What it is

A spa-like desert hideaway with three championship golf courses and a 235-foot slide in one of three high-glam pools.

What it isn't

Devoid of an actual spa. This one found its muse in Arizona gemstones of all things, which means you may actually be rubbed down with a rock believed to restore energy (thank God).

What we think

Georgia O’Keeffe would likely have been all too delighted to vacation here, where rooms are nods to the simple Southwestern beauty of her paintings. Each one looks as boundless as the blue sky above (starting at 450-square-feet), with exposed mesquite wood beams on the ceilings, regionally-inspired upholstery and balconies that often face the locale’s eye-popping sunsets. This being a Ritz-Carlton, they have everything else you might require on-hand, too, including iPod docking stations, HBO and Netflix on the LG Tv, soaking tubs and rain showers in the marble-lined bathrooms, and plenty more. (Outside, she would have loved wandering the resort’s 42-tree citrus orchard). If you decide to rouse yourself at 4 a.m. to get an early start on watching the sunrise in your robes, complete with breakfast from the 24-hour room service, we don’t blame you. It’s that kind of place.

You're here because

The hotel has curated an expert list of adventures for you, whether you feel like a guided hike to nearby petroglyphs to golfing the saguaro-dotted courses.

The Moment

Sitting by the fire at Ignite, the resort’s aptly-named cocktail lounge, you’re feeling like a fire emoji sprung to life. You had the Best day, with a capital B. Then your mixologist hands you a Gold Russian cocktail with caramel vodka and a heap of whipped cream, plus a plate of hot cinnamon sugar churros, and you can’t help but smile. This is the life you were meant to lead!

Restaurants & Bars

- CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar - American

- Ignite - GastroPub

- Sushi Bar & Sake - In the lobby lounge Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings

- Cayton's Burger Bistro - Burgers, Shakes, Craft beers

- Turquesa Latin Grill - Latin and Tuscan-Inspired

Location

High in the Sonoran desert, about a forty minute drive from Tucson International Airport. The 7-mile Wild Burro trail is just down the road, and the place to spot wildflowers in abundance each spring.