Sometimes changes to a property are so extensive and wide ranging that it no longer makes sense to evoke what was. This 53-acre resort was the famous John Gardiner Tennis Ranch on Camelback Mountain but over the last few years it has headed in an entirely different direction, replacing many of the courts with a 12,000-square-foot spa, renovating and redecorating the hillside casitas—which are far more posh and tastefully decorated than ever—rebuilding the clubhouse, and completely reconceiving the restaurant (called "elements") and its menu.

I last visited after some of the rooms had been redone but have not been back to see everything else. I can tell you that John Abelardo, who had been running the tennis programs, is back and so is long-time pro Horst Folger. The tennis complex now consists of five courts and a small pro shop whose roof provides views of the action. Rather than camps, Abelardo and Folger offer daily 90-minute clinics and game matching services as well as private lessons.

Your Call

This is your opportunity to rate and review the resorts and camps you've visited. As material comes in I'll post it here, so you can read what others think.
So far, I haven't received any written feedback on Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. If you've taken a tennis vacation there, I'd like to hear your reactions.

Other Recreation

Spa & Fitness Center. The 12,000-square-foot Sanctuary Spa houses 14 treatment rooms a Watsu immersion pool for hydro treatments, a fitness center, weight room, boutique, and Spa Café, while just outdoors there is a 25-yard lap pool.

Lodging

Lodging at the Sanctuary consists of 74 one- and two-bedroom casitas, designed so that the second bedroom of a two-bedroom unit can be locked off and rented as a deluxe room. The 74 original units have been thoroughly gutted and remodeled. All now have a contemporary decor with Southwestern accents, ultrasuede couches, rich woods, and large baths with pedestal sinks, tubs, and separate slate showers. The one- and two-bedroom models have living areas with fireplaces, exposed beam ceilings, full kitchens, and long outside decks. In addition, there are 24 chic new spa casitas that range in size from 650 to 1,500 square feet. Each of those opens onto a patio, half of which have an outdoor steeping tub. There is also a four-bedroom house, formerly owned by Ken Rosewall, that's notable for having a tennis court on its roof.

Restaurants

Simple, almost Zen-like place setting and views across the Paradise Valley make elements, the restaurant at the Sanctuary, an inviting place to dine, and executive chef Beau MacMillan's way with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients makes the experience even more memorable. Formerly the sous chef at elements, MacMillan crafts farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. The menu changes monthly to reflect the season harvest. elements also has a well-chosen wine list, and more than a score of the selections can be ordered by the glass.

See Also

If you're looking for a luxury resort with a spa, you should also check out:

• The Broadmoor, Colorado
• The Inn at Manitou, Canada
• Green Valley Resort & Spa, Utah
• Rancho Valencia Resort, California
• Topnotch Resort & Spa, Vermont

Travel Essentials

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
5700 E. McDonald Dr.
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
480-948-2100
Toll-free: 800-245-2051
Fax: 480-483-7314
Web Link: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

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Travel Instructions. The Sanctuary is eight miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at 7343 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; phone (480) 945-8481 or (800) 877-1117.

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