Winter is here, which means you might already be thinking about how you can escape to warmer climes. Lugos Travel recently visited Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and we were wow-ed by the variety of activities available as well as the luxurious surroundings this truly unique property offers.
Our visit was an epic women’s weekend, co-arranged with Nitoris Vox, our partner for women’s fashion and group travel. With its sizable lodging options, spa experiences, incredible food, and endless availability of things to do (or not do) during the day, Tanque Verde Ranch is an ideal spot for a getaway with the gals. It also makes for a romantic trip for two, or a memorable family adventure.
No matter who you’re traveling with, your luxe and stress-free winter getaway at Tanque Verde Ranch, crafted by Lugos Travel, will include:
Luxurious Accommodations with Local Touches and Expansive Views
Lodging options at Tanque Verde Ranch range from well-appointed rooms (“salas” on the property’s website, Spanish for “room”) to sprawling haciendas. Many feature a traditional adobe fireplace, and regional touches including Western decoration and stucco walls.
The Ranch sits on an expansive area of the Sonoran Desert, and lodging is spread out over this landscape. All options offer spectacular views of the mountains and desert flora, including the majestic Saguaro cacti – the largest in the U.S. They are a protected (via the Native Plant Protection Act) and iconic feature of the region.
Picture Perfect Sweater Weather
While this corner of the Southwest U.S.A. is usually warmer than the rest of the country in the winter, it can still get cool in the evenings and early mornings. It’s not unusual for a winter day on the Ranch to start with a sweater at breakfast, lead into lunch lounging by the pool, and end with a night under a blanket around the campfire. We think this mild winter makes for the perfect combination of warm and cool weather activities.
Average highs in Tucson from December to March range from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. And with the sun shining an average of 80%+ of the time, you’ll have ample opportunity to bask in the midday warmth. Pack accordingly!
A Foodie Paradise
Cuisine at Tanque Verde is locally-inspired, always gourmet, and is served in generous portions, fit for a ranch hand! Executive chef Janet Jones prepares Southwest cuisine to enjoy in the authentic dude ranch dining room surroundings. On Wednesday and Saturday, the team at Tanque Verde hosts a “Cowboy Cookout,” with BBQ’d meat and all the fixings served al fresco.
Another dining option is to book a Chef’s Table experience, and enjoy a 5-star culinary adventure, personalized for you by Ms. Jones and her extraordinary team.
Activities Galore
If you’re looking for a restful getaway, Tanque Verde is an ideal spot for simply enjoying being in nature and basking in the sunlight. If, on the other hand, you like to fill your vacation days with activities, the Ranch delivers on that as well.
Here are just some of the activities/excursions available to you at Tanque Verde Ranch:
- Desert hikes
- Horseback riding
- Jeep adventures
- Archery
- Yoga
- Sunrise and sunset rides
- Horse riding lessons
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Excursions into Tucson for shopping/exploring
The Ranch also does an excellent job keeping kids entertained, including a daily kids day camp, offered for 7-12 year olds. Mom and dad will gain hours of their own to fill with a preferred vacation pastime!
Exploring Tucson
When you stay at Tanque Verde Ranch, you’ll feel like you’re truly away from it all, living the dude ranch life. Meanwhile, bustling downtown Tucson is only a short drive west from the resort.
Start at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where you can explore the extraordinary plants, animals, and minerals that inhabit the Southwest. Next, head to the boutiques to shop for local art, clothes, and jewelry. At night, try your luck at one of the four casinos in the area, or head out to the excellent local dining scene, featuring some of the best Mexican and Indigenous food in the country.
A Luxury Spa with Indoor Pool
After riding in the saddle all day, you might like to relax at La Sonora Spa, which offers body treatments, massages, and facials. Lounge in the spa’s indoor pool or jacuzzi as you admire the desert scenery out of their large, made-for-sightseeing windows.
S’mores!
One of your most memorable moments at Tanque Verde Ranch will be when the resort’s staff prepares a huge, private bonfire for you and your traveling party. In addition to keeping you warm on those cool desert nights, the fire is the centerpiece of a next-level s’mores feast!
It’s the perfect way to spark conversation and connection at the start of a group trip, or to delight the kids on day one.
How to Book Your Stay at Tanque Verde Ranch
When you book your getaway to Tanque Verde Ranch Lugos Travel, you’ll benefit from the personal relationship we have with this exclusive property. Our travel team will arrange your itinerary down to the last detail to ensure your winter Southwest getaway is extraordinary and stress-free.
Contact us here to get started.
