Arriving early? Tucson's high desert setting puts an incredible range of day trips within reach:

• Biosphere 2 — Tour the famous 3-acre sealed research campus north of Tucson, where scientists once studied Earth's ecosystems in miniature. ~45 min from the resort.
• Tombstone — Step into the Old West at the site of the O.K. Corral, about 1.5 hours southeast of Tucson. Can be paired with a stop at Kartchner Caverns or the wine country around Sonoita.
• Saguaro National Park - captivating desert landscape with iconic saguaro cacti
• Kartchner Caverns State Park — One of the most pristine "live" caves in the world, with guided tours through spectacular limestone formations. ~1 hour from the resort.
• Colossal Caves Mountain Park — A dry cave with guided tours plus a historic ranch and trails. ~30 min.
• Food Tours 
• Rock Climbing - https://www.altitudemountainguides.com/
• La Encantada - shopping area
• Botanical Gardens - https://tucsonbotanical.org/
• Trejo's Walking Tours - https://trejostours.wixsite.com/tucson 
• Birding Tours - https://natureinsight-explore.com/
• Horseback Riding- https://www.tucsonhorsebackriding.com/
• Mission San Xavier del Bac — A stunning 18th-century Spanish colonial mission just south of Tucson, known for its white adobe façade and ornate interior (~30 min). Close to TUS airport. https://sanxaviermission.org/
• Saguaro National Park — Hike among the largest cacti in the U.S. across two districts flanking the city. ~30–40 min.
• Titan Missile Museum — Tour a decommissioned Cold War-era ICBM launch site, the only one of its kind open to the public. ~45 min.
• Tucson Auto Museum - https://www.tucsonautomuseum.org/
• Pima Air & Space Museum — One of the largest privately-owned aerospace museums in the world (400 aircraft!) ~30 min.
• Kitt Peak National Observatory — A daytime tour of one of the world's premier astronomical research sites, about an hour southwest of Tucson.
• Ventana Canyon Golf - December – May - $235 + tax, Equipment Rentals $85 Contact: Kevin Christian kchristian@ventanacanyonclub.com for discounted rates (HDS guests)
• Hacienda del Sol Spa - www.haciendadelsol.com/spa 
• Old Tucson - Tombstone too far? Visit this Western film set turned theme park for a taste of old saloon days

WEDNESDAY 5:30 - 7:30 PM   INCLUDED 

Kick off the week with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres under the stars in the resort's Historic Courtyard, framed by original 1929 adobe architecture and blooming desert gardens. Savor a desert sunset overlooking the mountains while surrounded by rustic adobe charm, native agaves, and pure Southwest vibes. A relaxed, welcoming start to reconnect with old friends and meet new colleagues. 

THURSDAY 9:00 - 10:00 AM     INCLUDED FOR SOCIAL GUESTS 

Discover the story behind Hacienda del Sol on a guided walk through the property — from its origins as a 1929 girls' boarding school to its guest ranch heyday hosting the likes of Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne. See original architectural details, curated local artwork, and the botanical gardens along the way.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Reception

THURSDAY 1:30 - 6:30 PM   INCLUDED 

Board the bus for the short ride to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, part zoo, part botanical garden, part art gallery — widely considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. Explore at your own pace among native wildlife, desert plant life, and walking trails, then join us for a sunset reception overlooking the cacti in Saguaro National Park before returning to the resort by bus. 

FRIDAY 9:00 - 10:00 AM     INCLUDED FOR SOCIAL GUESTS 

Start the morning with a gentle desert-view yoga session — no experience necessary.  Awaken your spirit and find harmony in the heart of the desert with our soul-soothing yoga experience. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, this session is thoughtfully designed to restore balance, awaken vitality, and connect you to the timeless rhythm of nature.  All levels welcome; mats provided.

FRIDAY 1:00 - 5:00 PM    OPTIONAL - TBD $pp 

One of Tucson's most beloved natural areas, Sabino Canyon offers shaded trails, seasonal streams, and dramatic desert scenery at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. We'll provide coach transportation to the canyon; from there, hikers can set out on their own trails while non-hikers can ride the canyon's narrated tram.  Estimated cost: ~$60 per person

FRIDAY EVENING TBD    OPTIONAL - TBD $pp

End your day with this immersive sound healing experience, designed to restore balance and calm.  Unwind in the deeply restorative practice of sound healing, where ancient vibrations meet tranquil desert serenity. Using crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments, our session will guide you into a meditative state that nurtures emotional clarity, physical relaxation, and spiritual renewal. Each gentle frequency washes over you, releasing tension and realigning energy for a profound sense of inner peace. Estimated cost: ~$40 per person

SATURDAY 9:00 - 10:00 AM   INCLUDED FOR SOCIAL GUESTS 

Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art founded by Wu Chian Chuan in the late 1800s. Like all types of Tai Chi Chuan, Wu-style focuses not on external power, but on internal strength, generated from calm, balance, and mindfulness. Valerie Boss has a black belt in Wu style and has studied at the Lost Track Kungfu and Tai Chi School in Atlanta for 30 years.  She will lead participants in typical taichi warm up and breathing exercises, and introduce them to a few of the postures characteristic of Wu style. Movements will be slow and not vigorous, with plenty of stretching afterwards. Participants should bring drinking water. Comfortable shirts and pants or shorts (not skirts) are recommended. 

SATURDAY 1:30 - 2:30 PM    INCLUDED 

Meet one of our falcons and learn what makes them the fastest creatures on the planet. Learn their ancient history and role in falconry and how falconers helped save Peregrine falcons from being wiped out in North America. If conditions allow, you may be treated to an amazing aerial display as one of our falcons drops out of the sky at breakneck speed only a few feet in front of you.

SATURDAY 6:00 - 10:00 PM   INCLUDED 

Our closing celebration brings the week full circle. Join us for dinner under the open desert sky, followed by a private stargazing session with a local astronomer and telescopes trained on the heavens above the Santa Catalina Mountains — one of the clearest, darkest skies in the country. A memorable send-off to a memorable week. More details coming soon!