In the last few years, particularly since COVID-19, camping and exploring the outdoors has become a massive part of vacationing in the US in particular. Several years ago, we had the pleasure of staying at Under Canvas in Zion and it opened our eyes to a whole new world of luxury experiences. ULUM is Under Canvas’ higher-end sister property and it sounded right up our alley, so when the opportunity arose, we jumped on it.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before you head to ULUM Moab.

Location & Access

A complaint about some of the neighboring Under Canvas destinations is that the properties feel a bit too close to the road. I can tell you that ULUM is not that- it feels impeccably remote while still being within a few miles of the main road. Tucked beneath a towering hill and facing one of the most stunning arches in the area, ULUM has a truly 5 star property. I’d recommend a 4wd vehicle to access the property and surrounding hikes and experiences, but it’s easy enough to get there if you drive slow.

The property is 30 minutes from the town of Moab and the closest shops and restaurants so do keep that in mind before traveling. While the hotel does have a restaurant, it’s only open for breakfast and dinner so you are on your own for lunch. I’d recommend stopping by the grocery store in Moab for water, wine and snacks on your way to the property.

Suite Tents

The Suite Tents at ULUM Moab are simple, yet stunning. As part of the Under Canvas portfolio, ULUM has adopted the same tented style accommodations but with added luxury. The Suite Tents are the only type of accommodation offered at ULUM, and they are nothing short of spectacular.

Each Suite Tent is incredibly spacious, featuring beautiful king-size beds adorned with cozy Pendleton blankets. The tents also include a seating area, an air conditioning unit for those hot summer days, a heating stove for the cooler nights, a patio, and a private bathroom.

The bathroom is equipped with high-quality Aesop products and features a rain shower, a very small sink, and a toilet. It is worth noting that there is no closet in the room, only a few hangers. Therefore, it’s recommended to pack lightly and make use of the luggage rack provided.

One of the unique additions to these tents, compared to other Under Canvas properties, is the air conditioning unit. This is particularly useful in the summer heat and is a welcome addition for summer travelers. However, for those cooler nights, the wood-fire stove in the room provides not only warmth but a comforting and relaxing ambiance.

Each tent also comes equipped with a water pot for boiling water to make coffee (tea bag style). While paper cups are available, you can ask the front desk for real cups to bring to your tent.

Though there is no mini-fridge in the room due to the nature of camping, it’s advisable to bring a cooler bag or purchase a small Styrofoam cooler from the grocery store for storing your own beverages in the room. The hotel does replenish your wood supply daily, ensuring you’ll never run out of fresh cut wood for the stove.

Drinking water is not supplied in the room, so it’s recommended to bring large water bottles to fill up at the water stations in the lobby. The tap water in the room can be drank, but due to the unique water system, the water will either be hot or cold based on your preference. Adjusting the water temperature is possible, but it will require a staff member to come to your room upon request.

Lastly, the location of the rooms is exceptional. There’s no “bad” room on the property. For instance, Tent 31 features expansive views of the property and the arch in the distance. While you can walk to and from your room, the staff can always assist you with a buggy if you prefer. The staff were always quick and delighted to assist.

Amenities & Facilities

ULUM Moab comes with a host of facilities designed to maximize your glamping experience. Upon entering the property, the first stop is the lobby. The lobby is marked by comfortable seating areas and a cozy fireplace. It serves as a central hub where guests can relax, socialize, and gather information about the property and surrounding area. They have a tour desk here where you can book trips around Moab or learn more about the surrounding area. They also have an activities calendar posted every day with complimentary activities like morning yoga and a sound meditation.

The property is dotted with fire pits and seating areas surrounding the lobby. These are perfect for roasting marshmallows (complimentary!) under the night sky or simply sitting back and taking in the star-studded spectacle overhead. The fire pits, coupled with the property’s remote location, provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing, particularly on a moon-free night. ULUM is a very social property and guests spent most evenings recounting stories from their days over a glass of wine by the fire pit and it was always amazing to hear about new adventures and experiences to sign up for the next day.

An area ULUM invested in is the pool deck. There are three dipping pools ranging from hot tub to cold plunge and it’s a wonderful place to spend the afternoon after a day of activities. The pool deck is open all day and we saw many guests enjoying an evening hot tub session.

Food & Beverage Program

The restaurant is a big highlight at ULUM. They serve a fantastic breakfast and dinner menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a variety of standard and unique dishes. The menu does change periodically based on what’s available in the area, but I can say the bison burger was fantastic. They serve wine and cocktails as well as beer on property. I would recommend sticking to wine and beer as Utah has strict requirements around alcoholic and most of them felt a bit watered down. During dinner, they typically have live entertainment which was always a very chill vibe with local guitar players and musicians that enhanced the energy of the resort. We never missed an evening by the fire pit listening to the music.

The resort does not offer lunch, which is a bit of a missed opportunity as we saw many people who did not want to leave the resort but were basically forced to since they don’t offer anything other than light sandwiches or pastries during the day. Hopefully next season, they’ll consider adding lunch.

What to do in Moab

Moab, Utah, is a haven for those who thrive in the outdoors. The area is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the key attractions in Moab is the Arches National Park, which is conveniently accessible from the town. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, a freestanding natural arch that is a highlight of the park. But there’s more to the park than just its arches. You can embark on scenic drives through the park, offering panoramic views of the park’s distinct red rock landscape. You can also enjoy horseback riding or take a leisurely hike along the many trails that crisscross the park.

Adjacent to Moab is the Canyonlands National Park, a vast desert landscape characterized by deep canyons, towering mesas, and awe-inspiring geological formations. You can go hiking along the park’s extensive trail network, mountain biking on the Slickrock Bike Trail, or canoeing on the Green River. For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, you can go white-water rafting on the Colorado River. Jeep and ATV tours are also popular in Moab, providing access to remote areas of the park and stunning viewpoints that are otherwise inaccessible. Our absolutely favorite activity is a UTV adventure and we had the privilege of exploring Hell’s Revenge with Extreme 4×4 Tours.

History buffs will not be left wanting in Moab. There’s the Dinosaur Trail, where you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks, a testament to the area’s prehistoric past. The Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum is another must-visit, which features life-size models of prehistoric creatures and offers an in-depth look into the region’s paleontological history. Moab’s rich Native American history can be explored through a visit to Newspaper Rock, a petroglyph site located in the Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument. The site features one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs, with some dating back over 2,000 years.

After a day full of adventure, you can unwind in one of Moab’s local breweries or wineries, sampling local brews or wines. The town also offers a selection of unique shops and art galleries for you to explore. Whether you’re interested in buying local crafts, browsing art pieces, or just doing some window shopping, there’s something for everyone in Moab’s vibrant downtown area.

How long should I stay in Moab?

How long you want to stay depends on how much you plan on doing. In terms of activities, you could spend a week exploring and still not see it all. However, the perfect itinerary in our mind is 3-4 nights at ULUM with 2-3 packed days of activities. ULUM is a great jumping off point to explore this incredible region, while still offering you the remote glamping experience that’s restful and peaceful. If you have questions about Moab, be sure to reach out! We have some great perks and discounts at properties like ULUM through our partnerships and are happy to help plan your perfect Moab adventure. Happy travels!