Do you love picturesque desert landscapes, cool 1920s architecture, Old Hollywood glamour, and dreamy spas? Are you searching for a unique destination to experience a wellness retreat?

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A visit to the Arizona Biltmore might be just what you need. The resort offers everything you crave to relax and reset, whether you’re looking for a guided retreat or simply seeking a location for a fun weekend getaway. 

I recently visited the Arizona Biltmore for the Tierra Luna Spa Retreat and discovered that there are so many cool things to do at the Biltmore, you might not know where to begin. Whether you want to experience everything or just chill out and go with the flow, here are several tips to help you get the most out of a visit to this incredible resort. 

Swimming Pools, Speakeasies, and Golden Age Celebrities

If you’re not familiar with the iconic Arizona Biltmore, this Waldorf property has quite a fascinating history. The hotel first opened in 1929 and was built by one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s students, Albert Chase McArthur, with Frank Lloyd Wright involved in the process. The property was a hot spot for celebs like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Frank Sinatra. 

Fun facts about the Arizona Biltmore: 

• The Tequila Sunrise was invented at the Arizona Biltmore by bartender Gene Sulit. You can order one at the property’s gorgeous Art Deco-themed Wright Bar. 

• The Catalina Pool was a favorite spot for Marilyn Monroe, and she was often seen lounging poolside.

• Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack members could often be heard performing around the piano that was in the hotel’s grand lobby area.

• During prohibition the hotel was home to a secret speakeasy, now known as the Mystery Room. During that time Clark Gable would stay in room 1201 which had a secret passageway to this speakeasy.

If you are staying at the hotel or even just visiting the area, I highly recommend taking the history tour that the hotel offers to learn all about the background of this fabulous hotel. 

Accommodations: From Historic Villas to Glamorous Guest Rooms

The resort is spread out over 39 acres and features 705 rooms. Whether you need to find a property that can accommodate a group event, are looking for a fun place for a family vacation, or are planning a romantic getaway, the Arizona Biltmore has something for everyone. Options range from suites and villas to stylishly furnished guest rooms with balconies or patios. 

Insider’s Tip: Book a room at The Citrus Club for access to The Biltmore’s private adults-only lounge. You’ll get dedicated concierge services, a curated bar selection, daily buffet-style dining selection, happy hour sips, 10% off select spa services, and more perks!

Classic Cocktails and Creative Cuisine

The restaurants and bars at the Arizona Biltmore provide stunning settings that set the tone for your dining experience. Here are top dining highlights: 

McArthur’s

McArthur’s Restaurant and Bar is an elegant restaurant that serves “new American cuisine” featuring comfort foods and creative ingredients. While the menu changes seasonally, some favorites I tried include:

Appetizer: 

• Local heirloom tomatoes and fresh-made burrata cheese, micro basil, pickled red onions, balsamic glaze

Entrees:

• Fennel pollen dusted sea bass, curry chickpeas, sofrito relish

• Ras el Hanout Chicken, warm bean hummus, chermoula

The Wright Bar

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to Hollywood’s golden age when you sip on cocktails at the glamorous Art Deco-themed Wright Bar.

Of course, you must try the Tequila Sunrise which was invented at the Biltmore. It’s also the perfect place to socialize while snacking on appetizers like guacamole or yellowtail ceviche. 

The Spire Bar

If you’re looking for a lively outdoor atmosphere that offers stunning Biltmore views and stylish comfort, The Spire Bar is the spot for you!

It’s a fun atmosphere for watching a game on the big screen while enjoying bar bites like pizza, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, or tacos. They also have delicious mocktails like the Spicy Mule!

Cup & Cone

There’s nothing like a delicious ice cream cone on a hot day.

Cup & Cone offers a selection of delicious homemade gelato to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

A Magical Spa: Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden

Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden is a Forbes 4-Star spa inspired by the destination’s desert surroundings and the cosmos. One of the unique aspects of the spa is its beautiful outdoor relaxation garden with spaces including a hot tub and cold plunge pool. 

Recommended Treatments:

Sonoran Signature Massage: The experienced massage therapists at Tierra Luna Spa will customize your massage for your needs, applying just the right amount of pressure to help you relax, promote pain relief, and/or muscle recovery.  

Hydrafacial: This non-invasive hydra-dermabrasion treatment gives you an opportunity to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate. 

Halotherapy: Enjoy the benefits of the salt air in a relaxing cabin that mimics the healing effects of the ocean in a 25-minute session. 

Read our interview with Arizona Biltmore’s Senior Director of Spa and Wellness, Becky Leuluai to learn more about Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden.

Tierra Luna Spa Retreats: 

The Arizona Biltmore is an ideal destination for pampering yourself with a little glamour and relaxation, and Tierra Luna Spa retreats take that wellness travel experience to the next level. The retreats offer intentional journeys that foster a deeper connection with your inner-self while celebrating the changing of the seasons.

Retreats are facilitated by Sam Harper and Danielle Nicole who bring their unique backgrounds together to lead visitors on a journey of self-awareness. Harper is former clinical trauma therapist turned sound healer and executive coach. She is also a 3-time cancer survivor. Her life experiences and understanding of human psychology propelled her on a journey to share her gifts for connecting with intuition and self-understanding with others.

Nicole is a reiki master with a background in corporate leadership. The lessons she learned in the corporate world influence her current work to cultivate healing experiences. In December, Harper and Nicole will host the Tierra Luna Winter Solstice Retreat ($140) at the Biltmore. The retreat will include:

• A soothing cacao ceremony 

• Sound Bowl meditation 

• Gentle, rejuvenating reiki

• Seasonal intention-setting with journaling 

• B12 shots and signature mocktails. 

• Free time to enjoy Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden at your own pace

I had the opportunity to enter the fall season at Tierra Luna Spa Retreat. The fall experience included a cacao ceremony, astrology readings by Dr. Holly Castle, morning yoga, a sound bath, reiki, breathwork, and relaxation at Tierra Luna Spa. It was so much fun to join an amazing group of women to unplug and experience some soul nurturing.

The retreat also provided the opportunity to spend time in the beautiful spaces of the hotel—like the Aztec Room, which features an 18-karat gold-leaf ceiling and original copper beams from 1929. Here are some scenes from the fall retreat for a peek at what to expect:

Sparkling Swimming Pools and Getting Sporty

The Arizona Biltmore is home to seven swimming pools complete with options for drink service, cabanas, and an incredible waterslide. For adventurous family fun, check out the Paradise Pool which features a triple waterslide. For a tranquil time lounging poolside, spend the day lounging at Marilyn Monroe’s pick: the Catalina Pool. 

There’s also a fully-equipped, 3,000 square-foot fitness center, fitness classes (with personal training available), yoga classes, tennis, and pickleball. Golfers can book a tee time at The Adobe Course and The Links Course.

When to Visit

Fall is here, and winter is just around the corner. Both are ideal times to enjoy sunny Phoenix weather, especially if you are looking to get a break from somewhere cold! The next Tierra Luna Spa Retreat takes place on December 21, and now is s a great time to plan for some relaxation in between the holidays.

FAQs:

• Did Frank Lloyd Wright build the Arizona Biltmore?

The Arizona Biltmore was built by one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s students, Albert Chase McArthur. Frank Lloyd Wright was heavily involved in the process.

• How many rooms does the Arizona Biltmore have?

The Arizona Biltmore has 705 rooms.

• How big is the Arizona Biltmore?

The Arizona Biltmore is over 39 acres.

• What famous people have visited the Arizona Biltmore?

The Arizona Biltmore was once a favorite hangout spot for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Frank Sinatra. 

• Are there secret passages at the Arizona Biltmore?

During prohibition, Clark Gable would stay in room 1201 which had a secret passageway to the hotel’s speakeasy.

• How do I get to the Arizona Biltmore?

The Arizona Biltmore is about a 13 to 15-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16