Nestled in the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa offers an escape from everyday life.
For those of us wishing we can have a vacation in the tropics, the Westward Look has come up with the perfect compromise. Every Thursday and Friday, the Westward offers Tropical Escape dinner and drink specials, each week themed off a different tropical island. I was able to go when the Westward was "visiting" the British Virgin Islands, and the scene was set when starting out at the Happy Hour overlooking the pool. The perfectly mixed "Painkiller" cocktail did due diligence to its name, and my husband and I were able to relax and enjoy the scenery, music, and the delicious crab cakes and even a smashed avocado with chips. The appetizers were so good, you might need to walk around the resort a bit before dinner, because trust me, you will want to leave room.
We had dinner at the Lookout Bar and Grille, and were able to enjoy the live music Friday night. The place was lively and the staff were so friendly and obviously were enjoying the night as much as the guests as they were recommending their favorite dishes and drinks. I highly recommend the Grilled Chicken with Orecchiette, a medley of flavors artfully put together that was light and satisfying.
The sprawling resort offers views of the city, desert, and mountains that make up Tucson, and there really was no such thing as a bad view. The rooms were more than comfortable, and with modern amenities and decor, it was tempting to curl up and relax in the room all day. However, the activities and amenities offered at the Westward Look were more tempting, and there was something for everyone. First stop was to the Spa, and with one of their Desert Stone Massages, the hot stones are able to melt the stress away. Relaxing with the citrus water by the pool afterward sealed the deal for me. Besides bike rentals, hiking the many trails, and tennis on the grounds, the Westward Look also offers horseback riding for guests. The guide explains about the desert and entertains you during the guided trail ride with stories about the horses and desert lore. And make sure you give your horse a kiss under the mistletoe tree for good luck!
The plant and wildlife all around the resort was breathtaking, but my favorite was the Chef's Garden. Located next to the Lower Pool, you feel like you are stepping into a secret garden that none would expect to blossom and thrive in the desert. The garden not only is open to guests, but also offers the fresh and organic ingredients for the specials prepared for the festive dishes in the Tropical Escape. The garden overflowed with pomegranate trees, tomatoes, herbs, grape vines, eggplants, etc. The aroma of the fresh garden and the beautiful set up makes for a perfect stroll at the end of the evening.
The staff at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa were very accommodating and helpful, willing to give recommendations of sights in the are to check out to round out a nice weekend. The resort also offers programs for kids, so parents can feel comforted in knowing that all ages will find something to excite them during their stay. So, whether you're looking for a resort getaway, or wanting to a taste of a tropical vacation, the Westward Look is able to blend both into a wonderful and relaxing experience.