Blending into the gorgeous hills is a view of the spa facilities at Red Mountain Resort.

A complete resort that serves up a package of three bountiful meals, exercise classes, hikes, and the accommodations  – makes this a winning destination, whether it’s for a week or a few days. With new guided hikes, exercise classes, nutrition workshops, cooking classes and the like daily, just a long weekend can feel like a complete vacation. And that was what I got. Two days, two nights, and the sense that I’d had a month’s work of fitness, relaxation, and “me” time – especially needed for someone who thinks more in terms of “mommy and me,” than “me.” Sound familiar?

So if you decide to go, you’re probably thinking exactly in those terms. And what about the kids? Well, if they’re not staying home with dad or mom (yes, both sexes are welcome at the spa, as are older kids, twelve and above), there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area with the parent who isn’t making this retreat.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

While you gain fitness, healthy food tips, and simple relaxation in a beautiful setting, Zion National Park is just down the road with plenty of family friendly hiking trails to explore, in-park accommodations, and comfortable motels in Springdale or St. George.  In the town of St. George, just down the road from the spa, the kids will enjoy the history laid out at the Mormon Temple Visitor’s Center – the temple is the oldest in Utah, and the visitor’s center modern and informative. They’ll be encouraged to interact with the light up diorama of the Holy Land, and hear some pretty fascinating stories about the construction of the temple.  In the St. George Tabernacle, located in the historic town square, full tours are offered for all ages. Check out the spiral staircase built by Mitt Romney’s grandfather, or enjoy the grilled cheeses and cream sodas right across the street in the hundred-year-old Judd’s Store. There’s a merri-go-round and several excellent parks within St. George city limits, too.

Just a few miles from Red Mountain, you’ll find the small artists’ village of Coyote Gulch within the planned community of Kayenta. A small cafe, a pottery collective, and several galleries with very friendly and accommodating artist owners make this a worthwhile destination, too. The kids will love the free standing wind sculptures and the bronze mustangs created by well known local artists.

THE RESORT

But back to the spa itself. Whether you bring the kids along for their own exploration of the land of red rocks, spectacular sunsets, and tiny black bats or leave them comfortably at home, Red Mountain Spa is a great place for moms or dads alike to get an infusion of relaxation and energy.

The gorgeous setting is breathtaking

The gorgeous setting – red rocks, blue sky – and shaded hammocks from which to enjoy the view, makes Red Mountain a great destination just for the scenery alone. We especially loved the serenity of a rock labyrinth on the property. As a back drop, you’ll have black lava and red rock as far as the eye can see. While walking the spiral, keep your iPhone’s camera on the “panorama” setting – you won’t be disappointed at the view.

Fitness Classes

Then there’s those classes – aqua aerobics, check. The new body aligning trend, Melt, check. Stretch, yoga, tai chi, boot camp – yes, those too. And all included in the stay. Best of all are morning hikes past petroglyphs and streams, through canyon trails, or to visit adorable puppies at a local no-kill shelter – you’ll find early hikes for all levels of fitness. The resort even provides a small knapsack, plus two water bottles to keep you hydrated (the kids will love them as souvenirs).

Pampering Treatments

And what about the signature treatments at the Sagestone Spa? Facials, scrubs, massages of all types, all  presented with great love and enthusiasm by a very caring staff. The wonderful treatment professionals are generous with their time and extremely talented. If you haven’t let go of all of life’s tensions yet, you will now. We also loved the fluffy plush robes to relax in before or after a treatment – with a view through an enormous picture window of that red rock and the main pool.

Besides all the excellent exercise – the stretch class I took after my morning hike was wonderful,  and reminded me that I never, ever stretch at home – one of my favorite activities was – eating.

Dining & Accomodations

The standard rooms are well-appointed and cozy

As any busy parent can attest, between handling the menu demands of small children, plus work, plus home, feeding yourself can sometimes get short shrift. But Red Mountain has you covered there. I stayed in a standard room, well appointed, cozy; guests after more space and luxury will choose the villas surrounding the infinity pool with beautiful, full – but unnecessary – kitchens, and balconies. Three full meals, with great options for vegetarians, vegans, detox, and gluten free diets.  Fresh organic veggies, a lush grazing buffet of them, made up the salad bar available at lunch and dinner. Fresh fruit was served similarly at breakfast.  Plenty of seafood choices on the dinner and lunch menus for a Pescatarian like me. There were calorie counts listed by the deserts and many lo-cal, tasty sorbets, but naturally I went with the chocolate lava cake one night, and the chocolate raspberry torte the second.

No matter what you do in this piece of paradise tucked among the gorgeous Red Mountains, you’ll come away feeling refreshed from the unforgettable experience. And if you’re going to indulge in something sweet, and then get up and take a hike early in the morning, it had better be chocolate.