Spirit's Blessing
The Lodge at Blue Sky
In the travels we've been blessed to have in 2024, there was perhaps no destination we were more looking forward to than The Lodge at Blue Sky.
Blue Sky wasn't conceived as a wellness resort in the way typical of such resorts. It wasn't born from a business plan where land was acquired and horses introduced as a therapeutic amenity for burnt-out urbanites. Instead, it came into existence through owners/developers Mike and Barb Phillips' deep love for horses and the beauty of the Utah land, and their desire to share their joy with others. We think Blue Sky's ability to connect at a soul level with its guests springs directly from this: the concept or business model emerged organically from the Phillips' connection to this land and its creatures. Their love came first; the destination followed.
We’ve come to understand a fundamental truth about a place's true character: its spiritual heart, its cultural essence, is inseparable from what motivates its creators. We have found that even the most thoughtfully conceived initiative will feel ultimately hollow if it does not spring primarily from love. By love, we mean that inner force that draws into being what does not yet exist – the courage to cherish a possibility more than a certainty, to value the intangible future more than the concrete present.
Creating is an act of faith, a so-called blind leap into the unknown whose motivating force is what we characterize by the word “love”. Yet even when founders create from such love, that special magic only permeates the guest experience when the founders’ passion and purpose flow vitally through every person in the organization. The question we always ask ourselves when visiting a property is: Does the founders' original vision still live and breathe in the daily rhythm of operations?
The Horse Thief
The story of Blue Sky begins in 2004, when the Phillips acquired 3,500 acres of land in Utah's Wasatch Mountains. They began simply enough, establishing a working ranch where they raised Hereford cattle. In 2013, Barb discovered a nearby ranch where animals were being abused. Day after day, she would bring food and water to the animals, tending to them through the fence. Among them was a horse in particularly dire condition, suffering from an untreated wound that threatened her life. Barb convinced an officer to transport the horse to a veterinary hospital, where she took full financial responsibility for its care. Once recovered, she moved the horse – whom she named Gracie – to a safe location.
A year later, when officers came to her door investigating the "theft" of the horse, Barb said, "You can put me in jail, but I will never allow that horse to go back." This unwavering stand earned her the nickname of “Horse Thief” in the community. More importantly, it became the catalyst for something larger. In 2015, she established the Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates neglected horses.
(We discovered how deeply this story lives in the culture of Blue Sky in a touching detail at the Blue Sky bar. Among the napkins in the bar caddy sits a stack of playing cards, each bearing the tale of The Horse Thief on its back. As bartenders serve drinks, they place a napkin and also a card before each guest, creating a natural moment to share the story of Gracie, and the story of Blue Sky. It's the kind of touch that shows how the Phillips' spirit flows through the day to day of Blue Sky.)
When the Phillips partnered with Auberge Resorts Collection in 2017, it seems safe to say they weren't just seeking to create another luxury destination. They were searching for stewards of the day to day operations who could help amplify their vision while preserving its cultural-spiritual essence. Given our long-term ambitions in the wellness space, we were very interested in this Phillips-Auberge partnership and how it translated into our on-the-ground guest experience.
The Blue Sky spirit is evident in things large and small. The architecture by local firm AJC Architects and Santa Monica's Design360 Unlimited seems to grow as an organic extension of the landscape rather than imposing upon it. At Gracie's Farm, an all-female led farm, organic growing practices reflect the Phillips' commitment to land stewardship. The Edge Spa incorporates wild sage and local plants into treatments that connect guests with the healing properties of the landscape. Blue Sky visitors don't just observe the rescued horses; they're invited to learn about natural horsemanship, witness the rehabilitation process, and forge their own connections with these magnificent creatures.
The journey begins
The journey to Blue Sky begins long before you wind your way through Utah's mountain landscape. For us, it started with a simple wish: to find a perfect balance between adventure and serenity in the mountains, with a special focus on connecting with horses. Weeks before our arrival, this wish was shared with Blue Sky's attentive concierge team, who took it to heart in a way that would set the tone for our entire stay.
Our concierge crafted a thoughtful itinerary - each day orchestrated to flow naturally between moments of excitement and tranquility. Adventure-filled days were followed by peaceful ones dedicated to spa experiences and gentle connections with the horses through breathwork sessions.
The attention to detail extended beyond just scheduling activities. We were fortunate to be celebrating a birthday, and the concierge team wove in special touches – arrangements for cake and festive balloons. Even our dietary preferences were welcomed by the Blue Sky team. The culinary team, informed of our vegetarian requirements, didn't just accommodate – they elevated, creating a special vegetarian menu for our extended stay, something not typically offered.
Welcome home
As we wound our way from Salt Lake City Airport past Park City, each mile showcased the rolling hills that characterize this corner of the American West. The drive itself, arranged by the Blue Sky concierge, offered a perfect introduction to what awaited us – an hour watching the landscape gradually shift from city life to the understated grace of Utah's mountains. Even in the aftermath of peak foliage season, the mountains wore their transitional colors of muted greens and yellows beautifully.
Our first glimpse of the property came as we passed through Gracie's Farm and the horse rescue organization that form the beating heart of Blue Sky's origin story. The winding ascent to the lodge reminded us we were leaving the everyday world behind.
After check-in, we were taken to our Creekside House via a short golf cart journey past the main buildings, and down a gravel path. (At first glance, there was a moment of uncertainty – the exterior of the House presented itself as a large box of metal.) These standalone havens – just five in total – are thoughtfully placed along a melodious creek, and what appears austere from the outside transforms the moment you step through the door.
The simple act of unlocking the door with a real key (rather than the ubiquitous key card favored by hotels the world over) set the tone for what lay within. The interior of the Creekside House unfolds in a soothing palette of rich woods, soft tans, and earthen browns that echo the Utah landscape outside. Thoughtful touches appear at every turn. A rustic walking stick hung on the wall, ready for trail exploration, and next to it, a compact hiking backpack for impromptu adventures. On the desk were leather-bound journals, perfectly portable, supple and inviting to the touch; next to these were sharpened pencils. These were small things, but they felt intentionally crafted, beckoning us to connect with Blue Sky.
The spacious interior centered around a commanding bed, while a welcoming bar area showcased local Utah treasures – artisanal chocolates and addictive Redmond Sea Salt and honey caramels that would become a daily indulgence. But it was the bathroom that stole the show – a spectacular soaking tub bordered by windows that opened to the woods, creating the sense of bathing in Nature itself.
The deck, perched just above the creek, offered front-row seats to nature's symphony. One curious oversight in this otherwise meticulously designed space: the panoramic sliding glass doors that offered unobstructed views and soothing creek sounds when open lacked screens – a detail that seemed strangely out of step.
Our choice: keep the doors closed and lose the peaceful sound and sights of Nature, or welcome in a stream of insect visitors. Drawing the sheer curtains offered some protection from the insects, but at the cost of obscuring the very views that made the location so special.
From day one of our arrival, it became clear that one of Blue Sky's most remarkable qualities was their unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. This was particularly evident when, on our second morning, the peaceful creek-side setting was unexpectedly charged with the sound of bulldozers working on the hillside above our house. Given that we had specifically chosen the Creekside Houses for their secluded, tranquil vibe, this was concerning. When we voiced our feedback, the staff's response was immediate. This commitment to excellence, we would soon discover, wasn't just a first-day flourish but the foundation of the Blue Sky experience.
Sporting Clay Adventure
Our clay shooting adventure at Blue Sky ranked as one of our most anticipated experiences, second only to spending time with the horses. While we are versed in handguns at traditional ranges, the prospect of tracking moving targets through mountain air was thrilling new territory for us.
The experience began at Blue Sky's Main Lodge, where we met our instructor, Henry Sr.. Though his initial demeanor seemed somewhat reserved, the energy shifted as we hopped into our rugged ATV for an engaging ride up the mountain. Our first station was a wooden cabin with strategic window cutouts – our gateway into the world of sporting clays.
The transition from handguns to shotguns brought immediate surprises, particularly the substantial weight difference. Yet, positioned at the cabin's window frames, we discovered an almost instinctual ability to track and hit the clays as they sailed across the mountain sky in various patterns – some gliding horizontally, others arcing through space in challenging trajectories.
What started as a methodical lesson in technique and safety quickly evolved into an energetic session filled with (some) successful hits and shared laughter. Our natural affinity for the sport seemed to transform our instructor's mood entirely, and soon we were all joking and celebrating each successful shot.
The two-hour experience culminated at an open-air station that combined heightened difficulty with breathtaking mountain views. Here, the clays flew faster and further, offering an exhilarating final challenge. Just as we were fully synthesizing our instructor's teachings and sensing how all the pieces fall into place, our session drew to a close.
As we wound our way back to the Main Lodge, our instructor shared a cool piece of his story – he was the father of Blue Sky's Director of Adventures and Events! His son, Henry Jr., had fallen so deeply in love with the venture that he'd invited his parents to join him in Utah. We love the arc of this backstory: a father who had nurtured his son's love for nature and outdoor pursuits; the son venturing out on his own to discover his path in life; now father and son imprinting a family legacy through sharing their love with guests at Blue Sky.
Sound Meditation
After experiencing a life-changing crystal sound bath meditation at Civana in Carefree, Arizona earlier this year, we were super excited about seeing what Blue Sky would come up with. What unfolded highlighted how crucial setting and execution are to these sensitive healing experiences.
Upon arriving at the appointed time, the location of the session immediately gave us pause. Rather than utilizing any of Blue Sky's vast, secluded spaces, the sound meditation was held on a wooden deck platform awkwardly sandwiched between the spa entrance and the pool area. This highly trafficked spot sat just below the main stairway leading to the spa entrance and adjacent to the pool where guests chatted and swam. For an experience that traditionally invites vulnerability and emotional release – as we'd discovered during our session at Civana – the public setting felt jarring, and exposed.
The physical setup itself presented several challenges. We lay on thin yoga mats placed directly on the wooden deck, with bolsters serving as a basic pillow and light blanket; the latter proved inadequate for the mountain air. The discomfort became so acute that one of us had to interrupt her meditation to seek additional blankets from the spa attendants, breaking the therapeutic flow of the session.
While our guide was kind and skillfully employed various sound tools in her practice, her approach differed significantly from the transformative technique we'd experienced at Civana. The session's strange location did offer some natural acoustics – the infinity pool's running water and birdsong provided a peaceful backdrop – but these pleasant elements were frequently interrupted by the voices of nearby pool-goers and passing guests.
The lack of privacy was particularly concerning given our previous experience with sound meditation's emotional depth. At Civana, we had felt safe enough to experience a powerful emotional release, crying through much of the session as part of the healing process. The exposed setting at Blue Sky would have made such vulnerability feel impossible.
When we shared our feedback with management, their empathetic response exemplified Blue Sky's commitment to guest satisfaction – immediately waiving the charge for the session. And while the setting hadn't provided the transformative experience we'd hoped for, something really cool did occur. One of us had arrived with abdominal discomfort – a constricted sensation that was causing shortness of breath. During the session, there was a moment when our guide struck a particular instrument, and it seemed to us as though a resonant tone somehow released the blocked sensation. For newcomers to sound healing therapy like ourselves, this tangible physical response was incredible.
Overall, this experience left us with many thoughts about how Blue Sky could elevate this potentially powerful offering. With their expansive property featuring countless secluded, natural settings, the current location feels like a missed opportunity. A more private space, proper comfort considerations for mountain weather, and a deeper understanding of sound meditation's emotional vulnerability could transform this experience into something really special.
Intuitive Healing Journey with “Sugar”
The Lodge at Blue Sky offers a unique intuitive healing journey led by their resident healer, Sugar. Apart from the sparse descriptions on the Blue Sky website itself, we came into this session with Sugar knowing very little, and that's precisely how we wanted it.
Our first glimpse of her came unexpectedly - a striking figure descending the hillside at Blue Sky Lodge, wrapped in a vibrant kimono, crowned with a broad sun hat. Something about her presence and the way she moved caught our attention. Hours later, that same magnetic presence would greet us for our intuitive healing journeys.
Sugar embodies what can only be described as an "angelic Sophia mother goddess" energy - the kind of spirit that makes you wish she'd adopt you on the spot. Sugar shared fragments of her remarkable journey with one of us: her lives as an artist, a counselor, a beekeeper tending to her hives alongside her beloved dogs. But what struck us most was her story of coming into her gifts - those intuitive abilities she'd carried since childhood, once dismissed by family, now fully embraced as her calling.
The sessions themselves unfolded like a dance between the seen and unseen. Sugar explained that she receives messages from energy fields - fleeting insights she must capture in writing lest they fade like dreams upon waking. As we lay on a massage table, she guided us through meditation while her pen moved across paper, recording the whispers of spirit.
After the meditation, Sugar sat beside us and read aloud from her notes. What followed was like watching light dance through stained glass - each observation she shared cast fleeting impressions of colors and shapes. She spoke in gentle cadences, offering fragments that echoed from distant pasts, while others casted light toward possible futures.
Sugar is, without doubt, Blue Sky’s resident unicorn - a unique soul whose gifts add an ineffable magic to the property.
The Edge Spa
Nestled along a winding path leading to our creekside haven, the Edge Spa at Blue Sky is a testament to thoughtful design that honors its natural surroundings. The standalone structure, crowned with a living roof, seems to emerge organically from the landscape.
While small in size, the spa's impact on the senses is mighty. The pre-treatment lounge instantly sets the tone for tranquility, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that beautifully frame the rolling Utah mountains like a living painting. Here, lounge chairs draped with impossibly soft blankets invite you to sink in and begin unwinding before your treatment even begins. Adding to the mindful attention to detail, rose quartz side tables – nature's heart stone – separate each chair, while an array of infused waters, herbal teas, and an addictively delicious spiced nut mix with dried fruits (which would later become a treasured take-home gift) offer refreshment.
The treatment experiences themselves varied significantly. During our deep tissue CBD oil massage, we encountered a therapist whose strength – while impressive – had us requesting a gentler touch. When asked for feedback, we shared with the spa manager that the pressure had been painful at times. Her response exemplified Blue Sky's approach to guest care. Shortly thereafter, a thoughtful care package was delivered to us: a curated selection of essential oils, bath salts, and CBD balms, perfect for a therapeutic soak in our creekside suite's heavenly tub.
This level of care was consistent throughout our stay. Following another treatment that didn't meet expectations, the spa manager's response was equally swift and effective – offering to arrange a follow-up session with a carefully selected therapist who proved to be the perfect match. These thoughtful responses to feedback were complemented by daily surprises waiting in our room, each gift thoughtfully connected to our experiences that day.
The spa's curated collection of products proved irresistible, particularly the ISUN line featuring their amazing Ormus Rose Mist facial spray; spritzing this has quickly become a daily ritual. Among our treasured finds from the Spa were also artisanal sage bundles, each uniquely adorned with crystals, herbs, and dried flowers. These now serve as beautiful reminders of our time at Blue Sky, too precious to burn but perfect as keepsakes of our mountain retreat.
Wisdom of the Horse
The horses of Blue Sky were what first drew us to this Auberge property. Our journey with these remarkable animals took unexpected turns, beginning with a missed "Meet the Horses" experience on our first day due to confusion about whether it was held at the main stables or Gracie's Farm. That missed connection led to a pivotal moment days later. During lunch on the patio, we met a departing guest who shared her story of cuddling with a baby Mustang at Gracie's Farm. Her face lit up as she described the experience, and we knew immediately that we couldn't leave Blue Sky without visiting the rescued Mustangs.
Our horse experiences began with trail rides guided by Erika, whose friendly nature made for enjoyable rides through the Utah mountain terrain under uncommonly lovely fall weather. While we’d hoped the trails would offer glimpses of Utah's diverse wildlife—perhaps owls like those spotted by our neighbors, or other mountain creatures—the animals remained elusive during our rides. Despite this slight disappointment in wildlife sightings, during our second trail ride, we heard elk mating calls echoing across the landscape—a first for us.
In a week filled with extraordinary moments and exhilarating experiences, hands down our most moving encounter at Blue Sky was the "Wisdom of the Horse" experience — a guided session that promises to connect guests with the property's horses through breathwork. One of us has practiced traditional breathwork for years; we approached these sessions with anticipation and slight trepidation, knowing how challenging energy work can be. What unfolded during our sessions with Spirit revealed depths of horse-human connection we hadn't imagined possible, defying all expectations from the start.
We met Spirit in a specially sectioned area of the riding corral, where our guide explained that each session unfolds uniquely, guided by the energy between horse and humans. Spirit's immediate responsiveness surprised even our experienced guide, who noted that such quick, deep connections were unusual for him. This wasn't a typical horse interaction—it was an invitation into subtle, wordless communication.
The session included brief periods of guided breathing and meditation alongside Spirit, followed by journaling. At one point, as we sat with eyes closed in meditation, we delighted in feeling Spirit move closer to us, gently placing his head on top of ours. The core of our experience centered on learning to attune ourselves to Spirit's energy field and developing what felt like a silent language between us. We practiced walking with Spirit, first with his harness and then without, using only our energy to guide him around the ring. The practice demanded complete presence—any wandering of attention or intention became immediately apparent in Spirit's response.
We were so in love with Spirit that we immediately signed up for a second session with him. Our second session deepened our connection significantly as we progressed to bareback riding. This wasn't just riding without a saddle; it was an exercise in trust and energetic fusion. The feel of Spirit's warm back, the direct connection to his movements, and the necessity of perfect balance created an experience that transcended typical horseback riding. For one of us in particular, this triggered an unexpected wave of emotion, connecting us instantly to formative memories of childhood days spent in dressage training and bareback riding.
That evening, returning to our Creekside House, we discovered an unexpected treasure: Spirit's own horseshoe, accompanied by a heartfelt note from our guide. Finding this gift, carefully placed for us on the front stoop, brought tears to our eyes. The horseshoe wasn't just metal shaped into a curve—it was a part of Spirit himself, a tangible reminder of those silent moments of communion.
Our final day at Blue Sky brought us to Gracie's Farm, where we met the recently rescued Mustangs dubbed the "Lucky Eight”. The tour introduced us to an array of personalities, from sweet Shetland ponies to the imposing Shaq, a war horse breed whose massive black frame towered nearly twice our height. Shaq's unlikely friendship with Ernie the mule, who had the longest ears we'd ever seen, added a touch of whimsy to the serious work being done at the Farm.
Our tour of Gracie's Farm culminated at the Mustang paddock, and the anticipation built with each step as we approached. Nothing could have prepared us for the sight of these magnificent creatures together—breathtaking! The Mustangs stood before us, their coats shining in the sunlight, dramatic shocks of white in their coloring, manes moving with the breeze. And their eyes—almost otherworldly—as they met our gaze with curiosity and remarkable sensitivity.
Despite feeling like clumsy interlopers in their space, when the gate opened, the horses—including the mother and her baby Gigi—made room for us with incredible patience. They allowed us to approach, to touch them, to express our gratitude for this shared moment. While other visitors waited their turn and moved through the space with us, the magnitude of the encounter wasn't diminished. It's telling that we have few photos of these moments—we were so completely immersed in the experience that we had no thought of reaching for phones.
We left the paddock that day almost overwhelmed with awe. Reflecting on the profound relationship between humans and horses throughout history, we couldn't help but feel that Barb and Mike Phillips are onto something big at Blue Sky. The ability to connect with these magnificent beings holds, we believe, tremendous potential for healing the rift between man and Nature and thus reconnecting us with a primal source of wellbeing—a truth that became evident throughout our time with Spirit, the Lucky 8 and all the others.
Our own vegetarian menu!
Given our extended week-long stay and our expressed intention to dine primarily on property, Blue Sky went above and beyond by creating an entirely vegetarian menu just for us. (From what we could gather, most guests typically stay for shorter periods; our longer visit and commitment to experiencing the property fully prompted this special accommodation.)
As people who maintain admittedly high standards for vegetarian cuisine (a natural consequence of the quality and abundance of produce where we live), we were bowled over by this level of dedication to accommodating our dietary preferences. At most properties, vegetarian options can often feel like an afterthought, but here was a kitchen willing to go extra miles to ensure our extended stay would be memorable. While the vegetarian offerings might not have reached the level of “amazing” to our taste buds, nevertheless, one could see and feel the care that went into both preparation and presentation.
Our culinary experience at Blue Sky is colored by our decades of experience in the hospitality industry. We've seen firsthand how demanding and often thankless these roles can be. Some of our most treasured memories are created around food - that extraordinary dish we still talk about years later, that perfect evening where everything aligned. It would be good to pause to consider what the experience is like on the “other side of the table”.
Too often, especially in high-end properties, there's a stark disconnect: staff putting on a brave face while being undervalued and poorly compensated. What struck us deeply about Blue Sky was how different it felt. Every staff member we encountered spoke with enthusiasm about working there. Many had been with the property for years - a rarity in an industry known for high turnover. They shared stories about using their generous Auberge employee benefits to vacation at sister properties in places like Cabo. The property even provides housing for ranch staff and other team members. All this wasn't the forced cheerfulness we've encountered elsewhere; it was the natural outcome of people feeling valued. Now, at this point in our lives, we find deep satisfaction in supporting properties like Blue Sky that not only deliver exceptional guest experiences but also genuinely care for their staff.
Throughout our week-long stay, we chose to take almost all our meals on property at Yuta. It was wonderful to let ourselves be fully immersed in the natural setting without the interruption of driving anywhere. Our lunches became a cherished daily ritual on the sunny patio, where we were fortunate to be served by Yaquelin, who had recently moved from Arizona. Her warmth created the kind of connection that makes dining experiences memorable. As evening fell, we'd find ourselves in the capable hands of Elizabeth (whose smile and ringing laughter still come readily to mind) making us feel as though we were being welcomed into someone's home. This personal touch extended throughout the property. Being greeted by name by staff we hadn't even met yet was a first for us – a level of guest service that set a new standard.
An Evening at Wild Kitchen
The crown jewel of our dining experiences came in the form of Wild Kitchen – a unique outdoor dining concept created by British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, with the core philosophy of creating an immersive culinary experience celebrating the natural environment and food touched by flame. Despite initial hesitation due to the lingering effect of nearby wildfires, we decided to venture up the mountain for what would become one of our most memorable dining experiences ever.
The journey began with a 15-minute drive up the mountain, away from the main lodge. As we arrived, the setting sun painted the panoramic Utah landscape in pink and purple hues, creating an ethereal backdrop for the evening ahead. Under a signature WildTent perched on a wooden platform, we were welcomed with carefully crafted mocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres that proved so irresistible, we couldn't help but ask for seconds.
The dinner itself was truly one of the best vegetarian meals we'd ever had in our lives. A rustic 24-seat table, beautifully set with a coal fire burning at its center, brought together guests from both on and off the property. The chef once again demonstrated their commitment to personalized service, crafting special menus not just for us but for several other guests with dietary preferences.
Every dish spoke of careful preparation and thoughtful execution, but one side dish stole the show: a garlic cream barley risotto that we still talk about (and have unsuccessfully tried to recreate at home). It was so memorable that we requested it again on our final night at Yuta – a request that was, true to Blue Sky's nature, graciously accommodated.
As darkness came and stars emerged overhead, we were all lifting to our mouths the last pieces of the incredible panna cotta dessert set before us. A subtle reluctance settled over the table - none of us quite ready to stand up and break the spell of the evening.
While conversation had ebbed and flowed, sometimes tentatively as strangers sought common ground, moments of real connection emerged. The family beside us shared their conscious choice to raise their teens without phones, wanting them present for moments exactly like these. Their teenage daughter, seated immediately next to us, displayed a remarkable ease in adult conversation that felt both rare and refreshing in our digital age. There was something telling about the type of guests drawn to this experience, each of us in some way resonating with Barb and Mike Phillips' vision for Blue Sky - a vision that calls for stepping away from the ordinary and into something more intentional, more connected.
Park City
We carved out an afternoon to explore the historic charm of nearby Park City. This journey was intended to be a full afternoon of wandering and discovery, but sometimes God has other plans. Both of us suddenly felt fatigued and thus we had to distill our expedition down to its essence: a visit to the legendary Kemo Sabe, where western heritage meets artisanal craftsmanship in the form of exquisitely crafted cowboy hats. Under the guidance of Kemo Sabe's knowledgeable staff, we found ourselves adding new treasures to our collection of southwestern hats, each one a tangible memory of our Utah adventure.
Even in the quiet of shoulder season, Park City's charm is undeniable. The historic district clings to the mountainside like a vintage photograph come to life, hints of its silver mining past visible in the preserved architecture and streets. As the afternoon waned, rather than pushing through dinner in town, we heeded the call of Blue Sky's familiar comfort. Sometimes the best decisions to be made during travel come from knowing when to pivot, when to listen to what your body needs. Park City had given us its gift – a taste of its heritage, some incredible hats, and the promise of future visits when winter transforms this mountain town into a snow-globe come to life.
Spirit, lead us
What the Phillips and Auberge have built here is impressive. They've proven what's possible when authenticity of vision and operational excellence align with Nature's majesty. We're already looking forward to visiting more Auberge properties, though we wonder: is our exceptional experience – particularly the guest service – something we can expect from Auberge generally, or was that special X factor due to unique elements like the Phillips' cultural imprint that can only be found at Blue Sky?
During our visit, we learned about exciting developments on the horizon, concerning how the wealth of land surrounding Blue Sky will be put to use. We were told that luxury homes will be developed on five-acre plots; and the lucky landowners will also have access to the amenities at Blue Sky. This approach feels like a natural evolution – investing in the land and developing a world-class wellness resort that draws visitors from across the globe, then offering those who've fallen in love with Blue Sky a chance to become part of its community in a deeper way. (We've heard of this approach being taken by other development projects in places such as Los Cabos.) Another intriguing project is the construction of an adults-only lodge on the property. While Blue Sky's embrace of families is central to its culture, having a separate space for adults provides critical optionality.
Working through and collecting our memories of Blue Sky in this piece have prompted us to think on the deeper meaning of hospitality. Hospitality is the art of welcoming others, of making them feel "at home". Yet how many of us often feel like "homeless souls"!
Personally speaking, feeling at home in our bodies, in our lives, on this Earth, has been a lifelong challenge. Sometimes the challenge manifests in things like trying to find basic home goods that aren’t poisonous. Sometimes it's in realizing how isolated we've become, without ever consciously choosing it. The platforms that promise connection seem to send us in the opposite direction. Here we are, using social media, and Substack – taking that leap of faith, holding fast to that which is whispered from the future. Speaking into the void and waiting for that “some day” when someone responds.
We live in a time when we're terrified of sounding uninformed, when everything must be carefully prepared, organized, planned. But renewal comes in those rare moments when we let go of this, when we allow ourselves to speak without knowing what we'll say next. And in that falling away of our careful preparations, we often discover something was there all along, waiting to receive us.
When vulnerability becomes a comfort, when it inspires one human being to cross the chasm to meet another human being, something transforms. It's those moments of shared humanity that become a salve for loneliness.
Above all, our encounters with Spirit and the other horses stirred something deep within us. On the flight home, we found ourselves spinning dream castles, planning ways to bring more of this Horse medicine into our lives.