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Pure EscapismAt Arizona InnBy Jane Cassie
The natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert embraces the cosmopolitan city of Tucson that sprawls over 495 square miles. Signature Saguaros stand at attention with their arms stretched skyward, proudly displaying their heritage. They unite with thorny cholla, spiny ocotillo, and other desert cacti that dominate the desert floor. Cradled by four craggy mountain ranges, the setting is pristine, peaceful, and picturesque. Although the freeway artery that bisects the desert plains pulsates like percolating adrenaline, once off the beaten track, this spread out city exudes more of a laid-back desert-town feel. Pueblo-style buildings with red tiled roofs depict Tucson's native American and Mexican heritage and the dotting of verdant parklands beautifies plazas and pathways in the city’s hub. Although stimulated by the many cultural offerings, shopping opportunities and bustling downtown core, our mission on this visit is to get away from it all, find reprieve from the busyness and enjoy a taste of pure escapism. This we find, and more, at Arizona Inn.
Although this five star treasure has successfully transcended the mere basics of R&R, since 1930, it was not the original vision of Arizona’s first congresswoman, and founder, Isabella Greenway. Out of compassion and benevolence, her journey began with The Arizona Hut, a furniture factory, where disabled vets from Word War 1 were trained and paid to craft fine furniture. Following the stock market crash in 1929, however, the pathway for economic struggle was paved and her business fell into financial despair. With desire and an opportunistic vision, Isabella shifted her energy in a different direction so that her furniture would still be in demand. She oversaw the construction of the Arizona Inn and opened its doors in 1930. Today, the Inn is still being family-managed by Isabella’s granddaughter, Patty Doar, and, as well as the original hand-hewn designs gracing every room, fine crafted furnishings continue to be manufactured on site.
“We’ve worked at blending the new things that people expect, into the legacy that has been built over time” Patrick Cray, director of sales reveals. “By being a small and intimate resort, we’re able to meet the needs of all our guests.”
As well as hosting celebrities and dignitaries who seek reprieve and relaxation, the Inn has earned a raft of accolades to be proud of. The New York Times has named it “The Jewel of the desert.” Zagat survey of top US hotels Resorts and spas has listed it as one of the top fifty small hotels. Conde Naste has it on their Gold List as “One of the world’s best places to stay” And after our two-night stay at this historical gem, we both agree it’s a taste of true escapism. Arizona Inn Images by Brent Cassie |
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It’s Thursday afternoon around four p.m. and the gray
ribbon of highway before us is cloaked with bumper to bumper gridlock. We
inch along in our little red Escort, butting up to suburbia vans, luxury
Lincolns, and rust-bucket half tons, all who have the same purpose in
mind…to get where they’re going, and as quickly as possible. Although we’re
quite familiar with rush hour in our own bustling metropolis, the
surrounding vista reminds us that we’re not at home. 
Tucked into a quiet upscale residential
area, this heavenly haven, sequestered behind clamoring ivy, looks more like
a family estate than a boutique hotel. The homey feel flows beyond to
refined interiors where memorabilia and photographs evoke images of
yesteryear and tales from long ago. As well as exuding an aura of old world
elegance and charm, the ambience is genteel, and hospitality is gracious.
We arrive just in time for afternoon tea
and while dining on dainties served on fine bone china, we admire the cozy
library décor that mirrors the elegance of a bygone era. Exquisitely
preserved antiques and family heirlooms unite with walled tapestries and
original oils. Rich floors, cloaked in Navaho-patterned carpets, offer
intimate seating areas where guests take time to mingle or enjoy a good
read. A cathedral beamed ceiling and grand fireplace delightfully depicts
the days of old. 
Adjacent is the formal dining room where gastronomical
magic happens three times each day. With renowned Chef Baskerville at the
helm of the culinary team, exquisite international creations evolve. Grilled
honey soy glazed salmon, coupled with wasabi tempura shrimp, and succulent
seared sea bass topped on lobster asparagus crepes, are just a couple of the
innovative dinner options in store. Although we’re lured to this fine dining
establishment every morning for the bountiful breakfasts, on warm weather
days, (which is around three hundred days of the year) a poolside buffet is
a favorite option.
Casual fare is offered at the lower level Audubon Bar,
a place we’re sure Humphrey Boghart would have loved. The Casablanca
look-alike is decked out in white-glazed terra cotta, bamboo chairs, ceiling
fans, and a grand piano where golden oldies flow mellifluously over mingling
guests. From its outdoor patio, we gaze over the palatial grounds where a
croquet match is in progress. And later we are drawn to the ping pong table
for a rip roaring rally. 
Brick and mosaic tiled pathways border the meticulous
gardens while taking us en route to two Har-Tru tennis courts, a shimmering
pool, the high tech fitness centre and our intimate southwestern-style
casita. Although all eighty-six adobe suites, plus two luxuriously large
residential homes, boast the same red tiled roofs and cobalt blue shutters,
each is unique in layout and décor. Some have fireplaces, some decks, and
all that embrace with the utmost privacy. There is also the option of
in-room spa treatments or reservations at a nearby day spa to meet our
pampering needs. 
With
more than two hundred employees and fourteen luscious acres, Arizona Inn, as
we discover, offers exceptional service along with the discreet privacy that
we have come here to find.