At Play

Three Utah Retreats for Rest and Relaxation

Book a staycation or weekend getaway at one of these luxe resorts.

December 23, 2020 Published in the Winter/Spring 2021 issue of Park City Magazine

The Lodge at Blue Sky in Wanship

The Lodge at Blue Sky in Wanship

The Lodge at Blue Sky
Wanship, Utah

Tucked away on a 3,500-acre private ranch just outside of Park City, The Lodge at Blue Sky—part of the Auberge Resorts Collection—pairs adventure with refinement. New guest activities for winter 2021 range from dogsledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, plus intermediate and expert heli-skiing right from the property.

Options abound when it comes to guest accommodations, as well. The Sky Lodge, the heart of the resort, has 19 contemporary one- and two-bedroom rooms and suites featuring a warm, neutral palette and rich textural accents. For more space and a private terrace with an outdoor fireplace, consider the Earth Suites, a three-minute walk from the lodge. And for the ultimate in privacy, book one of the freestanding Creek Houses: these open-concept, one-bedroom suites are situated along Alexander Creek, which runs through the property.

Dine on refined mountain fare and seafood at Yuta, including sunchoke-crusted rack of lamb and grilled swordfish skewers, helmed by James Beard Award–winning Executive Chef Galen Zamarra. Or enjoy a casual Sunday brunch at The Refectory by High West Distillery, located on Blue Sky’s property. Blue Sky’s on-site Gracie’s Farm provides much of the produce for Yuta, as well as fresh honey used in craft cocktails and for various treatments at the Edge Spa. Treat yourself to the spa’s High West Whiskey Rubdown—which includes a salt and sage foot soak, massage, hot and cold towel treatments, and a foot and scalp scrub—or soak up the views in the relaxation pool overlooking Alexander Creek.

Amangiri in Canyon Point

Amangiri in Canyon Point

Amangiri
Canyon Point, Utah

Since opening in 2009, Amangiri has become a coveted destination for jet-setters, celebrities, and those seeking true serenity. Located on an isolated 600-acre wilderness sanctuary, Amangiri is both an exclusive, five-star retreat and an architectural wonder—the modern-minimal Southwestern design seamlessly blends into the surrounding dunes, plateaus, and mountain ridges. Amangiri’s chic suites feature white stone floors and concrete walls; amenities include plush king-size beds, soaking tubs, twin rain showers, and private outdoor lounges with desert views and fireplaces. For the ultimate in glamping, consider the elegant one- and two-bedroom tented pavilions at Camp Sarika, a five-minute drive from Amangiri. Each pavilion is equipped with indoor living and dining areas, as well as terraces with fire pits and heated plunge pools.

All meals are included in your stay (excluding alcohol); seasonal menus are inspired by the culinary heritage of the Navajo and the American Southwest. The Aman Spa also draws on Navajo traditions, offering holistic massages, facials, and body treatments. The tranquil spa features a water pavilion, a sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge pool, and a heated pool. Other wellness services include crystal sound baths, flotation therapy, guided meditation, full moon yoga, and sunrise yoga atop Tower Butte.

For adventure-seekers, options abound at Amangiri: numerous hiking and climbing trails surround the property, and Lake Powell and Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks are all within close proximity of the resort. For a truly unique and memorable experience, consider booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a horseback ride across the desert landscape, or a guided exploration of nearby slot canyons.

Snowpine Lodge in Alta

Snowpine Lodge in Alta

Snowpine Lodge
Alta, Utah

Perched just steps from the slopes in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowpine Lodge offers a stylish stay for those seeking the powder at Alta Ski Resort. The cozy-chic hotel is at once the newest and the oldest property in Alta: The original structure was erected during the mining era of Albion Basin. In 1938, the Snowpine Lodge was given its current name and declared a skier lodge. The original Snowpine shut its doors for renovations at the end of the ski season in 2017 and reopened as today’s modern rendition in January 2019.

The new and improved Snowpine Lodge boasts 54 stylish guest rooms with plush bedding and mountain views, two outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, ample common areas, and ski-in/ski-out access via the Snowpine Lift. Enjoy a pint of local beer and après eats like bison chili and braised Wagyu meatballs at The Gulch Pub, or book a table at Swen’s Restaurant for dinner (seating is currently limited). Refuel after a day of skiing with almond-crusted Utah trout, smoked meatloaf, or the popular Snowpine Burger.

Unwind at the Stillwell Spa, which includes an oxygen bar, an indoor grotto, and six treatment rooms with a full menu of spa services. For kids and kids at heart, there’s also The Nest (currently available by reservation only), a fully stocked game room complete with a pool table, a foosball table, table tennis, a movie theater, and classic arcade games.

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