Arrival & Day One
Golf, Dining, and Desert Fun
Life’s a balancing act—family, career, kids, and even coaching youth basketball. Every now and then, though, you need to step back, take a breath, and treat yourself. This trip was my chance to do just that: a little time to recharge and a lot of time to savor the finer things in life. Arizona, with its mix of serene landscapes and vibrant energy, offered the perfect setting.
- Mike Osgood Vice President of Alliance Partnerships
for Preferred Travel Group
The escape began with a direct flight from Palm Springs International to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor where I picked up a BMW X5 rental car from SIXT. It was an indulgent upgrade that made the drive to Tucson feel even more special. The road stretched out in front of me, flanked by endless desert views that seemed to clear my head with every mile.
Arriving at Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge felt like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the property strikes the perfect balance between refined luxury and natural beauty.
Dinner that night set the tone for the rest of my visit. The Ventana Bar and Grill welcomed me with twinkling string lights, fire pits crackling in the cool evening air, and mountain views that seemed to glow in the fading light. The food was as inviting as the atmosphere—simple yet elevated.
The author taking a bunker shot at Ventana Canyon's Mountain Course
Experience Arizona
Sponsored by
June 2025 (Volume 28)
The day started bright and early with a round at Ventana Canyon’s Mountain Course. As a 12-handicap golfer, I was excited for the challenge of this Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece. Built into the mountains of the Sonoran Desert, the layout blends fun, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. It’s easy to forget your score when each shot feels like a postcard moment.
The par-3 3rd hole stole my heart—it was impossible to resist hitting a few extra shots just to watch the ball soar against the stunning mountain backdrop. My lone birdie of the day came on the 548-yard par-5 12th, a beautifully designed hole where strategically placed bunkers and trees tested my long game. Every hole here delivers an unforgettable experience.
Post-golf, it was time to explore Tucson’s legendary Mexican cuisine. I started with Carne Seca at Mi Nidito—a dish that lived up to its reputation—followed by El Molinito’s #1 Special, a platter that was as colorful and flavorful as the city itself. The margarita and chips at The Grill at Lodge of the Desert were the perfect way to wrap up a midday feast.
In the afternoon, I set out to clear my mind and take in some fresh air. A drive up Mount Lemmon took me to 9,000 feet of cool mountain breezes and breathtaking views. I stopped at scenic turnouts, explored a few
trails, and let the quiet reset my thoughts. On the way down, I made a quick stop at Beyond Bread for a coffee and pastry—small moments that felt like luxuries in their own right.
The evening’s dinner at Hacienda del Sol’s Grill was the kind of experience that stays with you. Watching the sunset paint the desert in hues of gold and rose while enjoying a perfectly cooked Pork Tomahawk and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon was a fitting end to a day that felt like a gift.
Day Two
The morning began with a quick coffee from Dutch Bros before an easy drive back to Phoenix. By midday, I was checking into The Global Ambassador, ready to trade solo reflections for a couples’ getaway.
The Global Ambassador is a destination, seamlessly blending modern luxury with Phoenix’s vibrant energy. My wife and I started the day with some shopping at a local outlet before heading to The Wigwam's signature Red Course. Playing from the championship tees, I scored a birdie on the par-5 4th, going for the green in two on its well-designed layout.
As I neared the end of my round, the 454-yard par-4 16th tested my momentum. A solid drive left me 170 yards out, but a misstep into the pot bunker beside the green resulted in a bogey. On this hole, though, even a par feels like a win.
For dinner, we headed to Thea, The Global Ambassador’s crown jewel rooftop restaurant. With 360-degree views of Phoenix and a menu that offered one delicious surprise after another, the evening felt like a celebration. We shared dishes like lamb chops, hummus (fittingly named the Goddess of All Dips), and roasted branzino. Dessert—a Lemon Olive Oil Cake paired with an Espresso Martini—was a sweet finish to a meal that lingered in all the best ways.
This Arizona getaway delivered everything I could have hoped for: world-class golf, extraordinary cuisine, and moments of pure relaxation. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, Tucson and Scottsdale have a way of making you feel like you’ve truly escaped. For me, this journey was a reminder that taking time for yourself isn’t just indulgent—it’s essential.
And sometimes, the best memories are made when you let yourself lean into the good life.
Day Three & Departure
View Hotels
Where To Stay in London
The natural beauty of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Sunset dining at Hacienda del Sol
A scenic vista of The Gold Course at The Wigwam
VIEW Hotels
VIEW Hotels
Where To Stay in Arizona
Chinatown
Little India
Embracing the Southwestern Spirit
The author at The Wigwam’s Red Course
Plan your visit today at
Katong – Joo Chiat
GetAwayToArizona.com
Endless desert views ... seemed to clear my head with every mile
Where To Stay
View All Issues
Life & Arts
Food & Drink
Experiences
Inspiration
Central & South America
Caribbean
Asia & Pacific
Europe
North America
Top Destinations
Destinations
Experiences
Food & Drink
Life & Arts
Inspiration
Top Destinations
North America
Europe
Asia & Pacific
Carribean
Central & South America
Destinations
Destinations
Inspiration
View All Issues
Where to Stay
More Inspiration
Viva Mexico
Embark upon an adventure in a country with a colorful culture and extraordinary attractions
Destination: Mexico
Read More
Read More
History is tightly woven into the Taiwanese capital, a place where you’re never far from ...
Taipei
72 Hours in ...
Read More
Allure of the Atlantic Coast
Journey along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard
Destinations
Read More
Mallorca
Relax in pretty Palma de
Mallorca
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
More Inspiration
read more
Viva MExico
Embark upon an adventure in a country with a colorful culture and extraordinary attractions
Destination: Mexico
read more
Bogotá
Usaquén in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá
In the Neighborhood
Travelers
Best Rate Guarantee
About Us
Philanthropy
Careers
Global Directory
American Destinations
International Destinations
Destinations
Partners & Press
Preferred Meetings & Events
Press Center
Travel Partners
Travel Professionals
Become a Member Hotel
Become an Alliance Partner
PreferredNet
Offers
Discover Offers
I Prefer Gift Cards
* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.
Copyright © 2025 Preferred Travel Group
SM
Download the App
#ThePreferredLife
Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation
1 (866) 990-9491
International Phone Lines
* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.
Copyright © 2025 Preferred Travel Group
SM
#ThePreferredLife
Partners & Press
Preferred Meetings & Events
Press Center
Travel Partners
Travel Professionals
Become a Member Hotel
Become an Alliance Partner
PreferredNet
Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation
Offers
Discover Offers
I Prefer Gift Cards
Global Directory
American Destinations
International Destinations
Destinations
Travelers
Best Rate Guarantee
About Us
Philanthropy
Careers
1 (866) 990-9491