Luxury Escape in Marana: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers a fully immersive escape from the busyness of everyday life, where guests will find solace in this secluded desert oasis. In fact, it's one of the reasons why I love to frequent the property. It is truly a destination where you can stay on-site without even leaving. This is how to get to The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

Approximate Travel Time

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is located at 15000 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658. Your arrival time will vary depending on the airport and itinerary needs.

Tucson International Airport (TUS): 35–45 minutes

The closest airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is Tucson International Airport, located approximately 33.5 miles from the resort. As a smaller airport, it’s easy to navigate, making both arrivals and departures seamless.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): 1.5–2 hours

If you’re flying into Phoenix, expect a slightly longer drive at about 104 miles. However, Phoenix Sky Harbor offers more flight routes and nonstop options, which may make it a convenient choice depending on your itinerary.

Marana Regional Airport (AVQ): 20-30 minutes

The Marana Regional Airport (AVQ) is classified as a general aviation reliever airport for Tucson International Airport. While Tucson International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offer commercial access, the Marana Regional Airport provides an outlet for private and corporate jets.

Spirit of Adventure Ceremony

Most notably, I encourage first-time guests to experience the Spirit of Adventure Ceremony, held nightly at 5:15 p.m. on the patio of Ignite Lounge & Bar. Perched on a mountain, a Native American flutist plays traditional songs that echo through the canyons and across the property. This serene experience lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Wine Experience

Embark on an educational tasting experience featuring a curated selection of varietals, perfectly paired with artisanal cheeses chosen by the chef. I experienced this for the first time and found that the sommelier made the class entertaining, educational, and approachable for guests with varying levels of wine knowledge — I would absolutely book this again. Guests must be 21 or older, and reservations are strongly encouraged. $84 per person.

Mixology Class

Experience the art of exquisitely crafted cocktails through a blend of recipes, techniques, and expert knowledge. Each class includes two cocktail creations and one appetizer per two guests. Advanced reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance. $65 per person.

Hiking Trails

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that 26 miles of hiking trails are accessible directly from The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Trail maps are available at Guest Services, or you can book a guided hike with one of the rangers. If you're new to the Sonoran Desert, I highly recommend the latter; it's a wonderful way to learn about the Hohokam people who once called this land home, discover petroglyphs, and understand their way of life through the plants and animals they foraged. I have hiked through Wild Burro Canyon several times, but found myself fully engaged in everything Ranger Ron shared, from native botany to the wildlife we spotted along the way. Guided hikes vary in price.

Three Swimming Pools

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain features three distinct pools, each offering a different experience depending on your mood.

Serenity Spa Pool

True to its name, the Serenity Spa Pool is a peaceful, adults-only retreat with sweeping mountain views. Lounge chairs are available to guests, and cabanas are available for rent. Access is reserved for guests who have booked a spa service or a single-day spa pass. It's my personal favorite for its seclusion from the rest of the property.

Turquesa Pool

For the best views on property, I recommend booking a lounge chair at the Turquesa infinity-edge saltwater pool. This reserves your chair for the entire day, which is well worth it. The pool also features a hot tub and a lounge deck, and it sits adjacent to Turquesa Latin Grill for easy poolside dining.

Aventura Pool

The Aventura Pool is ideal for families, with an array of cabanas, a splash pad, and the resort's iconic 235-foot water slide — a favorite for young and old alike. Note that guests must be at least 3 feet tall to ride.

Meet Our Desert Friends

Available daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ranger Station, this firsthand experience is one you won't want to miss—whether you're a kid or an adult. Join the Dove Mountain Rangers to meet some of the critters and crawlers from the Sonoran Desert and beyond. It's a great way for visitors to see the wildlife up close. This is also where you can greet Wamba, the resort's resident Sulcata African Tortoise, who can frequently be spotted outside the Ranger Station soaking up the sun or munching on her greens.

Rendezvous with Raptors

A local raptor specialist will introduce you to birds of prey, some of which include: a Red-tailed hawk, Harris hawk, screech owl, and Aplomado falcon. You will have the opportunity to see these feathered friends up close and learn about the rehabilitation programs that save and protect them. For the most current schedule, please check with the Rangers or Guest Services.

Saguaro National Park (West District)

It is also worth mentioning that you'll want to venture out to Saguaro National Park’s West District, officially known as the Tucson Mountain District. Only a 25-minute drive away, you won’t want to miss out on the two biotic communities, desert scrub and grassland, coyote, Gambel’s quail and desert tortoise. Bordering Marana, the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,180 feet to 4,687 feet. Here, you can take in a dense concentration of saguaro cacti with little to no hiking involved. If you don’t intend to hike, I highly recommend going at sunset for the most scenic, backlit cacti and rolling-hills view.

Things to Know:

• Entrance fees are cashless and must be paid at the visitor center or a self-automated kiosk. The Red Hills Visitor Center is located at 3693 S. Old Kinney Road.
• The Tucson Mountain District is open 24 hours, with visitor center hours varying. Please visit the National Park Service for the most current hours.
• Admission to the park can be paid at the visitor center, and includes the following: $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person/bicycle.
• The paid entrance fee to Saguaro National Park is good for seven days and includes admission to both the Tucson Mountain District (West District) and the Rincon Mountain District (East District).

Enjoy a culinary experience from the five onsite eateries at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. There's something for every mood, whether you're seeking ambient fireside dining, sunset views, casual poolside fare, or something more elevated. For current hours, please check the websites or with Guest Services.

To help you plan your visit, I created a Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain weekend itinerary below. This is most ideal for a weekend stay, but feel free to adjust it to your schedule. Please note that experiences and hours are subject to change. It's recommended to call the property to confirm availability in advance.

While check-in time isn't until 4:00 p.m., guests may arrive onsite to enjoy the resort's amenities. To maximize your time, I recommend arriving early to take advantage of the pools, restaurants, Ranger Station, and other amenities before settling into your room.