Packing your bags and leaving your life of routine can be an incredibly daunting experience, but it was just what Tracey Welsh needed for a fresh start. Tracey joined the team at Red Mountain Resort as General Manager, embracing the life of wellness, healthy living and the great outdoors that the retreat in St. George, Utah offers. Tracey shares how she found balance and what the resort has in store for guests.
Tell us about your first healthy holiday experience. I had just finished a large project and needed time away from everything. I convinced my husband and young daughter to allow me to vacation on my own for a few days before they joined me. I knew that I needed time to take care of myself, so I purposely chose fresh food, walked for miles on the beach each day, biked, slept, read and meditated.
The combination of activity, healthy food and purposeful reflection was the rejuvenation I needed to be truly able to enjoy life, work and my family again. Having had this personal experience, I know how important this is to our guests, and what an honour it is to be able to provide this experience.
Describe your lifestyle before you started at Red Mountain Resorts. An overworked mum and wife, who occasionally ran, swam and played golf. I have always strived to make healthy food choices, and I have always taken great pride in working hard.
What does wellness mean to you? A consciously balanced state of health and a fulfilled life.
Who are your role models in life? I meet so many people that I admire for their generous spirit and proven abilities to give selflessly to others, that it is hard to choose just one. I strive to become more generous and grateful each day.
What was the moment that led you to Red Mountain Resort? My first hike here while being interviewed at the resort. Of course, I was coming here seeking a position, but that first hike inspired and hooked me. It convinced me to bring my family to Southern Utah.
What type of person would benefit most from your retreats? Those that would like to push themselves just a little outside their comfort zone. It’s that little thrill of empowerment and accomplishment, whether it’s your first hike, touching a horse for the first time, or maybe rappelling down a cliff. We are often described as a Summer Camp for adults—where you enjoy new fun experiences and aren’t worried about getting a bit dirty—but still enjoy the comforts of a great massage and a good glass of wine.
Describe your ideal retreat experience in five words. Sun. Volunteering. Water. Discovery. Nature.
What sets your retreats apart from the rest? The ability to go it solo, and still be embraced by a community, whether it’s the folks you hiked with or joining a yoga class. I believe that as we become more physically disconnected by using technology, we yearn for more personal connections and relationships.
How do the resort’s location and surroundings impact guests’ experiences? Wide open spaces open minds to new possibilities (or at least it does mine). When I see the towering mountains and miles of space around me, I see that my personal concerns are truly quite small in the grand scheme of things. It helps me put my life into perspective. Along with our own 55 acres of red rocks, lava fields and desert landscape, we have great access to hiking, biking, kayaking, and so many adventures, and our amenities provide for a complete destination retreat experience.
Finding balance is key to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. How do you find balance? You might say I’m still seeking it. I do have a great respect for my health, and emotional balance. When I find myself feeling off, I know that I need more physical activity.
Follow Tracey’s adventures in Red Mountain Resort on Instagram @redmtnresort.
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