Red Mountain Resort

The Red Mountain Resort is an upper-middle-range retreat dedicated to wellness and outdoor adventures with fire pits, hammocks, and a rock labyrinth that’s used for meditation in a serene desert setting. Domed architecture and two-floor, adobe-style buildings blend into the desert landscape with red rock cliff views all around. Interiors are contemporary in the lobby lounge, where guests can relax on comfy beige couches and orange-patterned chairs, read free newspapers, sip cold water, and consult with concierge desks by the check-in counter. Fitness classes are available for kids and teens ages 12 to 17, but most guests are adults -- solo travelers and couples. The atmosphere is social, and the focus here is on healthy living, with guests meeting on guided hikes and a communal dining table for travelers who don’t want to eat alone. Nighttime entertainment, however, is limited and the bar closes early, which makes sense since the resort is health-focused and most excursions depart early. 

This remote desert location in Ivins, Utah, overlooks the red rock cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park and caters to travelers seeking an outdoor retreat with direct access to hiking trails -- including Inspiration Trail -- as well as horseback riding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Concerts at Tuacahn Center For the Arts are five minutes away by car. The St. George Tabernacle and St. George Utah Temple in St. George's historic district are a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Golfing is also 15 minutes away by car at the Ledges Golf Club. A free resort shuttle takes guests to the St. George Municipal Airport in about 30 minutes  Guided trips to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park -- which are one and two-and-a-half hours away by car, repsectively -- can be arranged through the hotel. It’s a two-hour drive to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. 

Standard and modern when it comes to style, rooms and villas aren’t fancy, but most guests stay here for the outdoor beauty. Furnishings are pleasant and sit among rust-colored accent walls, arched windows, and dark carpeting. Deluxe Rooms offer king or two double beds, and some have red rock views. For solo travelers there are Dragonfly Solo Rooms. One- and Two-Bedroom Villas -- for up to six people -- have living rooms, soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, balconies or patios, and private pool and hot tub access; some have kitchenettes with dining space. Two-Bedroom Villas have two bathrooms. All rooms include air-conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, coffeemakers, hairdryers, and robes. Some rooms have mini-fridges. Standard bathrooms are basic and modern, with granite-counter vanities, shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Stone tile floors are a nice touch. Pets are allowed in certain rooms with free perks like organic treats and bowls. 

This resort’s long list of fitness, adventure, and wellness workshops allows guests to tailor their vacations with packages that include spa treatments and weight-loss programs. The main draw of the resort are the outdoor adventures, from guided hikes -- with trips through lava tubes and moonlight walks -- to free bicycle rentals and tours through Zion Canyon. Also offered are excursions to meet wild mustangs, kayak, rappel, or take photography classes. A modern fitness center is on-site and there are over 50 fitness classes offered weekly. Water workout classes are provided with two seasonal outdoor pools, and three hot tubs, including one tucked in the garden. Indoors is a year-round pool. Outdoor gear and active wear is sold in a boutique in the lobby. Nutritional seminars, reiki, and weight-loss workshops are also offered. Calorie and nutritional information is on the menu at the Canyon Breeze Restaurant, which has a healthy buffet (with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, as well as carnivore-friendly dishes), a cafe, bar with wine and beer, and a stone oven on the dining terrace. A domed building houses the salon and spa, which has a lengthy list of massages, facials, hand and feet treatments, nature-inspired treatments, and men's offerings. Nine indoor and outdoor meeting spaces can accommodate up to 100 people and two computers and a printer are in the business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and a free shuttle to St. George Municipal Airport is also available.