Glamptuary Review - ULUM
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN A LUXURY SAFARI TENT, MOUNTAIN BIKING THROUGH BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES, CANYONEERING IN ANCIENT SLOT CANYONS, AND EXPERIENCING THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS IN MOAB, UTAH.
The view from our Safari Tent deck was definitely a photo op
A perk of writing this blog is all the great experiential hospitality operations I get to visit. All of them are doing something really well. In some cases, they are doing multiple things really well.
Every once in awhile, I have the privilege of staying at a Glamptuary that has mastered their blending of nature, glamping, adventure, education, luxury, and privacy.
ULUM, located in La Pas, Utah, is the place I speak of.
The checklist for this master blend goes something like this:
Nature. ULUM is set amongst gorgeous red rock formations just outside of Moab, Utah.
Glamping. ULUM features the quintessential glamoing structure - the Safari Tent. I daresay it’s a luxury safari tent with an ensuite full bathroom featuring a rain shower.
Adventure. ULUM provides an adventure concierge to assist in arranging a plethora of adventures including canyoneering, mountain biking, rock climbing and more.
Education. ULUM offers daily educational hikes and activities including desert inspired arts and crafts, soundbaths, and meditation ceremonies.
Luxury. ULUM has the glamorous side of glamping covered with an on-site full service restaurant and bar featuring local farm-to-table cuisine and one-of-a-kind dishes and cocktails.
Privacy. ULUM masterfully designed their 200 acre property so that each safari tent feels secluded. And in public spaces, there is plenty of room to peacefully relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery
Relaxing in one of the soaking tubs at ULUM
The soaking tubs at ULUM came in handy after a day of high adventure in the desert. And ULUM is certainly designed to be a luxury basecamp for the adventurous traveller.
There is even a cold plunge pool for those looking to heal aching muscles. It’s set to 50 degrees and if you can withstand the cold long enough…your body and mind begin the healing process. Hint - you need to stay in for about 3 minutes…
We definitely earned the right to soak in the cold plunge during our stay at ULUM after a multitude of daily adventures which we’ll get to - I promise.
Before we do dive into all our adventures, I’ll start at the beginning like usual.
The entrance to ULUM is about 2 miles off the main road so even before you technically enter…you feel the seclusion of the resort.
The actual location was once a cattle ranch which then became property of the Utah state government. You can see some of the remnants of the ranch including a corral and 2 cave dwellings where ranchers would stay during cattle drives.
Under Canvas (the parent company of ULUM) leased the land from the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (or SITLA as it is commonly referred to). In short, a portion of the lease payments go back to the state of Utah to fund schools and educational programs. To date, SITLA has raised over $101 million dollars for Utah schools.
This is a great example of the travel industry creating positive changes for the environment, and those that inhabit it. Good on you Under Canvas.
After we checked in, we were carted off to our Safari Tent which was perched high above the main resort. It had a wonderful view off the deck, and was well adorned on the inside. The rain shower was a particularly nice touch.
As nice as these Safari Tents are, the point of visiting ULUM is to get outside and explore. And explore we did! Both on-site and off.
On-site, there are marked hiking trails and an abundance of beautifully polished agate rocks all over the property.
Within a five minute walk from ULUM, you’ll find Looking Glass Arch. It’s practically in ULUM’s backyard and a really fun hike + climb, with gorgeous views of the resort and surrounding area.
ULUM offers an adventure concierge service, which I’d highly recommend. There are partnership deals in place with best-in-class service providers and this is important. Your safety depends on the quality of your guide, and the equipment you’re using.
We decided to do one major excursion a day, which ended up being a good choice considering temperatures were in the high 90’s.
Our first adventure had us on mountain bikes traversing the slick rocks of Moab, Utah. Rim Tours Mountain Bike Adventures led us on our 4 hour journey which provided some challenging terrain and breathtaking views.
Our bikes, provided by Rim Tours, were top of the line with rear shocks which made all the difference. We’re not very good mountain bikers…but with the help of our guide (Julie Cornelius), the bikes, and the inspiration provided my Mother Nature - we felt like pros.
The soaking pools at ULUM were calling our names and we indulged before partaking in our next scheduled activity for the day.
ULUM does a wonderful job of providing options for those looking for both physical, and mental adventures. We checked the box on the physical side of things in the beginning of the day, and we finished our day on the mental side with an arts & crafts class.
After a wonderful meal, we headed back to our Safari Tent to wind down. As we did a storm rolled in, which we peacefully watched before drifting off to sleep listening to the desert rain…
Lightening captured during the daily monsoon storm
Our next day had us up as the sun rose. After a quick bite to eat, we headed out for a day of canyoneering amongst the ancient slot canyons of Moab.
We ventured deep into the Entrajo Canyon, along with our trusty guide Keira Mason from Desert Highlights - all arranged by our lovely adventure concierge at ULUM.
This excursion is definitely designed for the risk taker. We journeyed over 2 miles just to arrive to the point where we began our actual canyoneering experience into the slot canyons. We traversed rock terrain, steep climbs and descents, all without being tied in. One mis-step and the tour would have been over.
I was loving it.
Christina enjoyed it, but I could tell this was not her ideal experience. She was a trooper though and I am proud of her for pushing through. It would be well worth it in the end.
The riskiest part was still yet to come though…
We repelled into 3 different slot canyons at heights of over 100ft. It took precision, coaching from our expert guide, and the courage to push through fear.
I’m proud of Christina for overcoming her fear of heights. In doing so, she was able to explore parts of the Earth only a small percentage of people see. And what we saw was gorgeous!
I’m proud of myself too.
And thankful we had such a knowledgeable guide who helped to make our experience safe and rewarding.
Speaking of rewards…we had an exquisite dining experience awaiting us back at ULUM, and we definitely worked up our appetites.
ULUM did not disappoint. We had a five course meal which included an ahi tuna Appetizer, a desert beet salad, salmon and filet mignon cooked to perfection, and a berries and cream dessert to die for.
After a dinner fit for a King and Queen, we retired back to our tent for a last night in the desert. We took in the sunset, and laid to rest listening to…silence.
ULUM is in it’s first year of operation, and it has definitely gotten off to a strong start. It’s no surprise, being operated by the industry vets at Under Canvas.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and I highly recommend you consider ULUM on your next trip to Moab.
Booking: Directly on the ULUM-MOAB website
Nearest Major Airport: Grand Junction Regional Airport
Nearest Regional Airport: Canyonlands Field Airport
Drive times: 45 minute drive from Canyonlands Field Airport, 2.5 hour drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport
Nearest town is Moab, Utah - 25 miles away (29 minute drive)
Nearest hospital - Moab Regional Hospital - 26 miles away (30 minute drive)
Paved road access, groomed and dirt/rock roads inside the property. Parking on property
Full Menu + Bar available at on-site restaurant
Coffee and tea provided ensuite and in lobby
Safari Tents come with wood-burning stove + cooling units
Rain shower and full bathroom ensuite
Towels and toiletries provided.
Wi-Fi available.
Dog-friendly.
Family-friendly.
Free on-site activities scheduled daily
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