When you visit Black Desert...

I begin it by saying, WHEN you visit Black Desert, because in my opinion, it is a must -- not an if.

We spent a few days spoiling ourselves at the Black Desert in Ivins, Utah. And while I will tell you some of the amazing things about this resort, I will also tell you what other things to see in the area if you happen to want to venture out.

First of all, the resort is fairly new -- having opened in stages since fall of 2024. It is quite pristine, so you feel like you are the first occupant of the room -- maybe you are or maybe your aren't, but it's so refreshing, nonetheless.

We had an incredible view out our spacious window pefectly capturing the red rock mountains. The bed and pillows were SO comfortable and soft. I am kicking myself for not taking a peek of the manufacturer of both.

Dining options were incredible. We ate at Latitude for breakfast each morning. Let me tell you, the avocado toast was the best I have ever had. Nothing we ordered disappointed us.

For our evening meal, we soaked up the entire ambiance and offerings at Basalt. Let me tell you, the chefs are geniuses here. They know how to spice and flavor everything. The meats are so tender and the sea bass was so flaky. I am still craving the Butternut Squash Gnocchi.

Just as impressive as the menu selection were the way the staff treated us. Our server at Basalt, Maxwell, was as charming and informative as they come. I felt like I could just shoot the breeze with Sadie and ride home with her; she was so personable. She made an effort to remember my name each time we came back. We were treated like royalty from the minute we walked in. Greeted by Rayder, he immediately set the tone for the entire stay.

We escaped a few times to soak up the local flavor -- literally. You need to try The Taffy Shop not too far away in Santa Clara. They have a myriad of fresh flavors, all of which are so soft and tasty. Also in this town, I found a couple of antique stores that were fun to browse.

Take a drive to Gunlock Reservoir -- the crowds aren't there but the scenery is impeccable. Sneak into the subdivision Kayenta and drive toward the red cliffs to get a peek of a possible tall waterfall.

Back to the resort, though. I found no trouble getting an exercise machine in the fitness center. The pool is heated in the 80-degree temperature range (a perk at the time we stayed as there was rare sighting of snow the day we arrived).

We didn't get a chance to soak in a round of golf, too chilly for my liking this week, but my son has golfed it and loved it. The spa offerings looked incredible; I'll have to experience that next time. And yes, I loved it so much, I plan to come back.

Whether it's a special occasion or even just a girls trip (we saw both) or even a family trip -- yes, that, too, I highly recommend staying here and soaking up the views and the ambiance.