Westward Look Resort and Spa - Tucson, Arizona

245 E. Ina Rd.,Tucson, AZ 85704
Phone: 800-722-2500,520-297-1151
Map Directions to the Resort.
Westward Look Resort, set in the beautiful foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, has 244 spacious Southwestern-style guest rooms. Taking advantage of the natural scenery and mature gardens, each room features a private patio or balcony. The rooms and suites are found off winding paths spread throughout the 80 acre property. Pools, restauants, stables, a spa, children's program and a myriad of surprising activities such as amateur astronomy and after-dinner hikes with night vision goggles makes Westward Look ideal for a family vacation, conference or weekend get-a-way.
Just after Arizona became a state, William Watson and his wife Maria bought 172 acres of homestead land out in the beautiful Sonoran desert. Eventually the owners developed 15 guest cottages and turned the beautiful property into Tucson's first resort. The ranch drew movie stars, artists and writers during the 1940's and '50's. Today's Westward Look Resort has one foot in the traditional desert history of the property and the other in forward thinking amenities which make this Tucson resort a destination for the spa-lover, young family and those expecting all the comforts of modern life.
There is always plenty to do both at the resort and surrounding area.

• 3 swimming pools (one is for laps only)
• Tennis courts
• Horseback riding
• Interpretive nature trails
• Four specialty gardens for wandering and peaceful reflection
• 240 plant species for the budding scientist to find
• Tinaja Desert Gallery
• Night sky sight-seeing through a high-powered telescope
• Summer monsoon watching
• Fine dining
• Dancing and music

The decor at Westward look incorporates the natural beauty of the Southwest with touches of old Mexico. Crisp sheets and comforters adorn the comfortable beds. Rooms are spacious and include well-coordinated and useful furniture. I loved the skylight in the bathroom and enjoyed the deck overlooking the lush landscaping. In the future, it would be great if all rooms had refrigerators and microwaves.
Many come to Westward Look specifically for the excellent culinary offerings of Executive Chef Jamie West. With an emphasis on healthy, fresh and organic foods, the staff creates savory entrees and unusual appetizers. Add a Margarita or a wine from the extensive wine list, and you have the makings of a great evening overlooking the resort and mountains. Watch for special events such as the resort's amazing wine dinners.
Rates vary according to season. Fantastic special packages are offered via the Westward Look website. Family packages in the summer are an excellent bargain. Pets allowed. Possible deposit. (please inquire)

• Comfortable beds with crisp white sheets and comforters
• Bathrooms with skylights and Mexican tile
• Views of the mountains, pools or sparkling city lights.
• Free High-speed Internet
• Complimentary newspaper
• Minibar, coffee/tea maker
• Bathrobes, hair dryer, and spa toiletries.
• Cable television and movies
• Air conditioning
• Free parking convenient to your room.
  Sonoran Spa:
  
  The Sonoran Spa is an on-site full service spa with facials, skin care, massage therapies, yoga classes, manicures and pedicures all with a look to the healing qualities found in nature.
  Recommendation:
  
  If you love the natural beauty of the Sonoran desert and are thrilled at the sight of sunset reflecting on the Santa Catalina Mountains, Westward Look is for you.
  
  Rooms are comfortable and large. Bring the beautifully landscaped grounds and mountain views right into your room through large sliding glass doors opening to a patio or balcony.
  
  Special Surprises at Westward Look
  • The ultimate romantic reatreat - a "Stargazer Spa Room" features private outdoor hot tubs in an enclosed courtyard.
  • Poolside entertainment - the weekend we were there we happened upon steel drums, children's face painting, and a chef grilling sausages.
  • The Chef's Garden - accessible from a gate near the lower pool, is an amazing place full of a variety of vegetables and teeming with birds. See if any of the fruits and vegetables show up on your plate at dinner.
  • Children's Summer Camp Program - Kids could be seen spending time in the pool and, later, following the camp staff on a guided nature hike.
  • Relive History - We stepped off the lobby to find an entrance to the original historic ranch home, marveling at the black and white photos of days gone by. Upstairs, along a narrow hallway we discovered the original "Coca Cola Santa Drawings." The resort proudly proclaims that Santa was created in the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert. Artist-in-residence Haddon Sundblom wintered at the resort and created more than 40 Santa Claus paintings for Coca-Cola commercials.
  • Fine Dining - The resort is proud to present culinary specialties under the guidance of Tucson native Chef Jamie West. Chef Jamie is known for his expertise with organic foods and his ability to create a memorable dining experience. The resort is known for the fine dining experience at The Gold Room and the fun and relaxed setting of the Lookout Bar and Grille.
  • Gardens Galore - Kudos go to the Westward Look's gardening staff. You will find Lush gardens and beautiful cactus specimens throughout the resort.
  The Westward Look Resort is ideal for people who are looking for a stay in a beautiful desert environment. Whether you just want to be pampered or are looking for a week of activities, Westward Look can provide you with a memorable stay.
  
  As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accomodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.