Tucson is the largest city in Southern Arizona, known for its incredible community dedicated to food as the second UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S. It’s also uniquely positioned with Saguaro National Park on either side of the city, offering two separate districts for abundant hiking and exploration. Plus, the Sonoran Desert city provides access to pine-dotted Mt. Lemmon standing at 9,000 feet, Sabino Canyon, a thriving arts and music scene and intriguing museums.
Head to Tucson to soak in plenty of sunshine. The city is easy to get around, and you’ll enjoy mountain views in just about every direction. For an exceptional visit, book a stay at one of Tucson’s resorts offering dreamy pools, dining, golf and spas, all on-site. These are the perfect resorts to use as a home base, whether you plan to stay on property and relax, explore this lively city in the desert or a mixture of both.
Westward Look Resort & Spa
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Step onto the Westward Look property to experience history. The main building was constructed in 1912 as a family home, embracing the hacienda style of the Southwest with clay roof tiles and a vibrant golden yellow exterior. Upstairs from the lobby, sit by the fireplace in what was once the original living room, featuring a ceiling dressed up with ocotillo branches. Over time, cottages were added to welcome guests before the property turned into a dude ranch and then later grew into the expansive 80-acre resort it is today.
Off the main building is one of three pools, with picturesque views of the Santa Catalina Mountains towering above. Splash in the pool or soak in the hot tub, with the Poolside Bar and Grill open daily when you need a snack or to quench your thirst. A lap pool sits next to the tennis courts and fitness center, along with another pool adjacent to the chef’s garden.
Accommodations include poolside guest rooms and other suites with king beds, sofas and patios or balconies overlooking the desert landscape. Each room has an exterior entryway and is designed with white wooden beamed ceilings and Southwestern tiled details in the bathroom. Have a larger group? The Stargazer suites sleep six, with two bathrooms and a private hot tub on the patio.
While visiting, wander the gardens throughout the property to learn about native plants and spot 12 types of citrus trees, go for a horseback ride, head out on the hiking trail or reflect in the meditation labyrinth.
The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
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Westin La PalomaWestin La PalomaGolf, Westin La Paloma, Field, Golf Course, Outdoors
If you’re visiting Tucson to golf, Westin La Paloma is the spot. The 250-acre property hosts three impeccably manicured courses to play nine holes. No time for a full round of golf? Make use of the Topgolf Swing Suite, where you can play virtual golf while sipping crafted cocktails. When it’s time for a meal, watch a vibrant desert sunset from the patio of Contigo Latin Kitchen or start the day with chilaquiles for breakfast at La Luz.
Rooms include double queen or king options renovated in 2024 with a mixture of modern white and calming blue hues with balconies looking out onto the golf course, pool or mountains.
Dive into the turquoise hue of five different pools. The main pool features a waterfall leading into a soaking pool and an adjacent hot tub. Cabana rentals are available for you to set up for a relaxing day. Choose to play like a kid by going down the waterslide or opt for a tranquil experience at the adults-only pool. To get in a workout, head to the lap pool or make use of the fitness studio.
Canyon Ranch
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Canyon Ranch is meant for the traveler seeking a curated wellness escape. You can take a shuttle directly from the airport and immerse into the adults-only property upon arrival. While there is room for exploration during your trip with close proximity to Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park East and downtown Tucson, it’s also possible to simply stay on-site for your entire visit at this all-inclusive resort.
All meals are included and available at the Vaquero Grill, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxing setting decked out in neutral-hued décor and leafy plants. At the Double U Café, grab breakfast to go, try a smoothie or sit with a pool view for lunch or dinner.
The programming schedule is plentiful with options, from taking guided hikes ranging in skill level to trying your hand at mountain biking. Practice yoga, complete a water workout or learn about Tucson artists or the city’s culinary scene.
The grounds offer a private retreat with well-appointed accommodations ranging from deluxe rooms for two friends to share to luxe king suites. For peaceful moments, head just outside your room and sit on the patio to read a good book with a cup of morning coffee, relax by one of three pools or book a spa treatment.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
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Check in at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, where pet-friendly Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has been operating since 1984. The main building of the resort housing all guest rooms was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. Its environmentally sensitive design resulted in an iconic resort in the desert, paying homage to the natural landscape and maintaining existing riparian habitats, including the 80-foot waterfall that begins in Ventana Canyon and runs down through the 93-acre property.
Guest rooms renovated in 2024 offer cozy-meets-modern amenities with patios or balconies facing captivating canyon views. Suites include king beds and living areas, with some rooms even featuring wood fireplaces, a rare amenity for a resort property.
While visiting, use the pickleball courts, take a yoga class, golf 18 holes and enjoy a meal on the patio at the Flying V Bar + Grill. Kick off dinner with tableside prepared guacamole or sample the heritage loaf from Tucson’s famed Barrio Bread. For pool days, choose from the resort’s main pool with shaded cabana rentals with a stocked fridge or head to the Lakeside Spa to enjoy a treatment and utilize the adult-only pool and hot tub with a backdrop of towering saguaros.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
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Walking through the arched entrance of Hacienda Del Sol transports you to a luxury resort embracing the natural elements of the desert. Holding a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places, its Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture dates back to 1929 when it was first established as a boarding school for girls. Steeped in history, the property was converted into a guest ranch in 1944 and has continued to grow with expansion ever since.
Book a room with exposed beam ceilings and Talavera tiled bathrooms or treat yourself to a Casita with a bit of extra room featuring a fireplace and patio.
Wander the property and gaze at colorful gardens and bubbling fountains. Spend the afternoon on the expansive sun deck and wade into the infinity edge pool with dramatic mountain views. There’s also a lap pool and spa featuring an ornate outdoor hot tub dressed up in brick and vibrant green and yellow tiled details.
The Grill has become a well-known fine dining destination, with stunning sunset seating. Sit down for mesquite-smoked steak paired with a wine selection from the award-winning list on any given day, or plan to attend one of the many multi-course wine dinners on the calendar.
Plan your trip:
- Westward Look Resort & Spa, https://www.westwardlook.com
- The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tuswi-the-westin-la-paloma-resort-and-spa
- Canyon Ranch, https://www.canyonranch.com
- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, https://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon
- Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, https://www.haciendadelsol.com