Forbes Magazine ranked Park City as one of the 20 most beautiful towns in America and it is easy to see why. Three major ski resorts, the Sundance Film Festival and now, the country’s newest St. Regis resort are 30 minutes from the Salt Lake international airport, making this a far more attractive option than most Colorado spots (the SLC airport has a superior schedule and one of the lowest rates of closure/disruption in the USA). It is one hour and 15 minutes to touchdown from LAX, making it as close as San Francisco – and those who drive to Reno in three hours for skiing could have been in Park City in half the time and for a fraction of the gas cost thanks to the frequent (and low fare) flight options. And once you’re there, you can spend the money you’ve saved in true style – one more reason to look beyond Reno!
One of the two biggest surprises of my recent trip included the St. Regis Deer Valley Resort, which opened in December 2009. This is a stunning property with some of the best food in the nation (thanks to celebrated chef Jean George). The architecture and decor is sublime and the service is truly personal.
Once you’ve ascended the lobby in the glass fenicular, you will never forget your first visit. Talk about a sense of arrival!
Utah’s weather can be delightful and I suspect it is as satisfying to visit in the Spring and Summer after the mountain is closed, as it is to visit during the height of ski season. Prices are certainly better ‘off season.’ And the snow capped vistas in every direction are just awe dropping, particularly because Deer Valley is so cozily sited.
The resort is so new that signs aren’t well marked and arrival at night can be harrowing, to say the least – so it is important to know exactly where you’re going before you get there. This is one of the best hotels in the country – akin to my other favorite new property from 2009 – The Allison Inn & Spa (Willamette Valley, OR). I can’t wait to return.
If a day in Salt Lake City is on the docket, do not miss my second surprise recommendation – the best sushi restaurant in the Mountain Time Zone – Naked Fish. The sushi master explained that he is able to source his fish daily from any corner of the globe by taking advantage of Delta Airlines’ hub in SLC – and the man clearly knows how to source. He also speaks brilliant Japanese, particularly for a man of Caucasian descent. The rice is melt-in-your-mouth warm and the fish cold and fresh as if it can been caught in the waters of the North Atlantic that day (and maybe it had been).
It is safe to say that this area is flying under the radar, particularly for foodies. But those who end up in Park City and Salt Lake on business may be shocked – in a most pleasant way. The mountainous state’s new tourism slogan is Life Elevated. My taste buds have been after this recent trip. – DH
