Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sonoran Gem

Guest: Kim and Rick (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/20/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

Found this little gem online, and spent a wonderful week here at the end of April. It was great to meet Cynthia and Allan who were the most gracious hosts. They showed us around, and then gave us some tips of where to go, and what to see. We appreciated that they told us that this was our home for the week, and that if we needed anything at all, they would be right next door. They were not intrusive at all, but were there when, and if we needed them. If you've ever wanted to experience life in the desert, this is the perfect place. Everything that you need for a comfortable stay was there! We arose each morning to see the sun rise over the mountains, and hear the desert come to life. Then, a perfect end to the day on the back porch watching the bats and owl silhouetted against the saguaros and setting sun. The wildlife was amazing as well. We saw the coyote almost everyday, and the bird life was incredible. There was an abundance of quail (some with babies), lizards, ground squirrels, rabbits, and for a little more excitement, a rattlesnake! We hiked everyday in Saguaro National Park, which was closeby. A truly amazing experience which we will always remember. Definitely want to come back!! Thank-you Cynthia and Allan for sharing your little oasis in the desert!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect introduction to the South West USA

Guest: Dom and Karen (Glenbrook, NSW Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/03/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

We stayed at Casita Luminosa for 3 nights and wish it had been more. The casita was spacious and very comfortable with everything we needed to self cater for 4 people. Allan and Cynthia were the perfect hosts, very warm and welcoming but allowing total privacy. Our kids loved exploring the desert from the front door with cactus and birds in aboundance. The views are just as advertised - endless. We all enjoyed watching the desert come alive in the mornings from the comfort of the patio and then listening to the night sounds as we also settled in for the night. The 30 minute drive into Tuscon through Gates Pass is spectacular. Casita Luminosa far exceeded our expectations in every way and it was a beautiful way to start our trip.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.

A desert oasis!

Guest: Elsie (Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/20/11

My son and I spent 6 nights at the Casita Luminosa this past week. One could not ask for a more beautiful vista or more welcoming hosts. Well equiped casita with everything one needs for an extended stay or short break. The casita is close to anything you may want to visit in the Tucson area and yet when you are there, nature prevails. The location is perfect for quiet and beauty. Gorgeous sunrises and glorious sunsets. Coyotes sing to you at night and the birdsong is the morning is amazing. The owners are a delight and so helpful and gracious without being intrusive to your time there. I hope to return soon. Thank you for sharing this lovely casita and location with others. A very enjoyable and relaxing visit.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming and cozy

Guest: Sadie (Chino Valley)
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 12/14/11

We stayed for three nights and enjoyed every minute of it. Allen and Cynthia have provided well for their guests--DVD's, CD's, firelogs, etc. We felt right at home. Of course, the scenery is just wonderful and downtown Tucson is only a 20 minute scenic drive.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.

A Desert Beauty!!

Guest: Paul and Diane (Phoenix)
Date of Stay: 11/25/11 Review Submitted: 01/19/12

This review is overdue but I wanted to make sure I added to the wonderful accolades this little beauty is getting! My husband and I stayed for our anniversary and were looking for a place that was private, secluded, cozy and away from the city lights. Casa Luminosa was perfect on all accounts. It's in a beautiful, but very private setting in the desert. We didn't get the chance to meet Allen but Cynthia was a gem! She was a perfect hostess by greeting us, introducing us to the casita and the surrounding area then giving us complete privacy while letting us know she was available nearby if we should need anything. We loved the decor in this casita and were particularly impressed with how large and well-done the bathroom was. The views from all sides of the casita are endless and we loved watching for wildlife, especially a beautiful male coyote that we spotted several times. Thank you Cynthia and Allen! We can't wait to go back and recharge our batteries in this wonderful little haven! Diane and Paul

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful views, lovely casita

Guest: Di (Saint Petersburg, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

My husband and I stayed at the casita in late August 2011. The house itself was lovely and perfect for the two of us. The owners had it well stocked and we were very happy with our week long stay. The views were spectacular and the night sky, stunning (very little light pollution in the area). I'd recommend day trips to Mt Lemmon and Catalina State Park, as these were easy day trips. Everyday I would look forward to sunsets on the back patio in one of the chaise lounges! Loved our time here!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Retreat

Guest: Nancy (Oak Park, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

I almost don't want to review my stay at Casita Luminosa because I'd like to keep it a secret so that it's always available if I want to return! The listing is totally accurate, and the online photos can't do justice to the peaceful setting and lovely desert views. The casita is clean, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye, providing for all the needs of daily living. The setting is quiet and still except for the calls and trills of desert birds and the rustling of rabbits in the brush. Mornings can be spent basking in the eastern sun with a good book and evenings watching the sun slowly change the colors of the cactus as it sinks below the mountains in the distance. Cynthia and Allan were friendly but not instrusive, answering all questions thoroughly and providing maps and brochures and suggestions about the area. This would not be a good choice for someone who wants to pop into town in five minutes or walk to a local nightspot. It is, however, an excellent choice if the goal is to experience the desert in a restful, non-commercial setting, away from the pressures of life at home. My husband and I highly recommend this property.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Brilliant desert retreat

Guest: Jane (North Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 01/31/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

Casita Luminosa is the perfect place to stay in the Tucson area. If you like birdwatching, pick up a copy of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona and you can start right your birding experience right on the verandah. Pat and I loved the casita. It has everything you need for a vacation stay and was the perfect place to start and end our day. We never did eat dinner out - we were too anxious to get back to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the peace and quiet of our little home away from home. As others have noted, Cynthia and Alan are wonderful hosts. We will return. As to the surrounding area ... we were blown away! We loved Sabino Canyon, the Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon (when I wasn't nervous about the drop offs), Catalina State Park (the canyon loop). And we went further afield to sample the birding at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Madera Canyon and other places in between. If you like backroads, try the road from Highway 83 (north of Sonoita) west to Madera Canyon. I think it is called Hwy 62 or Box Canyon Road. Do drive it from east to west unless you like riding on the canyon side of a narrow, twisting, largely unmaintained dirt track! We saw coyotes, coati, white-tailed deer, javelina and other animals as well as lots of birds and that was in the middle of winter. We'll go back in early spring next time.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved our stay at Casita Luminosa

Guest: J&B (Butler, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/04/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

We just returned from a lovely stay at this little casita tucked away in the desert. The views are fantastic; the night sky at sunset with the beautiful colors over the mountains is stunning! The owners are great people; laid back and easily approachable but unintrusive. The casita looks just like the pictures and has been thoughtfully decorated and stocked. The trip to into Tucson city proper is easy, yet you come home to desert beauty and quiet. If you are looking for a quiet get-away among the saguaro, look no further.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

May 14-18 2010 at the Cantina

Guest: Maria and Paul (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

Paul and I had a wonderful time in Casita Luminosa. The Casita was accurately described, perfectly matched to the environment as well as clean and well maintained. Cynthia and Allan are lovely hosts. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful Sonoran Desert in bloom and the opportunity to view and hear the beings (wildlife) of the desert! We are delighted that they are willing to share this place and we are hoping to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Quiet Retreat

Guest: HRCarl (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 03/15/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

We spent six days there and greatly enjoyed the quiet and beauty of the spot. Perhaps the best part of our vacation was siting on the patio reading and enjoying the scenery. We think the Arizona Desert Museum is wonderful and this location makes it very easy to visit there multiple times in the course of a stay. While there are some pleasant restaurants in fairly close proximity, this is not the place to stay if night life or dinner at outstanding restaurants is your thing. But it's a wonderfuly place for a quiet vacation in the Arizona desert

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Suzanne & Andy Bell (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 02/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/10

We stayed in this lovely casa for the last two weeks of February. We saw quail, jack rabbits, coyote and many types of song birds from our porch. The house is set up so you can see both the sunrise and sunset. We slept really well in a very comfortable bed. Cynthia and Alan thought of everything in this rental to make it like a home away from home! Cynthia and Alan - thanks!

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Guest: Clarissa2 (-)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/10

As someone who grew up in Arizona and wanted to visit my old state, I couldn't have found a better place to stay! The casita is in the best location for adventures in Sonoran desert and Tucson. Walk out onto the back porch to enjoy the moonlight and coyotes howling. Hike the nearby trails and soak up the sun. The owners are incredibly helpful and hospitable. This is the place to stay!

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Guest: Jan44 (Wellesley, MA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/10

What a lovely visit we had...despite colder than normal temperatures that forced the closing of the Kitts Peak evening program that had been high on our list of planned activities. The casita quickly became a cozy home away from home, a welcoming base of operations as we hiked to the top of Wasson Peak, toured Saguaro National Park, and indulged ourselves in multiple visits (thanks, Cynthia, for suggesting we purchase a membership) to the Desert Museum. The morning bird walk there is a great way to start the day and you can't beat the raptor free flight program. I can't imagine staying anywhere else around Tucson...Luminosa is the perfect perch. Thanks Cynthia and Allan for your wonderful hospitality.

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Guest: Kathy & Leo (Coon Rapids, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/10

Thanks, Cynthia & Allan. We enjoyed our stay in your wonderful casita. We saw sunrises out the front and fantastic sunsets out the back on the patio. It is a great place to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate! We hope to return. Your hospitality is appreaciated!

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Guest: Fred & Diane Hoffmann (Port Jeff Sta., NY)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

We enjoyed Allan and Cynthia's casita immensely. It was so close to the Desert Museum, Tueson Studios and the National Park. We only wish we could have stayed longer, but we do hope to return soon.

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Guest: Mike Glath (Lancaster, PA)
Date of Stay: 04/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

My stay at Luminosa was outstanding. If, like me, you are looking for something a bit off the beaten path, this is the quintessential place. It is as if the Casita was plopped down right in the middle of the Sonoran desert, but the city is easily accessible. The photos provided on the website are very true to what will await you. My hosts, Cynthia and Allan were very gracious, accomdating and available, yet not at all bothersome. This beautiful getaway was exactly what I had hoped for and much more. In fact, I plan a return visit in the early fall!

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Guest: Nancy and Ken Kembry (Toronto Ontario)
Date of Stay: 03/04/09 Review Submitted: 03/04/09

We had a marvelous stay at the Casita. The sunsets were incredible! We never ate dinner out as the perfect setting for an evening meal was awaiting us there at the Casita. The Casita itself was enchanting,a delightfully outfitted accommodation with all the amenities needed to make one feel right at home. Cynthia and Allan are so welcoming and kind, thoughtful hosts. Our stay was not only relaxing but rejuvenating. Nothing like basking in the silent warmth of the Saguaro Desert while nature parades before our eyes to its own drummer. Beautiful! Thank you Cynthia and Allan. Warm regards, Nancy and Ken Kembry, Toronto, Canada

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Guest: Kim, Rick, & Eliana (Fountain Hills, AZ.)
Date of Stay: 01/26/09 Review Submitted: 01/26/09

Casita Luminosa was amazing! We spent two peaceful nights and didn't want to leave. The views, star gazing, and wildlife were incredible. The accommodations were comfortable, clean, and the decor was true to the southwest. All the creature comforts were provided; Krups coffee maker, microwave, excellent DVD/VHS selection, phone, lounge chairs on back patio, touch operated bedside lamps, etc! Casita Luminosa is the BEST representation of Tucson & the Sonoran Desert! We will be back!! Thanks Cynthia & Allan!!

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Guest: Jay & Sarah (Conifer, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/11/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/09

We had a lovely timing Staying at the Casita. It exceeded our expecatations in everyway. The Casita was was spacious and private. The location in the saguara desert was everything we we had hope for and our hosts were the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Next time we are in Tucson wehop e the casita is available because it is where we want to stay.

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Guest: Jane & Simon Tutchener (Lakenheath, England)
Date of Stay: 06/28/08 Review Submitted: 06/27/08

What a marvellous place! My husband and I stayed in the Casita for a week in May and can't wait to return - in fact we have already booked our next trip! The Casita is located in such a peaceful spot - with wonderful desert landscape all around. We just loved siting on the patio looking at the wildlife. A cactus wren was nesting in a cholla right beside us and at night the nighthawks were calling and swooping down to investigate us as we watched them catching moths above us. In no time at all we were totally chilled out and had forgotten all our worries! Our hosts, Cynthia and Allan, who live next door, made us feel so at home and nothing was too much trouble. Altogether a fabulous stay.

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Guest: Jane, Pete and Tom (Maidenhead, Berkshire. UK)
Date of Stay: 05/05/08 Review Submitted: 05/05/08

What an amazing introduction to the USA! We absolutely loved Casa Luminoza. Only stayed four nights as we were moving on to Vegas and then northern Arizona but we would love to return and spend longer relaxing in your little haven in the desert with the wildlife all around and the wonderful peace and quiet and spectacular scenery. We had a wonderful two week holiday in the USA and saw many amazing sights and places but both agree that this was the best part of the entire trip. Thank you Cynthia and Allan for providing such a wonderfully comfortable and delightful place to stay. You seem to have thought of every detail. We hope to see you again before too long!

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Guest: Kathy and Marg (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 04/29/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/08

We stayed in this beautiful casita for two weeks. It was quite and the views of the desert, sunrises and sunsets, were spectacular. We hiked, golfed at the municipal courses and spent many an hour with our books just relaxing. Cynthia and Allan were great hosts . If you are looking for something different and away from the maddening crowd.... this is it. Kathy

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Guest: Barbara Brown3 (Toronto, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 03/31/08 Review Submitted: 03/31/08

Our stay at Luminoza was everything we expected it to be and more. We came down for a mountain bike holiday, and the location was central to all the parks. The casita itself was a home away from home - lovely bathroom, full kitchen, comfortable bed, internet wireless, and the 360 degree view of the desert did not disappoint. Many thanks to Cynthia and Allen who are wonderful hosts. We'll be back! Barb&John

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/18/08 Review Submitted: 02/18/08

My husband and I stayed at Casita Luminosa for 3 1/2 weeks Dec - Jan 2008. We loved staying there. Wonderful walks in the desert - beautiful sunset and sunrise views. The casita is beautifully decorated and furnished. Our hosts were most friendly and helpful - even shared their daily newspaper. We hope to return .

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/21/08 Review Submitted: 01/21/08

I spent three nights at the Casa Luminosa in mid-December, and it was an unforgettable stay. The house is surrounded by saguaro cactuses and desert vegetation; it looks like it could be smack in the middle of Saguaro National Park. (It is, in fact, quite close to the park, as well as to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum). The house is beautifully designed and furnished and offers all the amenities you would expect, and then some (even WiFi in the middle of the desert although no TV reception). We especially loved the unique round corner fireplace! The owners, Cynthia and Allan, live next door but and are the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. I cannot recommend the Casa Luminosa highly enough. In fact, I'm hoping to return soon with my wife and kids!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/09/08 Review Submitted: 01/08/08

We spent three nights at the Casita Luminosa in mid-December, and what we thought would be just a place to spend the night became one of the highlights of our trip. The casita itself is beautiful - spacious, tastefully furnished and equipped with all the amenities you could want - but it is the location that takes your breath away. The house is surrounded by saguaros and other desert vegetation, with views in all directions. It is as if you're staying right in the middle of Saguaro National Park. At night we heard the coyotes howling, with a full moon illuminating the desert landscape. Unforgettable! The fact that the hosts and owners Cynthia and Allan are about the nicest people you could expect to meet is icing on the cake. We will DEFINITELY return.

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Guest: Bianca1 (-)
Date of Stay: 09/15/07 Review Submitted: 09/15/07

This past July 2007 I spent three blissful days at the casita with my friend Dale and my twelve-year-old son. I wish it had been longer. The location in the Sonoran desert is breathtakingly sublime. Our hosts, Cynthia and Allan, are very warm, generous and interesting people who made us feel right at home. Sunsets in the desert are spectacular, and we looked forward to our relaxing, daily swims in the pool (especially my son), while we gazed over an unforgettable expanse of saguaro cactus, highlighted against the blazing pink backdrop of the setting sun. Very surreal.. When we arrived at the casita, my son acted as though he had died and gone to heaven. "Oh my God, Mom!" he kept repeating, " I can't believe we're staying here!" It really is that special. If it hadn't been for the rest of the Tucson area that we had wanted to see (the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is just up the road and is not to be missed- we could have spent several days there), we would have been happy enough to have spent the entire time at the casita, admiring the desert scenery, watching the local wildlife (I miss the little quail family that patrols the grounds every day), and lolling in the beautiful pool all day. Thank you Cynthia and Allan for an unparalleled experience. We will definitely be back!

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