American novelist Zane Grey once said, "There's something wonderfully healing in Arizona air."
And one of our favorite times to visit Tucson is in the spring. The weather is perfect, the desert begins to display its palette of majestic colors and the spectacular sunsets are almost indescribable.
Staying at the Oasis
Just the mention of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and those who've stayed there exclaim "Oh, we love that place." And it's not hard to see why. This is true-blue Tucson at its finest.
History, luxury and Southwest charm all seem to magically mix at this amazing guest ranch situated on 34-acres in the panoramic foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The ranch is so alluring that it's tempting to never leave the property.
Hacienda opened in 1929 as a boarding school ranch for girls. Some of America's most elite families from the East sent their daughters, along with their horses to this prestigious hacienda. Photos of these historic throwback years line the walls and alleyways of the resort.
The ranch closed briefly during WWII due to a shortage of teachers. But in 1948, it was converted into a guest ranch that attracted Hollywood's leading stars like John Wayne and Clark Gable. Casita Grande, the resort's two-bedroom casita was rumored to be the favorite hideaway of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
Renowned as an authentic Spanish-Colonial Revival property, Hacienda Del Sol was named one of the distinctive Historic Hotels of America. Exquisitely preserved and maintained guestrooms and casitas blend into the awe-inspiring desert landscape. Botanical gardens, fountains, sculptures, and colorful Mexican hand-painted pottery abound throughout the property.
Vintage accommodations with historic charm surround a twinkling-lighted courtyard. The newer Catalina rooms elevated on the hillside offer stunning mountain and city views and are large enough for private in-room spa treatments.
And I can personally attest that the Sonoran Soother spa experience promoted a completely Zen-like state of calm and relaxation, especially after a day of hiking and horseback riding.
Two swimming pools on-property offer stunning vistas of the Catalina Mountains and surrounding valley. The Catalina pool features a Jacuzzi and fire pit, ideal for sunset viewing.
Arizona sunsets are spectacular, and sunsets at Hacienda Del Sol are legendary. The horizon bursts in a kaleidoscope of color and the surrounding Catalina Mountains are cast in a multi-hued glow. Our evening spectacle was best enjoyed with one of our favorite desert libations, the prickly pear margarita.
Relaxation is paramount here. And it comes easy with the loungers and comfy seating areas dotted among the courtyards, grounds and desert flora.
We were aware that in the desert, there's always the possibility of running into local wildlife. Signs on the resort grounds inform guests of these likely visitors. Our favorite, however, was a friendly little roadrunner who seemed to show up at various times throughout our stay.
Dining in the Desert
No other restaurant in the Tucson area can match the spectacular views, cuisine and service of The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol.
The restaurant exudes Old-World charm with casual Southwestern elegance surrounded by flickering romantic candlelight.
Entrees here are creative and quality-driven by an award-winning culinary team. Hacienda offers an incredible 700 wines from their wine cellar. This is the most extensive wine list in Arizona so we were more than happy when the director of wine and spirits assisted us with his recommendations.
We have to give huge shout out to the grilled Octopus appetizer. Tender and prepared with roasted red peppers, avocado, lime, cilantro, parsley and served over a bed a frisee, it was one incredible and unforgettable dish.
Dinner entres we selected happen to be house favorites. The sea scallops and filet of beef served piping hot were both prepared to perfection with splendid presentations.
Delectable desserts prepared by a dedicated pastry chef were impossible to pass up. The chef's choice of the day flavor for the Crme Br?le was a creamy, crisp-topped Irish Coffee. The Chocolate and Zin was a devilishly rich chocolaty flourless cake topped with a unique and tangy raspberry Zinfandel sorbet.
Strolling back to our room after a spectacular dinner under a star-studded moonlight sky was just another one of the many unforgettable experiences.
Lunching at Wildflower Cafe was also delightful. The eatery serves seasonal cuisine with a trendy, eclectic flair and it's so good that without a reservation, patrons will have to wait to be seated.
We loved the outdoor patio setting and the energetic wait staff who know the menu well. We followed the server's recommendation for a savory salad and scrumptious sandwich.
The Lobster Salad, a delicious blend of artichoke heart, grilled asparagus was topped with crispy potato strings and white truffle vinaigrette.
Guaranteed, we've never had a chicken salad sandwich taste so unique. Made with red grapes, avocado and Havarti cheese and served on brown sugar wheat bread, it's the paprika spice that makes this unusual combination a definite winner.
Our server insisted we share the bars of sin-a pair of chocolate praline bars filled with a smooth chocolate cappuccino mousse and topped with vanilla bean gelato. Calling it sinfully good does not do it justice.
Playing in the Sand
One the best experiences we've had in Tucson was exploring its breathtaking desert landscape on horseback.
Hacienda Del Sol stable horses are highly trained and rider friendly. Experienced guides lead guests on horseback through the beautiful Sonoran Desert filled with a myriad of cacti and wildflowers. It was immediately evident that this is indeed the most biologically diverse desert in North America.
Jackrabbits and roadrunners crossed our path as we made our way to Sunset Ridge. Surrounded by five different mountain ranges, the area is known for its stunning sunsets and the incredible topography with 360-degree panoramic Tucson views.
If Tucson has a host, the giant saguaro cactus with its outstretched "arms," instantly comes to mind.
Saguaro National Park, part of Arizona's vast Sonoran Desert extends both east and west of the city. Covering more than 91,000 acres, the park features an abundance of these unique slow-growing cacti. Saguaro are true and living symbols of the American West, native only to the Sonoran region. The park's numerous hiking trails lead to more spectacular scenes around every bend.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is by far one of the most beautiful outdoor museums we've ever visited, and not surprisingly one of the top ten zoological parks in the world. This 98-acre park is a zoo, natural history museum, aquarium and botanical garden all in one. And if that's not impressive enough, it has one of the world's most comprehensive regional mineral collections.
Art, nature, and culture come together in exquisite harmony at the Tohono Chul Park in North Tucson. As we strolled the quiet peaceful grounds, a light morning rain followed by sunshine only enhanced the colorful sights and unique scents of the desert.
Aside from the amazing botanical gardens and nature trails filled with natural wonders, art sculptures, waterfalls and fountains, the outdoor park has three distinct art galleries on property.
Vibrant works by local artists celebrating the Southwest and Sonoran Desert are showcased in these galleries scattered among authentic Southwest adobe structures.
A weekend in Tucson is never quite enough. It's the exotic blend of the natural, the wonderful and the incredible that always leaves us thirsting for more.
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