Sundance Mountain Resort - Summer

Perched up on the slopes of Mount Timpanogos in Utah’s Wasatch Range, Sundance is a beguiling mixture of Mother nature and glamour. Redolent of the West, Sundance is one of those places you are desperately sad to leave, and offers a peace and tranquillity that sharply contrasts with the hustle and bustle at many Utah mountain resorts.

Discreetly tucked into the hillside among quaking aspen and fir, Sundance consists of a series of spacious lofts, suites, studios and mountain homes, each individually styled and using rough-hewn wood, warm tones and Native American accents in a way that integrates atmospherically with the environment. Comfortably rustic, and exuding a simple elegance that invites you to experience Utah's natural beauty, there are places to warm yourself by the fireplace after a day in the mountains, or step out through French doors to watch the brilliant overhead stars. Rustic simplicity does not mean however that luxury is overlooked, and each unit is equipped with complimentary WiFi and iPod and MP3 player docking stations, and the bathroom toiletries are from Gilchrist & Soame.

Activities are year-round, and the beautiful summer months are time to explore some of the most beautiful mountain scenery anywhere, hiking stunning trails to the mountain peaks or in the rivers and valleys, or getting into the saddle of a horse or mountain bike to venture along miles of mountain and valley trails. It’s also time to cool off with a white-water rafting or kayak trip on the Provo River, cast a line for trout in one of the world’s premier trout streams, or relax with a round of golf. Taking a full-moon lift ride is also a real highlight.

In winter, Alpine skiers and snowboarders will enjoy 450 acres and 41 separate runs of sprawling powder bowls and wooded trails while Nordic enthusiasts can explore nearly 20 miles of groomed scenic backcountry skiing. You can even take to the slopes at night to ski under the stars. Creativity is a year-round pursuit at Sundance, and activities include classes in pottery, sculpting, photography, and painting.

Dining options range from the romantic Tree Room with art from Robert Redford's private collection, while the Foundry Grill is no-nonsense affair with incredible views of Mount Timpanogos. After dinner, be sure not to miss the live entertainment in The Owl Bar, home to a restored 1890s bar once frequented by Butch Cassidy's Hole-in-the-Wall gang.

And then, when you thought life can’t get much better, have a treatment in the Spa at Sundance, a place inspired by the Sioux concept of Hocoka – a sacred environment for the restoration and healing of the body and spirit – and you will truly feel rejuvenated.