Royal Palms Resort and Spa is one of the most sought-after resort experiences in the Valley, combining the graciousness and sophistication of a Mediterranean villa with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded luxury retreat. The resort was originally built in 1929 as El Vernadero, a wellness retreat for Cunard Steamship executive and financier Delos Cooke and his wife. The Cookes modeled their home and architecture after their beloved European adventures and used much of their income to purchase and plant rare flora, including 900 palms, many imported from Egypt. The original mansion still sits at the center of the resort today.
Following Cooke’s 1931 death, the estate changed hands several times until visionary Al Stovall purchased the property in the 1940s. Stovall and his partners guided the estate’s transition from private home to inn, adding 15 casitas and converting the main house into several additional guest rooms, a reception area, and dining space. In 1948, the Royal Palms Inn officially opened to guests, and the first reservations were recorded. Local businessman Fred Unger purchased the property in 1995 and was responsible for the hotel’s 1996-1997 restoration, which brought to life the property today known as Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
Royal Palms Resort boasts 119 beautifully appointed guest rooms, casitas, and luxury villas each designed to emulate a classic Spanish estate. Warm desert hues and rich woods are complemented by natural sunlight billowing through the windows with each room offering views of the perfectly manicured resort grounds. Deluxe rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of the iconic Camelback Mountain while the resort’s villas feature stone floors, fireplaces, and private patios for an added touch of serenity and luxury.
A not-to-be-missed experience at Royal Palms Resort is the signature Alvadora Spa, an eight-room spa and wellness oasis that integrates the indoors and outdoors in a warm, welcoming environment. Alvadora Spa boasts an impressive treatment menu offering organic therapies and massages to help guests achieve the ultimate state of relaxation and restoration for both body and soul. Inspired by the property’s longstanding orange groves, citrus-inspired signature treatments include the Citrus Ritual, which begins with a full body exfoliation with water gently cascading from above followed by relaxation in the spa’s garden tub and private patio area, concluding with a customized massage. The Orange Blossom Body Buff offers a full body exfoliation with the spa’s signature scent of Neroli to soften and renew the skin and is completed with an orange blossom oil application.
Offering views of Camelback Mountain and the resort’s mother-of-pearl swimming pool, Royal Palms Resort’s two-story fitness center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including a Peloton bike to help guests stay active. For those looking to indulge in fitness and wellness experiences from the comfort of their own room, the resort’s Wellness on Demand program offers an evolving menu of classes like Barre, HIIT and yoga. The resort is also conveniently located to nearby running and biking trails.
Perfect for sipping and savoring, Royal Palms Resort boasts multiple culinary concepts. T. Cook’s serves as the resort’s signature restaurant, offering the highest quality Mediterranean-inspired cuisine prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Lee Hillson. Commemorating its 25th anniversary this year, T. Cook’s celebrates hand-selected seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients with notes of regional influence from Northern Italy, Greece, and Spain. Additional food and beverage experiences include Mix Up, an elevated cocktail lounge serving garden-to-glass libations, and Via Cappello, a private dining experience named for a romantic residence in Verona, Italy.
This Valentine’s Day, those looking for a romantic getaway can experience the resort’s Royal Romance package and Via Cappello dining experience. The package includes a special welcome amenity, daily breakfast for two, dinner credit to T. Cook’s, a rose petal turndown, and late checkout, which can be booked online. The Via Cappello dining experience is customized for couples to savor up to five chef-inspired courses from T. Cook’s on a private patio or intimate garden setting complemented by rose petals and candles with special upgrades available. The experience can be booked by emailing Jeffrey Skalski at [email protected].
Royal Palms is located at
5200 East Camelback Road in Phoenix.
For more information and to
book a romantic getaway,
visit royalpalmshotel.com
or call 602-283-1234.
This content is sponsored by Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
