A special thanks to David Tate whose lectures allow my spirit to remember its true nature, grow lighthearted once again and begin to soar! A special thanks to the hiking team who patiently answered every one of my questions about the natural surroundings, even though I know they have been asked these same questions a thousand times before. A special thanks to the waiters and waitresses who made going to the dining room a wonderfully welcoming event. A special thanks to your Executive Chef, whose food I am still raving about to all my clients here in San Diego at the Beauty Palace. A special thanks to the fitness team who somehow managed unparalleled enthusiasm even at 6 O'clock in the morning. And an extra special super dooper thank you to the Diva of Red Mountain Reservations, Carol Taylor, who meticulously prepared me for the experience of Red Mountain Spa!

YOU'RE ALL WONDERFUL, I THANK YOU AGAIN, SEE YOU SOON,

Dennis Souza, San Diego, CA

Dear Ms. Evans:

As noted in the attached survey, I made my first visit to Red Mountain this July. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, my vacation was a wonderful, rejuvenating experience. I arrived at about 3:45 p.m. on July 9 (thinking it was 2:45, having missed the change to Mountain time) with a massage scheduled at 4 p.m. John and Heidi helped me quickly complete my registration, called the spa to notify them that I might be a few minutes late, and then assured me I could finish up any administrative details after my massage. What a great start. I was treated as a valued guest, with my desires the most important element, by exceptionally nice people who really seemed to care.

After a week at Red Mountain, I can say that my first impression was constantly revalidated and reinforced. Any problem or glitch was always treated with concern and interest - and most amazingly, solved with little angst What a wonderful change from everyday life, where some days the simplest accomplishments seem impossible to achieve.

The food was always fresh and of great variety, always delicious and sometimes (especially the desserts and the simpler fish dishes) rising to perfection. Having the choice of dining alone or with other guests was a particularly welcome feature. Traveling alone, I often find myself either always alone or forced to eat with people I'd rather not spend any time with. I found almost all of the Red Mountain guests to be interesting and enjoyable people and was happy to have the opportunity to get to know them. There are several that I plan to keep in touch with - a real bonus in any situation.

I'd like to mention a few of your employees individually:

•Sally at breakfast - always cheerfully provided my water, silverware and service on the patio. Having breakfast out there was one of the highlights of my visit Mornings to simply relax - what a thought!

•Scott at dinner - such a sweetheart Nothing was ever too much trouble and he always had a smile and a greeting for everyone.

•Margaret at the spa - Incredible - my body feels 10 years younger and healthier after her treatments. She is amazing!

•Matthew -also fantastic. He sass he just stretched out my foot a bit and worked on a few other points during reflexology, but he did more for me than the best orthopedist in DC has been able to do. I'd almost forgotten what it feels like to walk without major pain.

Truly, everyone I came into contact with at Red Mountain was great. While I'm certainly willing to
accept that the cliffs radiate some type of positive energy, I've worked with and around service-oriented organizations for a long time and know there's a lot more to it than that. Thank you for providing this respite from the world, one that helped remind me of how life can be. Not only will I be back, I am recommending Red Mountain to everyone I know.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Schools

On our Adventure Trip to "The Wave" Secret Canyon

This trip is transformative and one of life's great privileges. The vistas are indescribably beautiful - as if Nature chose to mix rare pigments together and then spread them with a gigantic butter knife across the landscape in broad, sweeping strokes. The sculptured forms and ribboning patterns in this secret canyon are simply breathtaking.

The hike itself is challenging enough to make you feel a huge sense of accomplishment once you've completed it; and the guides are so supportive that even a beginner cannot help but succeed. You'll come away with a vast understanding of the geology of the area and with an exquisite awareness that you, among a very few, have been allowed passage through a hidden, healing terrain that has much to teach.

The Wave will imbue you with artistic perception that no man-made sculpture or painting can rival. Imagine being embraced by bands of vivid color (rich reds, pinks, yellows and creams) etched into sandstone as you eat lunch 5,214 feet up in the air, beneath a crystalline blue sky.

By the end of the day, you will have broadened your horizons; you'll know with certainty that you can climb to new heights, that you can walk an appropriate and gainful path, that progress is merely a matter of putting one foot in front of the other along the trail that feels most right, that surefootedness comes from balancing movement with stillness - and reaching out for an outstretched hand along the way...

Donna Sapolin

Editor-in-Chief, This Old House Magazine