Experience southwestern atmosphere at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, nestled on 50 acres in the saguaro-covered foothills of Tucson National Park with panoramic views of the city. Every region has rich stories of culture and tradition, and the Sonoran Desert is no exception. The resort takes you on a journey through their daily rituals, cuisine, and spectacular views.
Image courtesy of JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Experience this exclusive, complimentary collection of outdoor water features available to resort guests. Lazily drift along the Starr Canyon River, brave the Monsoon Falls Water Slide, lounge by the Reflection Pools or play in the Dancing Springs fountains.
Image credit: Christine Gray Enjoy the captivating sunrise views that change each morning. Sip a handcrafted cocktail by the fire pits, while watching the glittering city lights at night in the distance. Image credit: Christine Gray
Experience Southwestern cuisine boasting flavors honed from rich, local cultures at Signature Grill, with classic Native American and Mexican dishes prepared with locally grown, farm fresh produce and custom spices. Many of the crafted dishes are from recipes handed down through the generations of local families.
Dine below the stars near mesmerizing fire pits on Salud's outdoor terrace. Take in the captivating views of the downtown Tucson, while enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and fine tequilas from an extensive list of selections.
Passaggio trattoria's menu features Italian specialties including pizzas and pastas, locally grown and organic ingredients – many of which are from the restaurant’s garden, and hand-crafted signature cocktails, wines and beers. The resort also offers a full-size Starbucks coffee house, Plunge – the poolside bar, JW Market for snacks and gourmet items, and Catalina BBQ Company & Sports Bar at the golf course.
Sharpen your game by playing a round on all three of the resort's nine-hole golf courses. Tee off with red-tinged Arizona desert scenery and looming mountains in the background at the Starr Pass Golf Club, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.
Signature Suite. Image courtesy of JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Unwind in the luxury resort's expansive hotel rooms and suites with southwestern décor in a beautiful location up in the hills overlooking the city of Tucson. All of the resort's rooms feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms, sitting areas, and large flat-screen TVs. Elevate your stay by choosing a suite with extra living space, such as a Sundeck Suite with rooftop terrace. The Presidential Suite features a fireplace in the living room and bedroom.
Each morning on the Salud Terrace you can participate in a traditional Native American ceremony and unique Sonoran Desert experience. Welcoming a higher perspective into your life should be on everyone's list of important things to do. The Mitakuye Oyasin morning ritual is a sacred practice performed by Native Americans and runs centuries old. During this morning ritual, the warming sunrise, the Native American Flute, burning your own sage prayer tie, and an eagle feather blessing will inspire you to see life from a different perspective. Begin each day by reflecting on the connection we all have with nature and each other, finding focus and creating lasting memories. In a ritual that is centuries old, you will have the opportunity to make your intentions known to the universe through the traditional burning of sage.
Treat yourself to some pampering in the resort's Hashani Spa which combines the latest beauty and health technology with the ancient healing techniques inspired by the indigenous people of the region. Indulge in relaxing treatments such as body wraps, facials, eye treatments, massages, manicures and pedicures. I chose the Abhyanga Massage -- an ancient Indian Ayurvedic oil massage therapy for healing and detoxifying mind, body and spirit. It’s a light to medium pressure choreographed massage that restores the flow of vital energy, Prana, where it has become blocked.
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Tucson Mountain Park awaits you from the main resort lobby, facing west into the mountains. Each morning a complimentary professional guide takes guests on this journey. Onward and upward you'll step over rocks millions of years old, and the serenity will encompass you. Traverse a mountainside filled with Saguaros, Cholla, Prickly Pear cactus, Mesquite, Palo Verde and Acacia: The foods and medicines of individuals long ago. You savor each step, each breath, each sight. Hike is for all levels and easy. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers, and layer workout or comfortable attire depending on weather.
Each evening at sunset, guests gather on the Salud Terrace to experience the hotel's nightly tradition - the Tequila toast. This unique experience features one of more than 150 artisan tequilas and a complimentary toast: "Arriba, Abajo, al Centro, al Dentro, Salud!" (Up, down, out and in). Each night you can sample a different tequila. Image credit: Christine Gray
Image credit: Unsplash Explore Tucson's museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, natural wonders, and historic missions:
Arizona Historical Society, Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson Children's Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, Titan Missile Museum, Biosphere 2, Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Old Town Artisans, La Encantada, St.Philip's Plaza, Plaza Palomino, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Tubac and Artist colony, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Saguaro National Park, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Saint Augustine Cathedral, Tumacacori National Historical Park, and more!
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