Article and images by Carole Terwilliger Meyers

When I set off to southern Utah to explore the spectacular national parks, I planned in time for a few days of fresh air and outdoor experiences at Red Mountain Resort, near the border town of St. George.

This highly rated spa resort is set on 55 acres abutting a beautiful red-rock canyon.

The modern terra cotta-colored, pueblo-inspired compound consists of low-rise buildings that blend in nicely with the wide open spaces.

Everything you need to relax, renew, and rediscover yourself awaits.

Morning hikes through the surrounding crimson rocks and in nearby Snow Mountain State Park lure hikers of all levels.

I took one hike along Anasazi Ridge to see an impressive group of petroglyphs, and another that led to a reputed vortex where we laid down our yoga mats on a warm flat rock and meditated to the soothing sound of a flute being played by our multi-talented guide.

Healthful cuisine reflects a focus on fitness, but meals are well prepared and presented with an artful eye.

A staff member says, “We don’t advocate deprivation.

Individuals should be empowered to make their own choices.”

And so though a nutrition key to calories is provided for each item along with information regarding which are gluten free, dairy free, kosher, vegetarian, or vegan and more, cookies are available at lunch and fresh fruit and both hot and cold drinks are always available between scheduled meals.

Lunch and breakfast are self-serve, while dinner is selected from a menu.

Rooms are simple but comfortable, each with a deep soaking tub, while more expensive villas are also more spacious and luxurious.

Sagestone Spa operates within a geodesic dome and offers health and beauty treatments as well as some mineral cures (many incorporate native therapies and indigenous plants unique to southern Utah).

Separate men’s and women’s areas each have a sauna, steam room, and lounge.

An assortment of yoga, fitness, and personal discovery classes are scheduled throughout the day in the Wellness Center, and personal trainers are at the ready to create custom workouts.

Many activities are included in the basic price, while others are additional.

The property has both an indoor and outdoor pool and an outdoor hot tub as well as a large spiral labyrinth that is spectacular to walk at dusk.

Trips to the nearby national parks and monuments—Zion, Bryce Canyon--can be arranged, and golf, tennis, and stables are nearby. Bike rentals are available, and addictive hammocks beckon throughout the grounds.

Guests do become very fond of the property and many return annually.

They return as singles, groups of friends, couples, mothers with daughters, and more.

I look forward to joining them.

More information: 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, Ivins, (877) 246-4453, (435) 673-4905; www.redmountainresort.com. 82 rooms, 48 villa suites. $230+/person/night (no minimum stay); no surcharge for singles; high season is September-November. 3 meals/day included. Pets ok in some rooms. St. George is about 2 hours northeast of Las Vegas, where many guests fly in. Shuttle service can be arranged to the resort.

Carole Terwilliger Meyers, author of “Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California” (www.carousel-press.com/weekend.html), and the Travels with Carole blog (www.travelswithcarole.blogspot.com).