Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit Park City, Utah (located approximately 30-miles from Salt Lake City) with my brother and sister. This was our first sibling trip ever that did not include our parents, kids, spouses, or any other people.
I was seeking somewhere for us to vacation for a week in the mountains, so I narrowed the search to Utah and Colorado. I had been to Salt Lake City, Utah a few years prior – but it was only for a day, and I really did not have the opportunity to explore much of the natural beauty of the state. Therefore, this was my opportunity to return and embrace the pure beauty it had to offer.
Our goal was to create a “Do-It-Yourself” self-care vacation retreat to escape, relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the outdoors in a stress free environment. My siblings and I all live in three different states, but arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) around the same time then chartered a private car to the resort. Park City provides free public transportation, so a rental car was not necessary. The buses are reliable, clean, and safe and this was a significant cost savings as well. Park City is a premier destination for winter sport and recreation enthusiasts.
Many of the 2002 Winter Olympic competitions were held in Park City at the Utah Olympic Park. Surprisingly, during the month of July the small town was inviting for those seeking refuge and relaxation. The crowds were basically nonexistent which was awesome for a DIY retreat.
We lodged at the Marriott's MountainSide Vacation Club at Park City in a two-bedroom villa. Onsite amenities included a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center, and fire pits. A bonus is the resort provided onsite and offsite activities including guided tours and hikes.
We took advantage of two offsite activities including a hike up a local mountain and a walking tour of the city. When I am on a DIY self-care vacation retreat, I like to pre-plan as much as possible to avoid the need to think too much. I was sure to pack my yoga mat, workout clothes for the onsite fitness center, and swimsuit for the pool and spa. We all wanted massages, so I explored our options in advance and booked the services based upon the location, price, services offered, and availability, we chose Oasis Massage.
For nearly nine years I have integrated monthly massages into my self-care practice. Massage benefits can include reducing stress, pain, and muscle soreness and tension; increased relaxation; improved circulation, energy and alertness, immune function; and lowered heart rate and blood pressure.
If you are considering massage, be sure to get the most out of your experience by following these simple tips: 1) arrive early to your appointment to ensure you do not feel rushed and to use the restroom, if needed; 2) do not eat just prior to the massage; 3) remove clothing to your comfort level; 3) communicate your needs to the massage therapist including any areas that require special attention , room temperature, massage pressure, and areas that are “off limits''; 4) relax your muscles and your mind. Taking a few deep breaths at the beginning of the session may help; and 5) if you are new to massage, keep an open mind and embrace the process.
The higher altitude was one thing I was not prepared for, it was a challenge for my body to adjust. Initially, I was not sure why I was feeling short of breath walking up a flight of stairs, then lightheaded, dizzy, followed by headache, nausea, and vomiting (yuck!). I had altitude sickness (or mountain sickness) and did not know it until a couple of days into the trip. I experienced almost all the symptoms except fatigue, problems sleeping, and loss of appetite. To prevent altitude sickness, hydrate with water (and electrolyte enhanced drinks), avoid alcohol, eat carbohydrates, and listen to your body, to prevent overexertion.
In general, while vacationing I love to partake in cuisine unavailable at home. But because it was off season, the local dining options were limited and late-night food was a challenge to come by. We frequented the Baja Cantina and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory during our stay since they were conveniently located near the resort. But we did enjoy the Park Silly Sunday Market on Historic Main Street. The open air market boasts a variety of small business vendors including art, food, clothing, and a variety of other shops. Overall, I would recommend Park City for an off-season getaway if you are seeking a beautiful, mountain destination without the crowds.
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