Experience ARIZONA
Embracing the Southwestern Spirit
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
Endless desert views ... seemed to clear my head with every mile.
Arrival & Day One
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.
Clockwise from left: Sunset dining at Hacienda del Sol; the natural beauty of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge; the author taking a bunker shot at the Mountain Course; the author at The Wigwam’s Red Course; a scenic vista of The Gold Course at The Wigwam
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 Three & Departure
The morning began with a quick coffee from Dutch Bros before an easy drive back to Phoenix. By midday, 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 Resort’s signature The Red Course. Playing from the championship tees, scored a birdie on the par-5 4th, going for the green in two on its well-designed layout.
Explore incredible Arizona with Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Day Two
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. started with Carne Seca at Mi Nidito—a dish that
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.