Arizona’s hospitality scene is shining brighter than ever in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards, with multiple properties earning top honors for their world-class experiences. At Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, the signature restaurant KAI remains Arizona’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant, while Aji Spa received the Five-Star award for the seventh time.
KAI and Aji Spa continue to elevate hospitality through immersive experiences. KAI celebrates the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) peoples with dishes that blend global influences and locally sourced ingredients, while Aji Spa delivers Indigenous wellness rooted in regional traditions. The resort itself, renovated in 2022, also earned a “Recommended” rating from Forbes Travel Guide.
Meanwhile, The Phoenician celebrated a milestone with The Canyon Suites earning a new Forbes Five-Star award, while the main resort and The Phoenician Spa received Four-Star honors. The suites and villas offer expansive accommodations with private patios, kitchens, fireplaces, and panoramic views of Camelback Mountain and the 18-hole golf course, all framed by a Southwest-inspired color palette and locally sourced art that honors Native American heritage.
“We are incredibly honored to receive these prestigious ratings from Forbes Travel Guide, which reflect our team’s dedication to providing guests with a luxury experience,” said Lisa Mercer, Resort Manager of The Phoenician. “Achieving Five Stars for The Canyon Suites and Four Stars for our main resort and spa is a testament to the exceptional service and spirit of hospitality that define our destination.”
In Sedona, Mii amo achieved Five-Star recognition for the first time, making it North America’s first and only five-star wellness resort and the world’s only five-star adults-only wellness resort. The Relais & Châteaux property reopened in February 2023 following a $40 million renovation, offering an all-inclusive Journey experience, the signature Hummingbird restaurant, and 3,700 square feet of dedicated guest space.
Guests can explore trails, enjoy private guided hikes and bike adventures, and participate in programming at the Artist Cottage, all designed to foster reflection, self-expression, and holistic wellbeing.
“Earning five-star recognition is an incredible honor and a reflection of the care, intention, and heart our team brings to every guest Journey,” said Christian Davies, General Manager of Mii amo. “Wellness is not simply a service we provide; it is a way of being, thoughtfully woven into every experience. This commendation affirms our commitment to creating deeply personal stays that restore balance and inspire lasting change.”
“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”
With dual Five-Star honors at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, a new Five-Star rating for The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, and Mii amo’s debut Five-Star distinction, Arizona continues to shine as a premier destination for culturally rich, immersive, and wellness-focused luxury travel. For more, visit wildhorsepassresort.com, thephoenician.com, and miiamo.com.
