The Best Recipe for a Girlfriend Self-Care Getaway: My Rejuvenating 24 Hours at Montage Deer Valley

Spa & Beauty Today writer Alisha Racker shared a self-care get-away at Montage Deer Valley with two friends.

Self-care is something we all crave and need yet can easily be pushed to the back-burner or neglected all together. Busy family schedules, the never-ending doom and inconveniences associated with COVID-19 and subsequent variants, and the chilly, gloomy weather winter brings can bring all this anxiety and stress to a boiling point.

With “me time” in mind, my thoughts turned to Montage Deer Valley. I was lucky to be able to visit Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina with a group of girlfriends last year and I’ve been itching for other Montage stay ever since. I called a couple of my best mom friends, also tired and in need of a staycation away, and the planning began.

We decided on an overnight weekend visit up the canyon to Montage Deer Valley with a few things in mind. Spa Montage has been a favorite of mine for years and was no-doubt at the top of my list. Great food, a cozy atmosphere, time in nature, and rest and relaxation were also factors for our getaway. Read on for the exact recipe we followed for an ideal weekend getaway.

A peek into our comfortable guest room at Montage Deer Valley.

A Comfortable Place to Gather

A girl’s night stay-cation needs to be somewhere you can relax and let your hair down. Spa robes and charcuterie boards earn double points toward self-care vibes. The year-round mountain resort Montage Deer Valley was the perfect backdrop we could have asked for. Once we arrived, we didn’t have to leave thanks to the five incredible restaurants and world-class spa on site.

Plus, our guest room was a sanctuary all on its own with the most comfortable features including heated bathroom floors, a private balcony, deep soak tub, walk-in closets, and a fireplace and sitting area we lounged in for hours. Adorned in our Montage robes, we were set for a girls’ night in.

When we weren’t enjoying in-room comforts, we sat by the cozy fireplaces throughout the 25,000-square-foot indoor gathering spaces throughout the resort, taking in the stunning mountain views and impeccable art and décor surrounding us.

A great time usually starts with great food: we ordered a few bites to our room, including a lovely charcuterie board to nibble on before heading to the spa.

Great Food with Great Friends

For dinner we opted for Apex, the resort’s signature dining experience. The sweeping mountain setting complete with a toasty fireplace made for the perfect intimate setting. Upon our server’s thoughtful recommendations we enjoyed steak, organic salmon and marine lobster risotto.

We chose to eat family style, enjoying many delicious sides including Paris whipped potato puree, roasted asparagus, and decadent mac and cheese with an herb crust. We chatted and laughed late into the night over seasonal desserts, enjoying every last bite.

We missed Montage’s iconic daily s’mores offering and bowling experience available on site…or maybe it’s our secret ploy for another trip to Montage Deer Valley soon.

Dinner began at Apex with celebratory mocktails.

A highlight of dinner was Apex’s delicious marine lobster risotto.

Breakfast was spent again at Apex, offering freshness and exquisite taste. A fruit smoothie, cinnamon swirl french toast and huevos rancheros offered the best tart, sweet and savory sensations that breakfast could have offered. We appreciated the expert care and preparation put into each meal, quality ingredients, and the sweet opportunity to actually enjoy a warm meal, uninterrupted. A definite girls’ weekend win!

A southwestern taste thanks to Apex’s huevos rancheros.

A Spa Escape 

My crew and I were giddy to visit Spa Montage, a 35,000-square-foot spa retreat fit for a goddess. Upon checking in, we changed into plush robes and slippers, and sipped tea in the relaxation room while bundling under cozy blankets. I always like to arrive early to spa appointments to have a few minutes to unwind, decompress and sit in stillness before a scheduled service.

The restorative relaxation room of Spa Montage Deer Valley.

When it was time for my treatment, my therapist guided me into a facial room where the real relaxation began. I received the 90-Minute Masterpiece Facial designed to aid in anti-aging and increase cellular renewal. Completely original and designed specifically for Spa Montage Deer Valley, the service included a dual cleansing, six masks including a collagen treatment for the face, neck, décolleté and the eyes using Valmont cosmetics.

Oxygen Vortex suction and a combination of salicylic and glycolic acid peels were also employed throughout the facial, removing deep impurities and clarifying the skin. The treatment was utterly relaxing, leaving me with glowing skin that lasted for days.

A makeup-free, post facial selfie with glowing skin.

After our respective spa services, we remained in the spa to further enjoy the many amenities. Within the women’s locker rooms we tried the redwood sauna and steam rooms together, allowing the warmth to calm all our anxieties.

Next, we ventured to the indoor pool area for a dip in the jetted whirlpools and mosaic lap pool, all while taking in the majestic snow-capped mountain view out of  large windows. The healing powers of water plus the company of loving friends was a complete self-care boost.

Spa Montage’s mosaic lap pool.

Exercise and Time in Nature

After a night of spa time, delicious food and restful sleep, we hit up the fitness facilities early the next morning. With countless wellness options to choose from including group classes, yoga, one-on-one training and more, I realized I could get used to this kind of healthy lifestyle.

The gym was spotless and inviting with state-of-the art equipment, towels, water and more. After a self-guided workout, I hopped on a Peloton bike, logged in and joined a cycling class for a challenging and totally fun experience.

State-of-the-art equipment and technology made working out a breeze.

After completing our sweat session, we enjoyed the fresh mountain air by getting outside for a walk. Taking in the beauty of nature surrounding the resort, while chatting with friends completed everything on our checklist for a successful, self-care getaway. Our minds were clear, our shoulders relaxed, our bellies full and our memories full of the last unforgettable 24 hours.

Views of Montage Deer Valley while enjoying nature.

For more information on Montage Deer Valley, visit their website or check out their Instagram.

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker