Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a modern hideaway that makes the best of Tucson’s open surroundings
Full disclosure: I’ve
been smitten with Loews Ventana Canyon Resort ever since I accompanied my husband on a
business trip here years ago. We were young and could rarely afford such
indulgence, so that stay was etched in my mind as the epitome of luxury
accommodations—the benchmark for which all other resorts would be measured.
Consequently, when I recently needed to hit the reset button and find a new
perspective for my blocked writer’s mind, I chose Ventana Canyon.
My husband and I have
enjoyed travel at many resorts around the world since then, so I wondered if it
would have the same panache for me. But, learning that Loews Ventana Canyon
Resort recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation piqued my
curiosity—how could they possibly improve?
Escaping
into the mountains
Cradled at the base
of Ventana Canyon, the resort remained just as I remembered—a
solid structure reminiscent of the mountains surrounding it. Twisted, sturdy
vines as old as the building clung to its walls, draping over its façade like a
blanket, and the natural spring waterfall nestled behind the hotel flowed into
a reservoir alongside the golf course. But rather than feeling imposing and
dominant, the architecture and landscape complement its setting. In fact, it
was built with this goal in mind—all riparian habitats were kept intact during
construction.
Strolling to my guest
room, I was reminded by the stars on the carpet to try to make time for the
resort’s stargazing activity after dinner. When I opened my room’s door, a
refreshing aroma welcomed me in, along with plush French linens, quality
toiletries, and the same relaxing color palette inspired by the scenery
outside. From my balcony, the mountain loomed just beyond reach. There were no
barriers between the mountains and me. Just the kind of setting I needed to
free myself from my mental blocks.
Open
to inspiration
Seeking inspiration to
ignite my creative juices, I wandered around the property and saw that blending
with nature was still a common theme throughout the resort. Large windows
bridged the delineation of exterior and interior, which had been updated with
an elegantly modern ambiance, borrowing hues from the surrounding
mountains—lavender, burgundy, gray, sage green. Their impressive collection of
indigenous rocks and minerals, a longstanding element of the décor, glittered
throughout. The vibe was of relaxed luxury.
I found more natural
simplicity outside. Footpaths with placards identifying native plants, birds,
and butterflies wound through the desert ultimately leading to the 80-foot
waterfall, and the swimming pool was like a desert oasis. I overheard two
little girls creating a tale about a maiden and her unicorn, as well as a
father and son playing a lively game of ping-pong, and learned that each day,
the resort offers organized children’s activities with their Coyote Kids Club.
The resort provides as much, or as little, activity as you desire, no matter
your age. I followed this lead and set my own pace, thinking and exploring
without worry of deadlines or blocks.
Later, I enjoyed a
delicious dinner at the upscale Flying V Bar & Grill, where I got a taste of one of Tucson’s best
gastronomic experiences. Despite not making reservations, they immediately
accommodated me at the bar with the full menu, which had a list of seasonal
dishes that embrace the flavors and ingredients of the Sonoran Desert. I must
admit, I wish I had made reservations on the balcony, where a panoramic view of
the golf course, the reflective pool, the resort, Tucson’s city lights, and the
twinkling night sky would have only enhanced the pheasant breast I ordered. However,
the warm tones of the bar and the pheasant with house-made mustard remoulade
and mashed cauliflower were just as inviting. I could definitely taste why
Tucson’s was designated as UNESCO’s first City of Gastronomy in the United States.
Since accumulating
clouds had blanketed the night sky, I had to save the after-dinner stargazing
for another night (all the more reason to return for another stay). In its
place, I found myself drawn to the Cascade Lounge. It was alive with music from
a local band that rocked a range of tunes to keep the dance floor hopping. I
was reminded of my husband and I’s previous visit, when we danced late into the
night. What I didn’t recall was the huge, flat-screen TV (the size of a wall,
really) that fed the sports nuts while I sipped on a cocktail. When I got back
to my room, I still felt energized and immediately grabbed my computer. I
didn’t want to ignore my impulse to free write. An impulse I hadn’t felt in too
long.
Desert
brunch
The next morning, I
found I was still curious to explore Ventana Canyon’s lush surroundings. I was
going to the Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch later (a weekly event), so I opted
to walk along the “par course” trail—a meandering calisthenics path that starts
at the fitness center and skirts sections of the golf course—to get the most
out of one outing.
Heart pumping and work
out in, I was ready for the brunch. Walking into the Canyon Café, I suddenly
felt like I had two-stepped my way into an Austin food and music festival. In
the dining room and out on the poolside courtyard, toe-tapping blues floated on
draughts of smoke where everything from yellowfin tuna and Sonoran hot dogs
sizzled on the grill, and unlimited craft beer and mimosas flowed to wash it
all down.
I left the resort with
a full stomach and a fresh perspective. Though I tried to compare this stay to
the one from my memory, I could not. It’s as though Ventana Canyon is a
timeless destination, an unforgettable experience that easily lives up to both
age-honored and current-day impressions. And, in the end, the comparison didn’t
matter, because my block had been crushed. My mind was refreshed and as free
flowing as the desert air and the relaxed pace I found at Loews Ventana Canyon. I came, I saw, I explored at my own pace,
and I left better for it.
Comments
Post a Comment