FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Executive Chef Justin Macy, Tanque Verde Ranch

by Kimberly Inlander

Jun 1, 2016
2016

The cuisine is about to get a bit healthier and more innovative at Tanque Verde Ranch, located on 60,000 acres of desert landscape in Tucson, Ariz., with the arrival of Executive Chef Justin Macy, who joins the resort team after 16 years at Miraval Resort & Spa.

© TANQUE VERDE RANCH

© TANQUE VERDE RANCH

With minimal culinary experience when he began working at Miraval at age 17, Macy worked his way up the ranks to executive chef, becoming known for his use of eclectic ingredients to create unexpected, healthy fusion dishes. At Tanque Verde Ranch, his background in spa cuisine will help make the classic comfort foods that are hallmarks of the dude ranch experience lighter but equally delicious. Macy, who has also coauthored three cookbooks and appeared on Cooking Channel and The Food Network, and his team prepare three gourmet meals daily at Tanque Verde Ranch as well as oversee group and banquet catering services. Options for diners also include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. Several indoor and outdoor specialty dining events are held weekly, and, in addition, Macy plans to roll out interactive culinary programming for guests. Menus rotate weekly, but travelers to Tanque Verde Ranch can expect dishes such as chili-honey-glazed salmon, Cotija whipped sweet potatoes and chicken chili relleno, using ingredients indigenous to Arizona. The cuisine will prove the perfect complement to Tanque Verde Ranch’s expansive accommodations and abundance of activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, tennis, fishing and more. WHAT THREE GO-TO INGREDIENTS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR HOME KITCHEN? My go-to ingredients at home are simple: salt, pepper and garlic. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SEASON FOR COOKING, AND WHY? That’s a tough question. I love cooking in all seasons — each holds something special and offers unique ingredients. If I had to choose, I love cooking comfort food in the fall and winter because it brings the whole family together to celebrate. ASIDE FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT’S THE BEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD? I have spent most of my culinary career at Miraval Resort & Spa, where I spent a total of 16 years in the kitchen working my way to the top as head chef. I worked a few kitchen jobs before that, but nothing at that level. That being said, the best job I ever had was working under Executive Sous Chef Steven Bernstein at Miraval. He taught me how to make stocks, butcher meats and fish, and better myself so I would be a chef one day. WHAT’S THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER COOKED? That was so long ago! Pizza was the first meal I ever cooked. It’s my favorite thing to eat, and I could probably live off it. I worked in my hometown pizzeria for my first job, where I made the dough and sauce and took deliveries.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 23, 2025

Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear

If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic.  The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

May 2025
May 23, 2025

Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime

At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.

Daily
May 23, 2025

4 High-Altitude Hotels for Summer Travel

Travelers looking for a summer escape with less crowds and cooler temps should consider a visit to these four hotels in high-altitude destinations.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
May 23, 2025

First Zetter Hotel in 10 Years to Open in London’s Bloomsbury Neighborhood

In early 2026, Zetter Hotels opens its first hotel in 10 years in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. The Zetter Bloomsbury will bring Georgian charm and elegance to life across its design-forward guestrooms and suites.

eFlyer News
May 21, 2025

Raffles Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Mexico in 2029

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will debut in Mexico with Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences in 2029, marking the hotel brand’s entrance in North America. Set to occupy a stretch of unspoiled beachfront in Los Cabos’ East Cape community, which extends from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles, the resort and residences will feature 60 guestrooms and 46 branded residences in the first development phase.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

eFlyer Deals
May 21, 2025

Celebrity Cruises Launches Limited-Time Sale

Celebrity Cruises’ Spring Sale is a can’t-miss. For travel now until June 2, save up to 75 percent on the second guest and get an additional $400 off per sailing.