HISTORIC RESORT   One of Tucson's first public resorts was actually a drainage ditch near Pearl Street in the downtown area. It was an extremely popular gathering place and the site for numerous celebrations including San Juan's feast day.   In addition to being one of Tucson's earliest public bathing areas, it was also a laundry of sorts. Some of the more practical visitors to the ditch brought along their clothing to wash.

Tucson's first spa was actually a drainage ditch. The town has obviously progressed a long way and now boasts several world-class resorts and spas. The Old Pueblo offers a full spectrum of resorts, from plush opulent facilities to rustic dude ranches. Whether you want to kick back poolside or ride high in the saddle, Tucson has the perfect resort to fit your personal needs. ARIZONA INN 2200 E. Elm Street (520) 325-1541, (800) 933-1093 www.arizonainn.com During the 1950s, Frank Sinatra liked the Arizona Inn so well, he wanted to buy one of the casitas at the resort. It was one of the few times someone actually refused one of his requests, but we can understand why he was so taken by the facility. The Arizona Inn was built in 1930 and still retains much of its original charm. There are 86 rooms and cottages nestled on 14 acres, complete with tennis court, pool and exercise facility. The restaurant gets high marks with local patrons and tourists alike. CANYON RANCH HEALTH RESORT 8600 E. Rockcliff Road (520) 749-9000, (800) 742-9000 www.canyonranch.com Canyon Ranch Health Resort has built a worldwide reputation for its focus on deluxe accommodations, fitness, nutrition and gourmet food. The Canyon Ranch experience includes a well-balanced program of sports activities, counseling and beauty treatments. Reservations are necessary. COYOTE MOON HEALTH RESORT & SPA 7501 N. Wade Road, (877) 784-7430 or (520) 744-2355 www.coyotemoonresort.com/ Billing itself as the first health resort and spa serving the gay and lesbian community, Coyote Moon offers fitness activities, holistic health education, daily lectures, entertainment and a host of outdoor activities to guests at the 30-acre former dude ranch in the Tucson Mountains. ESPLENDOR RESORT AT RIO RICO 1069 Camino Caralampi, Rio Rico, (800) 288-4746 or (520) 281-7132 esplendor-resort.com Located 45 minutes south of Tucson just off of I-19, the Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico wraps its guests in the unique heritage and history of Southern Arizona. Offering rooms and decor crafted to match styles and techniques from the region's past, Esplendor also provides ample opportunities for a round of golf, a game of tennis, or a day trip across the nearby Mexican border. HACIENDA DEL SOL GUEST RANCH RESORT 5601 N. Hacienda Del Sol, (800) 728-6514 or (520) 299-1501 www.haciendadelsol.com Clark Gable often stayed at the Hacienda Del Sol when he visited Tucson, as did numerous other celebrities. The wonderful old Hacienda features a historic courtyard, 30 well-appointed rooms, some of the best views in the foothills and gourmet food. The pool and spa facilities are outstanding. THE GALLERY AT DOVE MOUNTAIN 13900 N. Dove Mountain Boulevard, Marana, (888) 946-2555 or (520) 572-8000 www.gallerygolf.com Geared more towards the serious golfer than the average resort guest, The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain offers no more than what's necessary: six well-appointed cottages within a gated enclave overlooking the North Course's legendary 9th Hole. After a day on the greens, the Gallery Clubhouse offers some of the finest cuisine in town. THE INN AT SAN IGNACIO 1861 W. Demetrie Loop, Green Valley, (520) 393-5700 www.innatsanignacio.com South of Tucson, the Inn at San Ignacio offers access to a dozen golf clubs and country clubs. There's also swimming, dining, birdwatching, and the nearby shops and attractions of Green Valley. THE LODGE AT VENTANA CANYON 6200 N. Clubhouse Lane, (520) 577-1400 or (800) 828-5701 www.grandbay.com/properties/lodge/ Thirty-six holes of championship golf, 12 tennis courts and the spa are some of the main attractions of the Lodge at Ventana Canyon. There are 50 guest suites featuring complete kitchens. The restaurant gets consistent high marks from visitors. LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORT 7000 N. Resort Drive, (520) 299-2020 or (800) 234-5117 www.arizonaguide.com/loews-ventana/ Three restaurants, two golf courses, pool, spa and hiking trail offer an exceptional vacation experience for any visitor. There are 398 guest suites at the facility. MIRAVAL 5000 E. Via Estancia Miraval, (520) 825-4000 or (800) 232-3969 www.miravalresort.com/ Miraval is an all-inclusive resort, nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, 30 miles north of Tucson. It offers more than 135 acres of secluded desert. Miraval can accommodate more than 200 guests in its casually elegant casita-style suites and rooms. The resort has gourmet dining, and three swimming pool areas including a tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls as well as an accupressure stone walk and whirlpool. OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL GOLF RESORT AND SPA 2727 W. Club Drive (520) 297-2271, (800) 528-4856 www.tucsonnational.com Championship golf and a European health facility are popular with visitors at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa. There are 167 rooms in addition to banquet and meeting facilities. SHERATON EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT 10000 N. Oracle Road (520) 544-5000, (800) 325-7832. www.sheratonelconquistador.com Golf, swimming and horseback riding are three of the attractions of the Sheraton El Conquistador Resort. Add five restaurants, 428 spacious rooms and tennis, and you have the perfect vacation setting. STARR PASS GOLF SUITES 3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. (520) 670-0500, (800) 503-2898 www.starrpasstucson.com An 18-hole championship golf course at Starr Pass Golf Suites is one of the best in the area. There are one and two bedroom casitas near the greens, nearby hiking and biking trails, a fitness center, and more. Downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona are just minutes away. STARR PASS MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., (520) 792-3500 www.starrpassmarriott.com The first new resort to arrive in Tucson in 18 years, the Starr Pass Marriott is also among the area's largest and toniest. 575 guest rooms, 35 deluxe suites, a 20,000 square-foot spa, several restaurants, 27 holes of Arnold Palmer signature golf, and nearby hiking, biking and horseback riding are part of the experience in the rugged Tucson Mountains west of downtown Tucson. TANQUE VERDE GUEST RANCH 14301 E. Speedway (800) 234-DUDE or (520) 296-6275 www.tvgr.com/ The Tanque Verde Guest Ranch is a dude ranch with a delicious twist: gourmet food. This Four-Star accommodation is luxury without sacrificing a taste of the old west. Tennis courts, swimming pools, nature programs and a spa complete the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch experience. TUBAC GOLF RESORT P.O. Box 1297, Tubac, (800) 848-7893 or (520) 398-2211 www.tubacgolfresort.com As of this publication, the venerable Tubac Golf Resort was undergoing a major overhaul. The first stage of renovations, slated to end early in 2005, includes a redesigned golf course, a reinvented Stables Restaurant and Bar, a new conference center encompassing a total of 7,000 square feet, and 23 new casitas for a total of 125 guest rooms. THE WESTIN LA PALOMA 3800 E. Sunrise Drive (520) 742-6000, (800) 937-8461 www.arizonaguide.com/lapaloma/ Jack Nicklas designed the 27-hole golf course at the Westin La Paloma and it has some of the best views and biggest challenges of any greens in the city. There are three pools including a swim-up bar, tennis courts and a health center. There are 487 rooms at the facility. WESTWARD LOOK RESORT 245 E. Ina Road (520) 297-1151, (800) 722-2500 www.coastalhotel.com/arizona/tucson/westward_resort.html There are two restaurants, 244 rooms, three pools, tennis courts and a health spa, all nestled on 80 acres of beautiful desert terrain. It is an outstanding mix of luxury and Southwestern ambiance.