So it came as a small surprise to me that the resort had partnered with this French-infused restaurant. But wait, it gets better. This is a gourmand’s heaven. Aromatic without being cloying, the restaurant exudes friendliness and happy vibes.
If he is able to, the man himself will make sure you are satiated. Jocular and sweet-natured, Janos will create an incredible entrée with the freshest ingredients possible. His delicate touch with the Bay Scallop was evident in the way the scallop practically melted on the tongue. Are you getting hungry?
And you absolutely, positively MUST try the Jalapeno-infused chocolate ice cream. I kid you not.
Merely allow the chocolate to coat the tongue and you won’t even taste the jalapeno. For about three, no, two, seconds. An experience you will never forget. And worth it, just for bragging rights. It toughens you up to face another day lounging by the pool, waiting for your spa appointment. Ah, life.
Tucson's French Spa Experience
I was the first guest to try a brand-new spa service that was still in search of a name. It included a delightful warm (or cold) beverage, expert massage specialized to your desire, and a good soaking in a bathtub built to please tub-soakers. Unfortunately, I am not among those.
Not to worry — even though the multi-spouted, relaxing (for some) bathtub is big enough for two, I’m afraid that after settling in, I realized this wasn’t going to work for me. Never been a bath person. I am strictly a shower-girl, but others with a predilection for bathtub therapy will have to be cajoled out.
So, after “my” therapist discretely disappeared, giving me sublime privacy, all I wanted was to get out! Easier said than done, especially after having been recently injured in a car accident. I was less flexible than usual and felt like I was 80.
So, as soon as I called, “Denise!” she was there in a flash to fix whatever was wrong. Denise is so warm and caring, I felt utterly safe and protected while in her care. And if you ever need a massage incroyable, be sure to ask for her. I’m certain the other therapists are as well-trained, but I will be forever grateful to Denise.
The fact that this particular Elizabeth Arden is a separate building also used by Golf Course members adds to the resort’s excellence by being discretely positioned away from the main swimming pools and sometimes-rowdy conference attendees. It even has its own private outdoor waiting area beside a small pool all its own. It was very difficult to leave, believe me.
French Respect for Nature
Another very European, even French-accented aspect discovered in all the wonderful places I discovered was the respectful attitude towards all living things on property and beyond.
For example, a profoundly simple and instructional brochure is included in each La Paloma room. It reads: “Our Desert Environment” and proceeds to inform (without preaching) visitors the proper names for flaura et fauna right outside your door. And the bunnies you will see!
This Westin property, away from the crowded downtown area, is set on 250 acres on high Sonoran Desert, a natural showcase for the austere yet resplendent mountain vistas. Keeping in mind historic preservation, the resort was developed using much of the existing vegetation and the architects (Rogers, Goldwin and Harmony) received national recognition for doing so.
More than 8,000 Saguaro (pronounced Sa-Wa-Roe) cacti were protected and relocated. This might not sound like a big deal, but these cacti, with their tall span and majestic sweeping “arms,” can be quite ancient. For example, each “arm” represents about 75 years of growth.
The plantings surrounding this expansive site augment the visceral sense of peace the desert offers and the architects deserved to win a prestigious award from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
So why wouldn’t a vacation to Tucson rather than the same-old trek to Cannes appeal to French tastes? Not that there’s anything wrong with Cannes, mind you. But a variation in the typical French routine (south in the winter, north in summer) may turn out to be a welcoming and surprising change.