Utah

Situated in the Wasatch mountains about twenty-five(ish) minutes outside of Park City, The Lodge at Blue Sky isn’t exactly a “lodge” at all. At least not since Auberge Resorts took over in 2019. Sure, there are working stables, wild elk roaming freely, even a horse refuge on property (and by property, we mean 3,500 acres of sweeps-you-off-your-feet serenity). You’ll also find things like a gorgeous spa built right into the surrounding landscape. Creekside Cabins and design-centric Earth Suites with marshmallowy beds, sliding glass doors, and firepits to huddle around with s’mores. There’s even a High West Distillery about five-minutes down the road. And then, of course, there are the activities: snowshoeing, skeet shooting, horse riding, fly fishing, heli-skiing, axe-throwing, whiskey sipping, and too many only-on-a-ranch activities to list here. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to step foot off property or not.

Based in Utah, Angie Godfrey is a shamanic astrologer whose work focuses on the idea that we should embrace and understand ourselves as limitless potential rather than something that needs to be fixed—and that this journey of self-discovery is ongoing. Her comprehensive astrological readings cover both your natal and draconic charts, and she uses Reiki, foot zoning, and brings twenty-five years of metaphysical study to the table. For couples, she also offers relationship readings in which she analyzes two charts together and provides guidance in how you could be fully supporting one another.

Every treatment at this stunning spa in the middle of the Colorado Plateau starts with a smudging ceremony—a nod to the Navajo, who have lived here for centuries. The swirling smoke clears your head, helping to set the intention for the rest of the experience. Next you get a custom-blended aromatherapy shower, and only after that does the facial begin. The Amangiri Signature is a classic cleansing facial, while the Zone Facial uses targeted pressure-point massage for toxin elimination, and the Hot & Cold Stone Facial, which includes a neck and shoulder massage, is supremely relaxing. Each treatment ends with an incredible crystal sound bath.

Located in the remote canyonlands of Utah, Amangiri has some of the best sunsets we’ve seen anywhere—and for good reason: The sky constantly changes as the sun shifts across the desert, bathing the already-dramatic buttes and mesas in pink and purple light. The resort itself is built into the landscape, and though the architecture is sleek and modern (the corresponding interiors are classic examples of the Aman’s brand of neutral, pared-down luxury), it all essentially blends into the rock. The surrounding desert offers plenty of activities, from rafting to horseback riding to hiking—even private plane rides over Lake Powell. If the food were just a little bit better, it would be one of the more perfect stays in the United States (and there aren’t really any other options nearby).

New kid on the block Five5eeds is totally in line with the Aussie café culture that's sweeping NYC and SF these days. Settle in for a nourishing plate of Moroccan shakshouka or the PC superfood grain salad (wild rice, quinoa, farro, BBQ charred corn, chai-soaked goji berries, and arugula). For the littles, there's a special menu featuring a mini stack of hotcakes and fruit. Currently they're open for breakfast and lunch.

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountain range, Deer Valley Resort consistently tops lists for its customer service. In skiing parlance, that translates to on-site ski valets to help you unload your gear, immaculately groomed slopes, and well-appointed lodges. (Stop for lunch at Royal Street Café at Silver Lake Lodge—it's far cry from the cafeteria-style dining you're used to mid-mountain.) What's nice about Deer Valley is there's a little something for everyone, making it a great mountain for families—there are easy cruisers like Bluebell and Lucky Jack, plus some solid steeps like Daly Bowl and Lady Morgan. Deer Valley is one of the last skiers-only holdouts, so like neighboring Alta, no snowboarders are permitted. Photos courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge is pretty large, spanning 23,000 square feet and housing sixteen treatment rooms, with separate men’s and women’s relaxation rooms, each of which have access to a sauna, steam room, and hot and cold plunge baths. In addition to a classic menu of top-notch massages and body treatments, couples can check into one of the spa’s treatment suites outfitted with private showers, tubs, and a fireplace.

A skate shop in a ski town doesn’t sound so novel but Prospect is far from run-of-the-mill. Here, you’ll find an interesting high-low edit: Socks by Stance (there’s some for ladies too), hoodies from WeSc, slick Nixon watches. Tucked into the back corner is Billy's Barber Shop, an Orange Country import, that features an antique barber chair and traditional lather machine to boot. Swing by to clean up with a hot shave (or haircut if you've gone full-on mountain man) before dinner on Main. Upstairs, there are pressed juices and elixirs by Land Juicery, as well as coffee from Pink Elephant.

The big news in Park City is that the town's namesake resort was purchased by Vail, which could be good or bad news depending on who you talk to. Vail already owned the formerly-named Canyons, Park City's northern sister, and the acquisition gave them the opportunity to install a brand-new, eight-person gondola connecting the two resorts from peak to peak and expanding the ski-able terrain to an (astonishing) combined 7,300 acres. Über-convenient for people staying near Main Street, you can actually access Park City from right downtown, making the entire town virtually ski-in, ski-out. A mountain this huge is guaranteed to have a wide range of terrain, but considering the unbelievable number of groomed runs, the sweet spot here is for intermediate skiers. Needless to say, it's also great for littles who've graduated from the magic carpet. Tip: If you're planning on multiple ski trips this year, consider investing in the Epic Pass, Vail Resorts' multi-mountain pass, which gives you unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler-Blackcomb, and plenty more for a fixed price.

Owner Melissa Barry knows that mountain home design needn’t be limited to Pendleton blankets, buffalo plaid, and faux-fur throws. Here, her more modern take includes an airier palette (French mid-century arm chairs and Notte bed linens). Don't worry, you'll still find a few tasteful nods to alpine living: a coffee table must-have The Stylish Life: Skiing, hair-on-hide throw pillows, and a hard-carved wooden stag head. Barry's edit feels tasteful, not gimmicky. Upstairs doubles as a showroom for larger interior design projects.