MARANA, Ariz. -- The new Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain will open on December 18, 2009, debuting amid the scenic, high desert landscape northwest of Tucson.

Surrounded by thousands of majestic Saguaro cacti and diverse wildlife, guests can begin to explore an invigorating playground, while absorbing the many pleasures of a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Reflecting a "Spirit of Adventure," The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is ideal for those seeking private time, or play time - whether it's hiking, horseback riding, a cookout under the stars, mountain biking, cooling off in one of the three resort swimming pools, skimming down a 235-foot waterslide, or indulging in a passion for food at one of the resort's four dining venues.

"This is a place that will engage the adventurous, yet provide gracious hospitality, all within our 850 acres," said Stephen Deucker, director of sales and marketing of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, the 72nd Ritz-Carlton property to be opened. "We have a championship Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and a destination spa that is remarkable."

Nestled in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, the resort offers 250 guest rooms and a cluster of secluded, multi-bedroom casitas ideally suited for families and friends.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain embodies the authentic Arizona experience. Just outside the doors of the resort, there are more than 20 miles of charted hiking and biking trails - specially commissioned by The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain ownership and clearly mapped by National Geographic - that that wind through dramatic mountain terrain. Bordering the resort, the Tortolita Mountain Park offers 3,000 undisturbed acres and some of the most soothing desert landscape in the Southwest.

For a vacation that has the best of both worlds, the resort's Sonoran Golf and Spa Adventure Package is being featured at opening. The package combines rounds on the course that challenges the golf world's legends during the Accenture Match Play Championship and soothing, signature spa treatments that reflects the enchanting high desert habitat.

The Sonoran Golf and Spa Adventure Package starts at $529 per night and includes:

* Overnight Deluxe Guest Room accommodations for two evenings
* Two 18-hole rounds of golf on our Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
* Two 50-minute signature body treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
* Overnight valet parking for two nights
* American Breakfast for two each morning in Core Kitchen or through In-Room Dining

For reservation information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain or call (520) 572-3000.

Media Note: Interior and exterior photography, digital footage of the resort is now available. Please contact Hunter Public Relations for access and to review images (831/375-1747 or khunter (at) hunter-pr.com).

About The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain:
Nestled in the high Sonoran Desert is an invigorating playground where the adventurous can explore the lush desert along the Tortolitas Mountains and majestic Saguaro forest. The 850 acre property features a 250 room hotel, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, destination spa and luxury homes at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The resort also features adventure programming, world class hiking, and is home to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships each spring in its striking canyon setting. This is a place where adventure and a gracious spirit of hospitality come to life. For reservation information, please call 1-800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.,
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 70 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com.

Jennifer A. Pelczarski
Director of Public Relations
Direct: (520) 572-3116
jennifer.pelczarski (at) ritzcarlton.com
or
Kristen Hunter
Hunter Public Relations
(831) 375-1747
khunter (at) hunter-pr.com