In Brief: The Observatory, A Viceroy Resort, has opened in downtown Ketchum, Idaho, with 73 guest rooms, 12 penthouse residences and a rooftop observatory.
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The Observatory – Image Credit Tal Roberts
The Observatory, A Viceroy Resort, has opened in downtown Ketchum, minutes from Bald Mountain. The property includes 73 guest rooms and suites, 12 single-level penthouse residences, dining venues, a rooftop observatory, a fitness center, a dipping pool and more than 4,500 square feet of meeting and event space.
The 12 residences range from approximately 1,500 to 3,500 square feet and include two to four bedrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces and private outdoor areas. Select residences have hotel lock-off configurations. Residence owners have access to the property’s dining, wellness and concierge services.
The rooftop observatory is located within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. A 12-foot, 6-inch Ash Dome houses a PlaneWave CDK17 telescope. Local astrophotographers Travis Amick and Leah Rogers will lead private stargazing sessions, astrophotography workshops and storytelling programming. Programming will include events tied to meteor showers, planetary alignments, eclipses and lunar phases.
Dining venues include Joan, Jerry’s Bar, Odin’s Corner and Andy’s Watershed. Joan serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers contemporary American cuisine. Jerry’s Bar serves cocktails, while Odin’s Corner offers meals, snacks and coffee. Andy’s Watershed serves cocktails and food by the pool. In-room dining is also available.
The Spa at The Observatory is scheduled to open later this season. The 5,000-square-foot spa will include a thermal pool, sauna, hot and cold therapies, facials, massages, body treatments and recovery-focused treatments. Its menu will include Biologique Recherche’s Bespoke Remodeling Facial and Triple Lift Facial, as well as QMS Oxygen Infusion and Age Repair Collagen facials. Additional services will include Therabody percussive therapy, compression boots and après-ski leg treatments.
De Reus Architects and FDG Design Group led the property’s architecture and interior design. The exterior includes Montana Moss Rock sourced from Idaho and Montana. Interior materials include woods harvested throughout the Pacific Northwest, slate finishes, copper accents and Shou Sugi Ban woodwork.
The property’s planned programming is organized around wellness, adventure, culinary offerings, and community, arts and culture. Partners include the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Sun Valley Culinary Institute, Ed Viesturs and HIMALI, Sun Valley Guides, and The Argyros Performing Arts Center.
Planned experiences include Dark Sky Yurt Dinners, Moonlit Snowshoe & Sauna and Summit Perspectives with Ed Viesturs. A Mountain Concierge will coordinate itineraries and excursions with local partners. Select experiences will launch initially, with additional offerings introduced throughout the year.
The Observatory has partnered with Rivian to provide house cars for guests traveling in Ketchum and the surrounding area. Art displayed at the property includes works from The Durrance Collection and photography by Travis Amick, Lisa Wood and Nick Price.