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by Barbara Penny Angelakis
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 North Resort Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85750
520-299-202
http://www.loewshotels.com
Think space…wide open space…that’s the overwhelming impression I got as we meandered up the winding driveway that leads to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. As we approached the hotel the first thought is that the circular driveway and parking areas were build respectfully around the imposing Giant Saguaros standing sentinel-like in the drive, granting them suzerainty over the constantly arriving cars. Built into a hillside in the foothills of the Catalina Mountain range, the hotel appears to be part of the natural flora of the area, in harmony with its environment in both color and design. The buildings façade itself mirrors the accordion-pleated skin of the ancient Saguaros. This obvious attunement with the 100-acre tract on which the resort is built is evident not only in the building’s design and decor but also in the management’s philosophy. A case in point: on a walk-though just prior to the hotel’s groundbreaking, a flowing waterfall was discovered on the property that had not previously been apparent. Without hesitation, the building’s orientation on the hillside was repositioned so as not to interfere with this natural wonder. A marked walking trail leads to the waterfall, and today it is one of the most favored hiking paths on the property. Anyway you view the hotel, looking towards the main building and the mountains beyond or facing away over the lagoon and the rolling green golf course behind, the setting is awesome and a welcomed sight after the long boring flat dusty drive from Phoenix.
 A bevy of friendly young men greeted our arrival, offering to unload the baggage, park the car, direct us to the reception desk, etc. It made us feel like visiting royalty and compensated in some part for the drive. As we entered the lobby, it seemed to go on forever but after a brief orientation, I realized that multiple uses were made of designated areas without the use of separating walls. For example, the reception and arrival area; the section for the concierge desks with smiling attendants and computers at the ready to handle quickly any guest inquiry; the section set aside for complimentary afternoon refreshments – hot apple cider, roasted chestnuts and spice cake while we were there; a bar area with groupings of couches set around coffee tables for comfort and privacy; a large area for afternoon tea which is open to the public. The tea was very well attended and after I saw the multi-tiered cake plates filled with sweets and treats, I could well understand why. All of these areas, without interfering walls, shared an unobstructed view of the scenery for which Ventana Canyon is famous, through a full floor to ceiling rear wall of glass.
 Our room was well appointed and comfortable with all needs covered: fine linens on king sized bed, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, makeup/shaving magnifying mirror, full length dressing mirrors, fluffy robes and abundant bath towels, plus state-of-the art electronics including flat-screen TV, 2 digital phone lines with speakerphone and voicemail and the must in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, high-speed internet access. Upon our arrival, a beautiful bowl of fresh fruit was waiting in our room. One special feature of note was the double sized bathtub large enough for two and perfect for bubble bathing. Another nice touch was the nightly turndown service that included a chocolate treat along with a celestial information mini book to assist the amateur stargazer in locating planets and constellations in the amazingly clear nighttime sky. Our private balcony faced out over the previously  mentioned Giant Saguaros and the golf courses beyond and was a spectacular nighttime viewing platform.
The pools and grounds were undergoing their annual maintenance before the winter high season and were not accessible but we took advantage of the spa services and especially enjoyed dinner at the highly rated AAA 5-Diamond Ventana Restaurant (see review in Restaurant section) which had just completed its own renovation.
The spa is located in a building separate from the main hotel close to the tennis courts and on the way to the two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses. I was scheduled for a Swedish massage but once Lilla, my highly trained and experienced technician began working on me she detected muscle tightness in my back, neck, and shoulders and suggested I switch to a deep tissue massage instead. Lilla was used to working on sports injuries giving the athletic nature of the many activities available at the resort and in the area. After she described the healthful benefits of this treatment, I readily agreed and placed myself in her capable hands. While I can’t say it was the most restful experience, I can say that it was truly beneficial and left me feeling more flexible then I had in many months.
I was very impressed by the helpful attitude of the staff and the physical beauty of the property and its comforting to know that whenever we return to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort the Saguaros will still be there standing proudly against the sky… just as they have for hundreds of years.
© February 2007 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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