Two things you should know about me: I don’t “do” nature, and I don’t “do” sitting still. So when I was invited to combine both—on a wellness trip to Utah’s Stein Eriksen Lodge, courtesy of Lincoln—my gut reaction was a hard no. I could already picture myself fidgeting through a guided meditation surrounded by pine trees.
But in the spirit of growth (and to make my therapist proud), I decided to say yes. After all, there are worse ways to challenge yourself than driving a luxury SUV through the mountains.
The Magic of the Mountains
The Stein Eriksen Lodge sits like a postcard in Deer Valley, Utah, surrounded by mountains so beautiful they almost don’t look real. I’m not a “wow, look at that view” person… but there I was, saying wow over and over again.
The resort is a dream for outdoorsy types—skiing in the winter, mountain biking and horseback riding in the summer—but even if you’d rather admire nature from the comfort of a hot tub (me), you’ll be happy here.
Each room feels custom-built for indulgence: think fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs, private decks, and hot tubs, with rates ranging from about $700 to $4,400 depending on size and season. My suite had two fireplaces, a massive kitchen, and a deck overlooking the valley. My only regret? Not staying long enough to use every luxurious corner of it.
A Spa… On Wheels
I was there to experience Lincoln’s new Rejuvenation Package, which includes a three-night stay, a $200 spa or fitness credit, and access to a Lincoln Navigator SUV for the entire trip.
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the car to be one of my top highlights. I figured I’d politely admire it, toss out a few “oohs” and “aahs,” and move on. But the moment I slid into the driver’s seat, that changed.
Every detail of the 2025 Navigator is designed to calm you—from heated and cooled massage seats (yes, even in the back) to custom in-cabin fragrances that don’t trigger a headache. It’s like someone built a spa inside a luxury SUV.
The standout feature? Rejuvenate Mode. The dashboard transforms into a panoramic meditation display (think waterfalls or sunrise over the mountains), while guided meditations from Calm play softly through the speakers.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that within minutes, my nervous system began to unclench. My heart rate slowed. My shoulders dropped. For the first time in forever, I wasn’t rushing anywhere—I was just being.
As we wound through quiet mountain roads, I realized that wellness doesn’t always mean stillness—it can mean peace in motion. My partner and I even did back-to-back meditations parked at a scenic overlook, too relaxed to get out of the car.
When the Drive Becomes the Destination
By the end of our stay, I had fallen a little bit in love—with the scenery, yes, but also with the idea that calm can be found anywhere, even in traffic. When we handed back the keys to the Navigator, I was genuinely sad (and no, they didn’t gift us one—I checked).
If you’re planning a trip to Stein Eriksen Lodge, or just curious about Lincoln’s wellness concept, consider the Rejuvenation Package. It’s definitely a splurge—rooms can cost $800 to $4,000 a night—but if you’re already investing in a luxury getaway, adding a “spa on wheels” makes it next-level.
You’ll still get the five-star treatments and mountain views—but you might be surprised to find that the calmest, most restorative part of the trip happens before you even step out of the car.
A Gentle Reminder
Stepping away from my usual routine reminded me that wellness doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and allowing yourself to not be productive.
During my stay, yoga classes in the open-air pavilion helped me reconnect with my breath, while a DIY body scrub session at the spa reminded me how nourishing it feels to create something with my hands. For once, I didn’t rush to fill every minute—I let myself rest.
Upcoming Wellness Retreats
If you’re inspired to plan your own reset, Aurora Anguilla will be hosting a series of immersive Wellness Retreats starting November 7–11, 2025, and again January 20–24, 2026. Expect gut-centered massage therapy, mindful cooking classes, and gentle movement sessions. Packages start at $4,699 per person—a true investment in slowing down.
Final Thoughts
I came to Utah expecting to endure wellness. Instead, I discovered it—in the silence between mountains, in the hum of an engine, and in the stillness I finally allowed myself to feel.
Turns out, you don’t have to “do nature” to find peace. Sometimes, peace just finds you… even before you get out of the car.
