THE JUXTAPOSITION OF hardy desert terrain and lavish seclusion that typify this 34-acre property within easy ogling distance of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountain range is remarkable. The sun-baked cluster of Spanish Colonial adobe buildings on gnarly, saguaro cacti-covered foothills opened in 1929. Since then it has hosted America’s rich and famous—from prim teenage girls with surnames like Vanderbilt and Kellogg to Hollywood heartthrobs—after being remade into an upscale retreat in 1948.

Cozy one-of-a-kind rooms (30 of which were restored over the past decade) and suites feature hand-forged iron and copper headboards, comfy custom-made furniture and original art and pottery. Outside are sprawling cacti gardens packed with prickly pears, saguaros, organ pipes, barrels and more. In the property’s shaded corners, absorbing décor flourishes—hand-painted mosaic tiles, giant floral murals and dried red peppers adorn entranceways. Spa services and an acclaimed on-site restaurant round out the generous modern amenities here—though it’s tough to trump the 24-hour outdoor pool and hot tub, especially with the supernatural Sonoran Desert coming to life under moonlight and a canopy rich with stars.

Rooms start at $175.

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