When you picture southern Utah, your brain almost automatically goes to Zion National Park. It’s hard not to. The breathtaking, 229-square-mile preserve is famous for its massive cream, pink, and red Navajo sandstone cliffs. If you've ever been, you know it feels completely otherworldly, from the 15-mile canyon cutting through its center to the iconic Narrows hike, where adventurers wade hip-deep through the Virgin River. But while this beloved spot is undoubtedly worth a bucket-list visit, there's so much more to southern Utah than just one crowded park.
Set just west of Zion lies St. George, a booming southwestern city in Washington County known as the gateway to the region. Sitting right on the collision point of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau, its unique geography creates a playground where you can hike, mountain bike, and rock climb year-round.
Right on the edge of this desert expanse sits Black Desert Resort, a premier destination for luxury hospitality, world-class golf, and rugged adventure. I visited recently, and walking out onto a pristine golf course woven through ancient, jagged fields of hardened black basaltic lava was a welcome, dramatic shock to the system after the rain-soaked spring greenery of my home base in Nashville.
Desert Minimalism
Stepping into the newly completed Resort Center feels like entering a massive, modern sanctuary, featuring 447 rooms and suites split across an expansive landscape. Architecturally, the resort is outwardly unpretentious, utilizing cool greys, muted tones, and geometric rock textures along the entrance that intentionally let the floor-to-ceiling windows do all the talking. These massive glass walls frame the vibrant orange and black rock surroundings, pulling the dramatic landscape right into the lobby.
The rooms follow that exact same design philosophy. A palette of muted browns and greys is punctuated by the occasional pop of color, ensuring your eyes are always drawn back to the wild views right outside your private balcony. While the clean lines and crisp architecture lean into the sleek feel of a newly minted space, true luxury is felt in the textures. You notice it the moment you settle in, from the fresh, clean linens to the heavy, tufted leather and wood headboards.
The Destination Dining
There's an impressive culinary footprint here for a resort that feels so deeply embedded in nature. With seven distinct dining concepts on the property, you can transition seamlessly from a casual morning fuel-up to an upscale evening over steak and cocktails. Located in the lobby, Lava Love quickly became my daily ritual for expertly pulled lattes using beans from local roaster Alpha Coffee, paired with fresh-baked pastries. For a midday bite, Oasis hits like a literal mirage right by the pool in the desert heat.
When night falls, Basalt takes center stage. Perched high atop the hotel, it pairs panoramic views of the rugged terrain with prime-aged, regionally sourced beef and thoughtfully designed craft cocktails. We also became fast regulars at Flo Lobby Bar, where the bartenders are friendly and absolute masters of their craft. They shake up destination-specific drinks like the Black Desert Margarita, a striking blend of tequila, blood orange juice, lime, Cointreau, blue agave, and activated charcoal that is specifically designed to look just like the volcanic landscape outside.
Escaping to the Red Rocks
While the hotel's sleek design could easily tempt you to stay inside, the real main event is the surrounding wilderness. For a taste of local culture, a short drive brings you to Ancestor Square in the heart of downtown St. George. Highly praised for its historic charm, it features beautifully restored 19th-century architecture, a vibrant local arts scene, and an ultimate small-town feel. If you do want to venture into Zion, the hotel offers seamless, guided excursions, ranging from curated Narrows hikes to e-bike tours through the main canyon or even a day trip to Bryce Canyon.
However, if you want to skip the crowds of the major national attractions, Snow Canyon State Park is literally steps from the resort. It features striking red sandstone cliffs, ancient lava tubes, and petrified dunes that rival anything you'll see in Zion, but with a fraction of the foot traffic. For quick trails, you can hit Jenny's Canyon, a short, family-friendly walk that leads into a stunning, shaded slot canyon. And there's also the Lava Flow Trail, a moderate hike that allows you to scramble down into actual volcanic caves and explore real lava tubes.
Volcanic Fairways
Where the resort truly commands national attention is on the green. Currently ranking number 34 on Golfweek’s nationwide “Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play in the U.S.,” this PGA-certified course is a masterpiece.
The perfectly executed vision of legendary course designer Tom Weiskopf comes to life across 18 championship holes, plus a bonus 19th hole for settling bets. Teeing off here means navigating 7,500 yards of lush green fairways framed by stark, jagged black lava formations under brilliant, cloudless Utah skies. It is a visually arresting, challenging contrast that every golfer needs to experience at least once.
Plume Spa and the Pool
When the desert sun peaks, the resort's pools become the ultimate centerpiece of relaxation. I spent an entire day lounging by the infinity-edge pool, watching the sun dip behind the towering red rock cliffs from the comfort of one of the many comfortable pool chairs. There's also a glowing fire pit for when the desert air cools down at night, and with oversized hot tubs and 24-hour access, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day on the course or the trails.
For a deeper escape, the spa sits tucked quietly below the main property, offering a hidden, subterranean getaway feel that relaxes and entrances you. Upon entering, you wait in the common lounge wrapped in a soft robe that instantly promotes a state of ease. The facility isn't short on offerings, providing everything from standard massages and facials to modern longevity amenities like a dry cryo-float or a session in the hyperbaric chamber. Once you're finished, you can relax in the after-treatment lounge, which is equipped with various teas and grants access to a private pool exclusive to spa guests.
Ultimately, Black Desert Resort proves that southern Utah doesn't begin and end with Zion, acting as a masterclass in how to pair the raw elements of nature with luxury comforts.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/Sz0rLjp
