The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

We spent most of our time at the heated pool, enjoying the views from there. The meals were excellent, and everyone we dealt with provided top-notch service. The property sits in a peaceful spot with trails, mountains, and gorgeous scenery all around. It made for a lovely getaway, and I liked it much more than a recent stay at the Canyon Ranch.

Waiting 20 minutes in the lobby for my car after giving the valet team plenty of notice before checkout was a frustrating end to the stay. Still, this is a beautiful, well-kept resort with a lot going for it. My room had an outdoor fireplace, which was especially nice on chilly desert nights. Breakfast was the standout meal, with a range and quality I’ve usually seen at upscale Asian hotels, a rare find in the US. The other dining choices were decent, but didn’t impress me as much. There are plenty of scheduled activities that make it easy to spend time in the desert setting, and real estate exhibits near the lobby if you’re curious about that lifestyle. Families have a lot to enjoy here, especially the pool and its water slide. Kids brought a fun daytime buzz, yet the large grounds kept the resort from feeling crowded. In winter it felt especially peaceful, and I enjoyed the live music in the lobby during cocktail hours. The property balances all that family activity with a quiet, removed atmosphere, and makes for a restorative winter escape.

The pool team were the stars of our visit: lively, fun, attentive, and helpful. One favorite memory was playing bocce ball after dinner in the citrus grove beneath an amazing night sky. The hiking nearby and mountain views were top notch, as were the views from the main building, pool, and main-floor restaurant. Our dinners there ranged from good to very good, and the service staff were well trained and made an effort to chat and ask open-ended questions. We spent eight nights here, so we had time to get to know the property and employees. Its remote location is part of the appeal, though with lots being sold and homes being built around it, I feel lucky to have seen the area now. Our room was very nice and had good amenities, but it was VERY noisy. I suspect the refrigerator was making the noise. We liked where the room was, so we didn’t ask to move, though we probably should have. The stay felt like a 4.5-star experience until we were turned down for a late checkout on Monday, even though we only asked for a few extra hours. That left a bad taste, and we probably won’t return.

The night hike was a blast, especially looking for scorpions. I learned a lot, and the turndown service was wonderful as usual. The staff were mostly young people in their 20s, and they were courteous and professional. Our spacious room had a beautiful mountain view, and the bed was comfortable during my two nights there. There was a small mistake on the welcome card, but they fixed it quickly. I left feeling peaceful and happy. Ritz Dove Mountain is great for families, couples, or solo visitors, and I’m already planning to come back. Highly recommend it.