Lionsback Resort

Lionsback Resort in Moab, Utah, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive luxury experience centered around private casitas, blending modern comfort with the rugged beauty of the desert landscape. While specific details on the criteria for its Michelin Key selection are not extensively outlined in available reviews, the resort consistently receives high praise across various aspects of the guest experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Lionsback Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Exceptional." Review scores indicate high satisfaction in areas such as location, cleanliness, value for money, facilities, comfort, and staff. The resort is lauded as a "refined desert retreat" and an "ideal base for both adventure and indulgent desert escape."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several key aspects of Lionsback Resort:

• Design & Ambiance: The resort features contemporary, sustainably designed casitas that blend with the natural landscape. Expansive windows and large sliding doors connect indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering 360-degree views of the La Sal Mountains, Moab Rim, and surrounding sandstone formations. The exterior lighting is Dark Sky compliant, enhancing stargazing opportunities.
• Private Amenities: A major draw for guests is the inclusion of private patios with hot tubs in every casita. Guests also appreciate the outdoor fireplaces and barbecue facilities.
• Spacious & Well-Equipped Accommodations: The casitas are described as "professionally managed whole-home rentals" featuring full indoor kitchens with high-end appliances like Wolf and Sub-Zero, and often include washing machines and dishwashers, providing a home-away-from-home feel.
• Proximity to Nature & Adventure: The resort's location near downtown Moab and adjacent to the Sand Flats Recreation Area, with direct access to trails like Mill Creek and Hell's Revenge, is a significant highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Room Quality

The casitas at Lionsback Resort are designed for comfort and luxury, available in two- and three-bedroom (and proposed four-bedroom) configurations.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature air-conditioning, work desks, and free WiFi. They boast open great rooms with vaulted wood ceilings, natural oak hardwood floors, and expansive windows often outfitted with Lutron shades.
• Luxurious Bathrooms: Spa-inspired bathrooms include freestanding solid surface soaking tubs and luxury showers, complemented by robes and oversized spa towels.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: Each casita comes with a chef's kitchen featuring high-end appliances such as Wolf and Sub-Zero, electric induction stoves, Cove dishwashers, microwave drawers, and beverage refrigerators. They are stocked with quality cookware.
• Outdoor Living: Private balconies and terraces with mountain views are standard, often including private hot tubs and barbecue facilities.
• Technology & Conveniences: Casitas are equipped with flat-screen TVs (65" in living room, 55" in master and primary guestroom), Sonos sound systems, and full-size washers and dryers. Oversized garages are wired for EV charging.

4. Dining Experience

Currently, Lionsback Resort primarily offers self-catering accommodations. Each casita is equipped with a full, high-end kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Additionally, barbecue facilities are available at the casitas for outdoor cooking.

It's important to note that a traditional 4-star hotel with an all-day restaurant is proposed as part of a future development for Lionsback Resort, with a swimming pool slated for completion in Winter 2026. Until then, guests rely on the excellent in-casita facilities or explore the diverse dining options available in downtown Moab, which is less than two miles away. Moab offers a variety of restaurants, including Southwestern, Mexican, Thai, Italian, and American cuisine, along with gourmet options.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on staff and service is highly positive, with ratings often reaching "Exceptional." While specific anecdotal experiences are not detailed in the provided search results, the consistently high scores suggest a professional and accommodating staff. The resort offers convenient services such as private and express check-in and check-out. Concierge services are also mentioned as a standard amenity.

6. Location & Accessibility

Lionsback Resort boasts an excellent location in Moab, earning a perfect "10" for location in some reviews.

• Neighborhood: Situated near a mountain, the resort offers a sense of seclusion on its 175 acres while remaining a "stone's throw away from downtown Moab." It is approximately two miles from downtown's restaurants, retail shops, and services.
• Attractions: The resort is ideally positioned as a basecamp for exploring Moab's renowned outdoor attractions. It's adjacent to the 9,000+ acre Sand Flats Recreation Area and provides direct access to trails like Mill Creek and Hell's Revenge. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River are all easily accessible. Mesa Arch is about 16 miles away, North Window 19 miles, and Delicate Arch 21 miles.
• Transport: Free on-site private parking is available. Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) is approximately 18 miles away, a 30-minute drive.

7. Value & Pricing

While precise pricing can vary, Lionsback Resort offers a luxurious experience that aligns with its high ratings and Michelin Key selection. A nightly stay for two adults can start from approximately $757.90. The properties are often referred to as "whole-home rentals" or "casitas," suggesting a higher price point commensurate with the extensive amenities and space provided. The average home price within the Lionsback Resort community is cited at over $2 million, indicating the upscale nature of the development. Given the comprehensive amenities, spacious accommodations, and prime location, many guests find the resort to offer excellent value for money.

8. Common Complaints

Based on the provided search results, there are no significant recurring complaints or criticisms mentioned by guests. The reviews consistently show high satisfaction across all rated categories, suggesting that guests' experiences largely meet or exceed their expectations.

Sources

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9. lionsbackresortutah.com
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11. lionsbackresort.com
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14. moabhotels.net
15. vrbo.com
16. bestutahrealestate.com