The Oasis of WOW Arizona!

My husband and I had a fabulous 2 night visit at the oasis and eden of WOW with CJ and Mary Ellen. The flora and fauna that our hosts have cultivated on their property is beautiful, fantastic, and truly remarkable. Food and wine were top notch. CJ is a wonderful host, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of everything, including and especially the birds, animals and plants of southern Arizona. If you are a birder or nature lover and if you enjoy good food and wine you should stay here for a relaxing, wild, wonderful and unique experience.

I just spent several days out there. CJ is my brother and I consider ME as a sister. I live in Maryland, so I cannot get out there very much. When I do, I really enjoy just sitting back and enjoying nature at its best. I would bet that CJ and ME take better care of their guests than they do I, but they go to their limit to make sure I enjoy my stay. Visit them, I love it every time I go there! Russ

My four night stay at The Oasis far exceeded my expectations, which were already high! I began my first day at 5:30 am lying in bed listening to dozens of birds singing outside my window. After getting a cup of coffee, I sat in one of the comfortable chairs outside to soak up the sunrise experience-- Gamble's Quail running in to eat food on the ground, Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers busy at their nests, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers competing for spots on one of the suet feeders, and many species of hummingbird were crowded on the sugar water feeders. There was no reason to leave the Oasis property very often during our stay to go elsewhere in the Tucson area, because most of the Sonoran desert wildlife, flowers, etc. were there! Our hosts, C.J. and MaryEllen, were delightful, making us feel that their home was ours, too. The breakfasts, including Eggs Benedict, were wonderful, and the next time I go, I plan to have C.J. fix dinner, too!

We stayed two nights at this spectacular home near Tuscon. The hosts were fabulous - not only did they ensure we were comfortable and well-fed, but they took the time to show us around their property and explain anything and everything about the wildlife and plants in the area. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and would recommend the Oasis of WOW to everyone, and even more so to bird watchers looking for up-close encounters with roadrunners and hummingbirds of all varieties.

my experience at WOW Arizona was second to non. I felt like I had stepped into a dream. The property was amazing with excellent mtb trails right out the back gate. The food was amazing to boot! I must see and experience for any nature lover.

For a truly unique experience of concentrated desert wildlife and fauna! Warm and friendly, laid back and cool. Trails right out of the door, and the most wildlife I've ever seen in the desert all in one place. I was blown away by CJ's knowledge of the many birds, animals and plants. What a great way to experience the Catalina mountains!

The grounds were amazing as was the wildlife sightings. Our hosts, MaryEllen and CJ were very gracious and extremely knowledgeable. It was great to talk with them. The food was delicious and the accommodations were clean and comfortable. I highly recommend a stay here.

my parents and I spent 3 days at the Oasis. It was an amazing experience and I will be headed back very soon. There are endless activities and the surroundings are breath taking. Maryellen and CJ are one of a kind as well and make you feel truly at home. I would recomend this to any one and look forward to my next trip. Geoff D.

A wonderful "getaway" for wife Carol and me in the midst of a family vacation. Mary Ellen and CJ truly go above and beyond on every imaginable level to make guests feel special. Spectacular (and healthy) meals, wonderful accomodations, and true exposure to nature on several fronts. It was like "roughing it," but in comfort! We will be back sometime in 2011, for sure! Thanks very much! Carol and Mike Ostrowski

My husband and I have stayed at The Oasis of WOW a couple of times. Each time it has been wonderful. When you walk the garden with CJ he not only encourages you to see and hear all that is out there, but to touch and smell many of the plants. The birds and butterflies are amazing and abundant. I could sit out in front of the home and read or just listen for hours. I was so relaxed and refreshed. I also can not forget to mention the food. It was so fresh, nourishing and tasty. Plus, the view is just awesome! We both found The Oasis at WOW to be breathtaking, beautiful and relaxing. CJ and ME are great, welcoming hosts and we are so looking forward to another visit!

CJ has twice invited me to participate in nature walks at the Oasis. He appreciates my expertise on the local insects, but I am the one who is honored and overwhelmed by the hospitality he and Mary Ellen extend to all their guests. The grounds are truly an Eden, and CJ knows every resident plant and animal. The food is fantastic, as they hit it right down the middle between "meat and potatoes" and "gourmet." Just what I want as someone who abhors overtly fancy cuisine. The rooms are perfect: cozy and comfy at any season. You owe it to yourself to stay at WOW AZ for all it has to offer.

Best place to stay in the Tucson area. We biked, relaxed and ate well. The house was clean and very comfortable. Our hosts were welcoming and very friendly. The location and landscape are a prime example of the southwest desert experience.

As a Tucson native, I've stayed in quite a few local hotels and B&Bs, and I can honestly say that Way Out West left me astonished. It is quite simply unparalleled in its quality of service, value, and overall experience, bar none. As if waking up to fresh fruit and a home-cooked breakfast were not enough, I could see the desert come alive as I dined, observing the myriad bird species and butterfly specimens that make the Oasis at Way Out West their home. (And what a breathtaking home it is!) Most enjoyable, however, were the impromptu ecotours and ecology lessons from the innkeepers, whose expertise in Sonoran biology is only equalled by their friendliness and eagerness to share their knowledge. Though my stay was brief, I absolutely intend to return and for longer. I cannot more highly recommend the Oasis at Way out West. Needless to say, you will be glad you forwent your typical getaway should you avail yourself of this hidden gem.

CJ and Mary Ellen were an excellent host/hostess. I stayed with them last week a long with a friend. He enjoyed the bike riding-really it literally begins from the back door. We both more than enjoyed the garden and "wildlife." CJ loaned me a pair of special binoculars that allowed me to see the bug life magnified-I could see the butterfly's proboscis going into a flower. Both CJ and Mary Ellen are very knowledgeable about the plants and animals that share their beautiful area. We both learned so much. I felt like I had attended science camp!CJ helped me use my camera and gave me tips on how to take good photos. The food is excellent. The wide screen TV and large DVD selection helped us get through the hottest part of the day. The bed was extremely comfortable. We woke up to the sound of bird song and a lovely view of the Catalina mountains. You really don't want to leave the place at all. We will definitely plan to return next year.We came as strangers and left feeling we had made new friends.

Coming from Australia my 17yr old son & I wanted to experience the desert environment ourselves on mountain bikes. We were really looked after at WOW. Loved the bikes, the food, etc and falling into cactus (something that must be experienced... gives a new dimension to mountainbiking) Wish we could have had more days to ride!

We took a chance - booking a week here, site unseen. Absolutely NO regrets. The most amazing birds, flowers, plants, mountains! The food was excellent and the hosts a delight! The rooms are not fancy but are clean and have everything you need (we weren't in there except to sleep anyway). I had an amazing time, recommend it to others and wil definitly go back when I'm able!

Mountain biking is what brought me to this place. All bikes SJ rents are full suspension Cannondales. All in great shape. I've got the Prophet, which was really fun to ride! He also borrowed me all other gear as camel-bag, helmet, tools, air pump, etc., gave a map and a short intro-ride behind his house to get an idea about the area around. All fun starts right behind the house ! I took Chutes, Deer Camp Trail to Cow Spring Tank, then Baby Jesus Trail, connecting to 50yr trail. About 5hr ride and my first day in the desert. Quite amazing. After coming back, I got a lecture about all birds in the garden, if I remember correctly, about 130 species of birds show up around the house. One can just sit, watch and listen for hours. CJ is a photographer as well so don't forget to check his photo collection (ask for the rattle-sneak while having a dinner;). I highly recommend this place either if you go to ride a bike as I did or just want to see some flowers and wildlife. All is right around the corner! Best wishes to MaryEllen and CJ and thank you for sharing your place! Dino

My wife and I live in Tucson, and I wanted to plan a fun, adventurous mountain biking trip for her. She's been riding before, but I had not. We went riding for a day at Way Out West with CJ, and spent a beautiful spring night relaxing afterwards with a movie and hot tub. There may have been some mention of the "best birthday present ever." :) CJ and MaryEllen are gracious, knowledgeable and welcoming hosts. We were delighted by the great trails, comfortable bed, incredible native plant garden, outstanding breakfast and pleasant conversation. We'll be back, and we'll recommend this perfect weekend trip to all our friends!

Things that bug me (besides the usual clean and nice stuff).... 1) Margarine. Margarine is wrong if it's all that is offered on your toast at a B&B. Especially icky tasting margarine. These guys offered both- excellent idea. 2) Marginal fare. If you are offering a bed and a breakfast, the breakfast should be tasty, yeah? Wholesome ingredients, tasty spreads, a reasonable portion. This is often lacking in a B&B, but HERE..... it was amazing! The food was fresh and well seasoned with delicious eggs and potoatos one day, whole grain pancakes another, then breakfast burritos, and EVERY day there was fresh fruit of many kinds, juice, coffee, tea, homemade muffins, and homemade yogurt 3) Coffee issues. Coffee is important. Serving up a cup of weak Folger's is unacceptable. Offering only 1% with it even worse. These guys did it right. 4) Uncomfortable beds- Again, if you're a BED and breakfast joint, the bed should be comfy- these had memory foam, down comforters. It was an amazing thing. We've yet yo go to a B&B that even came close. The rooms are small, but it's so gorgeous outside, why hang out in your room? There was plenty of room for sleeping and that's all that counts. Plus CJ and MaryEllen are interesting hosts with enormous knowledge about the flora and fauna in the area. GREAT place!!

Wish we could invent some new words to describe how enjoyable our visit to WOW was. "Special" and "unique" will have to suffice. This is the perfect way to experience Arizona flora and fauna. CJ and MaryEllen are fun, gracious, and knowledgeable. We're looking forward to our next visit with them. Steve and Sherry

WOW is the perfect base to sample the most awesome trails i have ever ridden.CJ and Mary-ellen took perfect care of us even shuttling my father up to the trail head to give him an easier start while CJ guided me and my brother up to the 50 year trail.As guides go they don't come more conscientous than CJ who was courteous to other trail users and did'nt just point out the sweet lines but also the unusual wildlife and fauna.Considering the size of the area and the ammount of trails i would definately recommend wow as the premier mountain biking set up in the catalinas. I would also recommend staying a few nights in their beautiful house and gardens complete with huming birds wild flowers and a hot tub ,cj made us the best mexican food id ever tasted and the blueberry muffins at breakfast were delicous ,keep up the good work guys and spread the word the the world needs to know about the dude way out west!!

Way Out West is a great little place... Very personal and personable. Awesome access to the trails and to nature right out the front or back door.

You didn't ask about the strongest points! The yard was beautiful beyond belief and filled with bird activity. An extensive bird feeding area kept birds in close. Extremely convenient to hiking. MaryEllen is a fabulous cook; but I wasn't there to eat. Both she and CJ are very friendly and will help you find what you are looking for in the area.

Staying at the “Oasis” was really the highlight of our trip. We contacted CJ and Mary Ellen after being completely dissatisfied with a B&B in Tucson…and fortunately they were able to accommodate us. Thank Goodness we found them. We immediately felt as if we were staying with friends...and we will always return to their place whenever we are in southern Arizona….Comfortable beds, beautiful wildflowers, delicious breakfasts, good coffee, good company…..songbirds...what more could you ask for? (Tim and Daniel)

Spent a few lovely days with CJ and Mary Ellen during a work conference. What a wonderful thing to come back "home" after a long day at the conference to such a place. Mary Ellen even packed me a lunch! Don't miss the hot tub on the deck after dark. Thanks, guys!

The food and hospitality were outstanding. the views and gardens breath taking,wild life unbeliveable! Turn the T.V. off and go outside!

A friend and I stayed a week with CJ and Mary Ellen at their comfrotable B&B located in the Santa Catalinas. We were there primarily for mountain biking but found the stay with CJ and Mary Ellen offered much more. The flora and fauna just outside our room was fascinating; with desert quail and road runners, butterflies and a vast array of native cacti and other desert plants. It was surprising to me how much life there is in the desert and CJ and Mary Ellen's knowledge of all things in the desert made for a very interesting stay. The breakfast, snacks, hot tub and movies added quite a bit of comfort to our stay and I really found myself not wanting to leave. If you the outdoors, plants, wildlife, butterflies, interesting people and having a healthy good time you have found your place at Way out West.

Great place to stay for a mountain bike trip. Ideally placed close to the trails, so after a great breakfast it's a hop on the bike and the trails start in the yard. CJ has a wealth of knowledge of the trails and is happy to show them to you.

Innkeeper Response
Please let us know how we can improve the value of our service(s) to you!

- CJ (Chris) Vincent (innkeeper)

my girlfriend and i needed to take a break from the daily grind and we came and fell in love with this cozy bed and breakfast that is far from average. we relaxed in the sun, we saw nature at its most diverse, and got to take a mountain bike ride with an experienced rider. we had so much fun and will be back very soon. thanks CJ and Mary-Ellen

This truly is an oasis! The moment we arrived, we truly began to relax and enjoy the lovely environment that CJ and Mary Ellen have created. There is beauty in every direction you look. You can't help but want to stay in the tranquility of your surroundings. The flowers and birds and butterflies and mountains and wildlife are amazing! We didn't want to leave! We'll be back again...and again...and again.

Innkeeper Response
Thank you, you flatter us!!! We love sharing our 'little oasis'.

- CJ (Chris) Vincent (innkeeper)

CJ is my brother, but the couple of times that I have been there were fantastic! Rooms are great, clean and comfy. If you just like to kick back and do nothing, that is great too (something that I love doing). The views are fantastic! CJ & ME will MAKE you feel like family. Miss you both! Love, Russ

Innkeeper Response
New gardens, with a koi pond and waterfall, have been added since your last visit. Three state butterfly record sightings in those very gardens. There are many more beautiful places to 'sit and do nothing'! Our love to you and family!

- CJ (Chris) Vincent (innkeeper)

Ideal, convenient location, that is truly a peaceful, natural oasis.

Terrific! Highly recommended.