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The luxury resort's recently-launched initiative is turning meeting and teambuilding participants into cattle wranglers, geo-cachers, four-wheel navigators, guacamole blenders and cowboy explorers.

TUCSON, AZ -- (Marketwire) -- 07/31/12 -- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has created a new group activities offering which moves beyond the traditional to present a roster of colorful, uniquely authentic new Southwestern event options. The luxury resort's recently-launched initiative is turning meeting and teambuilding participants into cattle wranglers, geo-cachers, four-wheel navigators, guacamole blenders and cowboy explorers. In many cases, the enhanced group activities experience also carries a charity component, including a popular option which lets groups compete to build desert mountain bikes and then donate them to the young residents of a nearby children's home.

The Arizona high-desert location of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain lends itself to the creative new group activities format. The 850-acre property is home to a lush and visually stunning Saguaro cactus forest, dotted by miles of marked hiking and biking trails. Group cultural opportunities are unparalleled, as Hohokam petroglyphs and remnants of a vibrant early Native American culture are located directly on the grounds of the resort as well as in nearby historic settings. The fun of the region's still-booming cowboy lifestyle invites ranch-adventure participation by meeting attendees, while indoors, the resort's kitchens and bars beckon with Southwest food and beverage competitions and classes. The Ritz-Carlton Spa and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain have also introduced a series of compelling new group options, all highlighted by a spectacularly scenic sense of place. Choices include the lively and popular night-time Glow Golf, as well as a serenely peaceful outdoor Yoga Breakfast.

Situated between Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tucson, with ready access from the international airports serving both of those cities, the 253-room luxury Arizona resort is offering the following as highlights of its new Southwestern group activities and teambuilding menu:

Hiking Reception
Event members experience a journey into the magnificent Tortolita Mountains and explore areas which the Hohokam Indians inhabited thousands of years ago. Experienced guides lead guests along National Geographic-mapped desert trails and provide outdoor refreshments as well as colorful commentary throughout. Options exist for attendees to voyage on foot or via four-wheel drive.

Margarita Mixing Class
The adopted cocktail of Arizona is the Margarita, and this activity incorporates Margaritas using the freshest flavors of the Sonoran Desert. Guests learn the difference between styles of tequila, which are harvested from the blue agave, and the importance and ease of using fresh juices to make the perfect Margarita. Guests will learn to make the classic Margarita, along with fruity variations of the traditional Margarita on the rocks.