You’ve probably seen the photos. That crisp, infinity-edge pool reflecting the jagged silhouette of the Praying Monk rock formation. It looks like a postcard from a version of Arizona that only exists for movie stars and tech moguls. Honestly, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa is one of those rare places where the reality actually matches the Instagram feed, but there’s a lot more to it than just a pretty view and a high price tag.
Most people think of this place as a "new" luxury spot because of the Gurney’s rebranding a few years back. Not even close. This dirt has serious history. Long before it was a spa retreat, it was the Paradise Valley Racquet Club, founded in the 50s by Hollywood legends like Sydney Chaplin (Charlie’s son) and John Ireland. It was the kind of place where you’d find Clint Eastwood or Elton John hitting tennis balls in the desert heat.
Why Sanctuary Camelback Mountain A Gurney's Resort & Spa Still Matters
The transition to the Gurney’s portfolio basically breathed new life into a legend without stripping away its soul. It's tucked into 53 acres of the northern slope of Camelback Mountain. You aren't just "near" the mountain; you're on it.
The architecture is a trip. It leans heavily into that mid-century modern aesthetic, heavily influenced by Hiram Hudson Benedict, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. You get these low-slung buildings that sort of melt into the rock and cactus. It doesn’t feel like a big, sterile hotel. It feels like a secret village.
The Casita Life
Staying here is different from your standard Marriott or Hilton. You aren't in a hallway. You're in a casita.
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- Mountain Casitas: These are the ones people go for when they want those floor-to-ceiling desert views.
- Spa Casitas: Closer to the wellness center, usually featuring a more "zen" vibe.
- The Villas: These are essentially private mountainside estates. We're talking 5,000+ square feet, private pools, and price tags that make you blink twice.
The rooms use a lot of natural materials—maple wood, stone, and glass. One of the best parts? The "funk." The resort kept a bit of that 1950s designer flair, so you get these splashes of personality that you won't find at the newer, more generic luxury builds in North Scottsdale.
The Spa is Actually the Main Character
Look, plenty of resorts have "spas." Usually, it's a couple of massage rooms and a lemon-water dispenser. The Sanctuary Spa is a different beast entirely. It’s 12,000 square feet of Asian-inspired wellness that has won more awards than most actors.
They do this thing called Watsu. Imagine a private, heated pool where a therapist literally floats you through the water, stretching your limbs and massaging tension away. It’s weird at first, but sort of life-changing. If you’re not into being floated like a noodle, they have Tok Sen, which uses vibration therapy and Thai massage.
The "Sanctum" is the secret weapon here. It’s an outdoor treatment space with a private whirlpool and a deluge shower. There is something fundamentally different about getting a deep-tissue massage while the desert breeze is actually hitting your skin.
Fitness and the "Praying Monk"
If you’re the type who can’t sit still, the resort has three tennis courts and four pickleball courts. Yes, they leaned into the pickleball craze. They also offer aerial yoga and guided hikes. Since you’re right on the mountain, the Echo Canyon Trail is basically your backyard, though be warned: it's not a "stroll." It's a scramble.
Eating at Elements: More than a View
Elements is the main restaurant, and for a long time, it was synonymous with Chef Beau MacMillan. While the culinary leadership has evolved—with Executive Chef Gregory James now at the helm—the vibe remains "farm-to-table with an Asian twist."
You’ve got to try the miso-glazed Chilean sea bass if it's on the menu, or honestly, just go for the Sunday Brunch. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are legendary.
Next door is Jade Bar. It’s dark, moody, and has a massive outdoor patio with fire pits. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live music. It’s the kind of place where you order a "Jade Limeade" and realize three hours have passed because you were staring at the valley lights.
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The "Quiet" Rules
One thing that surprises people is how seriously they take the "Sanctuary" name. The main infinity pool—the largest one in the area—is a cell phone-free zone on the weekends. It’s also 16+ from Friday to Sunday.
If you’re looking for a rowdy Vegas-style pool party with DJs and champagne showers, this isn't it. This is where you go to actually hear yourself think. The staff will politely remind you to put the phone away if you start taking a loud business call. Honestly? It's refreshing.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the first room you see on a travel site. Here is the lowdown on making the most of a trip to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa:
- Book the Spa early. Like, weeks in advance. The Watsu pool stays booked, especially on weekends.
- Valet is your friend. The property is steep and spread out. You can walk, but the golf cart shuttles are included and save your calves for the actual mountain hiking.
- Watch the Sunset from Jade Bar. Get there 30 minutes before the sun actually goes down to snag a seat by the edge of the patio.
- Check the Event Calendar. They do "Nirvana Food and Wine" and various "Cigar Dinners" that are world-class.
- Pack for the "Casual Elegant" dress code. You don't need a tuxedo, but you'll feel out of place in gym shorts at dinner. Think high-end desert chic.
The reality of this resort is that it's a bridge between the old-school glamour of Phoenix and the modern "wellness" obsession of today. It isn't cheap. A night here can easily run you $600 to $1,200 depending on the season. But if you're looking for a place that feels like it was carved directly out of the Arizona rock, it's hard to beat.
To get the best experience, aim for a visit between late October and April. The desert summers are brutal, and while the rates drop, you won't want to be outside for more than ten minutes. Spring is peak season for a reason—the desert is in bloom, the air is crisp, and the mountain views are crystal clear.
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Next Steps for Planning Your Trip:
- Check the seasonal "Stay & Play" packages on the Gurney’s website; they often include spa credits that offset the cost of the more expensive treatments.
- Look into the "Camelback Casita" category specifically if you want the highest elevation views without paying for a full Villa.
- Download a stargazing app before you go; the lack of overhead lighting on the mountain makes for some of the best night-sky viewing in Paradise Valley.