Red Mountain Resort is tucked into the rugged red rock cliffs and canyons of Ivins, Utah. Ideal for the healthy living set, the property is just a quarter of a mile from Snow Canyon State Park and just past that is Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks. And there are limitless activities -- you can wake with a sunrise hike and end the day with a yoga session. We checked in at Red Mountain Resort, and here’s what we loved most.
What’s Hot
We loved the "pound puppy hike." This free-to-guest hike has partnered with Ivins’ City No-Kill Animal Shelter. Each hiker is paired with a pup for a three- to four-mile trek around the beautiful St. George Valley. The well-kept, loving shelter says that it's not uncommon for Red Mountain visitors to take home a furry souvenir.
Best Feature
The activities. Each guest at Red Mountain Resort can choose from a host of daily activities that are included in the price of your stay, from the guided morning hike (beginner to challenger level) in the nearby Snow Canyon to yoga, meditation, Zumba, bike rides, aqua classes, and loads more that are posted around the resort. For an additional fee, there's rock climbing, horseback riding, sunset kayaking and paddle boarding, and rappelling.
The Rooms
The property features two types of rooms: deluxe and villas. We stayed in the villa king suite, complete with a natural gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchenette, cozy living area, jetted tub and stone shower, and deck that overlooked the private only-to-villa guests pool and hot tub.
The Food
Canyon Breeze Restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch, along with a seated dinner. This sounds snoozy until you get a taste of the menu, which is hands-down the freshest, healthiest, most incredible food we've tasted. And for a health-minded resort, to boot. We heard a tale that the famed Miraval weight-loss resort nabbed their chef, but he soon returned to Red Mountain, and is whipping up menu items like curry lentil soup, fresh-caught fish, veggie studded quinoa, fillet mignon, and even a dark chocolate molten cake .
Who Will Love It
Nature lovers, health-minded folks, solo travelers (35 percent of the guests travel alone, but seem to meet friends within the first day), and couples who want luxury and romance, but not tight pants upon return from vacay.
Who Might Not
A cell phone addict. But this could be a good thing for those who are too attached to their iPhones. Cell phone devices aren't allowed in many common spaces to encourage mindfulness. And with the stunning 360-degree views, it'd be a shame to be scrolling your feed.
Nearby
Zion National Park, one of the resort's most popular hikes (a must-do); the all-day trek includes transportation, all necessary equipment, and lunch ($200).
Deals and Special Offers
Packages are all-inclusive, like the Essentials Retreat (one of the most popular) that starts at $265 per night per person and includes accommodations, all meals, daily hikes, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, a welcome water bottle and backpack, the use of indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, strength and cardio studios, and tons of other amenities. Right now, guests can receive 10 percent off on a three-night or longer stay based on double occupancy in the deluxe rooms.
Connect
Keep up with the resort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Getting There
The resort is 30 minutes from the St. George, Utah airport (complimentary transportation provided) and an easy two-hour drive from Las Vegas.