Park City UT makes Traveler's Ideal Wish List

Why Park City Makes Up the Traveler's Ideal Wish List
Published: April 11, 2010, Luxury Travel Magazine

Bluebird skies with perfect, low humidity weather – check; the very best of sports and adventure – check; exciting new luxury, from spas to dining – check, and the ease of travel – check; off-season rates at one of the country's most acclaimed new resorts – check.

Just 35-miles from Salt Lake International Airport, Park City there are many reasons to check out the charming mining town. New to the area and nestled slopeside at Deer Valley is The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort. The resort is unique for being the state's first five-star branded hotel while offering a laidback mountain experience. In the summer, guests benefit from room rates that are just a fraction of their winter prices, starting at just $225 as opposed to $599.

Travelers considering a trip out west this Spring, here are the amenities and activities that are not to be missed: An Engineering Marvel, the Funicular: The funicular at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is not-to-be missed. The sleek engineering marvel transports guests 500 feet between the base of Deer Valley to the main hotel in 90 seconds. From its stunning views to state-of-the art design. Plush leather seats, tinted windows, and air conditioning – the funicular is as cool as it is chic.

Culinary Class: Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's J&G Grill and The Wine Vault: Famed Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, has made his first foray into the Intermountain West with the J&G Grill. The menu redefines mountain elegance and excites the taste buds with the chef's riveting culinary offerings at affordable prices. Guests can enjoy either al fresco dining on the stone terrace overlooking the mountains or dining room vistas of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountain. The 8,000-bottle wine collection is the state's most comprehensive and the unique wine program and the glass-encased Wine Vault is an intimate atmosphere for wine and cheesing tastings.

Mind-Body Pampering, The Rèmede Spa: Spanning 14,000 square feet, the Rèmede Spa at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is the ultimate experience in mind-body rejuvenation. The spa has eleven treatment rooms including intimate individual rooms and romantic companion suites with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and alfresco relaxation patios. Spa therapists help to discern guests' individual desires and then assist in custom-crafting an experience that can encompass beauty treatments, skin care, and body work.

Outdoor Adventures: For rigorous workouts and outdoor pleasures, guests can literally walk or bike out the resort's door to take advantage of Deer Valley's 50 miles of panoramic trails. Horseback riding through the mountains is another favored way of checking out the area's natural beauty. Jans Mountain Outfitters, the premier guide service in Utah, is located in the basement of the resort to offer guests a full complement of equipment and services.

Fly-fishing: The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is located less than 30 minutes from both the Provo River, a designated Blue Ribbon trout stream, and the Weber River, another world class trout stream.

Golf: Park City alone has seven golf course, three of which are public, while neighboring Heber Valley has another five greens for golfers to choose from. Aficionados can try their game at Tom Fazio's Glenwild or Jack Nicklaus' Promontory Ranch Club, Painted Valley and Red Ledges.

Utah Olympic Park: Spanning 389 acres, this thrilling park is just a few minutes from The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort. During the summer, visitors can try everything from the bobsled, which has been deemed one of the most intense one-minute experiences, alpine slide or the zipline. Every Saturday, elite aerial ski athletes perform freestyle shows in the splash pool. The park staff offers eager visitors coaching for all abilities.

Arts and Culture: One of the town's most beloved summer events is Deer Valley's "Bright Lights Big Stars," a mountainside outdoor concert experience that draws talent such as Wanda Williams and Elvis Costello. On Main Street, the newly renovated Park City Museum offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the town's unusual mining history.