{"id":7655,"date":"2023-09-25T04:19:42","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T21:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7655"},"modified":"2023-09-25T04:19:42","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T21:19:42","slug":"the-lodge-at-blue-sky-is-redefining-wellness-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7655","title":{"rendered":"The Lodge at Blue Sky Is Redefining Wellness Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>he term \u201cwellness travel\u201d can conjure a <em>wide<\/em> range of soothing settings in one\u2019s mind. Whether it\u2019s some form of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wellness-retreats-for-black-women\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wellness-retreats-for-black-women\/\">mindfulness retreat<\/a>, an epic outdoor adventure trip, a week at Burning Man, or just time spent in silence (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/aquarius-traits\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/aquarius-traits\/\">Aquarius fam<\/a>: I see you), it\u2019s all welcome. Every definition of what it means to be well when you\u2019re away from home is warranted.<\/div>\n<p>If connecting to nature in a profound way is a priority for your next wellness-centric travel experience, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/\">The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection<\/a> is the best in class.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1116195 size-full js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"the lodge at blue sky\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Exteriors_Resort_2018_012_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h2>Where earth meets sky<\/h2>\n<p>The Lodge at Blue Sky is nestled on 3,500 acres of serenely secluded wilderness in Utah\u2019s scenic Wasatch mountain range, roughly a 25 minute drive from Park City. Its 46 rooms and suites sit on a sprawling private ranch \u201cwhere earth meets sky\u201d (an apt description). The hotel\u2019s thoughtful, modern design is an endless homage to the beauty of mountain life and, of course, the dazzling sky and stars that beam from above it.<\/p>\n<p>As soon as you pull up at Blue Sky, you\u2019ll spot Sky Lodge right on the horizon line\u2014this serves as the main &#8220;lobby&#8221; of the property. Guests can gather indoors at <a href=\"https:\/\/aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/dine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/dine\/\">Yuta<\/a> (the resort\u2019s main restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award-winning executive chef Galen Zamarra), the on-site bar and lounge, or the resort\u2019s mountainside infinity pool and patio next door.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1116199 size-full js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"the lodge at blue sky\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1690\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Fitness_Yoga_2021_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Also next door is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/edge\/treatments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/edge\/treatments\/\">Edge Spa<\/a>, which is built on the edge of a cliff that overlooks Blue Sky&#8217;s creek\u2014which, yes, you\u2019ll listen to as you inhale and exhale their locally-sourced lavender oil. Water is the key component in the design of Edge Spa, which offers open-air soaking pools, a variety of mountain-inspired treatments, fitness training, and mindful pursuits, including aerial yoga and guided meditation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1116201 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"the lodge at blue sky\" width=\"881\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Spa_Treatment_Relaxtion-Room_2021-1_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Each room at The Lodge at Blue Sky celebrates nature in the purest and most effective way possible: by letting it in. The high ceilings and large windows in every spacious suite maximize views and draw the gaze outward; glass doors open up to transform your already-spacious suite into an indoor-outdoor narnia. The bed is in the middle of the room, which makes you feel more like you\u2019re laying among the aspen trees outside. Plan to wake up in the morning with panoramic views of pristine wilderness and the sounds of the babbling brook, Alexander Creek, outside your window.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1116197 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"the lodge at blue sky\" width=\"817\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Accommodations_Earth-Suite_Bedroom_2021_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>If activity is what you\u2019re after, The Lodge at Blue Sky offers every mountain adventure imaginable, including horseback riding, Vaquero horsemanship lessons, working cattle, fly fishing, championship-caliber shooting clays, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lodge-at-blue-sky\/\" current-title=\"This Serene Mountainside Sanctuary Is Setting the Bar for Mission-Driven Travel\" current-image=\"BSK_Experiences_Yurt_2021_8-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-03-24\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lodge-at-blue-sky\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lodge-at-blue-sky\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img decoding=\"async\" :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lodge-at-blue-sky\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\" class=\" js-inline-lazy-load\" src=\"\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The Lodge at Blue Sky: What real mission-driven hospitality looks like<\/h2>\n<p>All of the above\u2014the stellar spa, outdoor rain showers, creekside cold plunges\u2014are what will lure you. Your expectations will be <em>beyond<\/em> exceeded. But what will leave you feeling more connected to the universe and all of the wonder\u2019s that the earth has to offer and reinstall your faith in humanity\u2014and, yes, disconnected from Slack\u2014will be something entirely different. It won\u2019t have anything to do with how plush the linens are (like the fluffy cumulus cloud outside your window though) or even the fact that your room\u2019s mini fridge will contain a small Weck jar filled with cold, farm-fresh cream provided by happy cows on-site: a far cry from coffee mate. What will move your proverbial mountains is the mission-driven reason that the serene ranch-resort exists, none of which has to do with luxury.<\/p>\n<p>Enter Barbara Phillips, the owner and visionary of The Lodge at Blue Sky.<\/p>\n<p>In 2013, long before there were on-site infinity pools and spirulina smoothies, Phillips discovered a nearby ranch that was neglecting their horses, and took it upon herself to care for them, feeding them daily over the fence. One horse in particular really needed help; she was declining quickly and wouldn\u2019t make it without treatment. Phillips convinced a local officer to transport her to a nearby vet hospital and, from that day forward, vowed to take care of the horse for the rest of her life. She named her Gracie, feeling that it was a \u201cSaving Grace\u201d that she was able to rescue her. When officers pounded on Phillips\u2019 door to investigate the \u2018theft\u2019 of Gracie (and threaten her with legal action) over a year later, her response came naturally: \u201cYou can put me in jail, but I will never allow that horse to go back to those people.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Gracie inspired Phillips to found the <a href=\"https:\/\/aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/saving-gracie-foundation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/aubergeresorts.com\/bluesky\/saving-gracie-foundation\/\">Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation<\/a>, which is now part of the resort. Since 2015, Saving Gracie\u2019s has rescued and become a forever home for more than 45 horses in addition to dozens of cows, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, and more.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cSaving Gracie\u2019s and its beliefs underscore the entire culture and messaging of Blue Sky: These animals will be treated fairly. They will be respected. We will not overwork them.\u201d<br \/>\u2014Barb Phillips, owner of The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>As a 3,500-acre working ranch, horses are written deeply into Blue Sky\u2019s core DNA. The animal sanctuary Phillips has created is unlike anywhere else in the world. She employs a full-time property vet (The Lodge at Blue Sky is the only resort in North America that has one) and uses its natural horsemanship program to bring the impactful healing and educational powers of horses to all guests.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1116187 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"the lodge at blue sky\" width=\"826\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Experience_Equine_2019_1742_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>On a recent visit to The Lodge, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Phillips in an attempt to comprehend how she and her husband, Mike, look after the livelihood of so much\u2014a resort, ranch, 3,500 acres of property, hundreds of employees, and enough animals to fill an arc. The answer was clear to me before Phillips opened her mouth: <em>Deeply, and with tremendous care<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy decision to start the Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, in complete transparency, came from a very emotional place,\u201d Phillips starts. \u201cFrom day one, my goal has been to rescue, heal, and rehabilitate horses in a way that is as impactful as possible and done with extreme care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For Phillips, that meant taking lifelong responsibility for the physical and emotional livelihood of these creatures. \u201cI don\u2019t currently rehome the horses that I rescue. I give them a permanent home here at the ranch, because these animals are still recovering from <em>so <\/em><em>much.<\/em> They\u2019ve experienced so much trauma and emotional pain, and often require medical treatment for physical issues. These are costly responsibilities that require long-term care. I\u2019m fearful that if I rehome the horses, their issues will not get addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The solution was simple: \u201cSo I created a sanctuary,\u201d laughs Phillips. (Far from simple, but you get it: Saving Gracie\u2019s was her calling.) \u201cWhen an animal comes to stay here with us, they find their forever home. If a \u2018working horse\u2019 is no longer able to work, they can enjoy a beautiful retirement at Gracie\u2019s.\u201d Horse retirement, Phillips emphasizes, is about &#8220;not being useful anymore\u201d\u2014it\u2019s about valuing their spirit and providing them with love and nurturing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSaving Gracie\u2019s and its beliefs underscore the entire culture and messaging of Blue Sky: These animals will be treated fairly. They will be respected. We will not overwork them. If a horse is working for the ranch, we treat them with the respect an employee deserves, meaning they will get benefits and days off, too. We will <em>never<\/em> treat them like they\u2019re a commodity,\u201d Phillips says as tears well in her eyes. See what I mean about the magic and healing that happens at this mountainside paradise?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1116189 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"892\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BSK_Experience_Equine_Trail_2019_4808-600x400_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>During our meeting, I watched as Phillips\u2019 team of equine experts carefully administered muscle-relaxing massage treatments to aging, formerly-abused horses. The expression of deep emotion and relief on each horse\u2019s face was enough to make you understand their mission.<\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t long into our conversation that a pickup truck filled with five thirsty puppies stopped by, a horse\u2019s leg injury needed medical attention, one cow started getting a stomach issue, and Phillips got whisked away, back to work. But first, I had to know: How can guests take some of this mountain air home and feel more connected to nature when they\u2019re not staying at a luxury wellness report? \u201cWe prioritize the care we take of the land, the animals, and <em>each other<\/em> above all on the ranch\u2014and this prominent culture of care has really infused itself in a positive way across the entire property. Educating folks who visit <em>and<\/em> teaching them something that helps them heal or feel more connected to nature after they leave, too\u2014that is what we\u2019re after here,\u201d Phillips says.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term \u201cwellness travel\u201d can conjure a wide range of soothing settings in one\u2019s mind. Whether it\u2019s some form of mindfulness retreat, an epic outdoor adventure trip, a week at Burning Man, or just time spent in silence (Aquarius fam: I see you), it\u2019s all welcome. Every definition of what it means to be well &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7655"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7655\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}