I am a bit conflicted in reviewing this spa. We stayed in as daily rate guests instead of as a package which was much cheaper and would allow us to test the waters and decide for our next visit.
They were very helpful in going over the offerings on the phone to help me determine which type of guest would be most cost affective. And during our stay, everyone we encountered was similarly friendly and kind
Arrival - we pulled into the parking lot, unloaded our luggage and made our way to the front door tired and exhausted from traveling all day and a long flight from the east coast. ONly to be created at the door by someone to tell us to take our bags back to the car since we will be going to the opposite part of the lot for our rooms. - Already I was not feeling the vibe.
At reception, I asked about the offerings for the next day because I understood that not everything is offered every day. I knew I wanted cooking and yoga and would be willing to try for a nice full day if those were included. (there is a flat price per day for attendance at almost all the activities). The woman at the desk did not know. When I called from the room to ask again I was told they forgot to give me a schedule for the next day and I should come to the reception in the am. - No, sorry, they should have slid one under my door.
ROOMS -Positives - spacious and cozy and clean, plush bedding and gas fireplace was on. Standard high end amenities although (negatives - ) there was no robe which would have been helpful to go to the hot tub/pool. There was not a stand alone shower and I had to climb over and into the Jacuzzi tub for the shower. I am getting too old for this and I warn you to call ahead and ask if there is a room with separate shower if you are a bit older or less agile.
POOL and HOT TUB - we did not use it, even though it was right outside our back door and looked inviting on a very cool night with the steam rising. Entrance to the pool area is at one end only and there was no way I wanted to trek in a bathing suit , in the cold without a robe and only a towel to get wet and trek back. Not the worst thing but I just wasn't into it.
FOOD - This is what this spa has a reputation for, delicious health food and it was.
FACILITY - the main house is very lovely and inviting and holds the dining hall, spa, reception, gym... I did not take any classes so I cannot be a judge in this area. But the classes I saw looked inviting. SPA - Loved my treatments but again, some negatives: They ask that you shower pre massage with a disinfectant and body scrub. That sounded smart even if I never heard of it before. BUT, having someone wait for you to come out of the shower was uncomfortable and having someone load a washcloth for you with the scrub and soap did not make me feel cared and pampered but like I was not being trusted. Then you enter this outdated shower where the door opens against the towel and chair so you have no choice but to walk around the shower door dripping all over the floor to get to your stuff. Just strange and poor design and the woman was not very friendly or even smiling. I kept wondering if I was taking too long... AND they give you a bag, like the ones in grocery stores that are reusable, to put your belongings in and take to your massage. When my massage was complete I was asked for the bag. TACKY!
Outside facility - granted this was off season so .... The buildings seemed a bit old, you have to walk throughout the large parking lot to get from the main building to the rooms which are all ground floor in long rows. The water fountain was off (again off season perhaps). no beautiful views or vistas but if you spend most of your time indoors, what does it matter?
Hiking - There are wonderful places to hike and walk in the area and Zion is not that far. If you are traveling with someone then there is no need for the guide unless maybe it is the van you want. On one of our Zion hikes, we arrived the same time as a van from the Red Mountain Spa. The began the hike at the same time as us but were done much sooner. It did not seem like they stopped to admire anything just there and back. Almost like a goal to accomplish. If this is the typical hike and you are not that type of hiker, be sure to inquire before you book.
In Summary - I may come back here again if the price is right because I am often in St George. But, if you are coming specifically here for the Spa, do your research. As a strong positive, This place is very low key and the guests were all unassuming. I really really liked that!
- Green Valley Spa
- Green Valley Hotel
