Years ago, I experienced my first vacation in a villa. Going into my vacation, I was excited to have an entire house to myself (small group), where we could experience the morning and evenings at our leisure. We weren't beholden to a "written" timeframe for breakfast or dinner. I enjoyed that stay as much as I thought I would.

Since that time, I have always looked for a similar situation when I travel. Places that have the comfort of home ... a little more space in the bedrooms, a place to relax and a kitchen to at least cook breakfast without having to rush out to the closest restaurant, or eating a stale doughnut purchased the night before.

Part of my job description (self-described) is to experience life in the Rocky Mountains. In doing so, it is necessary to be in cities like Park City and Heber City, Utah to gather information for articles. As I was looking for places to stay in the Heber City and Midway area, I ran across a condominium at Fox Bay condominiums. First, I looked at how far away it was located from Heber City, Deer Valley and Park City. Looking on the map, I realized that it was just a few minutes away from Heber City, Utah,just across the road from the express lift to the Deer Valley Ski Resort and only about five minutes from Park City, Utah.

I contacted the owner of the condominium about the nights that I wanted to stay and they happened to be available. We talked about the amenities at the club house and the condo. With the winter nights hovering around 0, the enclosed and secure garage was a plus.

The check-in process is quite easy. It was all done through email and a conversation on the telephone. With payment, the owner sends the access information for the garage and the condominium. It couldn't have been easier.

The location of the Fox Bay Condominiums is convenient to skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter time, lake activities in the summer time and total relaxation any other time. From the Salt Lake International Airport, it is about 40 minutes of driving time.

The condominium is on the first level of the building, which is just a few steps up from the garage. If you have groceries, or several bags to carry in, this is an ideal location for the condominium. The entrance to the condo itself has a coat closet and a short hallway with the master bedroom on the left with its own full bath, walkin closet and television.

Straight ahead is the kitchen and living area. The living area has a comfortable couch and easy chair facing the gas fireplace and a large television with DVD. Even in a great place like Heber City/Park City, Utah, I like to relax for a few minutes by watching some mindless television. (The owners do have a selection of DVD's if you want to watch a movie.)

Just off of the living area is the kitchen with a nice island, large refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher and pantry. The owners have included all of the utinsels, pans and plates that you would need to enjoy preparing and eating any meal. There are windows to let in the light and a small balcony to enjoy the fresh air if you wish.

To the left of the entry hall is a small offshoot with a second full bath, seperate laundry room and second bedroom with two twin beds.

For those of you who need to have access to the internet for work or play, there is wireless internet in the condominium. It is fast and works well. The condominium looked like new. This is a perfect place for four people. However, if you needed to, the condominium could accomodate six.

What else is there to do if you don't feel like leaving the complex? Just up the street (about 150 feet) is the club house. At the clubhouse you will find the pool, hottub, workout room and open areas with a large screen television. If you are with a larger group, the clubhouse may be the place to get together for some cards, game of pool, or a movie on the big screen.

The condominium is convenient. It is located within minutes of three world-class ski resorts: Deer Valley, Park City Resort and The Canyons. The condo is located on the edge of Jordanelle Resevoir with a view; 15 minutes from Soldier Hollow (golf and cross-country skiing); 15 minutes from Midway, Utah (home of Swiss Days); minutes from miles of snowmobiling areas; 45 minutes from the Uintah Mountain Range; blue-ribbon fishing, hiking, mountain biking and shopping surrounds you when you are staying in this condominium.

For more information on this condo, visit their personal website (More Info) to get the current rates (which are reasonable at $120 - 250 per night depending on the season) and additional information.