International
Magazine
Spas & Retreats
Travel Adventures
Stories & Pix
Real Travel Adventures
Spas & Retreats
Red Mountain Spa and Resort
Near St. George, UT
© 2004 Bonita Productions Inc.
FREE travel e-zine of travel adventures
Flag of Utah
Red Mountain Spa and Resort
Near St. George, UT
By Robert Painter
In early 2005 Sandra from New York will probably head West to escape the winter snows. Her best friend Joy from California will head North to meet her in the sun drenched seclusion of a fabulous little spa where they can eat specially prepared healthy gourmet meals, wander through the labyrinth, hike the red rock trails and commune with nature. I’m betting these two best friends will once again meet up at Red Mountain Spa and Resort in the little community of Ivins, snuggled tightly up against better known neighbor St. George, Utah. This area has an unusually temperate climate and is noted for its relatively mild winters. 
Joy and Sandra have been traveling together for years and when Joy discovered Red Mountain, Sandra was more than happy to add this great destination to her adventure list. And not just to be with her best friend! It turns out that Ivins, Utah is at the center of a hub of tremendous recreational possibilities. Not only is it surrounded by the towering cliffs and red rock formations at the entrance to Snow Canyon State Park, but it is also at the gateway to Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon National Parks and nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. And, if that’s not enough, it’s an easy drive to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks as well. And only 90 minutes north of Las Vegas, Nevada!But the truth is you don’t have to go beyond the boundaries of Red Mountain Spa itself to have a grand adventure. The core services here are extensive. Included in your program fee are daily guided hikes, three healthy gourmet meals daily, healthy living classes, moonlight hikes, cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes, swimming pools and fitness equipment.
Aerobic and cardio classes, yoga, Pilates, stretch & flexibility, aqua classes are included as well. With beautiful accommodations amid the gorgeous red rocks you don’t need to budge an inch from the Spa.
I stayed in one of the Villas at Red Mountain and it was perfect. A king-sized bed, a beautiful spa bathroom, gas fireplace (with an on/off switch by the bed) and a private patio with red rock views. Soothing luxury following an exhilarating day of red rock trail hiking and soothing, rejuvenating spa treatments. I only had a couple of days to spend on this visit so I opted for the Red Mountain Massage on my first day.
Red Mountain is one of the top destination spas in the United States and has been awarded a coveted Mind, Body, Spirit Award by Spa Finder Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This award, given to the top ten spas receiving the most votes, was won in seven categories including hiking, fitness, spirituality programs, culinary and others. They certainly won my vote! I took a group hike one morning and then hiked on my own in the red rocks the next day. Then followed those hikes up with gourmet lunches and spa treatments. The 80 minute Red Mountain Massage was perfect. My masseuse was very careful to make sure I was comfortable and getting the results desired from the treatment. Pressure is adjusted to the individual guest’s request.
My second full day there I was able to have lunch with Deborah Evans, general manager of Red Mountain. She explained to me that it has the most extensive hiking program in the Southwest and is the only spa in the U.S. that specializes in outdoor adventure fitness programs, including rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding and back country wilderness trips as well.If your desire for adventure is a little more subdued there is even a cooking school at Red Mountain. Executive Chef Jeff Crosland offers these monthly classes in a time frame that fits right in with the rest of the program so that you can still participate in the other activities of the Spa. The Adventure Cooking School consists of four two-hour sessions from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. These are healthy choice sessions and the participants even receive culinary tools and a copy of the Red Mountain Adventure Cuisine Cookbook as part of the deal - all spiral bound and easy to use.
What’s in the cookbook? How about Blue Corn Griddle Cakes, Court Bouillon Poached Halibut on Wild Rice and Quinoa Confetti or desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake or Port Wine Pears with Sauce Anglaise? Included in the book are cooking techniques, a grain cooking chart, and much more.
During my short visit I also managed to work in a manicure and a Gentleman’s Facial. I would guess that more guys have had a manicure somewhere in their lives than have had facials. So let me just say that the facial was a wonderful aromatic experience. Very relaxing and it felt great for hours - highly recommended by this visitor!
The Spa and Salon at Red Mountain can meet and surpass all your expectations. They offer a full range of treatments. Everything from Native Canyon Stone therapy to Utah Honey Glow treatments to Adobe Lavender Wraps. Nail treatments, massages, facials, the full range of hair care and even acupuncture are available.
If you’re the outdoor type you can learn Orienteering with GPS, explore the local geology and archeology, visit the surrounding National Parks or play at a nearby Johnny Miller designed golf course .
The Spa provides an excellent set of printed Self-guided hiking and biking route maps. Both maps provide trail descriptions, mileage, trail closure dates and times as well as clothing and gear recommendations. And emergency phone numbers if you’re hiking with your cell phone.
And I don’t want to forget to tell you about the Guest Education & Entertainment programs. Native American Drumming Circles, Moonlight Walks, Pottery School, Guest Speakers, Wellness Workshops, Shiatsu, Life Weight Management, Stress Reduction & Emotional Intelligence, Special Themed Weeks and much, much more.And yes, they do have meeting facilities for your group - just inquire.
So visit Red Mountain for any of dozens of reasons. You can fill every minute of every day. Have your body composition assessed, check your cardiovascular system, measure your bone density, get adjusted with chiropractic care, get a cholesterol profile, take Pilates instruction, hike, bike, or...
JUST DO NOTHING!
Lie by the pool, soak in the hot tub, enjoy the gourmet meals, relax by the fire with a glass of fine wine, walk in the moonlight, marvel at the stars in the endless sky and enjoy the luxury of a fabulous Spa Vacation.
When I watched Sandra and Joy walking through the labyrinth talking, laughing and just enjoying each other’s company I knew they had found the perfect destination to renew and prolong their lifelong friendship. USA Today has identified Red Mountain Spa as one of the Best 10 spots in the US for R & R. Looks like they got that one right!
When you go:
Red Mountain Reservations: (800) 407-3002. Call and request the excellent brochures that explain exactly what is available and what everything costs.
If you’re driving request the “All Roads Lead to Red Mountain” pamphlet. It includes not only great tips about staying awake with aroma therapy, exercise, a quick loofah refresher and other ideas. There are even a couple of recipes for homemade snacks to help you eat healthy along the way!
You can fly into Las Vegas on most major airlines and take the St. George Shuttle for the 90 minute trip. Phone number (800) 933-8320.
Major car rental offices can be found at Las Vegas airport.
St. George Airport is serviced by Skywest, Delta Connection & United Airlines/United Express. Website: www.redmountainspa.com.
St. George Chamber of Commerce: www.stgeorgechamber.com
I would suggest that you tell them you read about it here and that you are requesting special treatment - but you’re going to get it anyway!
Real Travel Adventures Web Magazine
Thanks for visiting us!
\
_____________________
________________________
If any links don't work