Stay & Play
Stay and Play in the Sonoran Desert at Hacienda del Sol, Tucson
by Jennifer Merrick
The properties that enamor me the most are the ones that pay homage to their surroundings. Resorts that wouldn’t belong anywhere else in the world but where they are, like the Hacienda del Sol, located just outside Tucson.
Relaxing on my room’s balcony, I gazed at the Santa Catalina Mountains in the distance and admired the Saguaro cactus standing majestically in front of me. The brilliant blues of the sky, pink hues of the desert and green of the cacti were reflected in the property’s Spanish Revival décor. The colourful ceramic tiles, pottery, fountains and artsy sculptures complemented the extensive gardens with a mixture of native cacti, flowers and citrus trees. Even the resort’s history fit its Sonoran Desert locale.
So what is its history?
Built in 1929 as a private girls’ finishing school, it was where high-society families sent their daughters to be taught etiquette, art and horseback riding. In the 1940s, the school was converted to a guest ranch and hotel, where Hollywood stars like Spencer Tracey, Katherine Hepburn, John Wayne and Clark Gable frequently stayed. The property has retained its historical charm and character, and many of the original structures still stand today, but it has been restored, renovated and expanded by its current owners and has all the modern comforts and amenities you would expect from a luxury resort.
And just what are the amenities?
Lounge lizards will appreciate the two outdoor heated pools and jacuzzi, thoughtfully designed with fire pits for cooler nights and views of the surrounding nature. Energizer bunnies can enjoy the fitness center, tennis courts and hiking trails on the resort’s 34 acres and the whole menagerie can indulge in a massage or facial at the full-service spa. Throughout the property, you’ll find courtyards, arched doorways, bubbling fountains, and comfortable seating areas, all surrounded by blooming gardens. Inside, relax by the hand-painted fireplace in the historic main building or read a book in the cozy library.
The two on-site restaurants live up to Tucson’s foodie reputation as a UNESCO-recognized city of gastronomy. Enjoy upscale dining at The Grill, paired with one of their over 800 wines or partake in more casual options on the outdoor patio at Terraza. Live jazz, classical guitar and piano performances in the evening are a soothing accompaniment to its tapas and cocktails.
In-room amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, spacious bathrooms, comfy bathrobes and luxe toiletries.
Tell me more about the rooms.
Their 56 rooms vary in layout and size from historic guest rooms to the Tracy-Hepburn ‘Casita’, a 1,500 square-foot unit where Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn used to stay. This 1,500 square-foot unit features two bedrooms, two patios and a fireplace. All of their most-recently added units include extra-large bathrooms, sitting areas and patios or balconies with a view.
Anything else?
Art is everywhere on this property from quirky sculptures and brightly coloured ceramics to paintings and Native American artifacts. Many of the pieces are created by local artists, reflecting the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the American Southwest. This diverse collection, like the resort, wouldn’t belong anywhere in the world but in the Tucson Desert.
