Hacienda windows

Escaped. I turned off the news and fled from work to relax with a few friends and indulge in delicious flavors. The beauty of the Tucson foothills did their best. Leaving the manic world behind, I dove into something extraordinary – a few days exploring a historic luxury resort, the Hacienda del Sol guest ranch.

The entry fountain to the Hacienda Del Sol luxury resort

The entry fountain at the Hacienda Del Sol luxury resort

Hacienda del Sol WildlifeA little history

In the 1930’s, Josias T. Joesler was hired to design a girls school on the sixty-acre ranch in the foothills outside of Tucson. He built in the authentic Spanish/Mexican adobe style using tile, stone, hand-hewn beams, thick walls set with deep windows. The non-denominational prep school for girls opened with a staff of six teachers with 28 students enrolled.

HIstoric girls girls at Hacienda del Sol

The girls came from some of the wealthiest American families and most brought their horses to explore the canyons and hills surrounding the Hacienda. The trail riding tradition continues in a more luxury resort style today.

A view of the main hall in the original school wing at the Hacienda del Sol

A view of the main hall in the original school wing at the Hacienda del Sol

hacienda del sol luxury resort courtyard

Tucson is modest about its treasures. Locals don’t boast about being the only UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States. They’ve always nurtured their harvests and gardens, and regularly use grains discovered here 4 thousand years ago. My first taste of ancient Mesquite flour was in the cookies waiting for me in my hotel room. They were moist and flakey with a satisfying, grainy texture.

The garden at Hacienda del Sol

The garden at Hacienda del Sol

In the heart of the resort is a net-draped garden where executive chef, Bruce Yim, nurtures plants and trees for the luxury resort Grill and Terraza Patio restaurants. He incorporates seasonal harvests and regionally sourced greens, beans, dairy, meats and even flowers into his menus. Other botanical garden plots and pots flourish across the resort acres.

The ever-mobile, Executive Chef, Bruce Yim in action

Hacienda del Sol Scallops

Coffee service in Hacienda del Sol

Coffee service in Hacienda del Sol

In January the weather is changeable. I woke to the sunshine, then misty rain, then sweeping clouds turned to rainbows at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Coming from a drought-plagued region, the mists felt wonderful. My pores opened, each breath filled with fresh, rain-washed oxygen. It made my in-room massage all the more profound and I dozed, waking to quiet and then dinner.

Hacienda del Sol Room

The luxury resort grounds are highlighted with local artist's work.

The grounds are highlighted with local artist’s work.

On my first evening, I joined friends on a terrace above the golf course with views of the peaks. Craftsmen hand-chiseled each rock for the wall and there was a door-sized mural with a little girl facing a sunset vista. It was a workman’s tribute to his little sister. Personal touches transform so many things at the Hacienda del Sol.

Sandy's vista Hacienda del Sol

 

tombstone distillery

The Director of Wine and Spirits, John Kulikowski, passionately introduced the table to local brews. I grew fond of the Tombstone Whisky and each wine pairing was a discovery. Why didn’t I know about the wineries of Sonoita and Elgin, not far from Tucson? Tastings at the distinctive wineries will be another highlight when I return to Tucson.

One of the Sunday Brunch tables at the Hacienda Del Sol Luxury Resort

One of the Sunday Brunch tables at the Hacienda Del Sol Luxury Resort

Hacienda brunch room

At Sunday brunch the waitress generously poured champagne with a colorful splash of blood orange juice. She expertly knew the right proportions and kept them coming. Pastry chef, Cara Valadivia, made certain that tables overflowed with sweets and cakes. Her expertise and the caring staff keep locals returning to fill weekly brunch tables.

Hiking with a naturalist in the wilds near luxury resort Hacienda del Sol

Hiking with a naturalist in the wilds near Hacienda del Sol

Saguaro cacti dot the landscape near the luxury resort

Saguaro cacti dot the landscape

From luxury resort to wild canyons

All was not indulgence. One morning we hiked along a trail into the river basin with Geoffrey Campbell, Hacienda Del Sol’s resident expert hiker, and Assistant General Manager. While sharing highlights of the history, geology, flora/fauna, he pointed out the secrets of the Saguaro sentinels and why barrel cactus tilt, and learned about the entire Tucson basin. With his help, we spied tracks and spotted a bobcat lair above the whitening remains of a coyote. There are trails across the resort for beginners and advanced hikers can venture into nearby Finger Rock Canyon. Saguaro National Park, with acres of the nation’s largest cacti, is close to Tucson as well.

The view from ridge rooms in the luxury resort, Hacienda del Sol Resort

One view from ridge rooms

The days sped by as I learned more about the area, falling in love with the subtle charms and casual luxury of the Hacienda del Sol.

Find out more and put together your own luxury resort escape: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.

Special thanks to Hacienda del Sol management and staff for hosting our small group of travel writers. All opinions and photos are my own.

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Winter getaway to a luxury resort at Hacienda Del Sol Pin