We decided to go to lunch at the Ritz Carlton – Dove Mountain.  The setting was spectacular–at the very top of Dove Mountain with high saguaros, and much desert vegation and multiple mountain range views, some all the way to Mexico.  Most visitors will probably use Valet Parking for the time being since the Visitor’s Parking Lot is not paved yet, nor is the walkway going up to the hotel paved yet. However, that was no big deal, and it was an easy walk to the main entrance of this new, impeccable and rustic hotel.  The only restaurant open for Lunch was the Bar Restaurant which offered a variety of small lunches. The food was tastey, but we would have preferred a more elaborate menu of a full-scale restaurant. It is likely that the few that braved the coolish December day at the large beautiful pool, had luncheon poolside service, too. Downstairs was a small coffee and gelato bar (about 6 flavors of “Frost” delicious, local gelato was offered). The gelato is brought in daily and is the best in the Southwest. The large gourmet restaurant on the bottom floor offered multiple paired wine selections and was open for breakfast and dinner. On New Year’s Eve they were already fully booked for both the first and second seatings.  The full length windows overlooked the mountains, the dramatic desert vegatation and multiple fruit trees. Go visit the Ritz Carlton and you will be mesmerized by the rustic beauty and the service that is at the highest standard one would expect at this 5 star hotel. Now that Tucson has the new Marriott Star Pass Resort in the Southwestern part of Tucson and The Westin LaPaloma and Loews- Ventana Canyon in the Foothills, added by Ritz Carlton-Dove Mountain in the Northwest, Tucson is definitely a great resort destination if you want to experience the rare beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with sparkling air, clear star-gazing skies and a climate that boasts almost 360 days of sunshine a year!