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e most luxurious experiences in Moab still involve getting outside to enjoy the outrageous beauty of Southern Utah. e difference is just how this is accomplished. A morning rafting excursion on the river can end with a massage in a candlelit cave and a gourmet dinner overlooking the desert. Hiking boots can be traded for a signature cocktail beside a cozy firepit, and accommodations have advanced considerably beyond the sleeping bag. Moab Raises the Glamping Bar In the remote desert south of downtown, Ulum Moab approaches this famously rugged destination with a refined glamping spin. Down a dirt road heading deeper into the desert, this luxury resort sits in a broad basin dotted with large canvas safari-style suites. Looking Glass Rock, an enormous sandstone formation, rises beyond the property and provides the backdrop to every photo, appearing alongside the accommodations, through the restaurant windows, and beyond the outdoor firepits. "Glamping" hardly describes the rooms. Suites may have canvas walls, but inside are king beds with luxe sheets, smooth wood floors, residential-style furnishings, private ensuite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Private decks face the desert expanse, providing an ideal spot for coffee as morning light moves across the sandstone cliffs and boulders. e property has been designed to fit within the natural terrain. Red dirt covers the pathways, native vegetation grows between the tents, and the surrounding rock remains the main decorative element. ere are no manicured gardens competing with the desert landscape, because none are necessary. Luxury here also extends beyond the room. Ulum Moab's Massage Cave provides treatments in a setting tucked into the rocky landscape, creating an especially appealing respite after a morning of hiking or climbing. Dining deserves time on the itinerary as well. e restaurant serves beautifully plated dishes such as burrata with heirloom tomatoes, bison ravioli, and seared salmon with baby vegetables. Cocktails incorporate flavors including prickly pear and sage, while oversized windows frame desert views. Evenings may be when Ulum Moab is at its best. As daylight fades, the canvas suites begin to glow across the desert and firepits draw guests outside for drinks. e starry night sky becomes the main stage, and guests can lounge in comfort while taking in the show. Adventure Comes with the Territory Staying comfortably does not necessarily mean sitting around admiring Moab from your chaise lounge. Paddle Moab offers half- day rafting trips on the Colorado River, including scenic stretches where the canyon walls provide most of the drama. Hiking offers another way to enjoy the area's beauty, and Mill Creek Canyon makes a worthwhile detour from the national parks. e smooth, easygoing trail follows a creek between sandstone walls, passing ancient petroglyphs before reaching a waterfall and swimming hole. For travelers who prefer a little adrenaline with their luxury, Moab has no shortage of ways to raise the heart rate. Guided rock climbing and canyoneering can be tailored to any experience level, while mountain biking and private 4x4 excursions put guests deep into the terrain. Experienced outfitters handle the technical gear, route planning, and logistics that make these outings feel polished and safe. Visitors can spend a few hours adventuring, then return to a hot shower, massage, and dinner with a wine list. Moab has always done rugged well, and lately it has also learned how to make rugged comfortable. detour destinations << Tucked into Moab's rocky cliffs, the massage caves at Ulum Resort offer a peaceful retreat after a long day of hiking and sightseeing Glamping reaches new heights at Ulum Moab, where luxurious tented suites are scattered across the dramatic red rock desert landscape ranchandcoast.com