There’s a sense of peace and serenity in Southern Utah, not far from Zion National Park where the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert and Great Basin unite. The way the sunlight dances off the dramatically stunning landscape, changing its colors and moods throughout the day; the scent of the dry desert air; and the absolute quiet blend to create an idyllic place to escape, rest and recharge.

Even before walking into Plume Spa at new Black Desert Resort, which opened last fall near St. George, I knew I was in for an indulgence. Browsing the menu of services beforehand, I was impressed by the spa’s innovative, new-to-me treatments alongside the tried and true I always enjoy. It was hard to decide, but at last I landed upon two treatments I had yet to experience.

Drawn to Naptime because of its name — I’m a big fan of sleep — I wasn’t sure what to expect as I walked into a treatment room within the spa’s Longevity Lounge, a dedicated space with high-tech equipment providing immersive and advanced recovery experiences. When the therapist explained I would be weightlessly suspended on a warm bed sunk into the table — essentially a dry float — and cocooned in a warm blanket with a weighted eye mask, I was more than eager to start my 30 minutes.

Ready for even more cocooning, I floated out of the Longevity Lounge and into another inviting space for a 60-minute De-Stress & Sculpt Body Cocoon treatment. My spa go-to is usually a massage, whether Swedish, hot stone, bamboo or a signature variation to mix things up. At Plume Spa, however, I opted for something different: a sculpting massage intended to target stress-related inflammation, of which I felt I had plenty. I slipped into another deep state of relaxation as the therapist massaged an algae-rich mask onto my body and tucked me into a wrap. Once again, I drifted off to sleep as the antioxidants set about their work.

Dry float © Courtesy of Black Desert Resort

These are but two of the myriad experiences and treatments at Plume Spa. In addition to Naptime, experiences in the Longevity Lounge include the Salt Inhalation Boost to support immune function, the Dry Cryo Float (similar to Naptime, but cold) to reduce inflammation, and a hyperbaric chamber that not only increases the body’s cellular oxygen levels but also helps restore mental clarity and energy.

One treatment that caught my eye is inspired by the trendy cold plunge and sauna circuit, reimagining it in massage form: Lava & Ice Vitality Massage. This 60-minute treatment combines the use of hot and cold stones with an herbal muscle balm and warmed linens to achieve similar results as cold plunges and time in a sauna.

While I enjoyed my spacious guestroom, complete with kitchenette, spa goers looking for a deeper retreat during their stays at Black Desert Resort can reserve one of nine accommodations in the Plume Wellness Collection, within proximity to Plume Spa. These spacious accommodations feature wellness-focused amenities such as aromatherapy using locally harvested botanicals, eco-luxe bath products, yoga and mindfulness tools, circadian lighting, CBD-infused pillows, and infrared therapy blankets for a restful and recharging stay.

Hyperbaric chamber © Courtesy of Black Desert Resort

Also nearby Plume Wellness Collection is the resort’s expansive, state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, Precor machines and plenty of other equipment to keep guests’ fitness routines on track. Afterward, retreat to the infinity-edge pool with stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape dotted with black lava. The pool — with private cabanas, poolside food and drinks, and oversized hot tubs — is open around the clock, making for terrific stargazing while soaking.

Golfers will want to bring their clubs and schedule tee times to take a swing at Black Desert Course, a 7,500-yard championship course designed by Tom Weiskopf that hosts the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. The course is so enticing, even those who do not play are tempted to give it a go. The resort’s Golf Academy offers everything from 75-minute clinics to two-hour golf camps and full-day performance golf schools. The 36-hole putting green will perfect guests’ short games in no time.

In addition to all of its on-site wellness, Black Desert Resort offers guided hikes on nearby trails and in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, yoga practices surrounded by red rocks in Snow Canyon, rappelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, stargazing, and more.