After a brief visit to Green Valley Spa, my girlfriends and I drove the short 10 miles to Red Mountain Spa, where we would spend the next couple of days. This marked my 4th visit to Red Mountain Spa in the last eight years. Each visit, I'm amazed by the spectacular "backyard playground" and view that Red Mountain Spa is blessed to have. The red rocks of Snow Canyon are absolutely breathtaking. I could definitely live here. At least for the next couple of days, this was my playground.
One thing I've learned from previous Destination Spa vacations, is to immerse yourself as quickly as possible. So after checking in, all of us changed into comfortable clothes and made our way to the Cross Train Cardio class. The instructor had us jumping, stepping, squating, lunging, twisting, lifting and pushing. I think every muscle in my body was tested. If everyone would do this class on a regular basis, there would be no obesity problem in the US. Seriously, a great workout. My only concern was that my girlfriends may have overdone it in the first hour of their spa visit. Thankfully, a Tai Chi class followed to help us calm our minds and bodies.
We snuck out of the Tai Chi class a little early to join the Orientation and Property Tour. I always recommend that guests partake in the orientation to help orient themselves and to learn about all of the insider tips. Even if you've been to a spa several times, these tours are a good idea. I always learn something new. On this day, the Fitness Manager led us through all of the buildings and shared a few Red Mountain secrets. As a bonus, she gave away prizes at each stop.
After a quick shower, we made our way to the Dining Hall. We had made dinner reservations for 5:30pm since all of us had spa treatments starting at 7pm. [Note reservations are not necessary for breakfast and lunch, just dinner]. I ordered the fish special, which was Ono, Christy and Sarah ordered the Wild Game Trio, and Angela ordered the Filet. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. In an effort to keep my calorie intake in check, I abide by the rule to enjoy wine or dessert with dinner, not both. Normally, wine wins over dessert. But tonight lemon curd was on the dessert menu so it was an easy choice. I'm not big on desserts, but love anything lemon. It was the right choice - absolutely delicious and a great palate cleanser.
Unfortunately, all of us had to rush off to our spa treatments. Don't get me wrong, we were looking forward to some pampering. We just wanted to relax and enjoy each other's company longer. A good reminder for me that when you are with a group, it is best to keep the evening time free.
The Sagestone Spa opened just over a year ago, so this was my first visit since it opened. Unlike most Resort Spas that build a new facility in these situations, Red Mountain converted one of the original dome buildings to host the new spa. And what a fantastic job they did. The Sagestone Spa has a very warm and welcoming feeling thanks to all of the archetictural curves. Plus they were able to preserve a part of the spa's history [the "domes" were the original buildings from the National Institute of Fitness days]. The new spa now provides spa guests with a relaxation room with an amazing view of Snow Canyon, changing rooms with lockers, separate steam rooms, an expanded treatment menu and services. All serious upgrades from the former spa. For my first night at Sagestone Spa, I went with two basic treatments - a Swedish massage and manicure - and enjoyed a quick steam. The Spa Dames enjoyed a Desert Rain massage, Desert Pearl facial, and Mountain Glow body treatment. I was confident everyone would enjoy the spa services, but the relaxed look on their faces after the services told me they were totally immersed and thoroughly enjoying their spa vacation. Rave reviews for the new spa - Red Mountain truly hit the mark with Sagestone.
Day 2 started with a light bite from the breakfast buffet. All of us signed up for the Trekker 2 hike, so we wanted to make sure to eat enough to fuel us through the hike but not too much that we would be uncomfortable. Breakfast always offers a big variety - almost too much for a morning spa brain to comprehend. After fueling up, we made our way to the Gazebo - the designated starting point for all hikes. Today's Trekker 2 was the Joan's Bones hike. I'm an avid hiker and normally do the Trekker 3 level hikes but today I decided to join my girlfriends. Our lead hiker (Bob) did his job well; we laughed, enjoyed the great scenery, and managed a quick pace as we traversed the trail to the summit. Here, we learned why the hike is called Joan's Bones. On the way down, Angela and I enjoyed a conversation about all things wine with Bob. If you are a wine enthusiast, as I consider myself, make sure to hike with Bob at least one day!
Since the hike was short (by my standards), Angela, Christy and I decided to walk back to the spa versus riding in the van. It gave us more fresh air, a longer workout and a close-up view of Snow Canyon. As Bob promised, we made it back in time to partake in the 11 o'clock classes. I hit the cooking demonstration while the others wisely chose to stretch out their muscles. While I could have used the stretches, I am glad I partook in the cooking class. I consider myself an adventurous and accomplished cook, but I struggle with seafood so I was really looking forward to this class. The Sous Chef lead us through three seafood dishes - Poached Salmon with Tofu-Dill Sauce, Coconut-Encrusted Cod with Fruit Sauce, and Sugar-Cured Albacore Tuna with Chinese Mustard. Remarkably, he completed all three entrees from start to finish in the 1-hour class. Equally 
remarkable, all of the dishes were spectacularly delicious. Everyone in the class raved about the taste and were impressed by the simplicity of the preparation. I'm still not sure which is my favorite, but I know I will definitely be preparing all of them at home.
After the cooking demo "lunch" I decided to enjoy some down time. It is very easy to get caught up in participating in all of the classes and lose sight of the idea of relaxation while at the spa. I blame it on my Type A personality. Early afternoon is a good time for relaxing at Destination Spas as the schedule is usually light or free. Hammocks are scattered throughout 
Red Mountain's property, constantly reminding guests to take the time to relax. I got the hint and decided this was my time. AHHHH, very nice! The other ladies found the pool. Spagoer's note - make sure to schedule some lounging time during your spa vacation!
Fully relaxed and recharged, I was ready for some lively activity. Lively is an understatement for the Drums Alive class. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but with that name I knew it was going to be fun. The instructor (Lori) set up "drums", provided all of us with our drumsticks and cranked up the rythymic music. In a matter of seconds, we were striking the drums, jumping, twirling and marching to the beat. The laughter was contagious; everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves and this class. Of all the fitness activities I've ever participated in at Destination Spas, this has to rank as the most fun! If you have the opportunity at home or while visiting a Destination Spa, let down your guard and try it!
Tonight was the night that I snuck away from Red Mountain to visit another Destination Spa Group member, Fitness Ridge (more on this later). The Spa Dames enjoyed dinner, spa treatments and the Evening Star Gazing Party offered by Red Mountain. While there is an extra fee associated with the star gazing party, it is well worth it. The Utah sky provides a very clear view and John is wealth of knowledge. I've participated each time I've been at Red Mountain and have never been disappointed. My girlfriend's confirmed that it was all I had hyped it up to be and more.
Day 3 started early for me as I decided to go on the Trekker 3 hike. As usual, the Trekker 3 hike only attracts the regular hikers so our group was small - 4 total. A young couple from Ohio who were on yesterday's hike with me and a woman from New York. Interestingly, all of them were return guests. Today's 
hike was the Winter Quarters Trail - one I had not done before. It offered a very different terrain for our hike - green with more vegetation versus the red rock canyons. One of the main reasons that I enjoy the Trekker 3 hikes is the climbing and this trail offered a several fun climbing moments. Check out this "hole" we climbed through to get to the Winter Quarters. Another day, another great hike! If you are visiting Red Mountain, you must go on at least one of the hikes.
I met up with The Spa Dames for lunch after the hike. They stayed with the Trekker 2 hike. I can't remember which trail they hiked, but I know Bob was their lead hiker again and they thoroughly enjoyed another one of Snow Canyon's trails. After refueling, I decided to listen in on the Iridology discussion. Frankly, I am skeptical when it comes to some of the non-traditional healing therapies but I went in with an open mind. Ian White provided a very good explanation, answered many questions and had the group examine each other's eyes. I found it to be very interesting and have decided to learn more. I wish I would have been able to sign up for a consultation before departing, but my schedule was already full.
To round out the day's activities, I tried two new classes - Balletone & Chiball Stretch. Balletone felt a lot like ballet class which is not my forte. I struggled through it but was able to laugh at myself. If you are a dancer, this is a class for you. Non-dancers, consider yourself forwarned. Thankfully the Chiball class was much easier and very relaxing. The ChiBall Method™ is a mind/body fitness concept based on traditional Chinese Medicine and incorporates philosophies from Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais Method and Deep Relaxation. No wonder everyone enjoyed it so much. The room felt very calm and balanced as we departed.
Saturday's dinner was a bit rushed due to spa services again, but Sarah and I enjoyed what both of us felt was our best meal at Red Mountain. My dinner entree was the Prickly Pear BBQ Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Jalapeno Cornbread and Red Chile Slaw and Sarah enjoyed the Deconstructed Blue Corn Tamale. Both spicy, both delicious. These and other recipes are available on Red Mountain's website.
All of us enjoyed one last spa treatment this evening. I like to finish my spa vacations with a pedicure and this trip was no different. I indulged with a 90 minute Trekker Pedicure for which my feet are still thanking me. Buffed, puffed, polished and rubbed - The Spa Dames were ready for the real world.
For our last night, we decided to enjoy some entertainment outside of the Red Mountain campus. A very short drive from Red Mountain, Snow Canyon has it's own amplitheater (Tuachan) where major theatre shows are produced. This very special amplitheatre offers one of the most breathtaking theater settings I've ever experienced. I will forever remember seeing 42nd Street amongst the red rocks. If you are in St George during their production season, I highly recommend seeing a show.
The next morning we checked out of our rooms and enjoyed breakfast. Actually, it was probably the only meal where all of us were totally relaxed and didn't rush off to the next activity. A great ending to a great Destination Spa Vacation for The Spa Dames.
Where do you think The Spa Dames should go next?
