Escape to Sun-Splashed Tucson

Go Explore Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain and SaddleBrooke

By Chris Duthie

So-called “Stay and Play” golf packages are wildly popular with new-home prospects, especially among wanderlust Coloradoans that pine for a seasonal, warm-weather escape.

And no wonder: These compelling, incentive-oriented programs identify premier lifestyle communities, offer luxurious try-it-before-you-buy-it memberships and amenities, and are priced so affordably that prospects can experience a fabulous, multi-day getaway that rivals an overnight stay at a five-star resort property.

For several weeks we’ve identified several Phoenix-area properties that ooze class, self-indulging sophistication and sumptuous active-living benefits. Today, we’re traveling 90 miles further south to centuries-old Tucson, where former Denver resident Dan James has been making hay among Old Pueblo’s cactus-encrusted canyons, soaring mountainscapes, immersive attractions and peerless November-to-March climate.

“Tucson has been the ideal choice for me,” confirms James, a former Xcel Energy manager who in 2013 purchased property and retired to the city’s burgeoning Sabino Springs neighborhood. “You just can’t beat the weather, the mountain scenery, the exception golf, or the area’s chilled and laid-back lifestyle.”

For home-buying prospects, the options are as vast as they are enchanting. Here are two recommended properties that represent exceptional desert living in Tucson:

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain

Underscored by 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf so compelling that the club hosted the PGA Tour’s WGC Accenture Match Play Championships for six years, this distinctive Tortolita Mountains enclave just northwest of Tucson is a winter-respite wonder.

Further, the 6,200-acre development is augmented by peerless Sonoran Desert landscapes that avail hiking, biking, horseback riding and the convenience of another 40 top-flight golf courses like Arizona National, Sewailo, Tucson National, Vistoso and members-only Stone Canyon and The Gallery.

Stay, play and explore by making on-premises reservations at the 250-room Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. This uber-elegant resort pairs exceptionally attentive staff with world-class amenities including championship golf, spa, four-court tennis, three-pool swimming, 20 miles of horseback and hiking trails and five dining options. Hotel guests can also book the Unlimited Golf For Two package that, like it suggests, offers unlimited rounds at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain.

For real estate inquiries, call (877) 451-7205.

SaddleBrooke, a Robson Resort Community

Celebrating its 30^th anniversary and boasting close to 10,000 residents, this master-planned 55-plus development located 20 minutes from downtown Tucson is celebrated for its compelling natural tranquility, engaging lifestyle and resort-style amenities.

At the forefront are 36 holes of Gary Panks- and Dick Bailey-designed golf, five-court tennis, pickleball, fitness center, performing arts theater, swimming, softball field, mountain biking, dog park, RV parking and fine dining, plus an expansive clubhouse that hosts 100 clubs, classes and organizations that offer everything from western dancing to oil painting.

SaddleBrooke entices prospective homebuyers with a “try it first” four-day/three-night preferred guest visit program that ranges from $259 to $399. It includes on-site luxury accommodations, one round of golf, hosted dinner, full access to community amenities, personalized tour, and golf cart and bicycle use.

For additional details, call (800) 732-9949.

RELATED LINKS

Tune Into Tucson

The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food: Tucson

Luxurious Arizona Living

Live the Verde Life in Arizona

Play Off the Beaten Path in Tucson

Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.