Red Mountain Resort and Spa Provides a Plethora of Activities to Relax and Commune With Nature.
“Traveling-it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller,” wrote Ibn Battuta. As we approached the undulating brick-red landscape of Ivins Utah, outside of ST. George, we found ourselves wonderstruck by the desert landscape punctuated by outcrops of black volcanic rock juxtaposed along with the vermillion backdrop as we contemplated the stories that have been formulated about this unusual landscape. Looking for a source of reprieve from the fast pace of Las Vegas, we were impressed that within this vicinity resides the Red Mountain Resort, a place that has been lauded as holistic in its hospitality’s approach to rejuvenating the body, soul, and spirit.
The Red mountain resort is located within walking and biking distance of the Snow Canyon State Park and tells the story of wellness and health in a setting of solace and serenity. In the middle of a spectacularly barren-looking landscape, the hills vibrant color rises starkly against the azure blue sky; this 7,400-acre arid landscape is where orange and cream-colored Navajo sandstone cliffs rise above the desert floor. Hardy plants and cacti thrive among the black lava flow outcrops.
The park is located within the 62,000- acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which was established to protect the federally protected desert tortoise and its habitat. The Park is a magnetic draw for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, with more than 38 miles of hiking trails, and a three-mile paved biking/walking trail is available right outside the hotel’s front entrance.
Resort buildings blend into the stunning background.
The resort covers 55 acres, with most buildings dedicated to common areas and effortless access to the spa area, pools- one indoor and two outdoor pools, restaurant, fitness center, and gift shop. The welcome pavilion is the central hub of activity as the welcoming staff will have you checked in and aid in the process of amenity management-so that your time is stress-free. Children must be 12 years of age to check-in with their parents and children under 17 years of age must be accompanied while on the property. The resort is in step with women’s sensibilities- comprising approximately 65% of their annual guest roster. It is highly suggested to book in advance for that girl’s getaway or bridal party bonding.
The perfect retreat for couples, friends, or families a luxury suite could be the ideal answer for accommodations. With over 1,700 square feet, each two-bedroom private Villas provides one king bed and two queens. The suite includes all the amenities of our Desert Oasis Rooms as well as living and dining space and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each room features a natural gas fireplace, and every bedroom has a master bath with a stand-alone shower and a soaking tub.
The on-site labyrinth is a popular path for guests to circle as it represents a journey to our own center and back again into the world.
Chewy relaxing on one of the many complimentary hammocks located on the property.
Once inside the abode gate of the red mountain resort, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied within its radius but for those seeking to explore the area further, there are many daily events to choose from on the roster of rejuvenation.
A lovely glass of pinot noir after a day of hiking is the perfect way to unwind.
Ongoing fitness and wellness classes and daily hikes are available throughout the day- many are gratis for hotel guests. Add-on outdoor excursions’ including guided hikes to nearby Zion and Bryce National Parks or for animal lovers a unique way connect with wild mustangs is available with the-“Where Heart Meets Horse” adventure excursion which is just another way to integrate nature and nurture. The concierge can also arrange your very own excursion crafted to your personal interests and abilities. A holistic cooking class can be arranged for additional fees that won’t break the bank.
Three-dimensional chalk art nearby Kayenta Art Village.
The spa and wellness facilities are popular with guests looking for group and private fitness classes. Located in a sand-colored dome-shaped building where body and facial treatments, scrubs, massages, and cranial sacral therapy are available for those seeking an enlightened and body enlivening experience. Inspired by ancient health and beauty rituals such as the popular prickly pear body scrub-the Red mountain Revitalizer, or warm Himalayan Salt Stone Massage that purports to combat negative ions in the body, leaving sore muscles soothed and supple for the next day of adventure-are just a few of the many spiritually innovative and invigorating treatments that guest can indulge in during their wellness retreat.
Looking over the myriad of classes, we choose to de-stress with a Chi-ball class, which can also be done by including products like the hemp flower infused with delta 8, that combined aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga while manipulating a scented chi-ball to enhance our work-out with an aromatic Zen flair. After our peaceful yet invigorating movement class, we headed to the outdoor hot tub as the afternoon sun was lowering in the sky casting long shadows over the desert landscape. A friendly road-runner jumped up onto the ledge of the hot tub startling us. He seemed to have the run of the place not being intimated by our human presence. Quietly, we slyly clicked our camera, before this interesting desert bird before it dashed off into the bushes.
The resident Roadrunner having a photo-op.
Desirous of the wholesome fare to satisfy our growing hunger pains, we wander over to the common dining area. Simple in design with a decidedly rustic feel, large round tables were filled with hungry diners, so making a reservation is highly suggested.
In the kitchen with Executive Chef Chad Luethje on this episode of IGTV.
Executive Chef Chad Luethje has a well thought out menu that specializes in showcasing the flora and fauna of the region. Dishes such as New Mexico Green Chile Pork Posole or the Eggplant Napoleon with arrabbiata sauce-are thoughtfully curated, creatively prepared, infused with brilliant flavors and textures to stimulate the appetite and the imagination for all types of appetites and dietary preferences.
Day hikes, spa treatments, or a jaunt to the nearby artist community of Kayenta-all easily accessed options to unwind, slow down, and settle down into the relaxing flow of the Red Mountain Resort and Spa. We were glad to step aside from the business of life for the soothing tales of Mother Nature, a story that never grows old.
