Explore the New Wilderness Hotel Opening in Zion National Park – Exclusive Preview

1. Overview of Spirit Retreat

Utah’s Zion National Park is a wonder in itself, but this new retreat next door might just give the park a run for its money.

2. The Spirit Retreat Experience

Covering 1,110 acres along the Clear Creek Mountains, just a mile from the edge of the park, Spirit will be the newest luxury wilderness retreat to open in the Zion area. Its mission is to allow guests that stay in one of its 40 suites or homesteads to develop a relationship with the land through the guiding principles of preservation and sustainability.

According to Kevin McLaws, founder and partner of Zion Spirit Group, the property’s management team, “Having grown up locally and witnessed firsthand how unbounded commercialization and land division can spoil the natural tapestry of a community, the concept of conservation has been the guiding vision for Spirit.” He emphasizes the need to inspire guests to not only appreciate the land’s beauty but also to become stewards of it.

3. Accommodations and Amenities

Guests will enjoy one- or two-bedroom Leaf Suites or five-bedroom Homestead Retreats, providing over 6,000 square feet of space. Both accommodations, designed by Nomadic Resorts, a Dutch architecture firm known for eco-friendly luxury, offer unique and innovative designs. The Leaf Suites feature roofs resembling leaves, equipped with solar panels to promote sustainable energy usage.

Inside, both types of accommodations feature separate living and sleeping areas, including a wellness studio ideal for exercise, meditation, or spa treatments. With a focus on nature, panoramic windows and wraparound terraces allow guests to enjoy stunning views of Zion’s attractions such as Checkerboard Mesa, the East Temple, the West Temple, and Burger Peak. Moreover, electric bikes are provided for exploring the property’s expansive 35 miles of trails.

4. Community and Inclusivity

While Spirit is designed for privacy, the retreat also includes a central lodge where guests can enjoy shared amenities, fostering a sense of community. Facilities include a library, observatory, lounge, natural swimming pool, and an aquaponic greenhouse, providing an enriching experience.

5. Upcoming Openings

The first phase of the property, including approximately seven Leaf Suites, is set to open in summer 2023, providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience luxury and sustainability in harmony.