“Natural elegance inspires the mind.” – Kristian Goldmund Aumann, From Poet’s Hand
Truly superlative resorts cast magic powers over guests, creating a peaceful, rejuvenative, and memorable experience. The Royal Palms Resort and Spa and it’s natural elegance infused me with a luxurious and serene sense of relaxation.
Why the Royal Palms?
When I decided to write a “Best Staycation Resorts in Arizona” blog series this summer, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix was at the top of my list of Arizona resorts to visit. The resort has for good reason long been regarded as one of the best resorts in the southwest. I felt that some of my readers and followers may not know enough about the property, and that it’s also one of the most sublime “Staycation” destinations.
Arrival
The resort is known for its trademark long entry featuring its signature and stately palm trees. The following are two of the many images that the resort provided and allowed me to use for this article, and I am most appreciative, as will you be of the beauty of this entry:
Accommodations
We enjoyed a Valencia Casita, which was set apart to the front right of the main property ensconced in an area of desert greenery, stone paths, and ornate architecture. Here are some photos of our Casita:
The stonework is unbelievably beautiful, bringing the outside indoors, and washing the Casita in a coolness. Also, the two patios are an unexpected delight, especially if you’re enjoying a longer stay, and really exploring the Casita.
Water
The pool is lovely, wrapped in an outer area of trees, plants, and more divine stonework. My wife and I waded and bobbed about for a couple of hours in the serene setting. Just fantastic, and perfect for a Staycation! Here are some images:
Spa
The Alvadora Spa is simply divine. It’s important to note that I didn’t have time to enjoy a spa treatment, but I did visit the spa and take some pictures. Here you go:
Dining
The resort’s signature dining experience is T. Cook’s restaurant, which we visited. The experience was so memorable and superb that I absolutely needed to write a separate article so that I do the restaurant experience justice. Click here to read that article.
Special Touches
I love when a resort does something cool, different, memorable, etc. One of the neatest things I’ve experienced is the resort’s refreshment table in the check-in room. This is fantastic, especially on such a hot Arizona summer day! There was lemon water and a special resort tea, and some cookies. So cool!
One other very cool feature of the resort is that NONE of the doors or gates slammed shut when I allowed them to close on their own. Now, this may seem an odd observation, or more like “Who cares?” Well, I’ve been to enough high-end resorts to know that I don’t want to disturb the experience of other guests, and when I leave the pool-area with my hands full, and I can’t close the door softly, I don’t want it to slam shut with the force of nature. These doors and gates were supremely quiet, and I LOVE that; and it’s the sign of a property that takes note, and cares about the details.
Final Thoughts
The best resorts make me feel like I’ve been transported to a peaceful place where I can simply allow everything else to fall away from my mind and body. This was especially true of my experience at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa because I visited during my regular work week instead of a weekend night; which means that I worked a full day in the office and then checked into the resort. But after a few minutes on property, I was completely relaxed, which was both astounding and blissful – a true Staycation.
I highly recommend that you visit the Royal Palms Resort and Spa to give yourself some time to simply rest and recharge. You’ll thank me for it.
More Information
Royal Palms Resort and Hotel (Website): 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalPalms
Twitter: @RoyalPalmsHotel
Instagram: @royalpalmshotel
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/royalpalms
Of Note
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa opened in as an in originally in 1948, and re-opened following a Restoration in Summer 1997, with the Alvadora Spa opening in January 2003. The resort is also a perennial AAA 4-Diamond award winner, a Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star award winner.
More Pictures!
As always, my opinions are completely my own. I’d like to thank the Royal Palms Resort and Spa for their kindness in allowing me to use many of their images, and to the staff of the resort for their kindness and generosity in making it such a memorable stay!
Happy Travels!
#agp
