Bisbee, Arizona - Photo by Adam Longfellow

Bisbee
Once a copper camp queen, Bisbee’s day-to-day life was fraught with pollution, deforestation and the possibility of Indian raids.  The town has since re-invented itself as an artist’s haven.

Fairbank
It took this town a while to get a name: it wasn’t until the post office opened in 1883 that the town was dubbed Fairbank.  Silver was this location’s mainstay so when the mine quit producing in the 1890s, the town began to decline.  In 1901, a wealthy Californian purchased the town and evicted its citizenry – unless they wanted to pay him rent for their houses.  Angered, many of the townspeople torched their homes and moved elsewhere.

Photo by ArizonaGlo

Goldfield
Ride in a narrow-gauge train before panning for gold – just like the miners did back in the 1890s. In its heyday, the town had a boarding house, brewery, meat market and multiple saloons.  Then the vein faulted and the town began its slow demise.

Oatman, Arizona - Photo by Adam Longfellow

Oatman
Named after a woman who was captured and later released by Mohave Indians, Oatman has handled a sporadic population and mining income over the past century. In1913, the population was close to 10,000 thanks to a big strike, but by the early 21st century, the town had dwindled to a few hundred people.

Tombstone, Arizona - Photo by Adam Longfellow

Tombstone
You knew this one was on the list: Tombstone, made into a movie based on its violent reputation, was once home to 15,000 residents.  Yes, you can visit the OK Corral, site of Earps’s stand, as well as Silver Nugget Saloon, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, Birdcage Theater  and the Tombstone Courthouse.

By Anna Philpot

Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix, AZ

On 9 acres near Camelback Mountain, you’ll forget you are in one of the largest sprawling cities in the United States. A 1929 Spanish colonial-style mansion has been turned into a 119 room hotel. The two-level open-air Alvadora Spa is on premises to provide treatments that you’ll love.

Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ

This amazing 220 room resort is set inside a red rock canyon and hosts one the of best spas in Mii Amo. Activities include many locally influenced programs from sand-painting to pottery work.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ

Nearly a hundred adobe and brick casitas make up this mountain property near Phoenix. The states largest infinity pool is on site. The property has gone changes over the years, from the Paradise Valley Racquet Club in the 1950s, to the John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in the late 1960s, and through several more names in the 1990s to it’s current name which was taken in 2001 after a complete renovation.

The Phoenician, Scottsdale, AZ

Another gem in the valley, this 250 acre resort came out of a makeover in 2006. A huge complex with 647 rooms, 9 pools, 12 tennis courts, a golf course, many restaurants and more offers a staff to guest ratio of 2 to 1.

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, Tucson, AZ

Only open since 2004, this the youngest property on my list. It is in a heavenly slice of the Sonoran Desert spiced up with all kinds of trails for hiking and biking. The on site Hashani Spa is also one of the best.

There are many other hotels where you can’t go wrong so honorable mentions go to the Ritz-Carlon, Four Seasons, The Fairmont and the Boulders Resort, all of which are in the Phoenix valley area.

You can find only and all four and five star lodging properties in my Arizona luxury hotel guide.