Brrrrrrr. It was beginning to look a lot like winter: chapped lips, scaly skin, and glow-in-the-dark-white legs begging for sunshine. It was time to go online and find a spa vacation package.

Until recently, Tucson was little more than a blip on my car’s GPS screen en route to somewhere else. But with winter barking at my New Mexican doorstep, it seemed as good a time as ever to fend off the winter ailments with a pit stop in the warm-weather mecca.

ARRIVED: parched as a winter raisin.

DEPARTED: sexy smooth and tequila tranquil.

THE CURE: two-night spa stay, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa

The resort’s Hashani Spa is designed to go more than skin deep. This is NOT the closet-convert that some resorts try to pass off as a spa. Hashani is home to 20,000 healing square-feet featuring twenty-three custom treatment rooms, relaxation and mediation rooms, private lap pool, steam bath, hot tub, spa bistro, and full service beauty salon.

Relaxation offerings include hot stone massage, sun-kissed aloe wrap, and a delicious Hashani Hand and Foot Ritual. Their customized desert exfoliation uses a blue corn rub and goatsmilk shea body butter that sent me home with just the warm-weather glow I came for.

While you’re there...Check out the complimentary Tequila Toast to the “Legend of Arriba, Abajo” every evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Salud. With its breathtaking views, patio firepits, extensive menu of tequilas and creative margaritas made from freshly squeezed juices, it’s the perfect hangout for appetizers, happy hour or post dinner drinks.

For more information call 1-520-791-6117 or visit JWMarriottStarrPass.com

Additional resources:

TucsonGuide.com: for in-depth coverage of the area’s attractions, arts and culture, cuisine scene, shopping venues, and history reveals the region’s colorful personality.

ArizonaGuide.com: the official Arizona travel and vacation guide from the Arizona Office of Tourism. Find visitor information and videos about Arizona travel, including comprehensive directories of Arizona hotels, dining and shopping, as well as things to do and places to visit throughout the Grand Canyon State.

About Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Named one of the top 500 World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure, Starr Pass offers 27 holes of Arnold Palmer Signature gold; five dining options including James Beard award-winning Chef Melissa Kelly’s Primo restaurant; and outdoor activities including hiking, biking and horseback riding.