JOSHUA SILLS/Arizona Summer Wildcat Jessica Leone, 10, of Seneca Falls, N.Y., rushes down the Slidewinder at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. At 177 feet, the Slidewinder is Arizona's longest resort waterslide.

If your old swamp cooler just isn't treating you right these days, or if your community swimming pool is as warm as bathwater, then maybe it's time to take a vacation. Instead of being beaten by the Arizona summer sun, take advantage of the hot deals that many resorts offer in this blistering off-season. Spend a weekend in the sun in style.

PHOENIX
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
2400 E. Missouri
(800) 950-0086

Book two nights ( $135/night Sunday through Wednesday, $155/night Thrusday through Saturday) at this well-known Phoenix resort and get your third night free, but make sure you book in advance because the "free" night is based on availability. This special offer is also only available from May 17 to September 2.

You can kickback and relax in one of the eight pools, and then grab a drink at the swim-up-bar in the "paradise pool." If you're a golfer, play a round on one of their two golf courses for only $48 with a cart. Indulge yourself in a European spa service. Facials start at $75 for 25 minutes, full body massages start at $60. You can get a luxurious manicure for $45 and a pedicure for $55.

Don't forget to take advantage of all the summer events happening at the Biltmore such as independent film viewings, wine tasting, cigar rolling, pottery painting and dive-in movies. Golf and spa packages are available.

*Make sure you ask the front desk for the special 20 percent-off coupon for redemption for one spa service*

Marriott Desert Ridge
Resort and Spa
5350 E. Marriott Dr.
(480) 293-9696

The $149 for a deluxe room throughout the week just might be worth it to float down the resort's lazy river or bask in four acres of waterways. You can also play a round of golf at one of two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo for only $55 Monday÷Thursday and $65 Friday÷Sunday.

If you want a way to beat the heat, then immerse yourself in their relaxing spa that offers many services from a papaya purifying enzyme masque for $20 to a hot stone massage. For all those caffeine fiends out there, there's a Starbucks right off the main lobby.

SCOTTSDALE
Marriott Camelback Inn Resort, Golf Club and Spa
5402 E. Lincoln Dr.
(480) 293-5000

Play the southwest your own way ÷ $149 a night÷ but receive a $50 resort credit that you can use anywhere throughout the resort ÷ whether it be on dining, golf or spa services.

This five-diamond, four-star hotel is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses, and they cost just $40 during the week and $60 on weekends and holidays. If 18 holes of golf are too much, you can enjoy a nine-hole pitch and putt located around the three glimmering pools.

Natalie Rowe, a hotel reservationist, recommends taking advantage of the European health spa, which offers over 100 services. Facials start at $90. You can relax with a Swedish massage for $60 or a sports therapy massage for $65. If a full body treatment is what you are looking for then get covered in mud for $55. If you spent too much time at the pool then have aloe vera spread all over your body for $65.

SEDONA
Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa
90 Ridge Trail
(928) 284-4040

Prices range from $119-$179 per night, depending on availability. Josie May, a

reservationist from the resort, stated that because of a high volume of conventions and weddings this summer, the lower rates are harder to obtain.

This resort features three pools to lounge around in, including the "cascades pool," a 25-meter pool for all those lap swimmers and the "shadow rock pool" for sunbathers. If indoor exercise interests you more, then run to the fully equipped fitness center. Don't forget to enjoy a spa service after your hard workout. For $100 you can enjoy a 50-minute LaStone massage, or a 20-minute Swedish massage ($50). If you've got sushi on the brain, then get wrapped in seaweed for $90.

There is a range of golf

services including personal golf instructions and a driving range. Take advantage of the 18-hole course for $99 with cart, any day you please.

For all those locals who can't spare the gasoline to get out of Tucson, here are some hot summer deals tucked away in your own neck of the desert.

JOSHUA SILLS/Arizona Summer Wildcat The lobby at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa provides areas for guests to relax in style.

TUCSON
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Drive
(520) 299-2020

For just $89 you can get a standard room, minus a great view, or you can splurge for a premium room with a city or mountain view for just $120, depending on availability.

There are no restrictions on the summer rates but the hotel recommends that you book in advance, rates change in accordance to room availability.

Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
3800 E. Sunrise Drive
(520) 742-6000

Weekend rates run from $95÷$115. Just remember to tell the reservationist you want summer rates. During the week, a deluxe room with a view runs $139. The resort offers four swimming pools, one for kids only and one with a swim-up bar. The resort also boasts the largest waterslide at a resort in Tucson. Keep covered up at the pool and visit the famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa to get tan the safe way ÷ with a body bronzing treatment applied by a massage therapist for $125.