I liken Westward Look Resort to an exotic desert bloom. After all, the Tucson hotel balances lavish beauty and ruggedness perfectly. Enveloped by 80 acres of high desert, Westward Look Resort is built around a 1912 homestead, whose living room remains intact with the original stone hearth, wrought iron chandelier and mahogany floors.

A two-year, $12 million renovation has given Westward Look Resort an impressive facelift. Manicured lawns were replaced with xeriscaped terrain, the fitness centre was expanded and reconfigured, and finally, the ballrooms were refreshed.

Inside Westward Look Resort

The 241 guest rooms and suites are spread among adobe buildings that trace the landscape's contours. Private patios or balconies allow for close-up views of the Catalina Mountains. Thanks to the whopping reno, all rooms have been outfitted with new plumbing, walk-in showers, and warm, tasteful facelifts from the carpet up.

Not surprisingly, the property boasts the usual resort features, including a pool, hot tub, upscale spa and tennis courts.

Where things get interesting, however, is when you continue down the list of Westward Look's onsite amenities:

• a small labyrinth
• nature trails
• striking garden plots
• southern Arizona's only fruit-bearing avocado tree

Check out the latter two during chef James Wallace's Saturday-morning garden tours. Failing that, make it a point to taste the irresistible fruits of his labour (paired with a gripping view and great wine) at the resort's signature restaurant, GOLD.

Room rates at Westward Look Resort start at US$144.