The feeling here is not exactly remote desert oasis, but you will find lush, sprawling grounds and a peaceful lake that offers relaxing gondola rides. Rooms are all in the process of being renovated (set for completion in October 2008), and some of the touches (an appealing shade of celery green not often seen in hotels, granite bathroom counters) might give you some DIY ideas. The lobby is nothing special, but stretches down a flight of stairs to an airy bar, which leads to large glass windows and grass beyond. Kids will love it on the ranch, if only for the pool (make that the 857,000-gallon, two-and-a-half-acre water playground). The layout includes 10 separate pools, with some adults-only options; but all ages gravitate toward the sandy man-made beach and three-story waterslide. In recognition of the resort’s proximity to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian reservation, it includes a Native American learning center and regular hoop-dancing performances. The on-site Spa Avania features a workout room and treatments designed for specific times of day: mornings mean “aroma sunrise rituals” plus “vitalizing” mineral wraps and massages, while afternoon offerings are “balancing,” followed by “relaxing” evening remedies.

Tip: If you have trouble negotiating stairs, this might not be the hotel for you. The elevators are out of the way and hard to find.

Room to Book: A lakefront casita. Numbers 5205 and 5206 are closest to a secluded Jacuzzi and not far from the pool and restaurants—yet are peaceful.