Black Desert Resort – Desert Luxury in Greater Zion
Experience Greater Zion in a whole new way at Ivins’ newest resort destination and championship Tom Weiskopf 19-hole golf course.
If you’ve ever ventured to Ivins, Utah, a small city less than a 20-minute drive from St. George, Utah, and 45 minutes from the renowned Zion National Park, you know that the landscape of Ivins is somewhat of a hidden gem. Offering panoramic views of lava fields and red rock mountainscapes, this oasis is unique with obsidian lava rock formations reminiscent of Hawaii, while also boasting a spectacular scope of crimson canyons, much like the red rocks of Nevada.
Black Desert Resort is currently in development by Reef Capital Partners with expectations for a soft opening in fall of 2024. Following the soft opening this fall, Black Desert Resort will continue its construction, opening various features in phases. Once fully complete, the resort will feature over 1,100 rooms and residences, a concert venue, miles of trails through lava flows, a waterpark, a wellness spa, over 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. Already open to the public, is the 19-hole, Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course.
Desert Luxury
Black Desert Resort is more than just a golf resort; it’s a destination. “Remarkable within reach” has been the motto at Black Desert. Located just 130 miles from the Las Vegas International Airport. Their goal? To create an idyllic destination that will have visitors coming back time and time again.
Patrick Manning, Managing Partner at Black Desert Resort says, “There will be no more magical place to spend a vacation, with its world-class spa, water park, 20+ restaurants, convention center, and surrounded by more state and national parks than anywhere else in the continental United States.”
Black Desert Resort has set out to create something truly unique, which is a distinctive vacation destination, providing endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the splendor that Southern Utah has to offer.
Shops/ Restaurants
Black Desert Resort currently has one restaurant open, Club 73 and will be adding another restaurant, Oasis, in July. The
first phase of dining will open in spring 2025 and is set to feature restaurants Basalt, Latitude, and 20th Hole. Following these initial restaurants, Black Desert Resort plans to expand its culinary selection, which will offer a diverse selection of cuisine.
“Black Desert Resort will offer higher-end shopping, without pretense, live music, and a diverse culinary offering including German, Irish, Mexican, Sushi, Italian, and many more,” says Manning. Black Desert will pride itself on a noteworthy dining experience, which will feature locally sourced ingredients and inventive flavors. Whether you prefer fine dining or casual meals, Black Desert will offer a wide range of culinary options that promise to satisfy “even the most discerning palate.”
In addition to its expansive cuisine, Black Desert Resort plans to feature an expansive shopping center, with retail options that will be suitable for the entire family.
Greater Zion Activities
Whether you’re planning your next family vacation or simply looking for a new place to explore, Black Desert Resort is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and families alike. Its ideal location offers easy access to a variety of natural wonders and outdoor activities. Situated in close proximity to several state and national parks, including the renowned Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and Grand Canyon, North Rim, the resort provides an excellent base for exploring the stunning landscapes and unique geological formations of the region. From hiking and rock climbing to horseback riding and stargazing, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in the surrounding area.
Spa
At Black Desert Spa, guests are promised a tranquil escape from the demands of everyday life through a rejuvenating experience. Inspired by the serene desert landscape, the resort has meticulously crafted a distinctive sanctuary that boasts a lava garden, massage therapy, and a sauna. Guests are invited to rediscover their inner peace while indulging in an ultimate relaxation experience.
A Tom Weiskopf-Designed Golf Course
The Tom Weiskopf golf course opened last year, teasing golfers about the splendor that the resort will offer once it opens. Tom Weiskopf, an acclaimed pro golfer, is applauded for his course architecture among Hawaii’s lava fields. Given Ivin’s unique landscape, Weiskopf designed yet another architectural masterpiece amidst striking magma fields.
When asked what makes Black Desert Resort’s golf course extraordinary, Manning says Black Desert offers a “world-class golf experience with unparalleled views of black lava beds, red rock, and towering cliffs, along with an all-inclusive food and drink experience on the course, [as well as] all the things to do before and after the tee times.”
The golf course at Black Desert Resort is known for “The Black Desert Experience,” which combines destination golf with private clubs. The Black Desert Experience boasts several amenities including 15-minute tee times, 15 mph carts with GPS & hole-by-hole commentary by Weiskopf, access to the practice facility and putting course, forecaddie, and complimentary food and beverage at restaurants Club 73 and Oasis. The 7,400-yard, 19-hole course is fitting for both the amateur and skilled golfers alike.
Black Desert Resort is also a proud practice facility for Utah Tech University as well as both the PGA and LPGA. “Black Desert has a golf course that is home to both the PGA and LPGA, making it one of only three in the country to have both (the other two are Tiburon and Pebble Beach),” says Manning.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, Black Desert Resort offers a variety of lodging options, depending on your needs. Whether you’re coming for a golf retreat, traveling with kids, or planning a romantic weekend getaway, Black Desert Resort boasts a plethora of rooms, suites, condos, and residences. Regardless which accommodations you choose, you can be sure you will be immersed in this desert sanctuary where natural wonders await at every corner. Each room includes plush Italian linens and luxurious bath amenities for maximum comfort; mountain or fairway views; and cutting-edge technology and internet access, making for a comfortable stay.
The overall resort will feature a variety of bedroom options, including two queens, kings, accessible rooms, one-bedroom suites, and a penthouse. The resort boasts rooms with private terraces, allowing guests to soak in the splendor of nature around them. Whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee or simply taking in the tranquil ambiance, these accommodations offer a serene retreat amidst the splendor of nature.
Keeping families in mind, Black Desert Resort has crafted accommodations made for family fun, with spacious floor layouts, including queen/twin bunk beds along with ample living and dining areas. Additionally, they have made traveling with young ones easier by offering pre-arrival grocery service, yard games, fully equipped kitchens complete with commercial-grade appliances, and convenient access to walking trails and nature preserves.
For those on a golf escape, Black Desert Resort meticulously designed and developed accommodations that will be nestled in the peaceful and picturesque surroundings of the 19-hole Lava Field Course, creating the ultimate golf sanctuary. Providing an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts who are looking for an opulent and immersive stay, these rooms offer fully equipped kitchens and pre-arrival grocery services to make sure hungry athletes are well supplied. Additionally, guests will find a communal rooftop space complete with a hot tub and Trackman golf simulators.
Vision for the future
Black Desert Resort hopes to become a world-class golf, culinary, music, and arts destination for visitors from all walks of life. “We want to not only be the go-to resort for leisure travel, but also for groups, weddings, and for professional sports franchises to choose Black Desert Resort as the best place to play and recreate,” says Manning.
To learn more information about Black Desert Resort or plan your stay at this one-of-a-kind resort, visit: blackdesertresort.com
Story by Daniela Delgado
Photos by Black Desert Resort
