Relax in Salt Lake City’s new Delta lounge
The next time you pass through Salt Lake City International Airport, make time to visit the new Delta Sky Club, a 34,000-square-foot oasis in Concourse B that has so many cozy nooks and elevated offerings, it will be hard to leave. The large space is broken up into many different seating arrangements for up to 600 visitors, from comfy high-backed chairs lining a window overlooking the airfield and mountains, recessed nooks, and nine soundproof booths for those seeking private space to focus, to a seating area in the middle of the room with a fancy chiminea-style gas fireplace and silver textured ceiling. Or relax in a space with velvet drapery and rich tones, and enjoy the digital immersion wall where you can view panoramic scenes of Utah’s iconic outdoor landmarks on a series of screens while listening to nature sounds. In fact, the décor pays homage to the state’s natural beauty, with earthy colors and outdoors-themed artwork (including images from a Skiers Series by Connecticut-based artist Hooey Wilks showing toy figurines in snowy mountain settings). The food offerings include healthy wraps, sandwiches, fresh salads, and hummus and dip options, and an assortment of desserts. You’ll also find an 18-seat wraparound bar and two beverage stations for coffee, tea, and soda, including a “dirty soda” bar that’s only found in this Delta lounge. The Delta Sky Club is accessible to members (there are many different membership options — see the Delta website) and those with complimentary passes through their Delta credit card; restrictions apply. www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/overview
A new hotel with cool hangouts and a cozy mountain vibe
One of Park City, Utah’s more affordable hotels opened just five weeks ago on Park Avenue, offering unique gathering spots, easy access to the slopes and downtown, and a restaurant that’s a local’s favorite (the hotel changed — it was formerly the Park City Peaks Hotel — but the owners kept the popular Versante Hearth and Bar). Hotel Thaynes, part of the Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio collection, gets its name from the city’s historic mineshaft-turned-underground ski lift from the 1960s. The 128-room boutique hotel, located just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, blends modern, earthy mountain vibe with innovative offerings. Grab a complimentary warm cookie and hot chocolate and hang out in comfy leather chairs in the lobby with its high ceilings, shelves of vintage metal lunchboxes (an ode to Park City’s miners), hardcover books (thumb through a copy of “Camp Cocktails”), and a 10-foot-wide gas fireplace with the trunks of two tall aspen trees on one side. Or enjoy the indoor-outdoor heated pool that leads to an open-air space with grills, couches, and colorful murals, and access to the sauna and steam room. Rooms are simple and welcoming with hardwood floors and dashes of retro accents (from an orange mini fridge to brass bedside lights). A shuttle takes guests to both of Park City’s ski resorts every half hour throughout the day and to Main Street in the evenings. Versante serves artisan pizzas and handmade pasta (the bison burger and crispy Brussels sprouts are worth a try, too), and kids up to 10 eat for $1 on Wednesdays. The restaurant even serves kids’ cocktails such as the Snowonder with lemonade, blue-raspberry, and Sprite and, new this year, breakfast (try the Miner’s Omelet or the PB&J Shortstack with peanut butter, lavender berry syrup, and the option of almond flour batter). Room rates start at $200, depending on the season. www.marriott.com/slctb
Build community and have fun at a new sports venue
What could be better than a hangout spot that blends socializing, dining options, athletic recovery, and sports for all ages and skill levels, backed by pro-athlete legends and investors (think tennis icons Andre Agassi and Kim Clijsters, world pickleball champ Connor Garnett, and Major League Soccer star Maarten Paes)? Ballers, a new social sports venue, launched its first branch in Philadelphia last fall and its Boston branch at the Seaport a few weeks ago, with plans to open venues in Los Angeles and Miami this coming year — with dozens more to follow nationwide. The 30,000-square-foot Boston Seaport venue has a skating rink — open through February — that’s surrounded by fire pits and private igloos where you can warm up, hang out, and enjoy grilled cheese and s’mores from Ballers’ onsite food truck (in fair-weather months, an outdoor café and bar will serve smash burgers, kale salads, waffle fries, and more). Thanks to fancy Swiss ice rink technology, you can skate on a smooth waterless skating surface that’s not as cold as typical ice. The rink closes at the end of February and then outdoor courts open a month later, weather permitting. The outdoor space will offer five pickleball courts, three padel courts (another fun paddle sport that came from Mexico decades ago — and is growing exponentially), fitness classes, racquet sport clinics, community events, and celebrity athlete meet-and-greets (stay tuned for specifics as April gets closer). The Philly venue in the grand and historic Turbine Hall has squash courts, golf simulators, a putting green with sand bunkers, and a state-of-the-art fitness center and recovery lounge — not to mention a café serving coffee and healthy smoothies. Membership starts at $120 per month, offering access to all Ballers clubs and priority booking for — and 10 to 50 percent discount on — court times and 40 percent off fitness classes, while the $400 monthly VIP membership includes access to all clubs plus free court time, fitness classes, parking, and guest passes. www.ballers-us.com
KARI BODNARCHUK
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