Scottsdale's Sanctuary Lives Up To Its Name

Located on the north slope of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, the Sanctuary boutique resort and spa is the perfect oasis to relax and unwind, with views from the 105 casitas spanning 53 acres of Paradise Valley.

Modern guest rooms are designed in beige and brown tones with orange accents, and include deep soaking tubs, patios with mountain views, desert-themed artwork, large fireplaces, exposed white brick walls, and travertine marble showers.

The Asian-inspired Sanctuary Spa houses 12 treatment rooms, a meditation garden, lap pool, watsu pool, steam bath, whirlpool, and yoga and spinning classes, as well as multi-day wellness retreats.

The Elements restaurant is Japanese in design with contemporary clean lines, floor to ceiling windows with stunning views, plush booths, and a muted beige color palette. Chef Beau MacMillan's Asian influenced menu includes appetizers such as bison carpaccio, blistered shishoto peppers, soft shell crab steam buns, kimchi shrimp and tofu hotpot, kung pao cauliflower, and calamari with Thai basil. Main courses include miso glazed salmon, seven-spice Hawaiian opah, lobster udon, kurobuta pork chop, and hoisin-braised short ribs. Elements also offers a gluten-free menu and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The contemporary Jade Bar includes a shaded patio with a gas fireplace as well as an inside chic lounge with sleek brown chairs and comfy booths as well as lime green stools by the long bar. The bar offers a specially priced "pour" menu Monday through Thursday with beer, spirits, wine, and cocktails, and an exceptional drink menu with premium spirits and fresh fruits, herbs, and juices. The bar also offers enticing the same (or at least, a very similar) menu as Element, in case you prefer one setting over another.

The resort houses three pools as well as a lap pool, a fitness center, and five tennis courts. A limited menu of mostly burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and shareable snacks is available at the infinity pool.