A Family Desert Getaway
Thursday, June 3rd 2010 @ 11:00 PM
A Family Desert Getaway by Gail Woloz
Recently I returned from a fabulous stay at the new Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona. If you are looking for a quick getaway with the kids – this just may be your answer as it’s just over an hour flight from LAX. After arriving at the simple and crowd-free Tucson Airport, a car rental is just steps away from baggage claim. Then in just about 30 minutes you arrive at Dove Mountain. As you approach the resort, you will notice lush desert landscaping with huge Saguaros, colorful wildflowers and, if you are arriving early in the day or at dusk, perhaps even some of the local wildlife. You will drive up through the foothills and as you enter the elegant gates to the Ritz-Carlton, the boulder-studded Tortolina Mountains loom ahead of you.
The Ritz Dove Mountain retains an amazingly high level of service while allowing guests to relax in a casually elegant atmosphere. There are many activities to choose from including hiking (trail maps are available), biking, jeep tours, swimming, sliding down the 235' water slide, horseback riding, golfing or simply relaxing with a spa treatment in a truly magnificent spa! In the evening, you may choose from one of five restaurants on property.
Junior guests staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain are sure to have fun at the Ritz Kids program. Ritz wants to ensure that your children enjoy their stay just as thoroughly as you do with a host of activities, designed for children ages 5 - 12. The supervised program incorporates both physical and creative activities – with offerings on a full- or half-day basis. Some of the activities include the following:
- Native American games and water sports
- Learning about Ancient Indian Petroglyphs
- Arts and crafts
- Learning about the plants and animals in the High Sonoran Desert
- Outdoor adventures
- Ritz Kids Night Out
Other activities may include: Indian rock art, swimming, water balloons, Frisbee games, volleyball, junior tennis, board games and videos, picture writing, Tai Chi, relay races and tag games, croquet, tug of war and tortoise education classes.
During your stay, I highly recommend thoroughly immersing yourself in the culture and history of the region. Over 2,000 years ago, Dove Mountain was inhabited by the Hohokam Indians who flourished and built a thriving community on this land estimated from 300 BC to 1450 AD. The Hohokam created hundreds of petroglyphs, or rock art, throughout the valley. The petroglyphs are fascinating treasures, and many can be experienced first-hand right behind The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain. A nice touch occurs every evening at 6pm around the main fire pit. A brief story is told about the Hohokam Indians and then a flutist plays from the hillside above the resort. The sound of the flute echoes throughout the canyon. It is magical and should not be missed!
Accommodations are just perfect for families. Not only are there many adjoining rooms, but Ritz has gone one step further and has added one-two bedroom casitas near the pool area. Bathrooms have both a shower and a tub and double sinks!
Although the temperatures are higher in the summer, there are some great packages and rates. Ask me about how you can also get complimentary breakfasts included.
Many families are looking for “close to home” summer destinations. I highly recommend the Ritz Dove Mountain. I was very impressed with this new resort for families as an alternative to other desert areas. If you want luxury, activities, a great pool for the kids and a beautiful backdrop with great history – give the Ritz Dove Mountain a try – you will not be disappointed.
© Gail Woloz
Editors Note: Gail Woloz is a Family Vacation & Cruise Specialist at TravelStore. You can reach her at 310-545-3085, www.facebook.com/gailwoloz, or gw.travel@verizon.com CST#2002736-10
