Luxury in Touch with Nature: The St. Regis Deer Valley Resort in Park City

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

“For our more adventurous guests, we’ve teamed up with Elevated Adventure Company to put our guests on a private jet and take them to remote corners of Utah on a one of a kind journey that will change the way they think about a winter getaway,” explained Edward Shapard, who has served as the General Manager of The St. Regis Deer Valley since 2013. In an interview, we discussed what makes this property so unique amongst mountain resorts worldwide, a range of accommodations and butler service offerings, dining options on site, the Bear Dance Ritual signature spa treatment and much more. 

Tell me a little bit about the history of St. Regis Deer Valley, its location, and how the property prides itself on being a truly luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort.
Situated on the slopes of the world famous Deer Valley Resort and only one mile from historic Main Street, The St. Regis Deer Valley is Park City’s most exclusive address, offering our guests the most luxurious amenities of any mountain resort in the world. Our slopeside resort features epicurean delights at the award-winning J&G Grill, timeless treatments at Remede Spa, a split-level infinity pool with adjacent hot tubs, and attentive ski valet service for the ultimate ski-in/ski-out experience.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

After a day on the slopes, guests partake in Après Ski as they enjoy the Fire Garden with its incomparable view from the Mountain Terrace, get cozy by the fire at the St. Regis Bar, or wind down with a mug of hot chocolate in the Library. Guests are invited daily to gather at one of several fire pits to herald in the evening with the St. Regis Champagne Sabering or S’mores family tradition.

In terms of accommodations, how would you define the space, decor and design of your top-tier suites?
With the feel of an old world resort and born of the Astor family’s traditions and hospitality, The St. Regis Deer Valley combines understated elegance with mountain ambiance. A seductive array of rich, warm textures and breathtaking, unobstructed mountain views seamlessly unite to provide an intimate air of luxury in touch with nature. We offer 174 beautifully appointed guestrooms, 65 of which are suites. All of our guestrooms feature stunning mountain views, pillow-top beds and luxurious bathrooms with Remède products.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

Our suite guests have the opportunity to experience The St. Regis Butler Service, which has been a hallmark of the St. Regis experience for over one hundred years and continues on at The St. Regis Deer Valley. It is the Butler’s gracious pleasure to welcome guests upon arrival and provide for every need while in residence, including packing and unpacking, delivery of morning tea and coffee, traditional shoe shine, garment pressing, and more.

When wining and dining on the property, what are some of the signature dishes you would recommend at J&G Grill and the Terrace Cafe, and how might guests experience the one-of-a-kind St. Regis Wine Vault?
J&G Grill, a restaurant concept originated by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is rooted in slow-cooked, farm-to-table fare. Backed by a meticulously selected wine list and served with the impeccable St. Regis attention to detail, each dish is created with the highest quality, locally sourced meats, freshest regional vegetables, and accompanied by bold condiments.

With fresh Hawaiian ahi that is caught and flown in daily, the Tuna Tartare remains one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Combined with avocado, spicy radish, and ginger soy dressing, this appetizer is consistently a favorite among guests.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

For wine connoisseurs looking to indulge their passion, our seasonal five-course tasting menu is paired with selections from our coveted 13,000 bottle wine vault. With plush red banquettes, leather walls and warm lighting, the Wine Vault provides an intimate and personalized culinary experience.

One of the most unique experiences at the hotel is the Bear Dance Ritual in the 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa. How did this treatment come about, and what are some other signature offerings you might recommend?
The Bear Dance Ritual began as a way to honor the traditions of Native Americans local to the Park City area. Folklore shares that the tribe members gathered around fires in winter to tell stories of their history and survival. As winter drew to an end, it was time to perform the Bear Dance to celebrate and release stresses and tensions, welcoming a new beginning. Our Bear Dance Ritual is a two hour purifying and exfoliating treatment for face and body, using Ayurvedic principles, indigenous herbal poultices and massage to soothe aching muscles and renew vitality, leaving guests relaxed and revitalized.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

In addition to the Bear Dance Ritual, our popular Natura Bissé facial sculpts, lifts, and contours the face. The exclusive surgical alternative treatment serves as a replacement for fillers and Botox. Skin is infused with all the benefits of microinjections without the neurotoxins, with noticeable results after just one treatment.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

Remède Spa is committed to creating an exceptional experience for each guest. Every treatment is fully customized to meet the guests’ individual needs and to provide a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation.

If you were to advise potential guests planning a winter escape to the property, what would constitute the perfect stay?
An ideal winter escape would take full advantage of the resort’s ability to create unique and curated experiences, while enjoying the unmatched level of service for which The St. Regis Deer Valley is known.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

An example of this would be the Ski Ambassador program, which provides exclusive access to six of skiing’s most legendary and respected personalities. Capitalizing on the athletes’ specialties and backgrounds, each excursion is tailored to guests’ specific interests and ability levels, ensuring an extraordinary experience both on and off the slopes.

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Deer Valley

For our more adventurous guests, we’ve teamed up with Elevated Adventure Company to put our guests on a private jet and take them to remote corners of Utah on a one of a kind journey that will change the way they think about a winter getaway. For example: an overnight stay on a dry lake bed with hiking and bouldering, or a day trip canyoneering in the desert.

Rahim Kanani is the author of critically-acclaimed hotel management book and hospitality management book A Wealth of Insight: The World’s Best Luxury Hoteliers on Leadership, Management and the Future of 5-Star Hospitality.