Nothing quite prepared me for the sophisticated luxury and superb fine dining at Tucson’s only four-star resort. The moment you check in to Casino Del Sol Resort you are greeted by friendly and professional employees, all with a genuine smile who are trained in the subtle ways of luxury service.

The building is a commanding 10 stories high, giving it a towering presence and magical view of the surrounding desertscape that emphasizes sunshine, serenity, renewal and of course, fun. The place is comfortably elegant with luxurious hotel amenities and high-energy gaming action in the casino. Owned by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the resort is Arizona’s newest AAA Four Diamond-rated destination, having also recently received the prestigious Forbes Four Star Travel Guide Award in 2013.

With 215 rooms and 10 suites with balconies, the hotel has made a name for itself as a getaway destination. Standard rooms sport a sophisticated décor with a palette of muted beige contrasted against chocolate brown, burnt orange and olive-green accents. Sleek and modern bathrooms feature glass-enclosed travertine tile showers with rain-down shower heads and an ample supply of luxe personal toiletries. The Sky Level is a resort-within-a-resort; rooms on this upper-level come with VIP parking, turndown service, a king-sized bed with signature mattress and luxurious Italian Frette bedding, upgraded pillows and towels, Keurig self-brewing coffee system, refrigerator and daily newspaper, along with the elevated views of the property.

Those looking for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation can schedule an appointment at The Hiapsi Spa and Fitness Center. The facility provides a full spectrum of spa services as well as modern exercise equipment. While the indoor amenities permit a focus more on individual pampering, the outdoor amenities like the pool with private cabanas, bar and fire pits allow for more social interaction with other guests.

Sewailo Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by PGA golfer Notah Begay III, offers a combination of adrenaline and relaxation. Adjacent to the hotel is the casino with a variety of gaming from more than 1,300 slot machines to bingo, poker, live blackjack, and table games.

Prema, the lobby lounge, provides a refined yet warm welcome where you can enjoy a variety of classic cocktails, varietal tequilas and whiskey straight from the barrel along with fine wines and Champagnes. Master Mixologist Aaron Defeo aims to please with his El Presidio and Local Lavender Collins, a blend of Arizona Distillers Desert Dry Gin, local honey, lemon, and soda with a garnish of local lavender. Defeo definitely knows how to delight, he was bestowed with Arizona Restaurant Association’s coveted title of 2013 Mixologist of the Year and his talent shines in the drinks he creates.

Casino Del Sol's dining scene is without parallel, running the gamut from quick bites and casual comfort food to the finest cuts of beef and the freshest of seafood which are featured at the top-rated award-winning PY Steakhouse. With a 100-seat dining room that provides the ultimate in elegant dining and top-notch service, diners at the Forbes four-star PY Steakhouse can select from a variety of gourmet choices. I had the pleasure of dining at PY Steakhouse during my brief stay, and the culinary team designed a unique five-course menu paired with wines and pilsners featuring regional ingredients that brought out the flavors of Arizona. From pan-seared scallop accented with shaved broccoli slaw, quinoa risotto and mango gastrique to truffle salt-seasoned Harris Ranch strip steak with tri-colored fingerlings, the culinary journey proved to be a gastronomic sensation in the art of flavorsome fine dining.

With excellent amenities and an award-winning reputation, the Casino Del Sol is a little bit of luxury in the high-desert of Tucson. Book anything from a weekend to a full week, and experience the opulence of this resort oasis.