In BAZAAR's travel series, The Wanderlust, we tap the world's top designers, artists, and cultural icons for all the details on the trips they've placed on their bucket lists.
For professional rock climber Ashima Shiraishi, her dream vacation is obvious: somewhere she can scramble to new heights, enjoy nature, and unwind after an exciting day outside. Tucked in Arizona's Sonoran desert, just outside Tucson, is The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, an expansive property that serves as a welcome retreat where Shiraishi can recharge among the singular landscape.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain embodies a restorative ethos from its activities to its design and accommodations. With a mix of private casitas and traditional guest rooms, the property has stunning views of the Tortolita Mountains and all of their natural wonders. While you can head out to explore the adjacent wilderness via hiking trails, there's also plenty of relaxation to experience at the resort itself, including three pools, a spa, and a golf course. And to fuel it all, the on-property restaurants showcase the best local ingredients.
Ahead, Shiraishi shares her dream itinerary while at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
Why I Need to Go
The living desert of Arizona is so captivating and I've always wanted to explore it more deeply. The environment surrounding The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain property is super green, with vibrant colors and incredible biodiversity in the creatures that live there. Even inside the resort, there are little, thoughtful touches everywhere that are specific to the local area and pay respect to the tribes who originally lived in the area. Being so in touch with the history of the environment felt powerful and gave me a strong sense of where I was and what I was about to experience.
My Dream Itinerary
I'll wake up at sunrise and start my day with some green tea before getting breakfast at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook its private orchard. Guests can pick from tangerines, oranges, and other citrus fruits, to make for your morning juice.
Once I'm done with breakfast, I'll head out to explore the environment. There are amazing mountains near the resort. I'll spend the entire day outside with friends and hang out. We'll go bouldering and explore routes. There are a bunch of fun climbs with great textures and comfortable holds. The auburn-colored rock is so beautiful, and it contrasts so nicely with the greenery. Even if you don't climb, you can appreciate it and enjoy the scenery by exploring the enchanting area filled with Saguaro cacti. I really love how they stand up like humans.
After a full day outside, I'll head back for a dip in the pool or hot tub. There's also an incredible holistic spa on the property which incorporates the traditions and desert flora in the treatments. A gem ritual treatment or full body massage would be awesome way to recover at the end of the day. After that, I'll get washed up for dinner back at CORE for avocado and ahi tuna starter or sweet prickly pear confection. The food is spectacular. I'm mostly plant-based with some fish, and their fish dishes are delectable. After dinner, I'll head outside for stargazing by the cozy bonfires.
What I’ll Pack
Since Dove Mountain is a quick getaway and has such warm weather, I don't need to bring a ton of clothes. I want everything to fit into a carry-on suitcase. The first and most important items I'll throw in my bag are my climbing equipment and the climbing shoes I designed. My mom makes all my climbing shorts and pants, and when I travel, I always pack them. The pieces she makes are really dear to me, and having them in my suitcase is like having her along for the ride.
Clothing-wise, tank tops, shorts, and sandals for running around, are all a must. To mix things up I'll also add a few pieces for the evenings—I like to dress up for dinner. I love a printed matching set that reflects the colors of the desert along with some classic jewelry. But I'm also not above adding a sparkly dress into my suitcase as well. I love a glam moment.
Between flying and being in really dry areas for climbing, I'm always in dire need of moisturizer. I use a lot of chalk, which dries out your skin, so I carry an arsenal of natural lotion to make sure my hands don't get too chapped. Besides being dry, the Arizona sun is super strong; I use a lightweight SPF every day. Last but not least, don't forget deodorant. Lately, I've been obsessed with a natural scented natural deodorant.
Ashima's Packing List
The North Face Ruby Hill Tank
The North Face Wander Short
Evolv Climbing Shoes
Petzl Chalk Bag
Nanushka Printed Shirt
Nanushka Flared Trousers
Teva Universal Sandals
The Attico Sequin Dress
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
Dr. Bronners Organic Lotion
Burt's Bees Day Lotion
Glossier Daily Sunscreen
Reserve Your Stay At The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Art Direction by Sonja Georgevich; Fashion Direction by Lauren Ingram; Styling by Lilli Millhiser; Styling Assistance by Tess Parker; Hair and Makeup by Mary Wright; Production by Anne Ritz and Mandi Hayes; Production Assistance by Brian Byrd and Duran Cribbs.
Diana Tsui is a stylist and writer living in New York City. She also writes for The New York Times, W, Elle, and more. Previously she was the senior market editor at New York Magazine's The Cut.
