Ulum Moab: A Luxurious Glamping Experience in Utah
- Introduction to the resort and its features.
- Overview of the glamping accommodations.
- On-site activities and nearby attractions.
The brand-new Ulum Moab glamping resort just opened in Utah, and we were among the first to visit.
Escaping to the great outdoors doesn’t have to mean roughing it. In Moab, Utah — a former uranium mining town known for its rock formations, dramatic landscape, and charming downtown — there’s a new glamping resort making the area’s adventure travel scene more luxurious.
Enter Ulum Moab. Located just 25 minutes south of Moab, this glamping resort sits on 200 acres of desert with views of 100-foot cliffs and the Looking Glass Arch. It started welcoming guests in April and its inaugural season ends on Oct. 23.
Features of Ulum Moab
- The lobby offers stunning views of the Looking Glass Arch through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
- The 360-square-foot tents are impressive — they feature king-size beds, queen-size sofa beds, temperature control, a rain shower, and a 70-square-foot deck.
- All guests can connect with the resort’s “adventure concierge,” who will help them plan activities based on their interests, budget, and comfort level.
Ulum Moab is part of the Under Canvas family, which has 11 resorts across the country including locations in Acadia, Maine; Bryce Canyon, Utah; and West Yellowstone. There’s an Under Canvas camp in Moab too. In fact, Matt Gaghen, CEO of Under Canvas, mentioned that Ulum Moab was born from Under Canvas Moab guests’ requests for “more comfort in nature.”
“We’ve taken some core elements [of Under Canvas] and plussed it up for Ulum,” Gaghen noted.
The journey to Moab is as beautiful as the destination itself. The site is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Colorado’s Grand Junction Regional Airport, past stunning scenery filled with mountainous views and rock formations.
I was greeted at Ulum Moab with a welcome tea outside a contemporary multi-purpose lobby. It’s a reception area, a small market with curated goods (like face masks, hats, and SPF), an indoor dining space, and a cafe. Its most notable feature is the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the surrounding landscape and the Looking Glass Arch.
The indoor lobby leads to the outdoor space, which has fire pits with lounge chairs, a large tented deck with tables, and access to three dipping pools. In the evening, this area transforms with live music serenading guests during golden hour through sunset. Later at night, guests can make s’mores over the fire pits and enjoy stargazing.
Guests can stroll from the lobby area to individual tents that are spaciously scattered throughout. While the 50 tents are walkable to the main areas, Ulum offers golf cart rides to and from the tents for added convenience.
The 360-square-foot tents have luxurious amenities such as a king-size bed, a lounge area with chairs, and a queen-size sofa bed. Temperature control is provided with evaporative cooling fans for warmth, while wood stoves offer heat during cooler nights. Each ensuite bathroom boasts a rain shower, concrete sinks, and Aesop bath products. The tents also feature a 70-square-foot deck with patio chairs to enjoy stunning views.
From the outside, the beige tents pop against the earthy landscape. However, they seamlessly blend into the environment, with earthy tones and organic materials on the inside creating a comfortable and immersive experience.
Ulum prioritizes sustainability by utilizing recycled materials and solar lights along outdoor paths. Additionally, instead of air conditioning, the resort opts for evaporative cooling and provides charging stations for electric vehicles.
Guests can connect with Ulum’s “adventure concierge,” who assists in planning activities based on individual interests, budget, and comfort. The resort is conveniently located near hiking and biking trails, white-water rafting, horseback riding, and rock climbing, making it an amazing launching point for exploring Utah’s Canyonlands area.
In addition to exploring the local attractions, guests can discover one of Utah’s few wineries, Spanish Valley Vineyard and Winery, situated a short drive from the resort. The area also offers hot air ballooning, skydiving, and scenic flights over breathtaking landscapes.
On-site, guests can enjoy activities such as yoga, jewelry making, and sound baths. An upcoming walking trail will offer access to viewpoints on the property, enhancing the overall experience. For rock climbing enthusiasts, guides can be arranged to take you to the top of the Looking Glass Arch.
On clear nights, stargazing is a highlight at Ulum due to Moab’s low light pollution levels. The resort adheres to International Dark Sky standards to protect its beautiful night skies.
Ulum Moab’s culinary offerings reflect its commitment to on-site comfort. The cafe and restaurant serve breakfast and dinner, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients paired with Southwest-inspired flavors. (Pro tip: don’t miss the salted beets, served on a bed of smoked avocado and garnished with pickled peppers.)
During my stay, I savored a caramel iced latte while sampling the cafe’s juice offerings. Breakfast options include a salmon tostada, with lunch available upon pre-order, featuring grain bowls and fresh sandwiches. Dinner options include chicken with mole and bison burgers, with repeat orders of the salted beets being a must.
The cocktail menu is inspired by local flora such as sage, juniper, and prickly pear, thoughtfully curated to complement meal offerings. A mocktail selection reinforces Ulum’s commitment to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
While the stunning landscape and design elevate the luxurious experience, the on-site team truly makes a difference. During my visit, every team member demonstrated a genuine desire to assist, revealing their knowledge and passion for both Moab and Ulum.
At Ulum, guests can shape their own adventures, whether they seek relaxation or adventure in the great outdoors. As Gaghen puts it, “You can want to escape and just be here, or you can go out and explore and be adventurous.”
Nightly stays start at $549. For further details, visit ulummoab.com.