Planning The Perfect Trip To Tucson, Ariz.!

By Maureen Martin | June 3, 2015 | Lifestyle, Travel

This Lifestyle Wednesday, we take you to sunny Tucson, Ariz.!

Did you hear that? It’s Tucson calling and requesting the pleasure of your company!

Well, Luxe Gal took the call, got on a plane and in five hours was in sunny Tucson.

What’s to love about Tucson? How about 350 days a year of sunshine and mountain splendor with no humidity, and if you stay at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, you can enjoy over 100 varieties of Tequila to savor.

Our day started with a beautiful sunrise as we faced the mountains and participated in a local ritual,”Mitakuye Oyasin,”┬á on the Salud Terrace. In this traditional Native American ceremony, we exhaled as the Native American Flute was played, wrapped and burned our own sage prayer tie and were given an eagle feather blessing, which inspires you to see your life from a higher perspective.

For me it was enlightening to participate in a┬áritual that is centuries old and add our personal prayers to it make our intentions known to the universe/God (depending on your faith) through the traditional burning of sage. We loved that it allows each person to center on their own faith and beliefs.

We next ventured into the spa area of the hotel and enjoyed a workout, followed by a quick swim in one of the properties three pools. By then the temperature was pushing 80 degrees, perfect for a quick dip. It was relatively early in the morning so we pretty much had the pool all to ourselves. ┬áMy travel partner took an 8 mile run along the mountain trails. If you are a runner, the terrain is great and the air is wonderfully clean. Just keep your eye open for snakes and yes, we did spot one!

We suggest that you stay hydrated cause it’s hot hot hot. In the lobby of the JW Marriott you’ll find ample flavored ice cold water dispensers filled with slices of citrus fruits, soooo refreshing. Equally as refreshing is the genuine hospitality of the hotel’s staff, who welcome you with genuine smiles.

By 11 a.m. we were famished. We enjoyed a late breakfast of huevos rancheros, traditional steak and eggs and some strong coffee at the Signature Grill.

If you plan to spend the day at the hotel you have several options like golf, hiking, biking, spa services and more dining at Primo which offers Italian fare, or at the┬áCatalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar, which both come highly recommended.┬á

A short distance away from the hotel you will find Old Tucson, pictured up top. It’s a former movie studio that’s experiencing new life as museum and entertainment center. If you are a movie buff then you have to visit.

You will┬álearn the amazing history of Old Tucson and see original costumes worn by the stars of popular┬átelevision series, including Little House on the Prairie and┬áBonanza. Tour guides┬áhelp you explore the streets that many of your favorite television and movie stars have traveled in over 70 years of film and television history. YouΓÇÖll also learn about Old TucsonΓÇÖs┬ávery own “Reno Locomotive.” Stationed at the north end of town, the Reno has more than 100 film and television credits.

Wherever the day takes you, make sure to get back to the JW by 5:30pm to enjoy Salud’s Happy Hour. This includes a complimentary shot of one of the lounge’s 100 tequilas! After your shot have dinner, then return for post meal cocktails around the fire pit. You can watch a glorious sun set and enjoy dessert like s’mores over the gorgeous roaring fire. It’s romantic and relaxing — everything that make its a perfect weekend getaway.

We tried it and now it’s your turn — go on girl!