Hit The Links at This Upscale Desert Retreat, Which Features Sparkling Pools, Restaurants and a World-Class Spa
With gorgeous weather and over 300 courses, it’s no secret Arizona is a revered destination for golfers and leisurists. One of the best stay-and-play experiences in the Grand Canyon State is at Omni Tucson National Resort. Set in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this golf-lovers retreat is built around two distinct PGA golf courses. But with tennis and pickleball courts, a zero-edge pool and private cabanas, teeing off isn’t the only standout here. Adding to the appeal, Omni Tucson National offers newly renovated spaces including a brand new lobby bar, elevated guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa and salon, plus five onsite restaurants.
Check-in to a Hacienda Suite
Inspiration for the new-look accommodations at Omni Tucson National Resort was drawn from its natural surroundings. 99 spacious guest rooms and 51 residential-style suites balance bright white walls and muted earth tones with contemporary aesthetics. Traditional elements like wood-beamed ceilings and textile rugs tastefully connect to the desert landscape. If waking up to golf-course views sounds appealing, check into a Hacienda Suite. Located on the resort’s lower campus and within driving range of the greens with your golf cart, they’re ideal for couples or solo travelers (but can sleep up to six!). Haciendas feature a large primary bedroom, walk-in closets and access to an outdoor patio. Anchored by a fireplace and wall-mounted TV, the separate living area and kitchenette lends itself well to more extended stays. Amenities include a full-size refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee machine and four-seater dinette.
Tee off on PGA Courses
The golf courses at Omni Tucson National Resort are renowned for their challenging yet picturesque layouts and attract golfers from around the world. Designed by Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin and considered one of Golf Digest’s 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America, the Catalina Course has hosted over 30 prestigious PGA Tour events. Thanks to its strategic bunkering, it provides a true skill test for golfers of all levels. Its 18th hole is considered one of the finest and most challenging finishing holes on the tour.
A more player-friendly option is the Tom Lehman-designed Sonoran Course, whose traditional desert-style layout offers wide landing areas and large greens backdropped by views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Instructors are on hand to help guests improve their game and oversee programs and clinics, but it’s also possible to book a private lesson with the PGA Director of Golfer Development. Come see for yourself why Omni Tucson National Resort’s greens are deemed some of the best golf courses in Arizona!
Refuel at Different Restaurants
As part of the resort’s property-wide renovation, unique and reimagined restaurant concepts have created even more dining options. Whether it’s grab-and-go coffees and pastries at the Terra Cotta Café, Tucson breakfast classics like waffles with jalapeño at the Desert Farmer or light bites poolside at Sweet Water Terrace, there’s plenty of culinary experiences to enjoy.
Paying homage to the greats of golf history, upgraded 19th-hole experience Legends Bar & Grill is an excellent spot to post up for a beer to dissect that day’s game. On the other hand, The Peak lobby bar and lounge is a dazzling space to linger over small shareable plates or a garden-to-glass cocktail before dinner. For that dinner, make reservations at long-standing local favorite Bob’s Steak & Chop House, the resort’s high-end destination restaurant. Try the jumbo shrimp cocktail, chophouse salad and prime cuts, like the dry-aged pork Tomahawk served with housemade apple sauce.
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Soothe Sore Muscles at The Spa
Golf can take a toll on the body, so a little post-round aftercare is essential. Unveiled in late 2022, organic and earthy Mokara Salon & Spa has a dozen treatment rooms, including one for couples. It also offers a full menu of services from massages and facials to nail care. Body treatments, best suited to soothing tired muscles, include the hot stone massage, which promises to melt away soreness using Swedish techniques—although the optional CBD massage oil enhancement should help with that too. Another option is the seasonal Spring Renewal ritual that begins with a full-body exfoliation followed by a hot oil scalp treatment and neck massage after being wrapped in a hydrating shea butter cocoon. On the other hand, the fitness center is great for a sweat. But what truly make the spa experience next-level is the relaxation areas, dry sauna and Vichy shower.
Plan on a Little Pool Time
One of the best places to beat the Sonoran Desert heat is poolside, and Omni Tucson National Resort has two lovely pools to relax beside, making it one of the best Tucson resorts. Both open at 5 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., with the Catalina Pool (at the Catalina Activities Center) best for swimming early morning laps before snagging a lounger to catch a few rays on the tanning deck.
Located near the Mountain Vista guest rooms, the zero-edge Sweetwater Pool is where you can post up all day, thanks to its selection of private cabanas, which feature premium lounge chairs, flat-screen TVs, overhead fans, Wi-Fi and privacy curtains. All-day rental rates include bottled sunscreen and aloe vera, plus Acqua Panna water and chips with salsa. For a fun evening under the stars, seasonal Dive-in Movies are complimentary for resort guests. Shown every Friday and Saturday at dusk, these flicks are sure to add some fun to your Tucson getaway!
Sign Up For Unique Guest Experiences
Experiential travel is still trending, and this resort in Tucson provides guests with experiences worth traveling for that connect them more deeply with Tucson as a destination. With its giant saguaro cactus-dotted desert landscapes, the hiking and mountain-biking trails here are second to none (ask the concierge for a map). The local area is popular for bird-watching too, with over 500 bird species. And thanks to low light pollution, the dark skies mean abundant stargazing opportunities.
Back at this Tucson resort, guests can enjoy a wide variety of resort activities. From Wine Down Wednesdays at Legends to trivia nights and cocktail classes in The Peak, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. For oenophiles, the bar at Bob’s Steak & Chophouse is home to an impressive wine selection and holds educational classes monthly—the perfect way to round out your trip to this stunning Tucson resort!
Omni Tucson National Resort
2727 W Club Dr
Tucson, AZ 85742
520.297.2271
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
