While this post is sponsored by Loews, all opinions are my own.

Some may think it’s silly to go on another trip right after your annual beach vacation, but I say it’s the smartest thing I’ve done in a while. You know the post-vacation blues you get when you realize the trip you’ve been looking forward to is over? Well as long as you have something else to look forward to, it’s not so bad. Especially if that something is Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

This year I planned a girls trip for Iris and I to celebrate the end of her kindergarten year. With her last day of school on a Thursday, we hopped on a plane Saturday morning and headed to sunny Tucson, Arizona to stay at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. After a very busy year, I wanted a trip where we simply arrived and RELAXED (but of course still have a bunch of fun too). Usually on our trips we are always off exploring, but this time I just wanted to be still and enjoy this time with Iris.

I wasn’t exactly sure how traveling alone with her was going to go, but Iris is at the perfect age to travel solo with, and the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort was the most perfect destination. The resort grounds and mountain views were absolutely stunning. I had actually visited this property a few years back for a work meeting and, due to my busy schedule, never once made it into the pool. What a shame, right? However, it was one of my favorite meeting spots because there were so many windows, lovely views, and during every break I would take a little stroll on the trails.

But this time I got to come back with my best girl and celebrate the beginning of summer! And I must say, this entire trip was one of the very best I’ve been on – and I travel a lot. It was a perfect blend of being pampered, being relaxed, having fun, eating great food, drinking delicious drinks, and exploring. I wondered if Iris would get bored on a trip where we barely left the hotel, but the verdict? Not for a second. In fact, we both agreed that we could have stayed put at Loews for a full week.

Okay, enough gushing – back to our stay. After check-in, we made our way to our room to find a lovely suite. The extra space ended up being a nice addition, especially when Iris woke up at 5 am (thanks a lot, Pacific time zone). At least she could sneak over to the other room to watch YouTube and leave me alone with my blackout curtains. By the time we got settled on our first day it was time to head to the… spa! Iris could not have been more excited to get her nails done while I enjoyed a massage at the Loews Lakeside Spa. Now if we could just start out every trip like this.

The pool was calling our names after our spa appointments, so we suited up and relaxed by the water, drink in hand, until the sun went down. The pool area is perfect – very large, tons of lounge chairs, with ample shade. The resort itself is nestled in the foothills of the Catalina mountains, so views by the pool are spectacular. You can also order food and drinks as you swim or layout (I recommend the prickly pear margarita). That evening Loews had a Dive-In Movie Night planned, so after dinner at Cascade Lounge we headed back to the pool to watch Coco.

Waking up the next morning knowing that we had two full days to do whatever we wanted felt almost as heavenly as my massage the previous day. Not having to rush off somewhere or worry about getting from here to there was such a luxury. Since Iris woke up so early, we grabbed some Starbucks from Vista Barista and spent the entire morning at the pool. In fact, it wasn’t until our 2 pm brunch reservations that we finally dried off.

We were treated to Loews Ventana Canyon’s famous Blues, Brews & BBQ Sunday Brunch which was worth the trip in itself. There were food stations everywhere, plus bottomless mimosas, and of course a live blues band. Iris was most impressed with the dessert table (shocker!) and that they served her orange juice in a fancy glass like mine.

Afterwards, we explored the resort grounds for a while. Iris’ request was that we first find the playground (yep, there’s even a playground), then go on a hike in search of the waterfall on property (yep, there’s also a waterfall… what?!). I bet you can guess what came after all that (yep, a much needed nap)! That evening was yet another night of poolside movie fun, which Iris didn’t want to miss, and dinner outside!

One of the things I’ve always loved about Loews is how well they treat their kid guests. Not only was there outdoor movies, but they provided free popcorn and glow sticks to boot. Plus they provide hula hoops and pool toys, and even had snow cones and a cookie decorating station! If you head to Loews Ventana Canyon, see what all is going on for the kiddos – we went on Memorial Day weekend and the hotel went all out. They also have a Coyote Kids Club, so you can enjoy some adult time while your little ones have their own kiddie adventures. They were extra sweet to Iris and even sent her treats to our room, which was a fun surprise.

On our last day, Iris woke up a little later (finally!) and we ordered room service for breakfast. Afterwards, we of course went back to the pool for a little more fun in the sun. Once again, we hung poolside for hours, but this time we ordered food right to our lounge chairs where I had THE best black bean burger I’ve ever had from a restaurant! Actually, I was impressed by all of our meals during our stay, probably in part to Loews’ new program, Flavor by Loews Hotels, which brings the local food scene directly to the hotel. This makes it easier to eat and drink delicious local fare without ever having to leave. Yes, please!

After lunch I could tell Iris could use another nap, but we ditched that idea because there were so many things we still hadn’t explored yet. And after all, this was VACATION! The trails were so lovely, especially during sunset so we took one last stroll. The cactus, flowers, mountains, and cotton candy sky were simply magic. And how did we spend our very last evening? With a bubble bath in THE WORLDS LARGEST BATHTUB. Okay, maybe it’s not in the Guinness Book of World Records or anything, but this thing is HUGE and comes standard with every room. It’s almost like having your own personal pool – pictures don’t do it justice.

I honestly can’t wait to go back, hopefully next time with Todd because he truly missed out! Loews just makes everything lovely and easy… I really appreciated that there were multiple spots to eat throughout the day right there onsite. And at the pool, not only did they have the pool toys, but towel service, fresh cucumber water, and complimentary sunscreen. In the lobby you could even grab a scoop of fish food and feed the fish in the Koi pond. And speaking of the lobby – whatever scent Loews uses in their hotels, I want it for my house! It’s always the first thing I notice when I arrive, yet the only thing I can’t ever share! I guess you’ll just have to go and see (smell?) for yourself.

Thank you Loews Ventana Canyon for such an amazing stay!