Jun 4 2007
Relaxing with Children (or Despite Children?)We all know that a family vacation doesn’t necessarily lead to relaxation for the adults. But Starr Pass has that under control too. You can relax and know that your children will have a great time. Starr Pass has some great amenities for children:
- Rising Starr Kids Club for ages 4 – 12 offers fun-filled activities for a half or full day.
- Right off the pool is an arcade
- Pool time is fun time for families. Older kids can swim or play in the water. Little ones can amuse themselves in the shallow fountain pool.
- Entertainment – watch for announcements. The weekend we were there a championship cowboy roper entertained us.
- Kid friendly Plunge Restaurant – just off the pool, enjoy outdoor dining with your kids. Cheeseburger anyone?
- Hiking – Take your kids on a nature hike through the Starr Pass property.
- A short drive away, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson movie set.
Hashani Day Spa
What a way to work on your goal of relaxation and rejuvenation! Take a Yoga class or have a relaxing massage. The on-site full service spa offers facials, massage therapies, fitness classes, manicures and hair care, make-up artistry and a private outdoor pool.
Golf
The newly redesigned Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club, a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility, offers stunning views of Tucson and surrounding Arizona mountain ranges. The courses are in natural settings which makes playing the courses fun and challenging. During our stay, a notice in the room let us know that if we had no clubs or golf shoes with us, we could still try our hand at a round of golf. This resort has thought of everything!
If you don’t play golf you can still enjoy the beauty of the course, either from your balcony or during a stroll of the grounds.
Dining
The resort has several choices for dining including the world class Primo Restaurant headed up by James Beard Award-winning Chef Melissa Kelly. The fresh, flavorful and creative cuisine is inspired by the cuisine of Italy, Spain and France. The more casual Signature Grill also offers excellent food and views of Tucson. Poolside, head for Plunge for salads, burgers and beverages.
We especially enjoyed Primo, a top notch restaurant with a casual elegant feel. Since you are getting relaxed, you don’t have to worry about a coat and tie at Primo. Stay relaxed and select a special wine from their list. If you want a fun communal dining experience, try Primo Piatti, just inside Primo Restaurant. The menu offers small tastes of Primo cuisine, eclectic array of salads, and true Italian pizzas. Those dining independently will enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Primo Piatti features a communal table, the perfect gathering place for friends and family.
Recommendation
Starr Pass Resort is high on our list as an ideal place to jump-start your transition from a hectic, stressed life to one of health and balance. Wrap yourself in luxury for a week or a week-end and soak in the natural beauty of the desert mountain landscape. The staff is tops in customer service – from your initial welcome to the daily service, it’s the little things that add up. At the pool staff will bring you ice water throughout the day, when you check in or out, you will be assisted with your luggage, and dining will be as leisurely as you want it.
There are little surprises at Starr Pass. On the spacious outdoor patio, just at sunset, the immense glass doors in front of Salud, the Tequila Bar, are opened and staff leads guests in a complimentary Tequila Toast. After the toast, consider heading for Primo Restaurant, for the best Mediterranian cuisine you have probably experienced. Watch the chefs prepare your meal in their state of the art exhibition kitchen.
If you are having trouble selecting a package deal for the season, I would highly suggest Marriott's Primo Package which, at this writing (June 2007) offered a deluxe room for two, a three-course dinner at Primo followed by a full breakfast in Signature Grill.
Don't forget to allow plenty of time to enjoy lounging by the pool. There are trees, umbrellas and cabanas for shade. Wait staff deliver drinks, appetizers and sandwiches to you at poolside.
Indulge in the luxuries of Starr Pass Resort, allow yourself to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Saguaro studded desert from this perch high above the city. We could not have asked for a better weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the hot Arizona valley.
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.
