Utah wellness camp
A sample itinerary
We’ve crafted some of Utah’s most impressive retreats, setting up luxury camps bespoke to our private clients. Think masseuses on standby and exclusive lake-side settings – the only way to bring a slice of serenity to Utah’s remote wilderness.
It’s the chance to disconnect and practice mindfulness in nature, while providing the platform for some incredible wellness-based activities – from traditional sweat lodges and cold plunges to confidence-enhancing canyoning on secret routes we’ve pioneered.
Below, there’s an idea of how we can put together your private retreat, designed to relax and disconnect with calming breakout activities while mixing in some adrenaline thrill. It’s all tailored to your tastes, with the sample heart rate given only as a guide.
All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips
A sample itinerary
Bespoke camping
Reconnect with nature
We’ve set up Utah’s most impressive luxury camps, bringing such bespoke comforts as massage tents and poster-bed tents to incredible waterside and butte-top settings – the chance to reconnect with nature in comfort.
Sample BPM: 80
Mountain biking
Human power in nature
We know the best hidden routes to showcase the beauty of Utah’s dramatic canyon lands, all the while bringing up your heart rate to release some natural endorphins as you enjoy your epic surroundings.
Sample BPM: 165
Kayaking
Along the colorado river
Whether an afternoon or a multi-day kayaking expedition, combine quiet reflection in nature with an active workout on rapids and serene stretches – perhaps pausing for guided meditation or yoga.
Sample BPM: 120
Horseback riding
Frontier living
Follow in the hoof-steps of the Wild West, spending time in nature to foster a deep connection to both the animal and the surrounding environment. It’s the chance to practice mindfulness and relax into nature.
Sample BPM: 80
Sweat lodge
Purification ritual
The Navajo people, native to modern-day Utah, have long practised sweat ceremonies. Traditional practitioners will guide you in purging toxins to create a spiritual connection or deep, relaxing experience.
Sample BPM: 120
Canyoning rope setups
Conquer your fears
Apply your newfound zen from the sweat lodge to Utah’s otherworldly geography. We know the best secret spots to rig ropes for a canyoning adventure, getting the heart rate up as you face fears to release a surge of endorphins.
Sample BPM: 120
Cold plunge
From height
Conquer your fears – getting your heart rate up with a jump from height – before putting into practice your expert-taught breathwork techniques as you bring your BPM down in the cold water, enjoying its myriad benefits.
Sample BPM: 140
Wilderness hiking
Off the beaten track
With us, hikes can become meditative escapes, connecting you with nature alongside your wellness coach. Following a heli insertion, you’ll be treated to views of Utah’s grandeur that few, if any, have before.
Sample BPM: 115
Stargazing meditation
Guided serenity at camp
Whether at camp or on a remote butte, accessible only by helicopter, Utah is home to the highest concentration of recognised dark skies – the perfect setting to be inspired on a guided transformational meditation.
Sample BPM: 65
Bespoke camping
Reconnect with nature
The fresh desert air and return to natural circadian rhythms enhances sleep quality, while time around the fire with friends and stargazing under Utah’s inky night skies foster mindfulness. The serenity of Utah’s wilderness makes for the ultimate wellness escape – especially when you can enjoy it in style, with a camp set up just for you and to your tastes.
Natural immersion
Prevailing thought finds that humans are healthier and happier when they spend time in nature. One of camping’s main benefits is immersion in wild, open spaces and the natural world – an experience that will lift your mood and help you gain perspective.
Improved sleep
Being disconnected from the noise of modern life and – if pursuing a digital detox – the blue light from screens, can improve the quality of your sleep. That’s especially if you’re waking up with the natural light.
Benefits of being in the moment
Plenty of research has been conducted on the benefits of mindfulness, being present and in the moment. Camping is a prime opportunity to actively listen to your body: the weight of your feet on the ground, the scent of the plants and trees, and the ache in your legs after a hike.
Mountain biking
Human power in nature
Working to pedal through breathtaking terrain like Moab’s slick rock trails or the red rock canyons of St. George enhances cardiovascular health, builds strength, and improves balance. The adrenaline of navigating rugged trails is countered by the calming vistas, fostering mental clarity and a profound sense of accomplishment.
A good workout
Cycling uses most of the major muscle groups as you pedal, improving your overall strength and endurance.
Earned natural immersion
By taking you off the beaten track, you’ll disconnect and enjoy Utah’s natural beauty without distractions, promoting presence of mind.
As intense as required
Cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
Low-impact exercise
By causing less strain on joints and muscles, cycling tends to cause fewer injuries than most other forms of exercise.
Kayaking
Along the colorado river
Kayaking along the Colorado River is the perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and challenging rapids – an ideal backdrop for introspection and exercise alike.
Cardio exercise
The constant paddling needed to conquer the rapids will raise your heart rate, challenge your core muscles, and tone your upper body.
Fresh air
Get out into nature, with your exertions encouraging deep, diaphragmatic breathing that will improve your lung capacity.
Enjoy the rush
The body’s fight or flight hormone – in small doses, adrenaline promotes focus, increases energy, and enhances mood as blood flows to your brain and muscles in preparation for action.
Boost your self-esteem
The benefits to the body aren’t purely physical. The endorphins released after successfully navigating the river provide a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence.
Horseback riding
Frontier living
Horseback riding combines physical and emotional wellness. While you’re enhancing your core strength and posture, the bond with the horse and your surroundings promotes a sense of trust and calm, making it a transformative, grounding experience.
Enhanced mental well-being
The calming presence of horses and the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, as well as promoting feelings of relaxation.
Cardiovascular & muscular fitness
Riding a horse, especially over varied terrain, provides low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health and tones muscles in the legs, back, and arms.
Boosted emotional connection & confidence
Building a bond with a horse requires trust, emotional intelligence and self-confidence, which can translate to improved mental resilience when taken back into your everyday life.
Increased mindfulness & focus
Horseback riding requires a level of concentration and engagement with both the horse and the environment, requiring you to be present in the moment and leaving little room for the mind to wander.
Improved core strength & balance
Maintaining proper posture while horseback riding engages the core, improving balance, stability, and overall strength.
Sweat lodge
Purification ritual
The sweat lodge is a Native American ritual where individuals enter a dome-shaped dwelling with water periodically poured over hot rocks, to create a sauna-like setting.
Detoxification through sweating
The intense heat and humidity inside the lodge induces sweating, which helps flush toxins and impurities from the body via the skin. It can also result in a healthy complexion.
Improved cardiovascular health
Sweat lodges raise the heart rate and increases circulation, mimicking cardiovascular exercise and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
Muscle relaxation & pain relief
The heat helps to soothe sore muscles, relieve joint pain, and reduce inflammation – aiding your body’s recovery after physical activity.
Improved mental well-being
Sweat lodge sessions help lower levels of cortisol in the body, encouraging relaxation and releasing endorphins – thus promoting a sense of calm and clarity.
Canyoning rope setups
Conquer your fears
Having organised several of Utah’s most exclusive adventures, our specialist research has opened up new routes. Technical training precedes exciting rope setups, providing both adrenaline thrill and a sense of accomplishment.
Cardiovascular exercise
With longer routes combining climbing, swimming and rappelling, this combination of physical activities provide a full cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and increase endurance.
Stress relief
Spending time in the great outdoors helps you relax and de-stress. The sense of accomplishment that comes with tackling a coasteering route releasees endorphins, making it a great activity for relieving stress.
Creating lasting memories together
Facing down challenges as a family or group of friends can be particularly valuable for strengthening bonds. Additionally, extreme activities help foster a sense of adventure and exploration.
Improved balance
With plenty of uneven slippery surfaces, coasteering can help to improve overall coordination.
Conquering fear
This isn’t just about surviving a hair-raising experience; it’s about building mental toughness that will stay with you long after the trip has ended. This sense of pride in your accomplishment can provide new perspectives on life’s other challenges.
Cold plunge
From height
These techniques combine the shock of the jump and cold-water immersion with rapid, controlled breathing to promote a sense of calm, while augmenting your mental and physical health. Certified experts provide continuous monitoring, ensuring both safety and optimal therapeutic benefits – teaching you breathing techniques to bring your heart rate down.
Conquering fears
Summon the courage to take the leap, giving you a new sense of self-confidence.
Elevated mood & mental clarity
Exposure to cold stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release a flood of endorphins and lower cortisol, which can lead to improved mood, increased focus, and a reduction in anxiety.
Muscular recovery
Cold water immersion can help reduce inflammation by decreasing blood flow to inflamed tissues, which reduces swelling and accelerates recovery after physical activity.
Improved circulation
The shock of cold water causes blood vessels to constrict and redirect blood to vital organs to preserve warmth. On exiting the water, blood vessels dilate – boosting overall circulation and improving vascular health.
Reduce stress & anxiety
Breathing exercises increase oxygen intake, which can help calm the mind. Conscious breathing and cold-water immersion can boost self-awareness, help you feel more present in the moment, and ease anxiety and stress.
Reduce heart rate
This breathing technique offers benefits to your body including reducing blood pressure and heart rate, leading to increased relaxation.
Wilderness hiking
Off the beaten track
The rhythmic motion of walking promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and boosts cardiovascular health. The peace and quiet of the trail offers a rejuvenating experience, allowing hikers to de-stress and reset.
Improved cardiovascular health
Hiking elevates the heart rate and boosts circulation, enhancing endurance and reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Improved mental health
Immersion in natural settings lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and boosts mood through the calming effects of nature.
Enhanced muscle strength
Walking on uneven terrain strengthens lower body muscles and increases bone density through weight-bearing activity, supporting musculoskeletal health.
Boosted immune system
Exposure to fresh air and sunlight during hikes stimulates immune function and increases vitamin D levels.
Increased cognitive function
Hiking enhances mental clarity and critical thinking skills by reducing mental fatigue and stimulating brain activity in a serene environment.
Stargazing meditation
Guided serenity at camp
Known for its numerous benefits to mental and physical health, meditation significantly reduces stress by calming the mind, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. And Utah’s dark skies and Milky-Way views offer some of the best inspiration.
Enjoying the tranquillity of nature
Immersed in the sights, sounds and scents of nature, the surrounding landscape and star-filled skies encourage your presence in the moment, promoting feelings of relaxation, contentment and contemplation.
Stress reliever
Take a moment to slow down, focus on the present and appreciate our place in the universe as you unwind and contemplate the beauty and vastness of space.
Makes you kinder
Much like the “Overview Effect” experienced by astronauts orbiting the Earth, gazing up at the stars tends to put your own problems into perspective and foster compassion for living things, as well as a sense of one-ness with the rest of the planet.
Boost your creativity
The sense of awe and wonder generated by staring up into the night’s sky can provide that creative spark and help you explore innovative ways of thinking.
