The retreat outside of Tucson offers luxury and relaxation


BY HILARY HEIECK


The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort is tucked away in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert seemingly a world away from the stresses of civilization. Only 30 minutes from downtown Tucson and 80 minutes from Phoenix, the expansive property includes a Jack Nicklaus golf course and all of the extravagance associated with a world-class resort.


GOLF: The stunning course winds through and


around saguaros with the majes- tic Tortolita Mountain range as a backdrop. With no houses or imposing buildings in sight the golf experience is as unique and peaceful as a golfer can fi nd. Wide fairways allow for breathing room off the tee and different angles of attack but the 27-hole layout is a second-shot course. The large, undulating greens are guarded by menacing bunkers and desert washes often dissect the fairways. The two tournament nines, Saguaro and Tortolita (Wild Burro is the third), play host to the game’s best each February for the World Golf Championships— Accenture Match Play Cham- pionship. Recently named one of the “Best New Courses” by Golfweek magazine, all three nines are open for public play. Rates start at $85 (twilight).


RESORT: The Ritz- Carlton Dove Mountain


provides deluxe accommoda- tions and service in a casual atmosphere inspired by the tranquil surroundings. Rooms


overlook the desert terrain and in typical Ritz-Carlton fashion, the service is second to none. Opened in December of 2009, the 253-room


resort boasts three swimming pools (including a 235-foot water slide) and more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.


FOOD AND DRINK: CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar


is the hotel’s signature restaurant featuring upscale American cuisine with a Southwestern infl uence. You won’t be disappointed with the bigeye tuna with chili pop rocks appetizer and buffalo ten- derloin entrée (marinated for three days) that can be cut with a fork. At the golf course, Cayton’s serves comfort food; the Prickly Pear Margarita and homemade mac n’ cheese are local favorites. Ignite Lounge offers a “Mixology” event every day at 5 p.m. where the bar- tender explains how to make the drink of the day while offering free samples. Creative drinks include ginger margaritas and cinnamon and basil pisco sours.


RELAXATION: The 17,000 square-foot spa includes


saunas, steam rooms and whirl- pools with an outdoor waterfall and infi nity pool as the center- piece. Choose from a variety of treatment options including anti-aging therapies and wellness counseling.


WINTER 2011 / NCGA.ORG / 39


PHOTO: CHRIS CYPERT


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