Our Story

Movara began in 2002 with a big dream and a very small beginning.

We’re Cameron and Michelle Kelsch, and what is now Movara Fitness Resort started as The Body Shop Spa inside a hotel, with a gym next door. In those early years, Cameron worked three other jobs while we worked seven days a week building the business. It took two years before we could even afford to pay ourselves—but we believed deeply in what we were creating.

Over the years, that little spa grew into something we never could have imagined.

In 2007, we built our 30,000-square-foot resort in St. George, Utah, and became Fitness Ridge Resort. A few years later, we partnered with The Biggest Loser and expanded to Malibu. In 2015, we chose to return to our roots and our own vision, and Movara Fitness Resort was born.

Movara has truly been a family endeavor. Our six children grew up here—working at the resort, getting to know our guests, and patiently waiting for Mom and Dad to finish “just one more project.” Along the way, we’ve expanded the resort, added our villas, Styled Shop & Spa, created Movara’s at Home Coaching, and continued finding new ways to help people live healthier, happier lives.

But Movara’s story has never just been about our family.

More than 30,000 guests have walked through our doors, and thousands of incredible employees have helped make Movara what it is today. We are deeply grateful for each of them and for the friendships and relationships that have grown here.

We also believe there has been a great deal of divine guidance along the way. Through the successes, challenges, long days, and unexpected turns, we have felt again and again that Movara is a special place with a special purpose.

Our hope has always been simple: to create a place where people can step away from everyday life, reconnect with themselves, and discover just how capable they really are.

After more than two decades, we still feel incredibly fortunate to be part of that journey.

— Cameron & Michelle Kelsch