Travelers already flock to Arizona for the beautiful weather and mountain views. Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center provides those looking to escape and unwind a complete entertainment destination that is unmatched by anything else in the Southwest. Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, Ariz. officially opened its doors on the luckiest day on earth: 11-11-11.

The new resort hosted more than 45,000 people during opening weekend and included a tribute to the nation’s veterans, two sold-out concerts and the largest fireworks show in southern Arizona. This opening is a part of a growing hospitality trend in entertainment resort destinations.

“Long gone are the days that resorts can rely on just a pool and restaurant to attract travelers— they are now expected to be a one-stop entertainment destination for their guests, and that is exactly what Casino Del Sol Resort has set out to be,” said Wendell Long, CEO of the resort. Nothing short of entertaining, the 215-room resort boasts the Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater (AVA), a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue that has featured world-class artists including Santana, Rhianna, Snoop Dog, Train; and on opening weekend, country music legend Tim McGraw and Latin music superstars Pepe Aguilar and Alejandra Guzman played to sold out crowds.

As the newest, most exciting resort destination to hit southern Arizona, the Certified Green Casino Del Sol promises decadence. An opulent retreat in the desert, the Tuscaninspired resort beckons guests with illuminated copper domes, grand archways and columns, bubbling fountains, and flourishing greens and flowers. Upon entering the grand entry, guests are greeted by creamy Italian marble, rich mahogany woods, plush furniture and fresh floral bouquets. A 10-foot crystal chandelier that features rustic, wrought iron details adorns the vaulted ceiling.

The resort features a master-planned pool and lawn complete with VIP cabanas offering shade and exclusivity, while several fire pits throughout the area offers vignettes for romantic conversations under the stars. Fountains and light shows synchronized to music entertain guests throughout the night and day. The exclusive and intimate Hiapsi Spa & Fitness center offers everything from vigorous cardio workouts to special Pascua Yaqui herbal wraps to manicures and pedicures.

But the center transcends beyond the treatments offered. Hiapsi is the Pascua Yaqui word for “heart and soul,” and it is believed that true healing comes with balancing physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual renewal. There are ten bars and restaurants offering various options from steak to tacos, to sushi, as well as frozen yogurt and libations, plus two Starbucks locations – the only two Starbucks to be found in an Arizona casino and only the fifth and sixth Starbucks on an Indian gaming property in the United States.

The resort carries its own reserve of tequila and bourbon and includes a 1,000 bottle wine room. Executive Chef, Jason Jonilonis has created soulful, yet sophisticated menus for the new restaurants including PY Steakhouse and the Festa International Buffet scheduled to open on Dec. 7. Master Mixologist, Aaron DeFeo, has hand-crafted signature drink menus including 30 original recipes found only at the resort. Future plans to round out the amazing resort amenities include an 18-hole golf course designed by the only full-blooded Native American player on the PGA tour and four time tournament winner, Notah Begay III.

The new course, scheduled to begin construction this winter, will feature a Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, which would be the first such school in Arizona, and only the fifth one in the nation. Casino Del Sol is Southern Arizona’s premier place to play and win and the Club Sol rewards program is one of the most generous in the industry.

The casino offers players 1,300 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, 22 tables for Blackjack and Poker and a 600-player bingo hall. Proudly owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson. Casino Del Sol and its sister casino, Casino of the Sun, have been in operation for the past 20 years. To book your reservation for Casino Del Sol Resort, visit www.casinodelsol. com/resort or call 1-855-SOL STAY (765-7829).