Escape to Paradise: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we’re diving DEEP into the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Forget the polished brochures; let’s get REAL about what it's actually like to "Escape to Paradise." And believe me, I've got opinions… and a penchant for rambling, so bear with me. This is gonna be… something.
First Impressions (and the Luggage Saga):
Alright, so you're picturing yourself, fresh off the plane, sun-kissed and ready for relaxation, right? Well, let’s start with the REALITY. Getting there. It's a bit… out there. Airport transfer? Available, thank goodness. Because if you’re driving yourself, well, good luck. My GPS tried to send me through a… field. Twice. The hotel is nestled in the Arizona desert, which is stunning, don't get me wrong, but it’s also a decent drive from Tucson. Side note: The drive is beautiful, absolutely. Rugged mountains, huge sky, the whole shebang. Just make sure you have music. Lots and lots of music.
Accessibility (and the Quest for the Accessible Room):
Okay, let's be brutally honest: If you're traveling with mobility issues, accessibility is HUGE. The website claims the resort is accessible. And… it is, mostly. They have elevators, facilities for disabled guests, and the promise of accessible rooms. BUT. Make sure you specifically confirm your needs well in advance and get everything in writing. I learned the hard way, and let's just say, there were some… minor hiccups getting into the right room. The staff was lovely, mind you, but things weren't quite as seamless as they should have been, which, in my opinion, is a bit of a vibe killer when you arrive! The rooms themselves? Mostly good. Big doors, grab bars, all that jazz. But the devil is in the details, and sometimes those details are not all there. Be prepared to double-check and advocate for yourself.
The Room Itself – My Sanctuary (Mostly):
Once (finally!) in the right room, ahhhhh. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and genuinely comfortable. The details I loved were the big, fluffy bathrobes (a must after a spa treatment!), the free bottled water and the coffee/tea maker (because, caffeine!), and the blackout curtains. Yes, those brilliant, glorious blackout curtains. Because when you're trying to escape the world (and maybe a few deadlines), you NEED to be able to sleep in. The internet, thankfully, was reliable. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Major win! They also have Internet [LAN], which always makes me feel like a spy (even though I am not!). The extra long bed was a definite plus, too. On-demand movies felt like a luxury I hadn't known I needed. My room had a window that opens, which I deeply appreciated, since a little fresh air is always nice when you're on-site event hosting.
The Spa… Oh, the Spa! (and the Body Scrub That Made Me Cry – in a Good Way):
Okay, this is where Tubac truly shines. The spa is… heavenly. I'm not usually a "spa person," but trust me, this place is a game-changer. The pool with a view is stunning, and the Sauna is blissful. I actually spent an entire afternoon bouncing between the steamroom and the swimming pool [outdoor].
But the body scrub… oh, the body scrub. I opted for the "Desert Bloom" experience, and it was transformative. It started with a gentle exfoliation, and the scent of the desert flowers sent me to a happy place. The therapist? An absolute angel. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and somehow managed to make me feel completely at ease. Then came the wrap portion where I felt like a warm hug. I’m absolutely doing that again! I felt… reborn. Seriously. I actually almost cried. Not because of pain, but because of the sheer… bliss. Side note: Make sure you book your spa appointments early. They fill up fast!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – From Buffet Battles to Poolside Bliss:
The resort offers a decent range of dining options. There’s a Restaurant with International cuisine and Western cuisine. The breakfast [buffet] is… well, it's a buffet. It's adequate. The coffee/tea in restaurant is, thankfully, plentiful. But let’s be honest, buffets are a gamble. Sometimes you win (delicious pastries!), sometimes you lose (soggy scrambled eggs). But I did appreciate the breakfast takeaway service when I was running a bit late one morning.
The real winner? The Poolside bar. Seriously, grab a cocktail, a salad in restaurant, and a lounge chair. That's the life. The happy hour is a must-do. The Snack bar is convenient and the Bottle of water is always a great addition. Also, the coffee shop has some great treats, and the desserts in restaurant are seriously good.
The Restaurants:
- Stables Grill: Casual dining with views of the golf course. Great for lunch or a casual dinner.
- Jack Nicklaus Grill: More upscale dining with a fine dining experience.
- Poolside Bar: Where you'll find me. Cocktails, anyone?
Things to Do Beyond the Spa (and My Terrible Golf Game):
Okay, so I’m not a golfer. At all. But the Tubac Golf Resort is amazing for golfers, obviously. The course is gorgeous, and it seems to be on every golf aficionado's bucket list. Even if golf isn’t your thing, the surroundings are beautiful. The swimming pool is a great option, particularly if you like the Pool with a view. And if you're feeling active, there's a Fitness center (I peeked in… it looked… intense). There are also things to do around the area such as the old Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, art galleries, and, for the more adventurous… hiking! But if that's not your thing, the resort itself provides enough entertainment.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff):
Let's talk COVID, because, you know, it's still a thing. Tubac Golf Resort seems to take cleanliness seriously. I observed Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and the Staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely committed to following them. Rooms sanitized between stays is essential. Daily disinfection in common areas is reassuring. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, while not always perfectly observed by guests, was encouraged. They offer Individually-wrapped food options, and I did appreciate the safe dining setup. Cashless payment service is a nice touch. They even offer Anti-viral cleaning products. The Room sanitization opt-out available option made me a little nervous. BUT overall, I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty Gritty):
Tubac Golf Resort has quite a few amenities. They have Air conditioning in public area, which, in the Arizona heat, is a lifesaver. There’s Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service which is great. You can also get a Concierge, Cash withdrawal, and Currency exchange. On-site event hosting is available and the Gift/souvenir shop is perfect for picking up a little something for yourself, even though its a bit of a tourist trap. The Car park [free of charge] is a definite plus. Safety deposit boxes are also available, and while I didn’t need any, the Front desk [24-hour] means you can always get assistance.
For the Kids (I Don't Have Any, But I Saw Some!):
The resort is Family/child friendly, but Babysitting service is available. They also have Kids facilities and I did see some happy children enjoying themselves. However, it's not a "kid-centric" resort.
Getting Around (The Car Game and the Taxi Option):
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking is included, a definite bonus.
- Airport transfer: Book in advance!
- Taxi service: Available, but be prepared for potentially long wait times if you don't book.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
Look, no place is perfect. And Tubac Golf Resort has its quirks. The service, while generally good, can be a little… slow. There were times when I was left waiting, which, if you're trying to relax, can be a bit of a drag. Some things are not always readily available, and be sure to ask a lot of questions.
But honestly? I’m willing to overlook a few minor imperfections. Because the overall experience? Worth it. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect, unwind, and recharge. It's not perfect, and the accessibility could be improved
Escape to Paradise: Super 8 Delmont (PA) - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a vibe, a journey, a potential train wreck of good intentions and sunburn in Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Arizona. Let's see if we can survive this… with a little bit of grace (fingers crossed).
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and the Crushing Reality of Jet Lag
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Tucson Airport (TUS). The air conditioning is a glorious, icy hug after the flight. Grab the rental car – a surprisingly sensible sedan, considering my usual preference for something with a bit more… personality. The person at the rental desk gave me a concerned look when I asked about off-roading possibilities around Tubac. I probably over-googled.
- 11:30 AM: Drive to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The drive is pretty! Cactuses everywhere! I’m instantly imagining myself as some kind of desert bohemian queen. Probably need a wide-brimmed hat. The drive is smooth until… OH MY GOD, IS THAT A SPEED BUMP? My lower back is already screaming.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is gorgeous. I’m immediately overwhelmed with the lack of dust bunnies. The staff is ridiculously friendly, and I feel a teensy bit guilty for being so… underprepared. Where's my "effortless desert chic" vibe? More like "slightly bewildered tourist."
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Stables Grill. Ordered a club sandwich because, well, it seemed safe. The patio is shaded, the birds are chirping, and the view? Magnificent. Feeling a sudden surge of optimism. This is it! The perfect relaxing getaway! … Wait, is that a fly landing on my sandwich? Okay, maybe not perfect.
- 2:30 PM: Attempt at Relaxation (And a Near-Disaster). I've decided I'm a spa person now! Head to the spa for a massage. The masseuse is lovely, but I can't stop thinking about the impending doom of a speed bump.
- Rambling Thought: They say a massage is supposed to melt away stress. Lies. Absolute lies. It just makes you more aware of all the aches and pains you'd been ignoring. Also, the whole "undressing-in-front-of-a-stranger" thing? Still not entirely comfortable. But the massage itself was divine.
- 4:00 PM: Nap. This is crucial. Jet lag + the weird existential dread that came with the speed bump has officially knocked me out. Woke up in a panic at 5:00.
- 5:00 PM: Stumble outside for a quick stroll. Tried to find a place to get a margarita and was directed to a pool bar.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at La Cantina at the Resort. The food is decent. The margaritas, even better. The service is a tad slow. I'm officially calling it a night after one of the waitresses accidentally bumped into me.
Day 2: The Pursuit of Golf, and the Bitter Taste of Defeat (and Maybe a Little Fun)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the resort. Overlooked the fact that breakfast isn't included.
- 9:00 AM: Golfing. I am a terrible golfer. Like, embarrassingly bad. Signed up for a lesson (because, you know, "self-improvement"). The instructor, a kind-faced man named Bob, clearly saw the terror in my eyes. He patiently attempted to explain the intricacies of a golf swing, but mostly I spent the morning flailing and occasionally whacking the ball in a vaguely forward direction. I also managed to hit a tree. It’s okay, though. The tree seems to have survived… this time. The worst part is that the course itself is gorgeous, and I was too busy being terrible to actually enjoy it.
- Quirky Observation: I now understand why golfers wear those ridiculous hats. You need something to distract from the sheer humiliation.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Golf Clubhouse. The burgers, despite the morning’s trauma, were a perfect combination of greasy and delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Wander the village of Tubac. Cute shops! Art galleries! I almost bought a turquoise ring (because, you know, desert bohemian queen). Decided to hold off.
- Emotional Reaction: I think I want to move here. It's charming and slow-paced. It has the air of an old western. I can definitely be a desert bohemian queen, now.
- 3:00 PM: Relax by the pool. Swear I've heard someone say the phrase "cocktail" every 5 seconds. Ordered a cocktail. It's delicious.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Elvira's. This place is hyped, and I’m not sure if it's worth the hype. But I'm also open-minded. The food is fancy, even if it's not my favorite.
Day 3: Exploring the Great Outdoors (And Probably Getting Sunburnt)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast - I decided to take a risk and try the biscuits. I'm happy to say they were excellent.
- 10:00 AM: Hiking. I've planned a hike in a place called Tumacacori National Historical Park. I really want to go. The trail is supposedly moderate, which means… well, who even knows. Packing ridiculous quantities of water and sunscreen.
- Messier Structure: Hike: Okay, so the hike was beautiful. The desert landscape is stunning. But I underestimated the sun. And the trail was a little more challenging than "moderate." I might have whimpered a few times. Also, ran into a rattlesnake. That part wasn't fun. Almost fell.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I will never again underestimate the power of the desert sun!
- 1:00 PM: Post-hike lunch in Tubac. Found a charming little cafe and devoured a giant salad and an iced tea. The salad felt like a life-giving elixir.
- 2:30 PM: Spa again! This is becoming a pattern.
- 6:00 PM: Trying a Mexican restaurant in Tubac. So many good restaurants. I'm going to get a margarita!
Day 4: Farewell, Tubac (And a Promise to Return… Eventually)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the resort. One last look at where the sun is.
- 10:00 AM: Last look around.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of the resort.
- 11:30 AM: Drive back to Tucson Airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home.
- Opinionated Language: I’m leaving Tubac feeling relaxed, sunburnt, and slightly poorer. But also… happy. It’s a weird place, full of quirky charm and unexpected challenges. I'll be back!
- 2:00 PM: Contemplating the speed bump and speed bumps of life.
- 2:30 PM: Maybe I'll buy a cowboy hat.
This, my friends, is the honest truth about a trip to Tubac. It's messy, chaotic, and probably not what you'd expect. But it's also… real. And that's what makes it worth it. You learn, you grow, you maybe learn to hit a golf ball, maybe you don't. That's life, baby! Now, get out there and travel! (And don't forget the sunscreen.)
Accra Beach Hotel: Barbados' Paradise Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa - You Had Me at "Spa" (and Maybe the Tequila)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Tubac Golf Resort & Spa *really* as dreamy as it looks in the photos?
The Golf – Because, you know, it's *in the name*. Is it any good? I'm, shall we say, "recreational".
Let's talk about the Spa! Because, seriously, that's where I'm *really* sold... what's the deal?
Food! Important question. What's the grub situation like? Are we talking stale buffet, or something more… substantial?
What about the rooms? Are they comfy? (I’m a princess, mostly).
Anything else to do besides golf, spa, and eat myself into a happy coma?
Any downsides? Be honest. I need to know the *real* scoop.
