By Christopher Pape and Narbeh Minassian
The Waldorf Astoria has resorts located nationwide, but there are not many that can compete with the scenery of Park City’s resort in Utah. Mountainous and secluded, Park City is equally beautiful in winter and summer, providing the ideal year-round getaway.
In many ways this land represents real America; it is unspoiled and beautiful, just as the first pioneers would have seen it. The hotel is tucked in between mountains, and, as you would expect, seeks to take full advantage of the scenic surroundings. The Waldorf Astoria offers activities that focus on experiencing the best that nature has to offer, with a hiking trip led by Canyon Resort’s new European style guided hiking program that ventures through the Wasatch mountain range with a view from above of the majestic mountains and valleys, or feel the thrill of soaring over Canyons Resort on the mid-mountain ZipTour with intermediate and advanced zip lines. As an alternate angle of view, their Red Pine Zip Tour takes you on an 800-foot-long ride upon the tree tops, while the Lookout Zip Tour flies you across the canyon, back and forth between Lookout Peak and Red Pine Lodge. For a relatively relaxed way of touring this unique setting, take the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride for the perfect way to say good morning to stunning Utah.
As we move inside the hotel resort, it makes sense to begin at the renowned Golden Door Spa and Fitness Center. Luxury and relaxation are the forte here, with impressive and unique water features providing the sounds of flowing water that complement the wide range of expert spa treatments in as many as 15 treatment rooms. Professional beauticians and hairdressers are on call in the Hair and Nail Salon and will customize your appointment to personalize your new look. The fitness suites boast state of the art cardio machines, strength training equipment and free weights; or sign up for a pilates, yoga or resistance training program. Assess your individual requirements and abilities in a personal training program and discover your resting metabolic rate, with which the New Leaf Technology. Assessments will determine the ideal nutritional balance for you to follow by measuring the number of calories used without exercise. It is fair to say that the staff at this Fitness Center take a comprehensive approach to the health and wellbeing of every guest. For the best results, be sure to experience one of Dr Cates’ – the hotel’s Naturopathic physician - personalized treatment plans and feel revived by the natural remedies.
In truth, it would be something of an injustice to refer to the accommodation as rooms, perhaps a more accurate term would be residence. Rooms are simplistic, rooms are small, but these residences are neither. One of the most striking aspects of your stay will be waking up to the serenity of the Utah landscape, which is in full view beyond your window, setting the background for a stylish residence. Carpet, marble, and tiling are combined to good effect, complete with a fireplace and technological amenities; giving a modern lodging with a traditional old-American character.
Clearly the hotel aims for a quaint atmosphere with a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. And this comes across strongly even beyond the residences and into the entire resort, particularly the restaurants. Slopes’ rich mahogany tones and deep woods stay true to the overall feeling of genuine America, it is unspoiled but accommodating at the same time. Overlooking an alpine backdrop, this restaurant offers a serene ambiance in which you can discover a delectable cuisine. You can try the Rabbit Crepeniette, Mediterranean Bass, or Chateaubriand of Beef. Found at the base of Canyons Ski Resort, this Park City Restaurant is the ideal choice for après-ski treats or summer afternoon breaks. Sip on the perfect cup of coffee while sampling one of SLOPES by Talisker’s signature beignets pastries. Start your day with a fantastic range of luxury breakfast choices. two private dining areas - The Waldorf Gondola, seating 24 guests and The Cabriolet room seating 16. Take in views of the stunning Canyon’s resort and revive beside the grand fireplace. The culinary team at this luxury restaurant can personalize any menu to suit your palate.
As you would expect from a resort not too far away from the host city of the 2002 Winter Olympics, activities are in abundance; from hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, or horseback riding during any season. Take up skiing or snowboarding on one of Canyon Ski Resort’s eight mountains or take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary scheduled-shuttle service to Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, two of Park City’s fantastic winter sports resorts. Let one of the Ski valets deliver your equipment to the hotel’s Ski Prep Room or warm up by the fire after an invigorating day on the mountains and savor complimentary hot chocolate and warm cider.
Park City’ Waldorf Astoria has preserved the natural beauty of the American country and brought it all within easy accessibility for its visitors. This location may be suitable throughout the four seasons, but there is never any time better than right now!
