Set amid ancient black lava fields and red sandstone cliffs of Greater Zion in Southern Utah, is Black Desert Resort (Ivins, UT). The destination resort features nearly 800 guest rooms and suites; seven dining spots; an infinity-edge pool with cabanas; 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space; a 19-hole Tom Weiskopf designed championship golf course; and the 15,000-square-foot Plume Spa & Wellness.
The spa, which opened in June 2025, is committed to creating experiences that lead to a profound transformation and a connection with the natural world. “Plume Spa & Wellness was designed as a sanctuary where opposites meet—light and shadow, fire and water, basalt and feather,” says Marci Howard-May, director of spa and wellness at Plume Spa & Wellness. “The architecture and interiors reflect this harmony of contrast, drawing inspiration from the surrounding desert landscape and the volcanic origins of Southern Utah.”
Natural textures like stone, wood, and glass reflect the raw beauty of the terrain, while soft touches—flowing drapery, feathers, and warm lighting—create a sense of weightlessness, according to Howard-May. “The design achieves a delicate balance between elemental power and quiet elegance,” she says.
The spa’s 13 treatment rooms wrap around a rock garden where large black lava pieces rest in a bed of white sand. In addition to massage and facial rooms, the spa features a water room, which offers hydrotherapy elements and waterfall-inspired scalp treatments. The spa also boasts the Sanctuary, which is a quiet space, and the Longevity Lounge, which provides touchless recovery options and opens to an outdoor terrace with a lava sauna, small dipping pool, and fire pit. “Plume’s mission is to transform guests through contrast—invigoration and stillness, strength and surrender, and desert heat and restorative cool,” says Howard-May.
Plume Spa & Wellness attracts a wide range of guests, including golf enthusiasts, resort travelers, and locals. “Many are drawn from across the Mountain West and California, as well as wellness travelers visiting Zion and Greater Zion’s national parks,” says Howard-May. “The spa also attracts elite athletes and wellness-focused guests looking for longevity treatments and recovery experiences. Plume is woven into every part of the guest journey—from the in-room tablet to curated packages like Stay Well at Black Desert and The Wellness Warrior. We offer introductory sessions in the Longevity Lounge and personalized itineraries combining golf, hiking, and spa recovery.
For guests seeking a wellness experience that extends past the spa, dedicated Plume Wellness Collection accommodations are an ideal option. Each space features high-tech wellness tools, such as the TrueLight Luna Red Luminaire for optimized circadian rhythms, N.O.W. meditation speakers, CBD-infused pillows and weighted blankets, a Hypervolt Go2 massage gun, workout equipment, and more.
According to Howard-May, spa guests are mostly looking for a respite from the high energy and activity of the resort and to try something new with the spa’s wellness technology offerings. Each guest is welcomed with a signature ritual, a flower elixir “Shot of Joy” to invite some fun into their wellness journey and help them transition into the spa experience. As for the spa’s menu of services, it includes a variety of results-driven treatments, including age-defying facials and innovative skincare techniques, traditional and advanced massage therapies, and customized bodywork remedies.
The menu of services was built around the desert’s transformative energy—from volcanic minerals to ancient sea salts and locally harvested native desert plants. “Plume is more than a spa—it’s a wellness philosophy rooted in the elemental power of the desert,” she says. “We intentionally created treatments that celebrate these deeply healing natural ingredients paired with the newest innovations in wellness technology, resulting in a unique sensory experience. This is not just a relaxing day at the spa—it’s a holistic wellness experience.”
Menu highlights include the Desert Awakening Ritual (starting at $400, 2 hours), a full-body treatment that consists of a mineral exfoliation, detox mask, waterfall hair and scalp treatment, and hydrating botanical facial mask; and the Lava & Ice Vitality Massage (starting at $200, 60 minutes), which features hot and cold stone therapy paired with muscle balm and warm linens infused with locally harvested desert detox oils. The Black Desert Custom Massage (starting at $200, 60 minutes) and Custom Plume Facial (starting at $200, 60 minutes) are guest favorites and completely personalized to the individual’s needs. Among recovery experiences, the Dry Cryo Float and Zero Gravity Lounger sessions are among the most requested touchless offerings. “Guests appreciate how Plume bridges beauty, performance, and wellness under one roof,” says Howard-May.
Sustainability and green practices are important elements of Plume Spa & Wellness, from its design to its operations. “We use sustainably sourced ingredients, product partners, eco-certified energy-efficient systems, and reusable packaging for all in-room amenities,” says Howard-May. “Our uniforms and linens are made from organic fibers, and our product lines emphasize natural, bioactive ingredients that support both skin health and the planet.”
In addition, the products and items available at the spa’s retail boutique were chosen for their purity, sustainability, and sensory appeal. The retail boutique features skincare and bodycare, aromatherapy, and wellness technology products, as well as offerings from local Utah-based artists, a selection of seasonal apparel and jewelry, and custom robes and teas. The spa’s relaxation areas contain complimentary light snacks that are designed to replenish energy and complement the body’s natural rhythm, such as protein bites with pomegranate seeds, wellness tea blends, and meditation chocolates. It also has flower-infused and gemstone-infused waters, and an apothecary bar where guests can sample herbal sodas and flower elixirs.
According to Howard-May, launching a luxury spa in a rugged landscape required a delicate balance— merging modern wellness innovation with a deep respect for nature. “Our solution was to create an experience that feels both elemental and elevated, inviting guests to find harmony between their internal and external worlds,” she says. As for the future of the spa, Plume will continue to expand its longevity programming, including wellness retreats, guided meditations, and recovery residencies. Says Howard-May, “We’re also developing collaborative experiences that integrate spa, movement, and nutrition—positioning Plume as a leader in holistic wellness in the Southwest.”