How to Plan a Romantic Arizona Getaway

One of the first things that comes to mind when people think of Arizona is the Grand Canyon. And rightfully so. The infamous natural wonder draws people from all over the world and most travelers who have been to the grand canyon report that it’s one of the most awe inspiring things they’ve ever seen. But far more than just the Grand Canyon waits in Arizona for the people who are interested in exploring. If you’re thinking about a honeymoon or a romantic getaway in this state, put the Grand Canyon on the list, but make time to experience all that Arizona has to offer. 

The state’s perpetually warm weather, desert landscape, historic western feel, and next-level pampering ensures that honeymooners have the opportunity to explore, adventure, and relax. In this article, you’ll find info on Arizona cities and where to stay when you visit them, info on the Grand Canyon, and the logistics of adding a trip to Vegas to your Arizona honeymoon. 

Scottsdale

What to know: 

Scottsdale is a well-known desert city in Arizona. What is it well known for? Pampering and relaxation. The city has a large number of spa resorts and golf courses to make sure that honeymooners can relax and unwind after their wedding. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the entire city is set against a backdrop of mountains and desert landscape. It sounds like a summertime paradise. Put spa pampering and golfing on your list of things to do in Scottsdale. Or just grab a drink and relax at one of the resort pools in town. 

Romantic getaway accommodations:

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows: The Andaz is decorated in mid-century modern design and wonderful spa accommodations and couple activities. The Andaz’s rooms have amazing views of the Camelback Mountains. But if couples want a more secluded environment, they can retire to The Retreat- a private cluster of 20 bungalows that come complete with exclusive privacy and service. The onsite Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is a great spot to grab a bite. After that, you should definitely look into the Palo Verde Spa. The onsite spa offers customizable couples massages of facials and is a perfect romantic getaway spot.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: The Omni is a great option for honeymooners to consider. The resort boasts an adult-friendly feel and has an 18+ pool, Spanish-inspired restaurants, and a bar. It’s certainly not difficult to relax when everywhere you look around the resort, you see natural beauty. But in case you need a little extra help, couples can visit the place that Omni Scottsdale is most well known for Joya Spa. They even offer nutrition counseling and meditation classes. They’ve thought of it all. 

 Boulders Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona (just north of Scottsdale): Boulders is a great grown-up getaway. They don’t cater to families or children- instead, all of their energy is spent on helping couples relax. Their private casitas have wood-burning fireplaces while the couple’s sun suites at the Boulders Spa create an intimate environment with views of the desert, private access, patios, jacuzzis, and massage tables. Saguaro cacti can be found scattered across the 1,300-acre property. If nature helps you relax, everything from the Sonoran Desert foothills to the plant life has been left virtually undisturbed. Boulders was recently named one of the most romantic getaway hotels in the US. The golf course, tennis courts, five restaurants, and the huge spa are a few more resort amenities that help honeymooners unwind and connect. 

CIVANA – one of the largest wellness resorts in the country –recently completed a nearly $50 million renovation with the official opening of its expansive Spa. Couples can escape to one of the largest destination wellness retreats in the country which features 28 treatment areas including one Watsu^® therapy pool, two couples treatment rooms, three wet treatment rooms including a Vichy shower, five facial rooms, and 13 massage rooms. There is also a communal area of hydrotherapy immersions – the Aqua Vitality Circuit – that includes a European-designed Kneipp hot/cold wading pool, a Tepidarium therapeutic soaking pool, a cold deluge shower, and a five-climate KLAFS SANARIUM^® – the only one in the continental U.S. Additionally, guests can choose up to twelve complimentary classes each day such as pickleball, mountain biking, and hiking to name a few. For further background, CIVANA is an emergent hospitality brand grounded in a holistic approach to wellness. Conceived as an approachable alternative to many wellness resorts, CIVANA offers everything you would expect from a premier destination wellness resort but at a more approachable price point.

Sedona

What to know: 

This beautiful town is surrounded by red rock, steep canyon drop-offs, and lush pine forests. Sedona is well known for its mild weather and it’s dedication to culture and the arts.  Looking for outdoor adventure and cultural experiences in one place? Plan a trip to Sedona. Hiking is a great activity to take part of in Sedona. Or if you’d rather spend some time in the AC, check out the Sedona Art Center. It’s famous for its historic western paintings done by local artists. 

Romantic getaway accommodations:  

Wyndham Sedona: The Wyndham comes complete with condo-style suite and is a great place for a romantic getaway. The outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, picnic spots and proximity to Rocky National Parks will give couples exploration options inside and outside the hotel. The Wyndham is a great place for honeymooners to escape and unwind. 

Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa: The Sedona Rouge is a unique property decorated in the Mediterranean-style. The hotel is in the heart of Sedona and their spa, pool and dining options guarantee that couples just entered a luxurious space. Their romance package offers a welcome bottle of Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, an hour-long couples massage at the onsite spa and $50.00 dining credit for use at the REDS Restaurant.  The hotel also offers a fitness studio, daily yoga, and a rooftop terrace for dining and stargazing. You’ll never want to leave Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa. This is a great spot for a romantic getaway.

Amara Resort & Spa by Kimpton Hotels: This resort focuses and excels at blending nature’s fiery artistry with a relaxed social vibe. The Amara Resort is nestled within the banks of Oak Creek Canyon. While the location is discreet, it’s only minutes from Uptown Sedona and plenty of outdoor activity. Honeymooners will have a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities. Plus, you’re guaranteed one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.   

Tuscan

What to Know: 

This well known Arizona city is famous for being the home of the University of Arizona. Tuscan sits roughly sixty miles away from the mexican borden and rugged cacti, beautiful desert scenery and plenty of relaxation and adventure can also be found in the city. Make sure to check out the Saguaro National Park while you’re in town. The hiking is almost as breathtaking as the views you’ll see. 

Romantic getaway accommodations:

Hacienda Del Sol Resort: This resort is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Hacienda Del Sol has a reputation of being an extra romantic spot. The property started out as a ranch school for the daughters of society’s elite families and over time has transitioned into the luxury resort it is today. There are multiple restaurants on location that are famous for their wine and have received the “Best Award of Excellence” for over 19 consecutive years. What’s better for a romantic getaway than great wine in a beautiful city? In late 2015 the resort underwent renovations to add 32 beautiful new guest rooms that have stunning views of the city and mountains. The property is also home to a negative edge swimming pool. Honeymooners will love relaxing and sipping wine in the beautiful Tuscan desert. 

Miraval Arizona: This place is more than just a resort- it’s a place for couples to reconnect with themselves and each other. The property offers private rooms, suites, and villas. The Miraval is situated in the Catalina Mountains and focuses heavily on well being. If you’re looking for somewhere tranquil to relax in a beautiful mountain atmosphere, this is the perfect resort. They offer wellness counseling, mindful horseback riding that is supposed to elevate awareness of the mind, body, and spirit, and a myriad of other treatment plans to help couples engage and unwind. Their Summer Experience Package includes access to the spa, healthy meals, unlimited access to daily yoga, meditation, fitness, lectures and more. You’ll leave revitalized and feeling like a different person. It sounds like a pretty good honeymoon destination to me! 

Flagstaff

What to know:

 Looking for a removed, southern city that offers mountain, desert, and forest in the same place? Look no further. The city is also home to Arizona’s tallest mountain- Humphreys Peak. There’s so much to do in this city and a few of the popular activities are hiking through the mountains and skiing during the winter. Wupatki National Monument also has Native American pueblo sites that are fun to tour. 

Romantic getaway accommodations:

Little America Hotel: This hotel is located in the middle of a pine forest. It’s warmly decorated and makes sure that couples will have maximum privacy, which is perfect for romantic getaways. This is a great property that includes wet bars and fireplaces and/or saunas in their suites. Little America is a rugged and rustic place for couples to unplug. 

Weatherford Hotel: The Weatherford is located in the historic railway district of Flagstaff. The historic hotel dates back to 1900 and upgraded rooms include wood-burning stoves and club-foot tubs. The hotel also offers a fun onsite pub and grill with live music and the opportunity to experience some of Flagstaff’s culture. Their bar also has scenic balcony seating. This quaint hotel is a great Flagstaff honeymoon experience. 

Page AZ/Lake Powell

What to know:

Page Arizona is home to Lake Powell which is often called the most beautiful lake in the American West. The Colorado River also runs through the town which makes Page a great Arizona destination to experience outdoor, natural beauty and relaxation. 

Where to go: 

• Glen Canyon: The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is 1.25 million acres and offers adventurers and honeymooners plenty of recreational activity. This property stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry, Az to Southern Utah.  
• Horseshoe Bend is a popular must see within the The Glen Canyon The hike to overlook the sandy bend is 1.5 miles. Conditions in the summer get pretty hot so make sure to take advantage of the shade throughout the hike and try to stay off the trail during the hottest part of the day. But when you make it to the outlook- wow. You won’t regret it. 
• Antelope Canyon: The American Southwest is known as the “canyon capital of the world” and Antelope Canyon is what’s known as a slot canyon. Slot Canyons are tiny canyons that are formed when water finds an entrance into rock and begins to break it apart. This canyon became what it is today from thousands of years of geological developments and is absolutely breathtaking. The Canyon’s ongoing evolution is one of the most interesting things about it and you’ll definitely want to see it for yourself. 

Visiting the Grand Canyon:

How can you plan a trip to AZ without including the Grand Canyon? The unique combinations of color found within the prehistoric rock, the natural beauty, and sheer size will take your breath away. 

How far is it from: 

• Scottsdale: 3 and ½ hours
• Sedona: 2 hours 
• Tuscan: 5 hours
  Flagstaff: 1 and ½ hours 
• Page: 1 hour and 45 minutes

The park sits in Arizona’s Northwest Corner and If you’re looking for some intense honeymoon hiking, you can always obtain a backcountry permit and experience the park up close. Planning a river trip down the Colorado River is also an option. This activity also requires a permit and some planning so make sure to do your research. Oh and if you spend a night in the park don’t forget to take time to stargaze. 

Add a trip to Las Vegas to your Honeymoon:

Wanting to venture further west and head to Vegas? A lot of honeymooners who spend time in Arizona decide to. If you’re driving from the page, it’s about four and a half hours. Flying is also an option and from Phoenix to Las Vegas, it’s only 45 minutes. It’s also popular to turn the experience into a three-day journey within your original trip. Either way, you swing it, this sounds like the perfect honeymoon: time spent relaxing and unwinding in the desert then wrapping it up with a Vegas party. 

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