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Amenities & Our Team

Our Resort

Learn what you can expect while you’re our guest Movara.

Snow Canyon State Park
81°
Partly Cloudy
6:33am8:48pm MDT
Feels like: 82°F
Wind: 9mph NW
Humidity: 49%
Pressure: 29.91"Hg
UV index: 0
SatSunMon
93/72°F
90/70°F
86/70°F
Weather forecast Snow Canyon State Park, Utah ▸

About our resort

Resort Amenities

  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff available 24/7
  • Pro Shop stocked with sundries, outdoor gear, and cool Movara apparel
  • Mail and package delivery
  • Weekly Target trip (for any forgotten items)
  • Gym and Fitness Center open 24/7
  • Basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball courts
  • Proximity to baseball fields, tennis courts, skateboard park and more
  • Guest lounge with pool table, games, fireplace, and TV
  • 75 foot, 110,000 gallon pool with lane markers (newly renovated in 2020!)
  • Hot tub, sauna, and steam room
  • Full-service spa offering over 50 treatments
  • Bicycles and Electric bikes available for check-out
  • Complimentary in-room wireless high-speed internet access
  • On-site business center
  • On-site 24-hour security
  • Free laundry facilities
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff available 24/7
  • Pro Shop stocked with sundries, outdoor gear, and cool Movara apparel
  • Mail and package delivery
  • Weekly Target trip (for any forgotten items)
  • Gym and Fitness Center open 24/7
  • Basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball courts
  • Proximity to baseball fields, tennis courts, skateboard park and more
  • Guest lounge with pool table, games, fireplace, and TV
  • 75 foot, 110,000 gallon pool with lane markers (newly renovated in 2020!)
  • Hot tub, sauna, and steam room
  • Full-service spa offering over 50 treatments
  • Bicycles and Electric bikes available for check-out
  • Complimentary in-room wireless high-speed internet access
  • On-site business center
  • On-site 24-hour security
  • Free laundry facilities

See All Available Room Types

Single (King Room)
Double (Queen Room)
・Sealy Perfect Sleeper premium hotel mattress
・Soft, microfiber sheets and hypoallergenic, down-like New Generation blankets and pillows
・Large dresser, two closets, and work desk with telephone
・Full bathroom with tub, shower and extra sink, with hairdryer and BeeKind all-natural bath products
・Smart Television with various ports for HDMI, gaming devices, etc
・Free Wireless Internet Access
・USB charging ports
・Small refrigerator
・Spacious shared two queen bedrooms available.
・Recently remodeled rooms with updated decor, hardwood floors, modern furnishings and comfortable bedding
・2 queen size beds
・Soft, microfiber sheets and hypoallergenic, down-like
・New Generation blankets and pillows
・Smart Television with various ports for HDMI, gaming devices, etc.
・Free Wireless Internet Access
・Full bathroom with tub, shower and extra sink, with hairdryer and BeeKind all-natural bath products
・USB charging ports
・Small refrigerator
・Large dresser, two closets, and work desk with telephone
・Heating and Air Conditioning
・Himalayan salt lamp
・Alarm clock

(855) 877-1719

Call Now to Discover Availability

See All Facilities

See All Available Room Types
Single (King Room)
Double (Queen Room)
・Sealy Perfect Sleeper premium hotel mattress
・Soft, microfiber sheets and hypoallergenic, down-like New Generation blankets and pillows
・Large dresser, two closets, and work desk with telephone
・Full bathroom with tub, shower and extra sink, with hairdryer and BeeKind all-natural bath products
・Smart Television with various ports for HDMI, gaming devices, etc
・Free Wireless Internet Access
・USB charging ports
・Small refrigerator
・Spacious shared two queen bedrooms available.
・Recently remodeled rooms with updated decor, hardwood floors, modern furnishings and comfortable bedding
・2 queen size beds
・Soft, microfiber sheets and hypoallergenic, down-like
・New Generation blankets and pillows
・Smart Television with various ports for HDMI, gaming devices, etc.
・Free Wireless Internet Access
・Full bathroom with tub, shower and extra sink, with hairdryer and BeeKind all-natural bath products
・USB charging ports
・Small refrigerator
・Large dresser, two closets, and work desk with telephone
・Heating and Air Conditioning
・Himalayan salt lamp
・Alarm clock

(855) 877-1719

Call Now to Discover Availability

See All Facilities

Square Feet

Staff

Days of Sunshine

(855) 877-1719

Call Now to Discover Availability

★★★★★

10/19/2019

Anne P.
I love this place!

I love this place and all the people who work there. The food is really good and the trainers are very knowledgeable and fun. The hiking guides get you out there to see the beautiful scenery.

I come back a couple times a year. This is definitely my go to spot for a vacation, a get away and some ME time.

★★★★★

01/11/2018

Norma S.
An Incredible Experience.

I just spent 10 days at Movara. It was an incredible experience. The staff are so motivating and really care about your success.
I got in great shape, lost 6 pounds, ate great gourmet meals and made wonderful friends. I will be back next year. I achieved my goal of losing the excess weight and firming up.

★★★★★

02/21/2019

LadyDiver
I absolutely love Movara!

I have been to Movara three times and will be back again for a fourth visit. The Hikes are always fun. The food is tasty and healthy. The staff and the guides are wonderful. The owners Michelle and Cameron are super nice, friendly and run a great show !! I average about 20 lbs in 4 weeks staying there. Can’t wait to return.

★★★★★

10/03/2019

David Kidger
A safe and caring environment with the best accommodations.

This was a return visit for me. Movara is an outstanding value. Accommodations, meals, lectures, exercise classes and hiking are all excellent, in a caring and safe environment. I will be returning later in 2019. Very strong recommendation.

Our Recommendations

Packing For Your Stay at Movara

Below is a list of suggested items you might like to have with you at the fitness resort. You might need to adjust the following list depending on the number of weeks you are staying, the time of year, and the expected weather.
We provide housing, meals/snacks, towels, robes, and laundry facilities. You should bring plenty of active, season-appropriate clothing, some comfort attire, and a few casual changes of clothes. Many guests wear their activewear to meals and outings. There is no need to dress up at Movara!
Also, pack preferred personal toiletries, and travel essentials like sunblock, phone/computer/camera, and corresponding chargers.
Bring layers, especially in the fall, winter, and spring so you can adjust as needed. Even in the summer, the weather can vary 20-40 degrees throughout the day; we experience cool nights and mornings year-round that call for an extra layer.
Above all, you will need good, supportive aerobic and hiking shoes.

Packing Clothes
  • Exercise clothes/activewear
  • Athleisure clothing (casual, comfortable items for stretch classes, meals, evenings)
  • Hiking socks
  • Workout socks
  • Pajamas
  • 2 swimsuits *Pack more than one swimsuit/trunks due to multiple aquatic classes
  • Jacket and/or sweatshirt
  • Hat or visor
  • Seasonal winter weather apparel (gloves, long pants, winter headband or hat )
Packing Shoes
  • Athletic exercise shoes
  • Flip-flops
  • Light hiking or walking shoes(trail runners)
Other
  • Hydration backpacks (ex. Camelbak 2.0 liters. *This is a must-have!)

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain Gear (depending on the season)
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Medications/Supplements/Probiotics  

Southern Utah Resort Weather

Southern Utah enjoys over 300 days of beautiful sunshine each year. Below is seasonal weather information to help you pack for your stay at Movara in Ivins.

Year-Round Typical Temperatures (Low – High):

Winter (Dec-Feb): 35 – 60 degrees
Spring (Mar-May): 60 – 90 degrees
Summer (Jun-Aug): 70 – 100 degrees
Fall (Sept – Nov): 60 – 90 degrees

We are Open

7 Days a Week

Call us with any questions!
We’d love to hear from you.
Movara Fitness Resort

290 Fitness Way Ivins, UT, 84738

Travel Information

Directions to Our Resort

You’re almost here! Here are a few ways people like to travel to Movara.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
SHUTTLES
TAXIS

About Movara

Michelle and Cameron Kelsch, Founders

Michelle Kelsch began teaching aerobics professionally at age 16 and has lived a life dedicated to wellness ever since. She and her husband Cameron started Movara in 2002, and built a program laser-focused on results, so that guests would leave happy and empowered, with a desire to come back again and spread the word to their friends about Movara — definitely not just another “fat camp”. In 2009, Movara partnered with NBC to license the name of “The Biggest Loser” television show for the resort for five years. Juggling raising a family of six kids and running a business, Michelle and Cameron recognized the value of a retreat where guests can focus exclusively on themselves, and where they can remember what it feels like to feel good.

About Movara

Meet Our Team

Sharon

Elaine Hartrick

General Manager

Elaine pulls everything together. All of it, everything you see at Movara, is wrangled into perfection by our General Manager extraordinaire. There’s no part of the guest experience that isn’t constantly being refined or enhanced by Elaine’s dedication to guest service and satisfaction. Elaine likes to roll up her sleeves and dive into the details, making sure your time at Movara is magical. She is passionate about the guest experience because before she started working here, Elaine came to Movara as a guest. She always puts herself back in the guest’s shoes when making any decision or solving any problem. A dream boss and a true servant-leader, Elaine’s big heart and open door makes her available to her staff, guests or for that matter; as busy as she is, Elaine makes time for anyone. To her, strangers are just friends she hasn’t met! And nothing is more important than the continued success of Movara and the guests that come here to reach their goals. With a background in hospitality management and business development, Movara is less of a job and more of a calling for Elaine. When she can bear to pull herself away, she loves to revisit her beloved Canadian Rocky Mountains and spend time with her two kids.

Cody Pickett

Spa/Retail Manager

Cody is one of Movara’s longest serving employees, having joined only six months after Movara opened. Then he was a hiking guide, but now he does, well, a bit of everything. Technically he’s the Retail and Spa Manager, but when you’ve been around as long as Cody you pick up a few things. He can handily step in where he’s needed, whether that be behind the front desk, making a bed, leading a hike, or even maintenance work. But for the most part you’ll see Cody when he comes to remind you of your Spa appointments around lunchtime, or when you stop by the retail shop for a Movara shirt, a bottle of vitamin water, some ibuprofen or other sundries. When he’s not the jack-of-all-trades at Movara, Cody’s probably out hiking, mountain biking, or wielding the paddle like a pro on the pickleball court. When asked to distill his ethos into one pithy phrase, Cody replied, “be good, and have fun.” Now that’s a life philosophy we can all get behind.

Khalob Freeborn

Advertising & Virtual Revenue

Have you tried Movara Home yet!? Khalob is the one behind the scenes, pulling the digital strings to make that program as seamless and successful as it is. In fact, Khalob is the one taking care of many of the things Movara does online. As our former Marketing Manager at Movara, he knows that the most effective marketing is word-of-mouth, and the best way to generate authentic word-of-mouth is to make guests really, really happy about their time spent at Movara. (It’s called “high return rate, high referral rate”.) His gift for strategic thinking is making a huge difference to the online initiatives at Movara, and we can’t wait to see the new things he’s cooking up to make your life better and healthier through the Movara brand and the magic of the Internet. Khalob feels a sense of personal responsibility to make the world a better place. Now that includes the virtual world, too.
Sharon

Sharon ReAd

Program Manager

Sharon may be one of the primary reasons so many guests are excited to return to Movara! She’s the Program Manager at Movara, but so much more as well. In addition to carefully scheduling all the cardio, strength training, stretch classes, and educational lectures throughout the day (and making sure they come in the optimal order), Sharon can often be found leading many of those classes herself! A certified personal trainer and part of Movara since almost the very beginning, Sharon has come to know exactly how to push people in the most compassionate way, and is dedicated to making exercise fun — an impressive skill as anyone who has experienced her classes can attest. When you are able to push yourself even harder, that’s when Sharon knows she’s succeeded. She loves the accountability of being in such close proximity with guests, and they know she’s fiercely loyal to them. Sharon is an animal lover, too, and lives on a farm with chickens, rabbits and sheep, though her main focus outside of work is her two grandchildren.

Jared Jones

Fitness Manager

You’ll see Jared during the testing-in and testing-out protocols at either end of your stay, at orientation and graduation, and probably leading a lecture or two during the week. He’s the Fitness Manager at Movara, but he’s also in charge of guest accountability, checking in with guests daily to go over goals and progress. Jared’s background is in education and exercise science, with a Master’s degree in Human Movement, with an emphasis in movement quality, correcting muscle imbalances, and personal and group exercise training; a background tailor-made for Movara! He’s designed fitness programs for schools, corporations, universities, and country clubs. The thing Jared looks forward to at Movara is getting to know the guests as individuals, learning about their stories and struggles, and being part of their journey to be the best version of themselves. When he’s not at Movara, Jared is with his kids, and outdoors somewhere paddle-boating, hiking, rock-climbing or doing something else active and fun.
chefdoug

Doug Gerpheide

Executive Chef

If you’ve been to Movara before, we don’t need to tell you how good the food is. We pride ourselves on proving every day how delicious healthy eating can be with our nutrient-dense and mouthwatering meals. Our Executive Chef Doug Gerpheide is the person behind the food. He’s a graduate of the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, and loves what he does! He has run four kitchens as an Executive Sous-Chef at the prestigious Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth, Texas. He has also been the Executive Chef at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello, Idaho, the Room Chef at Mesquite Gaming, the Executive Chef at Chartwells at SUU in Cedar City, Utah, the Executive Chef/GM at the Rim in Burleson, Texas, and the Executive Kitchen Manager at George’s Corner here in St. George. Now, after embarking on his own health journey, Doug is ready to help our guests along their own journeys. Chef Doug believes “everything happens for a reason”, and when you’re happy and satisfied after a filling meal at Movara, know that Doug himself is the reason that happened. Our compliments to the chef, indeed! (If you want a real treat, book a 50-minute one-on-one session with Doug to learn everything you wanted to know about cooking but were afraid to ask!)

TJ Jerome

Hiking Manager

TJ is living the dream — traveling the world and hiking the some of the most exotic, beautiful, remote, challenging, and legendary trails and mountain peaks. Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Dolomites, Ecuador Volcanoes, Galapagos, the French Pyrenees, the Amazon… she’s hiked them all, including an epic 52 peaks in 52 weeks year-long hiking adventure around the globe. Her expertise and unmatched experience makes her an ideal hiking manager at Movara, and her background in criminal justice makes her an intuitive and empathetic leader. TJ wants to meet people where they are in terms of comfort and skill, adapting to literally any skill level or ability. You’ll appreciate a perfectionist like TJ when it comes to setting and meeting your goals, because she’s so passionate about her own goals. TJ’s philosophy can be distilled in to the phrase “go everywhere”. It’s about saying “yes” and experiencing as much as possible; continuing to grow and learn about the world and the people all around you. After losing her mother to the effects of a poor lifestyle, TJ is motivated to see people get the tools and resources they need to make different choices. Let TJ share with you her love of hiking, and you might just find that you love it too.
amanda frontdesk copy

Amanda Bigelow

Front Desk Manager

Amanda is the effervescent breath of fresh air that greets you at Movara’s front desk. She’s like if positivity and kindness had a really cool and easy-going daughter. But don’t be fooled by her sunny personality, Amanda has an unparalleled work ethic and gets things done! As the Front Desk Manager, Amanda is at the middle of Movara’s central hub, welcoming guests, scheduling appointments, answering questions, and virtually anything else that needs to get done. If you’re not sure where to go, or how to do it, go to the Front Desk and Amanda the upbeat problem-solver will make everything right in your world. You can really feel the genuine care Amanda has for you when you get the chance to interact with her. “Embrace the journey,” Amanda says, “The good, the bad, the indifferent. It’s all in how you make it!” When she’s not at Movara loving work, Amanda is on her mini-farm loving quality time with her husband, kids, and five animals.

Sylvan Pickett

Controller

Sylvan is the Controller at Movara, which basically means he’s the accountant. He “controls” the account transactions, keeps the records straight, and generally makes sure everything is running smoothly, finance-wise at Movara. He’s one of the behind-the-scenes engines that you might not see, but who is integral to Movara’s successful operation. Some people might mischaracterize accounting as a “less-than-exciting” vocation, but that’s only because they’ve never experienced the thrill of reconciling a transaction and having it balance accurately. Sylvan is also an avid chess player, taking advantage of technology to challenge players virtually from around the world. You might also find Sylvan on the pickleball courts, dominating that wiffle-ball in a sport that combines the best elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Sylvan of course possesses that Movara spirit, always willing to help his colleagues, and proud to work for an organization that helps so many people be their best. You may not see Sylvan in person during your stay at Movara, but if you do, be sure to tell him how cool you think accountants are.
rhiannon spa

Rhiannon Ruesch

Spa Manager

Our Spa at Movara is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity! Rhiannon just wants to take care of you and help you feel your best, so why not let her? Feeling amazing is what the Spa at Movara is all about, and no stay at Movara is complete without booking a rejuvenating massage, acupuncture, chiropractic services, body sculpting, beautiful facials, or wonderful hand and foot care… or all of the above! Rhiannon wants guests to truly understand the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and aesthetic benefits of a really, really good spa treatment. Don’t miss your chance to add some world-class pampering to your Movara visit! After a day of challenging yourself, our therapists are able to help you release tension, relax, and recover preparing you to take on the next day.

As the Spa Manager, Rhiannon loves to get in there and connect with spa guests, helping them complete their holistic experience at Movara by healing, beautifying, and pampering their skin. Outside of Movara, you’ll find her hiking, reading, or splashing around in the water somewhere. Get on Rhiannon’s wavelength with “The Untethered Soul” or “The Surrender Experiment” by Michael A. Singer. (And when you see her in the spa, ask her about Hawaii!)

Damien McIntyre

Maintenance Manager

Damien is a ray of Irish sunshine at Movara, putting smiles on people’s faces as he makes sure the facility is running in tip-top shape. As Maintenance Manager for over a decade, Damien knows Movara from the inside out, the better to know how to make it run as smoothly as possible. Anything that needs to be taken care of, it’s Damien they call. From painting and decorating, to taking care of the swimming pool, hot tub, plumbing electrical, and even landscaping, Damien is Movara’s one-stop-fix-it-shop. Is there a light out in your room? A problem with the air conditioning? You guessed it, Damien will make it right. Outside of Movara, Damien is an avid golfer, though he claims his love for the sport doesn’t mean he’s actually any good at it. He and his wife have made the area their home, and after all these years, the staff and guests at Movara are like family.

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river marketing2

River Harrison

Marketing Manager

River is the Marketing Manager at Movara, so if you’re reading this, in a way, River has won. But seriously, all River wants to do is accurately convey how incredible and transformative Movara can be in the lives of our guests. As much as we tell him “Movara sells itself!” River insists he be allowed to still do his job. River actually grew up exploring the red rocks of southern Utah so he knows his way around better than most. In his free time, River enjoys hiking, kayaking, spending time with his wife and daughter, watching movies, and playing video games. He has worked in a variety of roles, from web development to retail management, but has found that marketing is his true passion. When you choose “Strategic Message Design and Human Interaction” as a post-secondary specialization, you know marketing is in your blood. He loves talking to guests at the resort, so feel free to poke your head in and say “Hi, River!” when you walk by the marketing office.

Sharon Circle
Elaine Hartrick

General Manager

Cody Pickett

Spa / Retail Manager

Sharon Circle
Sharon Read

Program Manager

Jared Jones

Fitness Manager

river2
River Harrison

Marketing Manager

Khalob Freeborn

Advertising & Virtual Revenue

chefdoug2
Doug Gerpheide

Executive Chef

TJ Jerome

Hiking Manager

amanda frontdesk
Amanda Bigelow

Front Desk Manager

Sylvan Pickett

Controller

rhiannon spa
Rhiannon Ruesch

Spa Manager

Damien McIntyre

Maintenance Manager