“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Jack Welch
Such a vision and drive well describe Jared and Spring Berrett of Blanding, Utah. As team leaders they have literally moved (and created) mountains with rock to build Bluff Dwellings Resort in Bluff, Utah.
Bluff Dwellings Resort is located at the base of Cow Canyon, an historic box canyon where cowboys from an earlier era kept cattle from wandering off. Both Bluff, and surrounding areas in San Juan County, Utah are rich in grand vistas and interesting history which makes a visit to Southeast Utah and the Four Corners especially inviting.
Not only does the new Bluff resort provide peace and tranquility and a full slate of amenities for those who come and stay; BUT for those who want to explore and discover San Juan County, Bluff Dwelling Resort offers full service guide, rafting, and hiking services.
With a strong background in CAD design, teaching, and entrepreneurship, the Berretts set out to build a state of the art facility that would attract visitors worldwide who are interested in having western experiences while enjoying 4 star comfort at the end of a busy day. Their $5 million dollar enterprise required investors, initiative, energy, and lots of hard work. The whole family has been involved in the project.
The decor and peaceful aura of the rooms were inspired by Ancestral Puebloan landscapes which are utilized throughout the resort.
Custom cement sinks made by the Palmer brothers of Blanding enhance each of the rooms.
Over the past 4 years they have hired dozens of local workers, pumping $3 million in jobs into the local economy. When building is completed and running full force they hope to fill all 57 units. There are also several larger family units adjacent to the main complex.
Besides the pools, the resort includes an exercise and massage rooms, and healthy
breakfast/ snack foods in each room.
Pedicures and manicures are also offered
as well as a variety of exercise equipment for all guests.
The beginning of this business adventure, however, was based on sense and practicality. Designing a septic system to handle at least 50 units efficiently was the #1 priority. It had to be efficient even in drought conditions, while providing the means for recycling "black" water for landscape plants and lawns. This major undertaking (pictured to the north) is working well. Once that major hurdle was in place the work on the rest of the actual resort complex began.
How the Transformation begins: 1) Framing and construction of unit, supervised by Milan Munson of Blanding.
October 2019: another unit in the construction stage.
Next parts of the outside of new units are sprayed with a cement/ stucco mixture. As it starts to set up a rubberized form is pressed onto the mixture, shaping it into an illusion of stacked rocks. It then dries to a dull grey.
Once it dries and cures, the artistic skills of Mr. Berrett then turn the walls into an amazing homage to earlier cultures of the southwest, as he adds the paint as shown below.
There are two buildings of these family units on the resort complex.
Shade and picnic areas make for great gathering places.
Ample parking, a pizza station, picnic areas, conference center,
and friendly service are all part of the Bluff Dwellings Resort.
At the end of a long day of adventure, there are fire pits, pools, and the ambiance of western sunsets to help visitors relax and reflect the day's experiences.
