Casa Nova, Robb Report’s “Ultimate Vacation Villa” and Deer Valley Resort’s “most exquisite luxury ski home,” opens its doors to the public for the first time in honor of the 2011 Luxury Home Tour. Completed Winter 2008 by Utah’s preeminent planning, architecture and interior design firm, DH Design Studio, Casa Nova’s design was inspired by the grand catered chalets of Val d’Isere, Meribel, and St. Mortiz, which can be experienced throughout the 13,000 square foot residence. This one-of-a-kind, expansive vacation rental home features seven bedrooms including four unique master suites, a chef’s kitchen, a full service spa, and a killer ski in/ski out après-ski gathering place aptly named “The Lodge”. The Luxury Home Tour of Park City is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Park City Board of Realtors Philanthropic Foundation, benefiting the Peace House. This year marks the 20th annual tour and is celebrated by spotlighting five of the best of the best luxury residences in the prestigious gated community of Deer Crest, on the slopes of Deer Valley Resort.

ABOUT CASA NOVA: Casa Nova is Park City, Utah’s premier luxury vacation rental home. Offering ski-in, ski-out access to the #1 rated Deer Valley Resort and just minutes from downtown Park City, this 13,000 square foot home boasts sleeping arrangements for up to 25 adults and children. Casa Nova is available as a full-catered ski chalet with dedicated concierge and CHO – Chief Happiness Officer!  Casa Nova has been recognized by media outlet such as: Robb Report, Forbes, Snow and CBS. More information can be found by writing to CHO Jenni Haines at  jenni.haines@skicasanova.com or by following us on Twitter  and liking us on Facebook. DH Design Studio is a full service planning, architecture, and interior design firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded over fifteen years ago by Rebecca Buchan, the firm and its staff of architects, interior and graphic designers have proven success in the creation of the most desirable public and private spaces. DH Design Studio is best known for creating distinctive commercial, hospitality and residential designs in alpine settings. By combining rustic elements and clean modern lines, the firm transforms regionally relevant design themes with a clean, timely update. This take on design is expressed in award-winning restaurants, clubhouses, spa and fitness facilities, resort hospitality offerings, retail centers, religious centers, and private homes. DH Design Studio and its projects have been recognized by: Mountain Living, Utah Style + Design, Hospitality Architecture + Design, and EXTRA TV. More information can be found by visiting Denton House on Facebook.

Are you looking for the ultimate luxury snow ski experience? Casa Nova has been recognized by the travel media and luxury agents as a one-of-a-kind property.   Featured by Forbes and Robb Report, Casa Nova is the only villa included among other 5 star ski country accommodations (other properties…St. Regis Deer Valley and Montage Deer Valley), and for good reason.  As if that wasn’t enough…Casa Nova is the only home to be included in the Prestigious Virtuoso Luxury Travel Organization.
Casa Nova is the only property in the US to offer guests a luxury ski vacation in a home while affording the most discriminating traveler 5 star hotel amenities. The experience begins with with our 24/7 on site Concierge, Jenni (or, as we like to call her CHO…Chief Happiness Officer).  Jenni Haines is a 20 year travel industry veteran (Ritz Carlton, Marriott) and brings a top shelf staff of hospitality and culinary professionals to The Casa Nova Experience.  Guests at Casa Nova will appreciate Jenni and her ”never a wish to big or too small” staff.

The home is simply magnificent and offers 7 bedrooms and 10 baths, with 4 master suites and ski-in/ski-out convenience. This home was conceived, designed and constructed with the ultimate comfort and luxurious ski experience in mind. From the Frette linens, robes and slippers, to the Molton Brown bath products, you instantly find yourself surrounded in sumptuous luxury!   We’re not done, yet.

Whereas many homes have state-of-the art components, Casa Nova won the “Biggest Baddest Home” Award at CEDIA for its technological advancements.  “They have thought of everything!” is a quote repeated regularly by every guest that has graced Casa Nova with their presence.  Whether you are skiing in, relaxing in our spa, watching a movie in the THX certified theater or any of the other 13 flat screen TV’s, cozied up with a book in the library or dining in our gourmet kitchen, you have EVERYTHING you could possibly want and more.

Comfort, service and amenities lead to the ultimate ski experience at Casa Nova. Casa Nova is in essence, a unique upscale boutique hotel…in the comfort of your own home.

Casa Nova has been recognized by the travel media and luxury agents as a one-of-a-kind property.   Featured by Forbes and Robb Report, Casa Nova is the only villa included amongst other 5 star ski country accommodations (other properties…St. Regis and Montage), and for good reason.

Casa Nova is the only property in the US to offer a guest the opportunity to vacation in a home while affording the most discriminating traveler 5 star hotel amenities…beginning with our 24/7 on site Concierge (or, as we like to call her CHO…Chief Happiness Officer).  Jenni Haines is a 20 year travel industry veteran (Ritz Carlton, Marriott) and brings a top shelf staff of hospitality and culinary professionals to The Casa Nova Experience.  And, whereas a guest at Casa Nova will typically remember Jenni and her ”never a wish to big or too small” staff, the home is simply magnificent.  Offering 7 bedrooms and 10 baths, with four master suites and ski-in/ski-out convenience, this home was conceived, designed and constructed with the ultimate comfort and luxurious experience in mind. From the Frette linens, robes and slippers, to the Molton Brown bath products, you instantly find yourself surrounded in sumptuous luxury!   But it doesn’t stop there.

Whereas many homes have state-of-the art components, Casa Nova won the “Biggest Baddest Home” Award at CEDIA for its technological advancements.  “They have thought of everything!” is a quote repeated regularly by every guest that has graced Casa Nova with their presence.  Whether you are skiing in, relaxing in our spa, watching a movie in the theater or any of the other 13 flat screen TV’s, cozied up with a book in the library or dining in our gourmet kitchen, you have everything you could possibly want and more…did we mention our CHO?

Comfort, service and amenities – Casa Nova is in essence, a unique upscale boutique hotel…in the comfort of your own home.

Luxury Chalet

Casa Nova, Robb Report’s “Ultimate Vacation Villa” and Deer Valley Resort’s “most exquisite luxury ski home,” opens its doors to the public for the first time in honor of the 2011 Luxury Home Tour. Completed Winter 2008 by Utah’s preeminent planning, architecture and interior design firm, DH Design Studio, Casa Nova’s design was inspired by the grand catered chalets of Val d’Isere, Meribel, and St. Mortiz, which can be experienced throughout the 13,000 square foot residence. This one-of-a-kind, expansive vacation rental home features seven bedrooms including four unique master suites, a chef’s kitchen, a full service spa, and a killer ski in/ski out après-ski gathering place aptly named “The Lodge”.

The Luxury Home Tour of Park City is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Park City Board of Realtors Philanthropic Foundation, benefiting the Peace House. This year marks the 20^th annual tour and is celebrated by spotlighting five of the best of the best luxury residences in the prestigious gated community of Deer Crest, on the slopes of Deer Valley Resort. More information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found by visiting www.luxuryhometour.org. The tour will be on August 13, 2011 from 8:30am – 3pm

ABOUT CASA NOVA:     Casa Nova is Park City, Utah’s premier luxury vacation rental home. Offering ski-in, ski-out access to the #1 rated Deer Valley Resort and just minutes from downtown Park City, this 13,000 square foot home boasts sleeping arrangements for up to 25 adults and children. Casa Nova is available as a full-catered ski chalet with dedicated concierge and CHO – Chief Happiness Officer!  Casa Nova has been recognized by media outlet such as: Robb Report, Forbes, Luxury Travel, Snow and CBS. More information can be found by visiting www.skicasanova.com, or by writing to CHO Jenni Haines at jenni.haines@skicasanova.com, by following us on Twitter @luxurychalet and liking us on facebook at http://www.facebook.comCasa-Nova-Deer-Valleys-Premier-Luxury-Chalet

DH Design Studio is a full service planning, architecture, and interior design firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded over fifteen years ago by Rebecca Buchan, the firm and its staff of architects, interior and graphic designers have proven success in the creation of the most desirable public and private spaces. DH Design Studio is best known for creating distinctive commercial, hospitality and residential designs in alpine settings. By combining rustic elements and clean modern lines, the firm transforms regionally relevant design themes with a clean, timely update. This take on design is expressed in award-winning restaurants, clubhouses, spa and fitness facilities, resort hospitality offerings, retail centers, religious centers, and private homes. DH Design Studio and its projects have been recognized by: Mountain Living, Utah Style + Design, Hospitality Architecture + Design, and EXTRA TV. More information can be found by visiting www.facebook.com/dentonhouse.

4th of July, Park City 2011

So much to do in Park City, Utah to celebrate the 4^th of July!  Concerts, Rodeos, and the main attraction – the annual 4th of July Parade down Park City’s Historic Main Street!  So corny…but that’s what makes it so fun!  My favorite float this year was from the USSA – U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.  Athletes performed back flips, front flips and twists on a trampoline while wearing skis and snowboards and moving down Main Street! Spectacular! Kids, don’t try this at home!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjIy6FL0GRY[/youtube]

Can’t see the video? Go directly to YouTube.

The Parade

And can you have a parade without a marching band?  Of course not and the Park City High School Marching Band did not disappoint!  Another fantastic moment was when the F16’s from nearby Hill Air Force Base did a flyover to start the parade!  They are something to see…and hear!  Lots of horses, local businesses, ski resorts, restaurants and more were all represented along with myriad of wonderful homemade floats.  The theme was “saving the environment,” and it was fun to see how each float interpreted “go green.”  Some were very clever indeed.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNQen8XvkV0[/youtube]

Can’t see the video? Go directly to YouTube.

Then as if on cue, as the last float passed, the entire town followed the parade to City Park for a full day of activities!  These included a pancake breakfast, live music, kids activities, rugby games, beer gardens and food concessions all followed by a magnificent fireworks show at dusk!  It’s as small town as it gets!  I love it, as do our guests at Casa Nova!

Here are some of our guest’s comments:

• “I can see why people come for the skiing…but stay for the summer!”
• “What an amazing day – so much to do for the entire family!”
• “Summer at a ski resort; who knew?”
• “Staying at Casa Nova you get the best of both worlds:  Unmatched luxury along with the beauty, history and activities of Park City!”

—

Jenni Haines
CHO – Chief Happiness Officer/Estate Manager
Casa Nova, Deer Valley’s Premier Luxury Chalet

Giddy Up

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to see the beautiful scenery of Park City and Deer Valley!  I had the opportunity to join my guests for a ride, and it was spectacular!   In fact, I’d say that this was one of the favorite activities of their entire week at Casa Nova- except hanging around the house, of course!

We were originally headed up to Deer Valley, but because of the large amount of snow still covering the hills and trails of the resort, we headed to Promontory for our ride.  Stunning!

They have horses for all ages.  Our group spanned in age from 7 years old to 76, and they picked just the right horse for everyone!

We had lunch trail side while one of the cowboys entertained our group with championship roping – jumping in and out of loops and spinning the rope until the loop grew so big, it seemed impossible to control.  Very impressive!  The ride itself was about 2 hours.  I reckon that’s just enough time for a group of folks that may be a little saddle wary – not to mention sore!

This is one of the best activities in the summer in Park City!

Come on out to Casa Nova, and I will set you up with a fantastic ride!

Boulder Mountain Ranch at Deer Valley http://deervalleystables.com/

http://www.skicasanova.com

Park Silly Sunday Market

Park Silly Sunday Market welcomed an estimated record setting 10,000 visitors on its opening Sunday!  It truly has become the place to be on Sundays for locals and visitors alike!  They are a self proclaimed “eco-friendly open air market, street festival and community forum where neighbors and friends come together to celebrate our community of fun and funky Park Sillians.”

According to Kimberly Kuehn, PSSM executive director, “We are creating more and more opportunities in this economy for the locals to show their talents – selling their crafts, playing music, letting the non-profits get exposure, and chefs show their talents.”

Intended and originally proposed as a green event by Kuehn, Park Silly Sunday Market’s main goal is to be a ‘zero waste’ project. The first year the market recycled 70 percent of all waste and was voted best recycler by Recycle Utah. PSSM still sends only two bags of non-recyclable garbage to landfills.

If you crave fresh organic locally grown food, supporting local artists, and listening to amazing music, then Park Silly Market is for you and your entire family! Lots of activities for kids and adults alike!  I took my guests this past week and they loved it.  They range in age from 7 to 74, and there was definitely something for everyone!

Summer in Old Town

Listed below is just a tasting of the multitude of events in Park City during the summer. For complete access to all of the happenings and activities available, visit the Park City Chamber Bureau at
www.parkcityinfo.com

42nd Annual Kimball Arts Festival: August 4-7, 2011
The festival, attended annually by over 40,000 people, features more than 200 artists with work in 12 categories -ranging from paintings to jewelry to sculpture and photography. The three-day festival also features visual-art exhibitions, live musical performances, cuisine-related activities, and art-focused film screening.
www.kimballartcenter.org/events/arts-festival-2011

Deer Valley Music Festival: July/August, 2011
The Deer Valley® Music Festival (DVMF) is the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s (USUO’s) summer home in Park City. The 2011 Festival will be its eighth season of providing chamber music, classical, opera, and pops offerings in four venues around Park City. The Friday and Saturday evening outdoor concerts at the Deer Valley Snow Park Amphitheatre are especially popular, featuring concerts by the full orchestra. Some featured concerts this year include music from the Eagles, the Von Trapp Children, and trumpeter, Chris Botti.
www.deervalleymusicfestival.org

Park City Food & Wine Classic: July 7-10, 2011
The Park City Food & Wine Classic is a premier destination event where master winemakers, culinary greats, and guests gather to play, wine, and dine. Experience more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally-made products at this ultimate food and wine experience.
www.parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com

Big Stars Bright Nights Concert Series: July/August 2011
Outdoor concerts by popular artists at the Deer Valley Snow Park Amphitheatre. Artists to perform this summer include Rosanne Cash, Melissa Etheridge, and The Goo Goo Dolls among others.
www.ecclescenter.org

4th Annual Savor the Summit: June 25, 2011
This is Park City’s longest dinner party, offering diners at The Grande Table a unique celebration of fabulous food, drink and live music while seated in the middle of Main Street. Park City’s best restaurants will showcase their culinary talents in an open air community celebration kicking off the summer season.
www.savorthesummit.com

Mountain Town Music Community Concert Series: Wednesdays June 22-August 31, 2011
Mountain Town Music welcomes musical artists for free outdoor concerts at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater. Picnics and dancing are encouraged, and Deer Valley’s food and beverage concessions stand will be open during the concert and picnic baskets are available for advance purchase.
www.mountaintownmusic.org

Canyons Summer Concert Series: Saturdays July 16-September 3, 2011
Canyons will once again host their Summer Concert Series, presented by Zion’s Bank and produced by Mountain Town Music. Each Saturday, Canyons will have FREE live music from 6pm – 8:30pm. Due to the popularity of these concerts, carpooling, taking public transportation or riding a bicycle to the show is appreciated.
www.thecanyons.com

www.skicasanova.com

Soon it will be summer in Park City, a welcome change to our epic winter. I will be writing a series of blogs highlighting the amazing activities we have available in Park City and Deer Valley – not to mention right out the back door of Casa Nova.

From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and jet skiing. From horseback riding and hot air ballooning to the Alpine slide and Mountain Coaster. From shopping and lunch in Old Town to an outdoor concert at Deer Valley; there is always something to be enjoying here in our mountain town! As your Chief Happiness Officer and concierge, I can help arrange and participate in all Park City has to offer. Let’s have some fun this summer!

We had the honor of hosting David Hochman, a wonderful and world renowned travel writer, at Casa Nova last winter. Below is the article that resulted from that visit.Enjoy.
Head 2 Head ForbesLife Magazine December, 20 2010

There are Deer Valley people and Park City people–but both bask in highly elevated ski experiences.

Deer Valley

Tucked into a hillside, Casa Nova sits in the shadow of Deer Valley’s Jourdanelle Express Gondola.

Even at a skier’s paradise like Deer Valley, where rosy-cheeked valets unload your gear, groomers pluck stones by hand off baby-smooth slopes, and après-ski means clinking Cristal alongside billionaires at the Stein Eriksen Lodge, the new Casa Nova is outrageously luxurious. With glittering views of what looks like the entire Rockies, the 13,000-square-foot villa estate–you rent the whole place–is built on seven levels, with seven bedrooms (including one hidden behind a swiveling bookcase), 11 baths, ten fireplaces, two hot tubs, a full spa and steam room, an oxygen bar, grand kitchens indoors and out, and a plush cinema with hundreds of current and classic movies. The getaway is available for rent in the resort’s elite Deer Crest community for $67,500 a week during the holidays.

Located 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City, Deer Valley was always posh–it was the first resort to put footrests on all its chairlifts, mountain hosts offer complimentary ski tours, and snowboards are still verboten–but it just got posh-plus-plus-squared. Casa Nova elevates ski-chalet standards to new heights (did we mention ski in/ski out access to the Jourdanelle gondola?), but it’s only one element in a mountainwide upgrade. The 181-room St. Regis Deer Valley opened a year ago, with its own leather-upholstered, climate-controlled funicular; St. Regis butler service; a 14,000-foot Remède Spa; and menus designed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. That’s antithetical to the whole kicked-back vibe of nearby Park City, yet St. Regis has created an ambience that’s both supersophisticated and unfussy. Okay, so they warm your ski boots and set out your skis and poles before you hit the slopes–but only to let you linger over that essential first espresso of the day. And even the standard rooms come with deep soaking tubs and 17-inch TVs in the bathroom mirrors.

Not to be outdone, Montage Deer Valley, a kind of Craftsman lodge gone mountain luxe, opens this winter in Empire Pass with 174 guest rooms and suites, all featuring fireplaces, polished-stone bathrooms, and private balconies or patios facing the slopes and the Wasatch Valley. The property’s Spa Montage is a 35,000-square-foot sanctuary with 29 treatment rooms and a 75-foot four-lane lap pool, plus whirlpools and an outdoor pool that lends an air of hardy Tyrolean chic.

What’s nice, too, is the out-the-door access to Deer Valley’s newest section of slopes. The Empire and Lady Morgan lifts serve 200 acres of peaks, bowls, and gladed terrain specifically designed for advanced- intermediate and expert skiers. They also address the criticism that Deer Valley is too groomed for its own good. True, on sunny powder days, there’s no smoother joyride than a velvety cruise under the Red Cloud lift to Silver Lake Lodge. Afterward, you can have a hot toddy in one of the recliners on the lodge’s “beach” out front. But now, from the top of Empire, it’s a breathtaking plunge down steep open bowls and double-black-diamond chutes that funnel into Centennial Woods, some of the best tree skiing in the Rockies. It’s a thrill ride, for sure, and it’s bound to test your knees and lungs. But the good news is, there’s fine food, a good bed, and maybe even a butler or two waiting at the end of the run. –DAVID HOCHMAN

We are so looking forward to this winter. Snow has been falling for weeks creating the perfect base for the greatest snow on earth! We have a variety of new and repeat guests coming to stay, all looking forward to everything that Casa Nova has to offer.

Besides embracing the luxury and comfort of Casa Nova, our guests have signed up for ski lessons, Olympic Bobsled rides, snowmobiling, hot air ballooning, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and more. All of this in addition to fabulous meals prepared by our very own Chef Meryl, relaxing treatments in the Spa at Casa Nova, game night in our family room and over 300 movies in our 15 seat theater. The Pièce de résistance…is of course, skiing in and out of our very own, decked-out, private ski lodge, right onto the slopes of Deer Valley Resort! By decked out I mean fabulous kitchen for gourmet lunch and après ski, cozy living area with wood burning fire place and large flat panel TV. Did I mention that Deer Valley was named the #1 Ski Resort in North America for an unprecedented 4^th year in a row?

With Casa Nova, you truly get best of the best everywhere you turn!

www.skicasanova.com

We closed out July with a wonderful group of guests. Twelve all together; six adults and 6 kids. They came to Park City from Iowa, Texas and California and fell in love with the town and Casa Nova. From hot air ballooning to mountain biking. From water skiing to fly fishing. They took full advantage of the area and more importantly made the most of their time at Casa Nova. Game night, poker tournaments, XBOX, Rock Band, many movies in the theater (over 300 to choose from), spa treatments in our spa, Pizza Night with Chef Meryl.

These guests travel every year and until now, rented very nice hotels. They discovered after renting Casa Nova, that they will never go back to seperate rooms, meeting in the lobby, going out to eat for every meal, etc.

What was your favorite part, I asked. They unanimously replied: “The house and the service. You have thought of everything! The house was made to accommodate all ages and everyone could not have been happier. This was our best vacation ever and we will be back!!!”

We throughly enjoyed having them and look forward to their return.

Deer Valley Summer Concert Series

The concert series at Deer Valley Resort offers everything you could want in an outdoor summer concert venue.   

Sitting outside in such a beautiful setting, while listening to and watching live music, is hard to beat.  The fact that it is in right in our back yard, makes it magical.

Wynonna Judd played the other night and she was amazing.  She is known as a country singer, but I believe that she is really a rocker/comedian, who also sings country songs.  There might not have been many diehard Wynonna fans in the audience when she started, but they were all converts by the end. 

Her voice, her ease and interaction with the audience, her slight edge and her down home humor, made the evening a treat.

I can’t wait to see her again! 

Here is a link to the lineup for the rest of the summer:

http://www.deervalley.com/events-calendar.html

Besides being a world class ski resort, Park City has a rich and colorful past.  Starting with the discovery of silver in the mid 1800’s, Park City has grown from an old west town of miners, bars and brothels to the thriving year-round resort it is today.

Yesterday, on one of the most glorious days of the year, my friends and I had the opportunity to enter that past and tour some of our town’s historic residences; to discover a little more about the people who first called Park City home.

Because of restrictions placed on changes to our most cherished past, the Historical Society limits what modifications can be done to each of these relics.  Our community desperately tries to retain some of the enchanting characteristics, historical nuances and quaint simplicity that captured the hearts and imaginations of those that came to visit and decided to stay. These same qualities are what make Park City special, and we fight to allow the millions of guests we invite to our town every year the same opportunity.

Because of these efforts, you can literally stroll into the 1800’s and imagine what it must have been like as horse drawn carriages passed the old trolley carrying ore out of the mines and towards the old Coalition building.  Imagine what it was like waiting for the siren – the one that still sits atop the newly renovated museum on Main Street – to sound, alerting all to the end of a day of blasting and mucking in tunnels and shafts deep beneath what are now the world class runs of Park City’s Ski Resorts.

I hope you all get a chance to partake in this wonderful event next year. Until then, the Museum is a fantastic place to start. http://www.parkcityhistory.org/

http://www.parkcityhistory.org/events/14th-annual-historic-home-tour/

www.skicasanova.com

Being able to walk to Deer Valley’s Concerts in the Park is such an amazing treat.  The fact that they are hosted in our backyard is spectacular.  My walk down yesterday was wonderful.  A family of deer startled me as they romped up the ski run, enjoying the evening as much as I.   From Casa Nova, it is a quick walk to the deck of the St Regis Deer Crest for a pre-concert appetizer and cocktail.   Breathtaking views surround and embrace you.  I met friends here before we headed down to listen to the first concert of the summer.  As we dined, mountain bikers cruised by on the world-class terrain and I wondered if they would come across the same group of deer I had encountered.

From there, you simply board the 500-foot-high funicular – reportedly the first and only at a North American Ski resort – to scale the vertical space between the resort’s Snow Park Building and concert venue, and the Hotel.  Flown in from Switzerland, the funicular cabins are plush and comfortable, and take just 90 seconds to go up or down, giving you an amazing view of the valley while you ride.

You are let out right where you need to be to enjoy all of the festivities.   The Mother lode Canyon Band was already playing when I exited the car.  You’ve got to love small towns.  Where else can you watch a wonderful local band, in the most beautiful setting, with the Mayor as the lead guitarist?

This is just one of the many pleasures of living in Park City and staying at Casa Nova. 

www.skicasanova.com

 “Casa Nova is the perfect place for any kind of reunion! Last year we stayed in a hotel, and truthfully, there is just no comparison.”

“I never knew how beautiful Park City was in the summer. I’ve only been here to ski, which is amazing of course, but this is so green and there is NO humidity! Spectacular! People just don’t think of going to a ski resort in the summer, but they should.”

“Being able to all be together surrounded in the luxury and amenities of Casa Nova is a once in a life time experience. You have thought of everything and more!”

These are just a few of the comments shared by our last guests.

Activities enjoyed by the girls while at Casa Nova included hiking out the back door on the trails of Deer Valley, a day boating on the Jordanelle Reservoir, dinner in Old Town Park City for the annual Savor the Summit and Grand Table event, bowling at Park City’s new Jupiter Bowl, “Pizza Night” in our wood fired oven, movies in the state of the art theater, spa treatments in our luxurious spa, relaxing in one of two hot tubs and so much more…

Savor the summit is hands down one of the coolest events to attend in Park City.  The snow has melted, temperatures begin to warm, colorful flowers line Main Street, and glorious green mountains surround the entire experience.  All of these things mingle in concert to provide our unofficial kick off to summer.

One long beautifully set dinner table graces the length of Main Street, allowing for over 1500 diners to join in celebration of fabulous food, outdoor dining, live music, and summer in the mountains.

You pick which restaurant you would like to dine, and then find your reserved spot at the table in front of your choice.

Our guests at Casa Nova will be dining at this event, and I know they are truly looking forward to it…as am I.

http://www.savorthesummit.com/

www.skicasanova.com

Watching the storms come in these past few days from the heated deck at Casa Nova has been amazing. The glowing heat lamps above and the crackle of a roaring fire make the experience perfect. The strike of lighting followed immediately by the crack of thunder makes you stand up and take notice. The storm is right above. Mother Nature is not messing around. Then comes the rain…it moves across the Jordanelle Reservoir below; dancing on the water at first, then gushing as if the clouds are ridding themselves of all moister. The hail follows…pebbles and golf balls from the sky. It’s over as soon as it starts. I’ll have popcorn ready for tomorrow afternoon’s show.

It was an amazing season at Casa Nova. Take a look as we recap some of the highlights. We can only imagine what to expect next year!

• Guests traveled to Casa Nova from all over the world
• We had the Oldest and Youngest ever to ski in and out of the house.
• 75 years old and 3 years old!
• 2 CEO’s
• 3 Company presidents
• 1 Travel Writer – Look for his article highlighting Casa Nova in the Fall – Forbes Magazine
• 1 Actor
• 1 Producer
• 2 Auction Bid Winners
• 3 repeat guests
• 2 guests already rebooked for next year!
• 21 pizza nights – roughly 300 pizzas!
• 4 family reunions
• 1 College Reunion
• 2 corporate retreats
• 1 women’s retreat
• 1 film in the Sundance Film Festival
• 1 King Henry VIII Party (costumes, thrones, turkey legs and all!)
• 1 Michael Jackson Party (Costumes, music, and of course many sequined gloves.)
• 1 Casino Night
• 2 Talent Shows
• 1 Wine Tasting
• 2 engagements
• 7 birthdays
• 1 Anniversary Celebration
• 2 personal DVD Retrospectives in the Theater (created in our library!)
• 3 private jets
• MANY converts from Colorado
• 559 follows on Twitter – follow us at www.twitter.com/LuxuryChalet
• 147 Fans on Facebook – help us expand that number!

I am honored to have the privilege to host my own family at Casa Nova for Thanksgiving, and we are all having the most magical time! We have 17 people, and we are as cozy as can be. With comfortable and luxurious space to gather as a group, as well as six separate “live, love, laugh” rooms to find solitude, Casa Nova truly is the perfect home to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate all that we are thankful for.

From home movies in our THX certified theater, to pool tournaments in the family room. From spa days and brisk walks to everyone helping in the theater kitchen. From snow ball fights and snow men to cozy fires and board games, this is a Thanksgiving that none of us will soon forget and will be impossible to top!

www.skicasanova.com

jenni.haines@skicasanova.com

800-978-5002

It’s early October and winter has already made an appearance.   The change of seasons is always a wonder: The crispness in the air, the crackle of the fire and gloves on our hands all help to signal the change.

Hiking through snow mixed with autumn leaves lying on the trails of Deer Valley, is an invigorating experience. Hopping on those trails right out the back door of Casa Nova is phenomenal.    

Soon these slopes will be covered in white and skiing will begin.  I can’t wait to stroll out the back door, click on my skis and slide down the slopes of the # 1 ski resort in North America – the coveted distinction earned by Deer Valley, for the third year in a row.

Casa Nova Luxury Chalet

www.skicasanova.com

jenni.haines@skicasanova.com

435-659-8825

The leaves have turned and fall is in full force in Park City and at Casa Nova.  It’s time to light one of our 11 fireplaces, hop into one of two hot tubs and sip gourmet hot chocolate, a hot toddie or mulled wine! 

Autumn is a beautiful time to be in the mountains.  The weather is mild, the scenery spectacular and the promise of winter lingers, ready to blanket the landscape in glorious white!  (you know what that means!)

Come wrap yourself in the rustic elegance of Casa Nova, Deer Valley’s premier luxury chalet.

www.skicasanova.com

Sofia Lyn

Dear Meryl,

Thank you so much for helping make our family vacation such a memorable experience. We have traveled the world and have eaten in the finest restaurants but no one has ever come close to your gourmet dinners and their presentation.”

The breath of your culinary skills, and your charming personality for the seven days you prepared our dinners left our entire family speechless. You are a rare find and we recommend you to anyone who wants to experience the finest in a personal chef without any reservation whatsoever.

Thanks again.

Marty & Linda Weiss

Hi Meryl,

I was so completely astonished by the level of your cooking artistry demonstrated at Casa Nova last week I felt compelled to write you this note. The breadth of your culinary skill and knowledge was truly impressive.

I find that “fine” cuisine is often overly complicated – with too much time spent on “presentation”. I am generally disenchanted by “fine” restaurants and elaborate “plate-ups” – primarily because the food is usually mediocre. I was not particularly looking forward to the dining aspect of our vacation, but I was so thoroughly shocked by each of your creations that the dining aspect of our vacation turned out to be the best part of our stay at Casa Nova!!

Thank you so much for a truly memorable experience.

All the best,

Mark Weiss

Chef Meryl in Casa Nova’s Gourmet Kitchen

Our executive chef, Meryl van der Merwe, specializes in the preparation and service of world-class, gourmet cuisines from around the world. Meryl has defined five-star cuisine and service in her many years working in some of the world’s finest homes and yachts. With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients Meryl will delight you with her artistry. She also enjoys satisfying many special requests and dietary goals you might have during your stay at Casa Nova.

Classically trained at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (Vancouver) and in various kitchens and galleys throughout the South of France and the Mediterranean, Chef Meryl van der Merwe has spent ten years traveling the globe, providing “seven-star service” to royalty, heads of state, industry leaders and celebrities. Following her apprenticeship at Victoria & Alfred Hotel (Cape Town), she served as stewardess, sous chef and executive

chef on mega-yachts in Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Oceania. Chef van der Merwe also brings a wealth of experience in European chalet service, having served as chef and food/beverage manager for a dozen chalets in Chamonix and Méribel (3 Vallais). She brings a diverse set of experiences to Casa Nova, offering guests an unparalleled international gourmet experience.

Chef Meryl with Sofia Lyn

Chef Meryl has a great deal of experience serving as chef to many different people with a vast array of palates and dietary needs. As a result, in addition to possessing expertise in many classic cuisines of the world, Chef Meryl is very well versed in specialized menus and cooking styles, including fat-free, low-fat, sugar-free, reduced-sugar, sodium-free, low-sodium, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan and raw food. In addition, Chef Meryl has had a great deal of experience cooking within the guidelines of the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet and the Weight Watchers Program.

Come visit, Casa Nova, Deer Valley’s ultimate luxury chalet, and allow Chef Meryl to excite your senses, dazzle your palate and enhance your already spectacular vacation with her culinary expertise and charm!

www.skicasanova.com

jenni.haines@skicasanova.com

800-978-5002

The view from the terrace at Casa Nova, Deer Valley’s luxury vacation villa, is always amazing.  Yesterday, it was spectacular.  As the predicted cold front moved in, the elements mingled in concert producing a breathtaking display of color and light.  Complete double rainbows arched the sky framing the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uinta Mountains as if a painter’s stroke placed them there intentionally.

The sun broke through the rain to illuminate these magnificent spectrum’s of color making them as vibrant as we have ever seen, and seemingly close enough to touch.

Sunset on the Jordanelle

Just a five minute drive from Casa Nova and Deer Valley Resort, sits the beautiful Jordanelle State Park and Reservoir.  Jordanelle State park offers an array of recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, water sports, swimming hiking and mountain biking. Interpretive programs and walks are held periodically.

We took out a pontoon boat yesterday afternoon and dined al fresco anchored in a private cove while watching skiers, wake boarders, tubers and fisherman enjoy every part of the lake and the fabulous August mountain weather.

Many days we gaze at the lake from our terrace at Casa Nova, but yesterday, we decided to enjoy a day on the water, and literally within minutes we were in the middle of the lake enjoying the breeze, the company and the scenery.   Casa Nova is the ultimate luxury vacation villa in Deer Valley and besides being so close to these water activities, it is ski in and ski out to the number one ski resort in North America.

Come experience Casa Nova in both summer and winter, and enjoy all that this amazing home and spectacular area have to offer.

www.skicasanova.com

jenni.haines@skicasanova.com

800-978-5002

Being able to hop on a trail right outside the back door of Casa Nova is phenomenal.  Casa Nova is the amazing luxury 13,000 sq foot, 7 bedroom vacation villa I manage in Deer Crest.  We do high-end weekly rentals and offer services unlike any other home in the area. Check out some great photos, guest comments, our accolades and more at www.skicasanova.com

Hiking in one of the most beautiful places in Utah is spectacular.  Deer Valley Resort offers epic skiing opportunities in the winter, but in the summer the mountain becomes home to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. You will find them on foot or on wheels, but mostly on cloud nine! 

From Casa Nova’s private ski run, trails take you to the base of the mountain and Snow Park Lodge, or up to Silver Lake Village and any peak or vista you prefer.

Even though we are approaching mid August, everything is still green, wild flowers abound, and wild life can be heard if not seen rustling through the undergrowth.  The thing to look out for when hiking is the large number of mountain bikers whisking down the trails. They have the right of way on the mountain.

Dropping in to Silver Lake Village is a treat.  Having lunch at Royal Street or on the deck at Stein Erikesn’s Lodge is fabulous after your hike. From there you can continue up words on foot or by lift, you can hike home, or take the lift down and work out alternate transportation from Snow Park Lodge.

See you on the trails!

The first weekend in August signals a tradition of creative imagination and community participation for the town of Park City, UT and one of the biggest events of the summer. I spent the weekend strolling up and down Main Street perusing and purchasing some of the eclectic art displayed as I became immersed in all that this year’s festival had to offer. Over 200 artists came from far and near to sell their wares to the Park City and Utah residents, in fact, many artists have been making this trek for 40 years. The crowd is as eclectic as the art displayed; locals and ski bums, tourists and affluent gather to share in the experience of a small town street fare. With its kaleidoscope of color, shape, light and texture accompanied in concert by laughter, music, commerce and barter, there is something for everyone. Phenomenal art for sale and on display, world class food from street vendors and in our restaurants, kids only areas, street performers and musicians, good old fashioned people watching and outdoor concerts at Deer Valley, Utah’s luxury Ski Resort. I can’t wait for next year!

Come and stay at Casa Nova, and experience luxury accommodations and this fantastic event next summer.

www.skicasanova.com
jenni.haines@skicasanova.com
800-978-5002