Today marked the highly-anticipated opening of Southern Arizona’s newest luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Situated northwest of Tucson, in the scenic town of Marana, the picturesque 250-room resort is spread out over 850 acres of lush Sonoran Desert in the Tortolita Foothills. In attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony were Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and community leaders. In conjunction with the opening, the resort is offering introductory rates starting from $259.

200 invited guests were on hand to take part in the opening ceremony with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the property and esteemed dignitaries. Speakers at the event included owner and developer David Mehl of Cottonwood Properties, senior vice president of operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., Hank Biddle, and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain resort general manager, Allan Federer.

“This day is a landmark event not only for the town of Marana, but for the State of Arizona,” stated general manager Federer. “Over twenty years ago David and his brother George Mehl had a vision to build the finest resort in the country. All it took was the right partners and the perfect location. With the help of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and co-developer Greenbrier Southwest Corporation, it became a reality. Now the world has the opportunity to visit a place like no other, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.”

The festivities started with a procession of riders carrying the United States and Arizona State flags to the entrance of the hotel. Governor Brewer of Arizona began with a warm welcome and presented the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain with a Certificate of Appreciation.

This was followed by an official ribbon-cutting and the release of seventy-two white doves symbolizing the property as the 72nd within The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Afterwards, checking in as the honorary first guests were seven-time Olympic Medalist and former world record holder, Amanda Beard and her family, on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson. Guests were invited into the hotel for a reception and tour of the stunning property. Light food stations were positioned throughout the hotel for everyone to enjoy delicious samples from all of the dining outlets and spa.

For the remainder of the holiday season, the resort will offer a series of events for the public to enjoy. From a Christmas Eve Sweets and Treats Pastry Class for children to Christmas Eve dinner or brunch at CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar to a New Year’s Eve gala opening celebration benefiting Angel Charity for Children, Inc., The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is a perfect place to create new traditions or make memories that last a lifetime.