, this property is perhaps best known for its three on-site hot springs, the hottest of which bubbles away at a toasty 106°F. Guests can also expect a full roster of standout experiences such as a via ferrata-inspired climbing course, guided farm tours (where the hotel’s restaurant sources much of its ingredients), archery, and sunrise yoga. One thing to keep in mind: Children are not allowed, which may seal the deal for some guests. “This is one of the most unique and beautiful properties in the country,” a T+L reader wrote. “The service is outstanding, the grounds are amazing, and the food is terrific. There is no place like it, and [I] highly recommend.”
The Full List
1. Castle Hot Springs: Morristown
Reader Score: 96.71
2. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Reader Score: 93.45
3. L’Auberge de Sedona: Sedona
Reader Score: 93.17
4. Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: Phoenix
Reader Score: 92.63
5. Enchantment Resort: Sedona
Reader Score: 92.62
6. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa: Scottsdale
Reader Score: 92.16
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Marana
Reader Score: 91.81
8. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa: Tucson
Reader Score: 90.86
9. Hotel Valley Ho: Scottsdale
Reader Score: 90.00
10. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows: Scottsdale
Reader Score: 89.68
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