Natural
INSTINCTS
Loews Hotels & Resorts inspire guests to explore the great outdoors.
BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN
I
n this day and age, the virtual world often seems more prevalent
than the natural one. So much of work and leisure is dominated by
technology, and digital appliances have made their way into every
part of our day—smartphones might as well be appendages. While
the tech explosion promotes speed, efficiency and convenience, it’s
also widening the gap between humans and the environment, making
trekking through the outdoors and reconnecting with flora and fauna
one of life’s remaining luxuries.
Fortunately, natural havens exist beyond computer and cellphone screens.
Many of these destinations surround Loews Hotels & Resorts, where the
glow of sunshine is enough to pull travelers away from the glow of digital
devices. Fragrant herb gardens, soothing koi ponds and challenging hiking
trails—Loews’ varied indoor amenities are complemented by outdoor
adventures both on-property and nearby. From the desert to the beach,
and the bay to a mountaintop, there are countless ways to embrace the
environment within just steps of these Loews properties.
Desert Gem
Inspired by its surroundings, Loews
Ventana Canyon Resort is a hidden
gem in the Southwest. “The harmony
with nature is what makes Loews
Ventana Canyon unique from other
hotel properties,” says Victoria Cote,
concierge at the Tucson, Ariz., resort.
The local environment has dictated
the property’s development both inside
and out. “True to the plan, not a single one of the 3,500 saguaro cacti was
destroyed, and all the riparian habitats
were kept intact during construction.”
The eco-conscious building plan
was so well executed that Architectural
Digest named Loews Ventana Canyon
the “First Environmentally Conceived
Resort.” It’s easy to see why: The resort
is home to 550 different plants, 30 different mammals, 260 different bird
species and nearly 300 unique types of
lizards, insects and arachnids.
Included in the resort’s design is a
1,500-square-foot butterfly garden, filled
with 20 plant varieties, such as Mojave
milkweed, to attract 60-plus species
of butterflies. Five types of hummingbirds can also be seen from the garden,
which is open from early morning until
dusk. In addition to the up-close look at
the garden, guests can visit the resort’s
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Loews Ventana Canyon Resort sits at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
fourth-floor observation tower for sweeping views of
the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Another way to experience the ecosystem is
through the half-mile-long Window Walk Nature
Trail, which begins at the resort’s koi pond and
meanders back to its 80-foot natural waterfall. “From
the waterfall, the guests can proceed to a valley view
lookout area, which has majestic views of the Tucson
valley and the surrounding mountain ranges,” says
concierge Timothy Wertz. “The Window Walk then
goes to the hummingbird and butterfly garden, and
ends at the desert tortoise habitat.”
Along the Window Walk are signs that identify and provide interesting facts about plants and
animals of the Sonoran Desert. “You may be lucky
enough to spot coyote, javelina, bobcat, elf owl or
Gila monster,” Wertz says.
Those who would like to tie in a workout
while exploring the great outdoors will enjoy the
Parcourse fitness trail, a 1.1-mile round-trip walk
or run in front of the resort. Another option, the
Ventana Canyon Trail, is a challenging hike that
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