Sure, the Valley is brimming with impeccable dining and endless spa day opportunities. But sometimes you want to get out of your zip code in order to treat yourself. Less than two hours south of the Valley is JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, a beloved resort that you may already be familiar with because of its glorious golf--but it also happens to be the home of a destination-worthy spa and, of all things, a legendary soup.
In the Name of Self-Care
Though the resort’s Arnold Palmer-designed desert golf courses and multi-level pool and lazy river have made it a favorite of locals who are craving a close-but-not-too-close getaway, heading to Hashani Spa might be our favorite way to spend the afternoon at Starr Pass Resort. Even the trek to the spa will make you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem, as you cross a small bridge (leave enough time to take in the gorgeous views!) from the main resort building to reach it. Once there, Hashani Spa has a variety of ways to unwind pre-treatment, including soaking up some sun aside the private spa pool. Had enough vitamin D for the day? There are colored pencils and coloring books to ease your mind and explore your artisitc spirit in the cozy lounge.
While relaxation is surely a byproduct of any successful spa treatment, the amazing rituals at Hashani Spa intend to heal as well. Though all the usual suspects are available, from facials to mud wraps to couples massage, the Petals & Leaves Ritual is 100 minutes of absolute bliss. A perfect remedy for dry desert skin, the ritual starts with a thorough exfoliation followed by a warmed Sedona mud mask. While cocooned, you’re not only treated to an amazing foot rub but also a hot oil scalp treatment that alleviates a new stress with each passing moment—not to mention tension build-up in the neck and shoulder area. To end, a shea butter massage. From baby butt-soft skin to melty muscles to the alleviation of mental clutter, you'll walk—or float, rather—out of the treatment a new person.
If you're on a self-care roll, check out the hike at 6:30 a.m. each morning. The hike is guided and easy peasy for all fitness levels, but a wonderful way to get in tune with nature and yourself.
Souper Star
Usually, only an epic burger or a killer slice of pizza are worth a journey past your tried-and-true neighborhood favorites. That is until you have sunk a spoon in Signature Grill’s famed pozole. The stew, with pork, chilies, hominy and traditional accompaniments, like lime and onion, has quite the reputation. It is easy to taste why. It is rich and meaty, like a warm hug in a bowl and just the thing to round out a chilly day. We’re told people pop in time and time again just for a cup of pozole; it is so in-demand that Signature Grill even serves the delish dinner staple at breakfast alongside pancakes and oatmeal.
The star stew isn’t the only tastiness the resort has going for it. The plate of seared scallops with cilantro rice, prickly pear gastrique and micro salad is as delicious as it is beautiful, and the BBQ sweet potato fries prove to be an addictive side. To drink, the sunset-hued Red Sands Margarita, with Maestro Dobel, hibiscus tea, lime, agave, elderflower and Tajin, offers just enough of a spin on the classic.
Speaking of tequila, you’ll notice it has quite the presence at Starr Pass. Come 5:30 p.m. every night, resort guests are invited to the Tequila Toast on the Salud patio. Meaning, guests get to enjoy a complimentary shot of tequila (there’s a new variety each night) while savoring the sunset, the firepits and, hopefully, some new friends who are also looking for a new way to treat themselves.
