Utah spas that give us pause
By Kathleen Curry and Geoff Griffin
When winter along the Wasatch Front takes hold, one option for escape is to find a place with warm water where you can soak the chill away. Check out these outdoor spots that will let you enjoy the crisp, cool air of winter while relaxing in heated water. Some offer a luxurious spa experience at the higher end of the budget while others are family friendly and downright homey.
Spa Montage’s indoor whirlpool
Spa Montage Deer Valley
9100 Marsac Ave., Park City, 435-604-1400,
MontageHotels.com/deervalley
What’s better than soaking in an outdoor hot tub while the snow is gently falling around you? How about putting that hot tub at the top of a mountain that overlooks Park City? Or even better, how about getting out of that tub and walking indoors into a 35,000 square-foot spa that features a mosaic, indoor lap pool with those same breathtaking views?
You can find this—and more—at Spa Montage, part of the resort Montage Deer Valley. This internationally known brand name has tried to replicate the feel of a European wellness retreat, including experiences such as a Vichy shower, where large quantities of warm water are poured over guests as they lie on beds similar to a massage table. The spa also offers multiple jetted whirlpools and deluge showers.
St. Regis Deer Valley Remède Spa
2300 Deer Valley Drive East, Park City, 435-940-5830
Marriott.com
It’s always nice to have a great pool in a beautiful location—and at a prestigious hotel, too. All of that can be found at the St. Regis Deer Valley pool, which is heated so you can enjoy it after a cold day on the slopes. The split-level pool also has surrounding hot tubs if you want to raise the temperature. The location lets you watch skiers come down the hill towards your heated oasis in the snow. If you’d rather be indoors, step over to Remède Spa, which is dedicated to relaxation through water-inspired amenities.
Snowbird Cliff Lodge Spa
9320 Cliff Lodge Drive, Snowbird, 801-933-2222
Snowbird.com/spa
After playing in Little Cottonwood Canyon, consider lounging in the outdoor pool of The Cliff Lodge spa. The rooftop heated swimming pool and three hot tubs are open year-round and feature beautiful mountain views. The Cliff Spa is on the 9th and 10th floors and offers 21 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, fitness center and solarium, along with a co-ed eucalyptus steam room and women’s and men’s dry saunas. Just want to soak just for the day? Purchase a $25 daily passport good for use Monday through Thursday, or one for $30 on Friday, Saturday or Sunday (robe and sandals included).
Mystic Hot Springs pool
Mystic Hot Springs
475 E. 100 North, Monroe, 435-527-3286
MysticHotSprings.com
What makes these waters “mystical” is that they naturally are clean and hygienic, contain no sulfur, and stay between 99-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Your choices include a 2-foot-deep pool with a waterfall or a 4-foot deep pool you can float in. Or ask to have one of six old-fashioned cast-iron bathtubs filled for your own personal soak. Passes are $15.
Given that these waters percolate in the tiny central Utah town of Monroe, a mere 2½-hour drive from Salt Lake City, there’s little to prevent soakers from enjoying the sunset followed by a nighttime sky filled with the Milky Way in all its glory.
Also, check the Mystic Hot Springs website for their upcoming acoustic concerts where you can soak and listen to live music. If you want to stick around for a night or weekend, the website can reserve cabins and buses (yes, buses) where you can sleep.
Amangiri Resort Canyon Point
Amangiri Utah Spa
1 Kayenta Road, Canyon Point, 435-675-3999
Aman.com/resorts/amangiri
One way to get warm during a Wasatch Front winter is to drive south. Just above the Arizona boarder on the drive between Kanab and Lake Powell, Amangiri sits on 600 acres of beautiful desert landscape. The 25,000 square-foot “Utah Spa” includes an outdoor stone-lined pool where you can sit on a cushioned seat in temperature-controlled water and enjoy the view of the surrounding rock formations.
If you’d rather have your water right on hand, check out the Mesa Pool and Desert Pool suites with their own private plunge pools just steps out the door.
