The Rub of the Greens: Southwest Spa-Golf Getaways

Four Fabulously Sweet Indulgences

Golf and spa are ideally matched pursuits—a detail not lost on premier vacation properties or on persnickety Colorado snowbirds that flock to Eden-esque, warm weather respites throughout the Southwest.

Where to go? Consider these four legendary properties, each one famous for their sensational spa programs, singular golf options and scrapbook-worthy memories:

1. Experience a legendary Baja escape at the One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, which entices privacy-minded guests with a 22,000-square-foot spa entirely renovated and expanded in 2011. The resort has also completely recovered from 2014's Hurricane Odile.

Other Palmilla perks include oceanfront lodging, fine dining, fitness center, infinity edge swimming and 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf. Also, there are more than a dozen premier golf courses nearby, including 36-hole Cabo del Sol, Puerto Los Cabos and Cabo Real.

2. Spiritual and physical pampering is a sublime art form at Tucson’s Canyon Ranch, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary as is regarded among the finest resorts in America.

In addition to its classic and modern spa therapies, the 150-acre property offers lüxe-level lodging, all-inclusive dining, fitness and aquatic center, and PGA instruction at its Golf Performance Center. Must-play golf includes 36-hole Ventana Canyon, 27-hole La Paloma and Arizona National (below).

(c) Chris Duthie

3. Eighty-one-years young, Southern California’s Ojai Valley Inn & Spa continues to astonish with AAA Five Diamond lauded services and amenities, including a 31,000-square-foot spa that features two pools, fitness room, health-minded cuisine and resplendent views of the Topa Topa Mountains.

Guests further enjoy luxury lodging, tennis, artist cottage, custom-blend apothecary and sun-splashed recreation on the resort’s Jay Morrish-renovated golf course (below).

4. At Las Vegas’ renowned Caesars Palace Qua Bath & Spa, guests enjoy a 50,000-square-foot holistic sanctuary that features three Roman baths (naturally) and an Arctic Ice Room where it actually snows.

Other amenities include premier accommodations, casino gaming, headline entertainment, signature restaurants, boutique shopping, oasis pools and privileged player access to Cascata and Rio Secco golf clubs. Also, go play Las Vegas Paiute (below), Royal Links and Shadow Creek.

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Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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