Photo by Ellen Barnes; model provided by Ford Robert Black Agency; hair, makeup and styling by Lisa Forster Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Whether you’re seeking the perfect family vacation, scouring for a romantic spot on the beach or simply need some R&R, these retreats have just what you need to make your summer escape spectacular.

Original photography for PHOENIX magazine by Ellen Barnes, Richard Maack, Jason Millstein, Art Holeman & David Moore

FAMILY FUN

IN TOWN
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix; 480-293-5000
jwdesertridgeresort.com

You won’t have to worry about keeping the kids preoccupied at this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort. Aside from four acres of elaborate pools, which include a Lazy River and gigantic twisting water slide, kids will enjoy dive-in movies during the summer and special visits from SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Ask about the Nickelodeon Birthday Bash ($40 per child, plus 24 percent service charge, for two hours with a minimum of 10 kids) or the Nickelodeon Getaway Package (available seven days a week through August 14), which includes even more Nickelodeon-themed activities and surprises for the little ones.

While they’re buddying up to their cartoon heroes, you can take advantage of two championship golf courses, eight tennis courts, the luxurious Revive Spa and 10 different dining facilities.

Summer specials: Average summer rates run $279 per night in June and around $199 per night in July and August, plus a daily resort fee. The resort offers more than a dozen special-rate packages focusing on golf, dining, spa and wellness, facials, leisure and romance. Call the resort or check the Website for details.

Photo courtesy Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

OUT OF TOWN
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
1 Avenue de Otero, Tubac; 520-398-2211
tubacgolfresort.com

Located on 500 sprawling acres of the historic Otero Ranch, this newly renovated resort just 35 minutes south of Tucson is far enough from home to feel like an elaborate getaway but without the hassles of traveling long distances with kids in tow. There’s plenty to do here for active families, including hiking, biking, swimming, tennis and golf. Open, grassy areas beg for lawn games, and even Fido can join in the fun since this is a pet-friendly facility.

Itching to get off site? The nearby Tumacacori State Park abounds with historical treasures, and Whipple Observatory offers summer stargazing opportunities.

On-site childcare makes it easy to steal adult time, when you can enjoy one of three restaurants, relax in the heated pool, indulge in a treatment at the hacienda-style spa, or simply soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding Santa Rita and Tumacacori mountains. The resort also makes for a beautiful wedding destination.

Summer specials: From June 1 through September 2, book two rooms for $89 each as part of a special family package.

OUT OF STATE
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort
5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, California;
800-444-3515
sheratoncarlsbad.com

There’s plenty for families to enjoy at this 250-room Spanish Mediterranean resort, which punctuates the Pacific coastline just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in Carlsbad. Adults will love The Crossings golf course, named recently by GOLF magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Courses to Play;” the full-service business center, fitness center and rejuvenating Ocean Pearl Spa; al fresco dining at Twenty/20 Grill, which boasts panoramic views of the ocean; poolside cocktails at the Tropical Freeform pool; and, of course, the beach itself.
Kids will get a kick out of the adjacent LEGOLAND (book the LEGOLAND package for two complimentary tickets to the park each night and other kid-friendly perks; from $149 per night). The resort is also just minutes from San Diego Zoo, Sea World and Wild Animal Park, while an hour-long drive gets you to Disneyland.
Summer specials: Through December 31 book the Family package (from $234 per night), which lets kids under 12 eat free and includes an in-room movie each night and late checkout.