Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

THIS MONTH: Taking a Splash at Tucson’s Water Playground

Are we there yet? These four words usually moaned from the backseat, make most of us cringe. If those words don’t steal your joy, maybe the thought of escalating fuel prices gives you second thoughts about taking a family road trip.

With fuel prices at an all-time high, there is no better time to take a vacation real close to home than now. If you want to get away without going too far, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa may be the perfect family retreat. Nestled on 250 acres in the high Sonoran Desert foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Southwest-style resort has family fun written all over it.

“We know that families are busier than ever these days,” said General Manager Bill Petrella. “Therefore, it has never been more important to create activities that encourage families to experience travel together.”

If Mom and Dad want to play a round of golf, tennis, racquetball or go to the spa, there is professional child care for children twelve years and under. The children’s lounge has an outside play area, games, TV, music, arts & crafts, books, puzzles, toys, ping pong, Nintendo and more.

Or if you merely want to enjoy time together as a family, there are endless opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

“Activities such as live entertainment on weekends, hourly activities for kids held poolside, pool volleyball, our 177’ Slidewinder water slide, and swim up bar & grill makes the Westin La Paloma a water playground,” said Rob Elias, an employee at La Paloma.

One of the main water attractions is the Dive-in Movie, where families can go for a swim while simultaneously enjoying a favorite family film on the pool’s big screen.

“Kids love the movies, and kids love the pool,” said Elias. “The reason it is successful here is because of the incredible setting the resort provides, the impeccable service of our staff, and the experience that our guests are given with this special activity.”

The Dive-in movies start Memorial Day and are scheduled to run through Labor Day. All of the family activities are available to resort guests at no additional cost. Cost for accommodations range from $139 to $499 per night (May 22 to August). In addition to family activities and entertainment, the resort offers a variety of restaurants, lounges, and retail shops.

Final tip... If you take your vacation in Tucson, keep your cell phone off, don’t be tempted to go near your home, and make sure to leave your work at work.

For RESERVATION information, visit www.westinlapalomaresort.com or call (520) 742-6000. The resort is located 3800 East Sunrise Drive in Tucson.