Westward Look Resort

Westward Look Resort grew from an elegant hacienda-style family home built less than six months after Arizona became a state in 1912.  William Watson and his wife Maria bought 172 acres of homestead land that was considered desolate and isolated, located at the end of a long ride on a bumpy dirt road. They sought the services of well-known Tucson architect Merritt Starkweather to build a traditional adobe home, so popular in the American Southwest in the early 1900s.

Today, the Watson’s inviting living room is the cozy heart of the resort. This space features exposed log beams, which were brought from nearby Mount Lemmon.  Our architects have preserved the original stone hearth, fireplace, wrought-iron chandeliers and hardwood floor. The native ocotillo branches that intricately cover the ceiling provide natural insulation and have been there since the house was built.

In the 1920s, tourism began to be an important part of the Tucson economy. The owners added 15 cottages around the original home and welcomed guests to enjoy the ranch experience. Westward Look was named in the 1940s when the estate had grown into a thriving dude ranch operated by Bob and Beverly Nason. The Nasons partnered with American Airlines, inviting the pilots and stewardesses to stay at the ranch and renting rooms to the families of pilots who came to Tucson for flight training. In the 1950s, Walt Disney filmed his award-winning documentary “The Living Desert” in this area and housed some desert animals in the stables at Westward Look.

In the late 1960s, the Nason family sold the property and it was expanded into Tucson’s first resort, offering fine dining, deluxe accommodations and banquet facilities overlooking the city, which had grown to more than 260,000 residents. Today, Westward Look Resort encourages guests to discover the unique qualities of this lush Sonoran Desert setting. Recently, the property underwent a $14 million dollar renovation, updating the look and feel of virtually every resort area.

Leave your cares and worries behind as you escape to an oasis of tranquility at Westward Look Resort. Our guest accommodations feature the ultimate in luxury. At our Tucson hotel, most guest rooms feature patios; and travelers may choose from mountain, city, desert, or garden views.

At Westward Look Resort, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the bounty of bold, spicy, flavors that are part of the culinary fabric of Tucson. For an elegant meal in a sophisticated setting, make reservations at GOLD; which serves innovative American fare with regional nuances. Specialties such as Griddled Scallops with Mandarin Orange Nage and Grilled Pear and Watercress Salad are presented alongside an extensive wine list. GOLD is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and the restaurant also offers a children's menu.

For a more casual, dining option, head to Lookout Bar & Grille, which features stunning views of Tucson. The menu features contemporary twists on comfort foods, such as burgers and steaks with our famous "Wreck" BBQ sauce, and fresh salads with prickly pear vinaigrette. Guests can enjoy specialty drinks, an array of tequilas, and the option of dining indoors or on the terrace. Lookout Bar & Grille features live music every Saturday night on the Middle Terrace, presenting an opportunity for fun and entertainment at the resort.  Drink specials are also available nightly.

With 16 meeting rooms and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, Westward Look Resort is naturally a better choice. This is an ideal destination for combining business with pleasure - whether you are planning a small executive retreat or need theater-style seating for 450. Corporate retreats, teambuilding meetings, and sales conferences can be handled with ease at Westward Look.

Event planning is made even easier with high-speed wireless internet available throughout the resort; so work can be accomplished poolside, at the tennis center or on a grassy lawn. For your convenience, A/V and catering services are also available.

For a truly memorable Tucson wedding or special occasion, Westward Look Resort provides a picturesque Arizona wedding and reception setting enhanced by the natural beauty of the Santa Catalina foothills.
Distinctive locations both indoors and outdoors make Westward Look Weddings an ideal choice. We can accommodate up to 450 guests in our most opulent ballroom; and we offer catering options for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Our world renowned resort, top-notch amenities and professional staff  matched with our scenic surroundings makes Westward Look the best wedding venue in Tucson, AZ. Combining Southwestern charm with contemporary luxury, we cater to the bridal couple's every need - including accommodations for out-of-town guests and Sonoran Spa packages for the bridal party. Please contact our Wedding Specialist Melinda Dillon to set up a tour of our amazing property at (520) 917-2474 or email her at mdillon@westwardlook.com.