By Marc David, Foothills Magazine

As owner of Casa Luna Bed and Breakfast, Nancy Mellan was ready when a man told her he wanted to do something special for his wife. He wanted everything to be just right for his wife and to surprise her. So Mellan assigned them the Artist's Retreat, the most elegant of Casa Luna's four rooms. It includes a private patio area and its own Jacuzzi tub.

The couple approached the Foothills retreat under the guise that it was going to be a business get-together for the man's company. Once the woman stepped into the majestic courtyard, she was baffled. When she was shown to her quarters in the Artist's Retreat, tears filled her eyes. "They were holding hands, we (Mellan and her husband, Stu) were holding hands," she says. "They were overwhelmed, we were overwhelmed."

Mellan had been a modem dancer all her life. She was co-founder and co-director of Zuzi! Move It Dance Company in Tucson. But she reached a crossroads last year and bought Casa Luna, 4210 N. Saranac Drive. She and her husband moved into the innkeeper's suite and her office is at the far end of the main house.

In its one year in business, Casa Luna has seen a range of local, national and international travelers. Its guests have been young couples and retirees who come to see their grandchildren. "It's a wonderfully eclectic mix of people," she says. "We offer an elopement package. Stu and I frequently have had occasion to witness some happy moments. It's so gorgeous here at dusk with all the trees lit on the trunks. The sun with golden hues on the mountains is just beautiful. It's especially beautiful if we have wedding ceremonies."

Casa Luna has averaged an elopement wedding a month since Mellan took ownership, including an elopement during her first week on the property. It was set up at the last minute and the couple needed witnesses. Mellan and her husband volunteered. The Romance Package, which includes a dozen roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, is especially popular, she says.

There are four rooms on the premises - two each in the main house and guesthouse - and they all have themes. There are the Bogart Suite and Artist's Retreat in the main house, and art-themed and music-themed rooms in the guesthouse.

Breakfast is served daily in the great room of the guesthouse, which includes a kitchenette, comfortable living area, fireplace and spectacular mountain views. A pool and hot tub are in the spacious courtyard.

There is also on-site massage available. For that, Casa Luna partners with Peaceful Spirit Massage Center. "It's a nice amenity we can offer guests," says Mellan, a Phoenix native who grew up in Pennsylvania. "They don't have to leave the property."

For those who want to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, Mellan will make arrangements when requested. For more information, call 577-4943 or visit www.casa-luna.com.