Pampering Parents at Cedar Breaks Spa

We sent our explore writer on a back to school pampering trip. Here is her review of Cedar Breaks Spa.

By Linne Marsh

The weather is starting to cool (sort of!); the days are getting shorter; kids are back in school . . . and you need a break. Getting back into the groove of the school year is tough for kids, but tougher on parents! After all the hours spent back-to-school shopping and wrestling the kids to an earlier bed time, you deserve a little a rest and relaxation. It’s time for a spa day! Located in the cozy town of Brian Head, Cedar Breaks Spa is close enough for convenience, but far enough to feel like a getaway.

For nearly 14 years, Cedar Breaks Spa has been in the business of offering “indulgences of the best kind”, and the journey begins with selecting a treatment. Their menu literally includes something for everybody. Treatments range from traditional massage to holistic facials, and the menu is constantly updated to include cutting edge techniques. With so many options to choose from, the real problem is trying to pick the treatment you want. So here is a little inside scoop about some client favorites:

• Signature Massage: A Swedish full body massage. This is a massage that soothes sore muscles, relaxes tension, and calms the mind.
• Romance on the Mountain: (package) Includes an aromatherapy bath for two followed by a 50-minute side by side massage. Relax in your sweetheart’s company as the therapists ease tension and stress.
• Red Creek Stone Massage: Heated basalt stones glide lightly over the skin, dissolving tension within the muscles and joints. Essential oils are added to enhance your state of relaxation.

The spa is equipped with a very comfortable lounge, and the best view in the house. I really enjoyed sitting on the plush couches and chairs, gazing at the incredible view of the mountains towering in the distance. Although I didn’t get the chance, clients can order food and drinks from a short menu and enjoy dining in the comfort of the lounge. Teresa Sherwood, spa manager, says that some guests at the lodge grab books and read or even catch a nap on the couch. I didn’t spend much time in the lounge because my massage therapist promptly guided me to a room for my first ever Swedish massage.

Treatments are performed by one of six in-house certified massage therapists who masterfully ease tension and stress with a little elbow grease and the use of all-natural products. So if you happen to be like me and have some concerns about allergies or negative reactions, you don’t have to worry! Teresa says, “The spa is going green, so all products are natural. There are no chemicals.” The staff and management take an active interest in their clients and make a conscience effort to create a relaxing and safe environment!

As for the treatment, the Swedish massage is a very good for first timers. With this type of massage, I was able to communicate with my massage therapist about the pressure and also explain where I might need a little more attention. I carry stress in my shoulders, so I wanted to get a little more attention there. She and I communicated about the massage and amount of pressure during the entire treatment. When it was over I felt so relaxed, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make the drive home!

For me, it was a much needed day at the spa, and I highly recommend making the trip, but maybe you think that this little indulgence is beyond your reach? Don’t! Back-to-school shopping might wreak havoc on the family budget, but this getaway doesn’t. Cedar Breaks Spa wants everyone to enjoy a treatment — especially locals. Teresa says, “Right now everyone is tight on money, but we want to give everyone an opportunity to unwind.” In an effort to make their spa treatments more accessible to all budgets, Cedar Breaks Spa offers a variety of Mini treatments that are reasonably priced and quit relaxing. They also host a monthly special. This month they are offering an 80 minute Red Creek Rock Massage for $120!

So really, you have no excuse. Cedar Breaks Spa is ready to offer you a few well-earned moments of self-indulgence.  Teresa invites all tired parents to come in for a visit: “We don’t have the crowd where you have to wait in line for hours. Our staff is professional. Our prices are reasonable.” And if I might add, there are no backpacks to trip over. For a few brief moments you can forget about all your “homework” and enjoy a quiet day at the spa.