The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Opens Doors in Arizona
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, a new luxury property in Southern Arizona, opened it’s doors to guests on Friday, December 18. Situated northwest of Tucson in the town of Marana, the 250-room resort is spread out over 850 acres of Sonoran Desert in the Tortolita Foothills. In attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony were Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and community leaders.
Speakers at the event included Owner and Developer David Mehl of Cottonwood Properties, Senior Vice President of Operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C, Hank Biddle, and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain resort General Manager, Allan Federer.
The festivities started with a procession of riders carrying the United States and Arizona State flags to the entrance of the hotel. Governor Brewer began with a warm welcome and presented the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain with a certificate of appreciation. This was followed by an official ribbon-cutting and the release of seventy-two white doves, symbolizing the property as the 72nd within The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C portfolio. Afterwards, checking in as the honorary first guests were seven-time Olympic Medalist and former world record holder, Amanda Beard and her family, on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson. Guests were invited into the hotel for a reception and tour of the stunning property.
“This day is a landmark event not only for the town of Marana, but for the state of Arizona,” said Federer. “Over twenty years ago, David and his brother, George Mehl, had a vision to build the finest resort in the country. All it took was the right partners and the perfect location. With the help of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C and co-developer Greenbrier Southwest Corporation, it became a reality. Now the world has the opportunity to visit a place like no other, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.”
Inspired by the richness and beauty of its lush desert surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides panoramic views as it creates a luxurious, yet authentic desert experience. The geologic makeup of the Tortolita Mountains served as inspiration for the architecture, with a variety of natural materials used to emphasize the structure’s connection to the high-desert landscape. Stone and metal are two elements that are keys to the design, with intricate steps taken to preserve the materials as closely as possible to their natural state. This celebration of Arizona’s geology continues with an interior design that showcases natural flagstone and quartzite floors, raw steel fixtures, copper accents, and historical artifacts, such as geodes and quartz crystal.
For the remainder of the 2009 holiday season, the resort will offer a series of events for the public to enjoy, from a Christmas Eve Sweets and Treats Pastry Class for children to Christmas Eve dinner or brunch at CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar, and a New Year’s Eve gala opening celebration benefiting Angel Charity for Children Inc.
For more information visit ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.