The creator tells the origin story of The Lodge at Blue Sky, a luxury resort in Utah. He explains how the owner, Barb Phillips, was nearly arrested for rescuing a neglected horse named Gracie, which inspired her to found an animal sanctuary that became the core mission of the resort. The creator then showcases the resort's unique features, such as its on-site distillery, female-led regenerative farm, and award-winning spa, all while connecting them back to the foundational story of animal welfare.
Post caption
A luxury resort built around a rescued horse. 🐎
Welcome to The Lodge at Blue Sky.
🌾 4,000-acre private ranch
🐎 65 rescue horses + full-time vet
🥃 Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870
🌿 Earth suites built into the landscape
It all started with one horse named Gracie.
Now it’s one of the most immersive ranch experiences in America.
Where purpose comes before luxury.
And makes the experience even better.
📌 Save this for your adventure travel bucket list
👥 Share with someone who you’d bring here
P.S. I break down extraordinary hotels like this weekly in The Modern Traveler Newsletter → link in bio ✉️
Transcript
The owner of this 4,000 acre luxury ranch resort was almost arrested for stealing a worse, but that horse became the foundation for one of the most immersive wilderness experiences in America, with only 46 rooms, a working whiskey distillery, and 65 rescue horses on property. This is The Lodge at Blue Sky, an Aubert's resort on 4,000 private acres outside Park City, Utah. In 2004, Mike and Barb Phillips bought this land and ran it as a working cattle ranch. But in 2013, Barb discovered a nearby ranch neglecting over 100 animals. One horse was starving, injured, and declining fast. So So Barb had it trailered to a vet, paid everything herself, and took the horse home. She named her Gracie. A year later, officers showed up to investigate the theft. Her response? You can put me in jail, but I'll never allow this horse to go back to those people. That's how she became known as the horse thief. Barb founded the Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation. Over 50 horses and 30 cows rescued. Every animal gets a permanent forever home. Send this to someone who needs to see this place. This is the only resort in North America with a full time on-site veterinarian. They practice Vaquero Natural Horsemanship, a gentle, nonverbal method taught by horse whisperer Buck Branimon. When they finally opened the hotel, the GM of Amans Jackson Hole resigned to run Blue Sky within three weeks of seeing the land. A FEMA led regenerative farm grows organic produce for the James Beard award winning restaurant. Utah's first legal whiskey distillery since 1870 sits on the property. Guests go from barrel to table to bed. Earthsuites are built into the hillside with living grass roofs. And the Edge Spa was just named worse best eco spa in 2024. A portrait of Gracie hangs in the lobby. The signature cocktail is called the worse thief. All proceeds go to the rescue. Every week I share stories about extraordinary hotels. Follow along. Most luxury ranches build a hotel and add a ranch experience later. Blue Sky built a ranch, rescued the animals, planted a farm, and then invited the world in. Would you stay at a resort built around a horse rescue? Let me know in the comments.
