The hotel's name and location
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab Utah, USA - http://www.sorreliver.com
When is the last time you returned there?
Memorial Day 2010. I go two - five times per year, typically in Spring & Fall. Disclaimer: I first started working as a consultant for the ranch in 2002, when I lived on the east coast. I was so struck by the beauty of Moab, Utah and how different it was from New England, that I moved to SLC, Utah (partially for the skiing, partially to be closer to Moab) in 2004.
Since I first started going to the property, the hotel has undergone a number of upgrades and an ownership change. The one thing that hasn't changed is its sense of place, and that's why I have a special connection to the property beyond my work.
What do you remember about the hotel?
When I say special connection to Sorrel River Ranch, I truly can back that up, with the fact that was married on the property in Fall of 2007.
Shortly after I moved to Utah, I met my (now) husband. I had taken him down to Sorrel River Ranch on one of our first trips to Moab to go hiking and mountain biking together. Since he had never been down Highway 128 as far as mile 17 - the resort's scenic location on the Colorado River, he was immediately floored by the property's amazing views and expansive grounds. As a foodie, he also loved dining at the River Grill Restaurant on site, which serves up creative gourmet cuisine, a sharp contrast to the typical brew pubs and local eateries in town Moab, although we frequent many.
A couple years later, in the process of wedding planning and looking at the variety of ski resorts in the Salt Lake area suitable for holding a wedding, we had a change of heart, as it suddenly hit us - why not Moab? Why not the ranch which we love so much? Our families are traveling from all over the country (and the globe) - why not have them come to one of the most beautiful areas of the southwest?
Guests attending our 'destination wedding' could truly make a vacation out of it, and many did so - touring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on the days surrounding the events, hiking and mountain biking, and even horseback riding with us on the following day, after having breakfast together.
We still hear to this day, raves about the ranch and what a phenomenal time it was - many of our wedding guests appreciated the intimate scale of the hotel, as they felt they truly got to spend quality time with us, friends and family.
That is of particular significance to me now, looking back on those images from the weekend - as during this happy time (unbeknown to me, it was also the first time my father started feeling symptoms of cancer) which he ultimately succumbed to less than 2 years later. But he was so happy to have been there.
So now, each time we go to the resort, we always treat it a romantic getaway for us, as wonderful memories of that weekend are permanently ingrained.
We love just walking down the path by the river which leads to the terrace on which we got married, and dining in the restaurant where we had our reception. The menu may have changed, but those memories don't go away.
We also enjoy sitting on our porch with a glass of wine overlooking the river, or relaxing by the pool after a long day of activities.
What I'd Do Differently
- Honestly, can't say I would do much differently - except maybe to take greater advantage of the spa. The hotel does feature elegantly 'rustic' ranch decor, although luxurious bedding and the in-room jacuzzi tubs do put it on par with more modern or even more expensive luxury hotels, of which I stay at many.
- I love the ranch in particular, because it's an escape from my more 'connected' life (even though they have wifi/internet in room, cell reception is limited, and some guests don't like that) but I find it a welcome retreat at times. I go there to connect with the natural surroundings of the desert landscape.
