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I love being outside in nature, but camping is too much effort for me these days. All the gear, packing enough food to last you multiple days, sleeping on the ground, going to the bathroom outside...it's just a lot. Also, I'm on vacation! I don't want to rough it! Ultimately, I'm down to explore outside and hike for miles, but at the end of the day, I want a real bed and a real bathroom and real food that I don't need to cook for myself over an open flame.

The solution? Ulum Moab. A glamping experience in southern Utah that's fully immersed in nature, but with all the modern amenities and comforts of a luxury hotel, including cozy rooms, a full-service restaurant, multiple plunge pools, and a stunning indoor/outdoor lobby space for enjoying a glass of wine or roasting marshmallows over the fire.

I was lucky enough to spend three days at Ulum Moab with my husband this fall, and honestly? I think you need to hear all about it. Keep reading for my full review, including a run-down of the amenities, rooms, food scene, and what to do while you're at the resort.

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THE QUICK HITS: ULUM MOAB EDITION

• Name: Ulum Moab
• Location: La Sal, Utah (about 30 minutes south of Moab)
• Cost Per Night: Starting at $549
• Best For: Outdoors lovers, wellness seekers, and adventure types
• While You’re Here, Visit: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
• One-Word Vibe Check: Glamping
• Most Iconic Photo Spot: Looking Glass Arch at sunrise or sunset
• Don’t Leave Without: Exploring the town of Moab and hiking in the nearby national parks

BOOK A STAY

Hiking in nearby Arches National Park.

THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As soon as you turn down the dirt road toward Ulum, you know you're not staying at your average hotel. This place is remote. Like, no cell service or people for miles kind of remote. And the scenery is unreal—tons of red rock formations, canyons, mesas, and mountains. Equally stunning is the property itself. Everything feels really intentional and blends in with the surrounding environment, so when you arrive you don't feel like you're at another hotel or resort, but at a literal oasis in the desert.

Our private tent at Ulum.

THE ROOMS

The rooms at Ulum aren't really "rooms," they're luxury canvas tents on raised wooden platforms. Each camping-inspired suite is outfitted in West Elm furnishings, Aesop toiletries, and Parachute linens (swoon). Our suite had a super-comfy king bed, a functional bathroom with a rain shower, a spacious indoor sitting area, a private deck with stunning views to watch the sunset, and a wood-burning stove to keep warm on cold nights. So, yeah, pretty swanky all things considered. That said, the walls of the tent are literally made of canvas and there are no real windows or doors—just zipper closures. There's also no overhead lighting. Only lamps and whatever light you can get from your indoor fire. Tbh, I absolutely loved this—it's just something to be aware of if you haven't glamped before.

Inside of our tent.

The bathroom area of our tent.

THE AMENITIES

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Parks aren't exactly amenities, but they're both less than an hour from Ulum and must-visits on your trip, in my humble opinion. You can explore both on your own, or book a private adventure tour through guest services. Other nearby adventure options include rafting or canoeing down the Colorado River, mountain biking, or canyoneering. On-site, Ulum offers daily yoga classes and the option to hang at one of three plunge pools with stunning views of the surrounding red rocks.

One of three plunge pools at Ulum.

My favorite nighttime amenity was the fire pit outside the main building. It was so nice to watch the sunset with a glass of wine and a thick, cozy blanket after a long day. If you're lucky, there may even be live music playing as the sun goes down. And every night, the staff puts out little trays with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars that you can take to one of the fires so you can roast s'mores under the stars.

THE FOOD AND BEV

Ulum has one restaurant, located in the main building lobby area, which serves breakfast and dinner. Pre-trip, I was a little nervous about only having one food option since Ulum is so remote, but I was totally impressed with the service, quality of food, and general dining vibe.

Both breakfast and dinner menus change seasonally, but there are plenty of options. For breakfast, you can get everything from a fancy egg sandwich to a yogurt bowl or classic French toast. There's also specialty coffee (cappuccinos while "camping" was a first for me) and green juices. For dinner, expect southwest-inspired dishes like chicken with mole sauce, chili-seasoned cauliflower, and short rib tacos.

Also, I should add that if you want to eat at the property during lunchtime, there's a snack area in the main building that serves coffee, tea, and smoothies all day long—plus grab-and-go wraps and healthy snack options.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Yes, Ulum is ideal for nature lovers, but even if that's not your typical vibe, I still say GO! It's such a unique experience—truly unlike anywhere else I've stayed. It's the perfect mix of outdoorsy and luxe, ideal for anyone who wants to feel at one with nature without the hassles of a traditional camping trip.

Ulum Moab closes in the off-season, but it'll be open from March 28, 2024, to October 28, 2024, so do yourself a favor and get something on the cal for next year asap!

(FYI: The writer received comped accommodations and meals during this getaway.)

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Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram. 

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