Hello, fellow explorers and memory-makers! Is there anything quite like that first breath of crisp, mountain air? You know the one—it’s cool, it’s thin, and it smells faintly of pine needles and pure possibility. As a mom who is constantly juggling school schedules, soccer practices, and work deadlines, I’ve found that taking my family up into the altitudes is the fastest way to hit the “reset” button. There is something about the scale of a jagged peak or the vastness of a desert canyon that puts everything back into perspective. It reminds us that we are part of something much bigger, and it forces us to put down the phones and actually look at each other.
When I plan our family getaways, I’m always looking for “purposeful travel.” I want experiences that “immerse” us in the destination, exposing my kids to new cultures, landscapes, and challenges. But I also need a “home base” that feels like a sanctuary. We need space to sprawl out, a kitchen for those early-morning pancake breakfasts (the kind where we actually have time to flip the cakes together!), and—let’s be honest—a world-class spa or a private hot tub for mom to recover after a day of chasing the kids down a trail!
That is why I am so excited to share two of my absolute favorite high-altitude gems from the Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. Whether you are looking for the snowy peaks of Utah or the red rock majesty of Colorado, these properties are “thoughtfully planned” to offer the perfect blend of high-octane adventure and soulful relaxation. Grab your favorite cozy sweater and a hot cup of tea, and let’s start planning your next incredible mountain escape!
Park City Perfection: Newpark Resort, Utah
If you’ve ever been to Park City, you know it has a vibe all its own. It’s chic but approachable, active but laid-back. While many people gravitate toward the crowded Historic Main Street—which is lovely for a stroll—I have a “hidden gem” secret for you: Kimball Junction. This neighborhood is where the locals go, and it is where you’ll find Newpark Resort. It is, quite frankly, a family traveler’s dream come true because it places you right at the heart of the action without the Main Street congestion.
The Vibe and Style
Newpark Resort isn’t your typical cramped hotel room experience. It feels much more like a modern mountain lodge designed for people who actually live an active lifestyle. The style is contemporary and clean, with lots of stone, wood, and glass that lets the incredible Utah sunlight pour in. It feels fresh and vibrant, matching the energy of the mountains outside.
What makes this property a standout for me—and something you absolutely must consider for a family trip—are the Luxury Suites and Two-Bedroom Townhomes. Having separate bedrooms and a full kitchen isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity when you’re traveling with a crew. But the “wonderful” cherry on top? Each suite features a private hot tub on a private balcony. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like soaking in steaming water while watching the snow fall over the Wasatch Range or seeing the stars come out in the clear desert sky. It’s those quiet moments of reflection after the kids have finally drifted off to sleep that make a trip truly restorative.
Year-Round Recreation: Snow and Sun
One of the best things about Park City is that it truly is a four-season destination. In the winter, you are just a short, free shuttle ride away from two of the best ski resorts in the world: Park City Mountain and the legendary Deer Valley Resort. If your family is like mine, skiing is the ultimate “shared experience.” There’s the nervous anticipation of the first chairlift, the laughter when someone (usually me!) takes a tumble in the powder, and the “delightful” feeling of that first sip of hot cocoa at a mid-mountain lodge.
But don’t let the lack of snow stop you! In the summer and fall, the landscape transforms into an emerald-green playground. Newpark Resort is uniquely situated right on the edge of the Swaner Nature Preserve. This 1,200-acre wildlife refuge is essentially the hotel’s backyard. I highly recommend taking the kids to the Swaner EcoCenter for a guided snowshoe trek in the winter or a sunset boardwalk stroll in the summer. You might see sandhill cranes, foxes, or even elk! It’s a beautiful way to “expose” your family to the local ecosystem and teach the kids about conservation while they’re having fun.
Recovery and Relaxation
After a day of hiking the Utah Olympic Park trails or mountain biking through the aspens on the Mid-Mountain Trail, your muscles are going to need some serious love. While Newpark doesn’t have a traditional full-service spa on-site, they have something even better for families: an indoor/outdoor heated pool. The kids can splash around while you enjoy the mountain views from the water.
For a deeper recovery, I suggest a visit to one of the local wellness spots in the Newpark Town Center just steps away. You can find everything from restorative massages to high-altitude hydration treatments. And since the resort is so “thoughtfully planned” within a walkable plaza, you don’t even need to get in the car to find world-class dining or a quick grocery run at the nearby Whole Foods Market.
Local Recommendations
- For a Family Dinner: Head over to Hearth and Hill. The menu is incredibly diverse (the cheddar biscuits are life-changing!), and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming to families.
- For Adventure: Take a ride on the Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain. It’s a thrill for all ages and offers some of the best views of the valley as you zip through the trees.
High-Desert Wonder: Gateway Canyons Resort, Colorado
Now, let’s head east toward the Colorado-Utah border to a place that feels like it belongs in a dream. If Newpark is about the snowy peaks and alpine forests, Gateway Canyons Resort is about the raw, ancient power of the red rocks. Located in the stunning Unaweep Canyon, this resort is one of the most unique places I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It’s tucked away from the main tourist paths near Grand Junction, making it a true sanctuary.
The Vision and Vibe
You can feel the spirit of “curiosity and exploration” in every corner of the property. The architecture is “thoughtfully planned” to blend seamlessly with the massive red sandstone cliffs that tower over the resort. It feels like a high-end ranch meets a luxury oasis, with earthy tones and natural materials that respect the scale of the environment.
For families who want to truly “immerse” themselves in the soulful heart of the resort, I think the Kayenta Lodge is just wonderful. These rooms and suites are so thoughtfully planned, featuring custom-designed Southwestern furnishings and warm, artistic touches that make the space feel like a true sanctuary for your crew. You absolutely must spend your mornings on your private balcony or patio; there is nothing quite like waking up with a fresh cup of coffee to see the morning sun turn the Palisade rock formation a brilliant, fiery orange right before your eyes.
Many of these rooms even offer cozy fireplaces, making it the perfect setting for those quiet shared experiences and storytelling at the end of a big day. It’s an “incredible” sight that stays with you long after you’ve returned home—the kind of place where you feel the history of the earth in every stone.
Adventure Reimagined
Gateway Canyons takes mountain and desert recreation to a whole new level. Yes, you can go hiking and biking, but they offer “shared experiences” that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- Alegre Retreat: For a different kind of discovery, the resort is home to this world-renowned fiber arts and quilting retreat. It’s such a “wonderful” way to “immerse” yourself in the creative spirit of the West. Guided by master artists like Katie Pasquini Masopust, this “thoughtfully planned” experience allows you to find inspiration in the ancient red rocks and transform it into beautiful textile art. It’s a “unique” shared experience that exposes you to a vibrant community of creators in a setting that is truly “incredible”—a memory that you and your loved ones will cherish just as much as any mountain trek.
- The Lichen Peak Hike: As you wind your way up the trail, you absolutely must look for the vibrant, neon-colored lichens that give the peak its name—it’s like nature’s own art gallery splashed across the ancient stone. Once you reach the summit, you’re treated to a staggering 360-degree panoramic view of Unaweep Canyon and the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance. Standing up there together, feeling the breeze and seeing the vastness of the West unfold beneath you, is a “truly incredible” shared experience that makes you feel like a true explorer!
The Art of Recovery: The Spa at Gateway Canyons
After a day of dusty trails and desert sun, The Spa at Gateway Canyons is your sanctuary. Their treatments are inspired by the surrounding landscape, using local botanicals and minerals. I highly recommend the Gateway Canyons Massage, which uses heated desert stones to melt away tension.
For the ultimate post-activity recovery, spend some time by the Palisades Pool. It’s an infinity-edge pool that looks directly at the vertical red walls of the canyon. Floating in the cool water while staring up at those formations is a “delightful” way to reconnect with nature and your family. It’s a moment of total serenity that feels like a reward for all that activity.
Dining in the Canyon
One of the joys of staying at a resort like this is that you don’t have to leave to find amazing food that keeps everyone happy.
- Paradox Grille: This is our go-to for a casual family lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is laid-back, the burgers are fantastic, and they even have a game room upstairs with billiards and shuffleboard to keep the kids entertained while you finish your local Colorado craft beer.
- Dining: We love gathering at the Paradox Grille for laid-back Southwestern cuisine and a fun upstairs game loft, or grabbing a specialty coffee and a freshly made pastry at the Kiva Cafe to fuel up for the day. During the warmer months, the Cantina is a “delightful” poolside spot where you can enjoy fresh bites and a refreshing drink while soaking up that incredible Colorado sunshine together!
The Importance of High-Altitude Preparation
As much as I love the mountains, I’ve learned a few “mom tips” over the years to make sure the transition to high altitude is smooth for everyone. When you are staying at places like Newpark Resort or Gateway Canyons, you are significantly higher than sea level, and your body feels it! Altitude sickness can put a real damper on a trip, so being “thoughtfully planned” is key.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This is the golden rule. Start drinking extra water a few days before you arrive. I always pack reusable water bottles for the kids and make sure they are sipping throughout the day. The dry mountain air wicks moisture away faster than you realize.
- Take it Slow: On your first day, don’t try to hike a “fourteener” or ski from bell-to-bell. Give your body a chance to acclimate. Use that first day to explore the resort, enjoy the pool, and have a “wonderful” easy meal.
- Sun Protection: The sun is much stronger at high altitudes because there is less atmosphere to filter the UV rays. Even in the winter, you absolutely must wear sunscreen. I’ve seen too many “goggle tans” turn into painful burns!
- Embrace the Pace: The best part of a mountain escape is the chance to slow down. Leave the tablets in the room. Look at the stars. Listen to the wind in the pines. These are the moments where the “magic” happens and the best memories are made.
Why These Experiences Matter
I often tell my friends that we don’t just “go on vacation”—we go on journeys. Travel is the best way I know to “expose” my children to the world’s beauty and to teach them about resilience, wonder, and the importance of our natural world. Whether they are mastering a blue run in Park City or finding a fossil in a Colorado canyon, they are learning who they are in the context of something much bigger.
The Curator Hotel & Resort Collection understands this deeply. They don’t just provide a room; they provide a gateway to experiences that matter. When you stay at Newpark Resort or Gateway Canyons Resort, you are choosing properties that value the local culture, the environment, and the unique needs of a modern family.
There is a “wonderful” kind of peace that comes with standing on a mountain peak or at the bottom of a canyon. It makes all the noise of daily life fade away. It’s just you, your loved ones, and the majesty of the Earth. I hope these recommendations inspire you to pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and head for the hills!
