By Travel Correspondent Sharon Walters

As the sun dipped below the mountain's horizon, casting a warm golden embrace over the rugged landscape, I found myself in a place that transcended everyday luxury. Nestled in the heart of Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range within a sprawling horse ranch, the Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection beckoned with promises of culinary delights, exquisite wines, and rejuvenating wellness experiences, not to mention outdoor adventure. The anticipation of my journey was one of epicurean exploration, a symphony of flavors where food, wine, wellness and fun seamlessly come together.

Suite Views of The Wasatch Mountains and Wilderness

High West Whiskey Cocktails featuring fresh herbs and garnishes

Led by Executive Chef Jason Franey's culinary expertise, the dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was a masterpiece, a canvas painted with locally sourced vegetables from their organic farm and an array of ingredients that celebrated the bounties of the region. I reveled in the harmony of flavors as I savored every bite of the multi-course tasting menu and his comforting bar bites. Amidst the indulgence, the lodge offered a sanctuary for wellness seekers. Surrounded by the majestic mountains, I found solace in morning yoga sessions that set the tone for what the day offered ahead. The serene landscape served as the perfect backdrop for guided meditation, a practice that grounded me and provided a sense of balance—my afternoon brought the challenge of submerging an ice bath bathed in sunlight within a wooded grove.

There is nothing short of an adventure in these beautiful Mountains, from horse riding in the fields of summer flowers to high-flying aerial fitness in the trees. I wandered through the organic gardens and rode bikes up to the top of the ledge to view the stunning vistas of the sprawling 3,500-acre resort. There are places here among the pines to retreat into nature, knowing you are not too far away for a nice lunch and a rest in the warm afternoon.

After a day of exploration, the spa beckoned. Drawing inspiration from nature's elements, the treatments were a sensory journey. The local nature therapy treatments, in particular, caught my attention. Harnessing the rejuvenating properties of flower and herb extracts, these therapies left me feeling utterly revitalized, my senses attuned to the natural world around me.

Stepping into the Private Yurt on the Mountaintop felt like entering a realm designed exclusively for nature and luxury enthusiasts. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by smiling faces and a carefully curated selection of wines from well-sourced vineyards, as well as renowned international labels. The Lodge's commitment to creating an immersive wine experience in nature is evident in every detail, from the elegantly designed tasting to the sommelier-guided wine dinners that unfolded. What really stands apart is the blending of nature and wines. A crisp Gewürztraminer, a tart and fresh Sauvignon Blanc, and a beautifully silken Châteauneuf-du-Pape accompanied us as our feet dipped into the cold running stream, with the scents of summer flowers and pine trees bringing it all together. Here, you can taste the air, feel the wind on your face, and experience the silk of the wine on your tongue with the scent of pine trees in the distance.

In the heart of this tranquil haven, I realized that indulgence need not come at the cost of well-being. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection has perfected the art of balance, where every moment is an opportunity to savor life's pleasures while nurturing one's self. As I reluctantly bid farewell to this natural oasis, I carried with me not only the memories of exceptional wines and flavors but also a renewed sense of vitality that would stay with me long after I departed.

Photos courtesy Blue Sky Lodge, An Auberge Resort

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