This faux Moorish palace, with its royal palms, tiled fountains, and waterfalls—and most of all, a maze of buildings over some 60 acres—offers an exotic and sprawling place to relax and have fun. An extravagant water playground (with two large water slides) and dedicated kids center—not to mention those spacious grounds with hidden treasures that reward explorers—make this resort a hit with families. The nearby TPC golf course is top-notch, guest rooms are done in contemporary southwestern style, and bathrooms have double vanities and separate showers and tubs. All units have private balconies. For stepped-up amenities, opt for a double-sized room in the recently upgraded Gold wing. There’s also what is probably the best spa in the Valley, Well & Being, the Hacienda bar with its 240 kinds of tequila . . . and did I mention the Friday night fireworks? Finally, this is probably the best resort in the Valley to spend Christmas; it’s redone in holiday splendor from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, with wall-to-wall family activities.