Tucson
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Tucson
For authentic Southwestern experiences, Tucson fits the bill. Guest ranches, horse rides, and cattle drives recall Old West roots, but you’ll also find yourself slap bang in a hub of spas, resort hotels, and championship golf courses...not to mention amazing, trend-setting restaurants. Tucson was the first U.S. city to earn the designation of World City of Gastronomy by the UNESCO. Plus, with a thriving visual and performing arts scene and respected galleries and museums, Tucson’s vibrant multicultural heritage shines.
Famous for its dramatic beauty, the Sonoran Desert covers this region with spectacular cacti – including the giant saguaro, a symbol of the American Southwest. But don’t be fooled by the term “desert” because mountain ranges in all directions offer scenic drives, and even skiing. In the winter you can go for a hike in the valley, then drive up to Mt. Lemmon and enjoy the slopes. Tucson’s legendary year-round sunshine and saguaro-and-sunset landscape have romanced visitors for decades. Once you immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of Tucson, you may never want to leave.
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Accommodation
La Posada Lodge & CasitasModerateFrom £85 per room per night
Set on Route 77, this upscale hotel with surrounding cottages is 6.8 miles from the University of Arizona, 9 miles from downtown Tucson and 16.6 miles from Old Tucson Studios theme park.
The warm, Southwestern-inspired rooms and casitas feature pillow-top mattresses, free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers; some add balconies, and casitas offer additional living space, plus decks or private backyards.
A first class breakfast is included in the resort fee, and there is a barbershop, an exercise room, an airy restaurant with outdoor seating, and an outdoor pool and hot tub with mountain views.
White Stallion RanchRanchFrom £447 per room per night
The White Stallion Ranch is situated on the edge of Tucson, only 10 minutes from shopping and 5 minutes from golf. The ranch offers desert and mountain horse riding for all levels, team cattle penning, guided hikes, hayrides, barbecues and rodeos.
There is a bar, dining room, heated pool, hot tub, fitness centre, tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard, children's playground, games room and petting zoo. Riding instruction is available for an extra charge. All meals and activities are included and there are a variety of rooms and suites available. All have air-conditioning, hairdryers, mini-fridge, safes and private bathrooms. There is no riding on the ranch on a Sunday, but you can explore the surrounding Tucson area or take advantage of the other facilities at the ranch.
Hilton El Conquistador TucsonDeluxeFrom £310 per room per night
Named ‘best experiential hotel’ by Hotel Interactive Lodging Industry Elite Awards, this Hilton hotel will inspire you with authentic flavour and experiences. This hotel is beautifully located in the Sonoran Desert, where you will find extravagant sunsets and a unique Southwestern vibe.
The resort features 45 holes of championship golf, 31 tennis courts, horse riding, hiking and biking trails, swimming pools, wellness centre with spa facilities, children’s activities and a variety of restaurants and lounges. Choose from spacious guest rooms, suites or casitas, guaranteed to have the best desert and mountain views. The rooms are well equipped with minibar, robes, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. There is a $10 per room per night resort fee, payable locally.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & SpaFirst ClassFrom £155 per room per night
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Sonora Desert and a delightfully sunny and temperate climate year-round. This Westin is close to great shopping, dining and golfing, and some local attractions include the Sabino Canyon, Colossal Cave, Biosphere II Center, Summerhaven, San Xavier Del Bac Mission and Kitt Peak Observatory.
Choose from guest rooms, suites or parlours for your stay. Rooms and suites invite relaxation, with amenities including a hair dryer, cable/satellite TV, iron and ironing board, coffee and tea maker, mini refrigerator, and a safe. At the hotel, you can also enjoy 27 holes of championship golf, a complex of five refreshing pools, and a world class spa.
