Spaces

By Sandra Mendoza Brown, Photography By Jennifer Polixenni Brankin

 

Nestled in the Tortolita Mountains lies a lush oasis comparable to a mirage in the middle of a desert. Yet this is far from imaginary. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, is indeed a welcoming paradise tucked away in Marana’s quiet landscape. With peaceful views of saguaro forests, lush manicured fairways and amenities that seem almost sinful, this sprawling 850-acre gated community, golf club and resort will be the largest Ritz-Carlton development in the United States when fully completed this fall. 

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton are what make this property a particularly rare jewel. “The Sonoran Desert has been well protected in southern Arizona and provides a spectacular setting for these homes that will remain spectacular forever,” says David Mehl, president and owner of Cottonwood Properties, one of two developers on the project — Greenbrier Southwest Corp. being the other. The first phase of development includes 72 single-family homes, 38 villas and 16 custom estate home sites, ranging in price from $700,000 to more than $3 million. Square footage ranges from an estimated 2,000 to more than 5,000 square feet for each home.

No detail has been spared when creating these sumptuous retreats and each residence can be built to homeowners’ specifications. Fixtures and finishes that are considered “upgrades” in most high-end homes are included in The Residences base price. Massive patinated copper and iron front doors move with ease on a single pivot. Venetian plaster, which can be customized with a choice of three special treatments, covers each wall. Imported stone, such as travertine, graces the floors. 

Home chefs will delight in the top-of-the line appliances — Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf ovens and ranges — that come standard. Custom built-in cabinetry populates virtually each room including the laundry quarters, which houses a stainless steel sink and granite countertops. Optional casitas — ideal for guest quarters, an art or exercise studio or even a media room — can be outfitted with a private courtyard and water fountain. Additional options include leather wainscoting, pre-wiring for electronics and a full-size swimming pool. 

When it comes to the outdoors, The Residences goes above and beyond by bringing luxurious living outside. Southwest-inspired courtyards include separate service entries. Back terraces come standard with a spa, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and entertainment area. But the pièce de résistance is its location. All residences are adjacent to either the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course or preserved desert that naturally showcases the stunning panoramic views and open hiking paths of the Tortolita Mountains. 

And then there’s the amenities. A master-planned community doesn’t carry the The Ritz-Carlton name for nothing. All owners can expect legendary amenities and service points that remain Ritz-Carlton hallmarks: concierge service, personalized home management, landscaping, housekeeping, valet, catering and room service from the resort. Add in access to the golf club, top-notch dining, fitness facilities and the soon to come swimming and tennis courts, and a neighborhood truly becomes a palatial resort. Resident coordinators are also available for services such as arranging for maintenance or checking on homes when owners are out of town.

 

To call this a case study in luxury is an understatement. How exactly does The Residences redefine luxury? Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company explains it, “Within the Dove Mountain community, our staff [offers] service to Residence owners by relying on their instincts rather than a more scripted response. It’s this kind of service that has built our legendary reputation.” And as anyone who has ever stayed at a Ritz before, their service surely is legendary.

GOLF ANYONE?

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Resort and Spa, Dove Mountain is home to the 2009 Accenture Match Play Championship. The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course boasts 27 professional-caliber holes, with nine more planned. “[The Club] plays across one of the prettiest high deserts you will see,” says Jack Nicklaus. “The property is very gentle but has enough movement to create great interest throughout the golf course.” The club also offers a Caddie Concierge program where caddies are trained to anticipate every need, including professional course strategy and design information. 

The full-service resort and spa, which is set to open October 2009,  will offer guests three dining venues, two ballrooms, and several terraces and lawns for weddings or social events.