The Rockies are home to some of America’s most breathtaking scenery as the high backbone of the lower 48, featuring rows of jagged, snow-covered peaks, rugged canyons, wild rivers and glistening lakes. From the especially tranquil, wilderness areas of Wyoming and Montana, to Colorado’s legendary Rocky Mountain High and even into the northern reaches of New Mexico, you’ll find the opportunity for all sorts of outdoor adventures as well as top-notch accommodations. These top resorts and hotels are sure to provide the perfect place to experience the best of the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square - Vail, Colorado
One of the best spa resorts in Colorado, The Arrabelle is situated on Vail Square and sets a whole new standard when it comes to luxurious lodging. It reflects the romantic heritage and ambiance of the European Alps, with architectural touches of Innsbruck, Prague and Salzburg. Each of the spacious suites, ranging from 550 to over 2500 square-feet, include high-end features like a living room area with a fireplace and flat-screen TV with a DVD player. Guests also enjoy upscale amenities like grocery delivery service, ski valets and personal butler service. The rooftop pool and whirlpool tub allow you to soak your cares away while taking in jaw-dropping views of the Rockies, while golf enthusiasts have access to two 18-hole courses at the adjacent Red Sky Golf Club. The state-of-the-art RockResorts Spa offers another great place to unwind with even more breathtaking vistas of the Rockies as you enjoy massage treatments, facials, body wraps and more.
The Stanley Hotel - Estes Park, Colorado
Just outside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, the historic Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909, offers an ideal base for exploring the park as well as being a rather interesting attraction in its own right. Known as one of America’s most haunted hotels, it reportedly spooked horror master Stephen King so much that it became the inspiration for the setting of “The Shining.” Mr. Stanley, the hotel’s original owner and the inventor of the Stanley Steamer Automobiles, along with his wife, are said to frequently walk through the lobby. Mrs. Stanley can sometimes be heard playing her piano in the music room, while a former housekeeper who died here in 1911, is said to frequently assist guests in Room 217 by unpacking and storing their belongings, while the sounds of children running and laughing down the halls seem to be common occurrences, reported on the fourth floor. This spectacular hotel offers fine dining at the Cascades Restaurant as well as massage therapies and facial treatments at the Parlour Spa. The guest rooms include a living room area, flat-screen TVs and king-sized beds, some come with a private balcony too.
Hotel Jerome - Aspen, Colorado
The historic Hotel Jerome, set in the heart of Aspen, has been indulging guests with personalized service, exceptional accommodation and understated elegance since 1889. Modern and strikingly picturesque, it’s renowned not only for its spacious, beautiful guest rooms, all a minimum of 525-square-feet, decked out with plasma TVs, in-room iPads, down bedding, luxurious linens, espresso makers and oversize baths, but its world-class spa and fine dining is what lures in luxury travelers. Unwind under the alpine sun in one of two hot tubs or alongside the heated pool, and get a great workout in at the 24/7 fitness center and yoga studio overlooking Mount Sopris. At the magnificent spa, you can indulge in a mineral salt invigoration body treatment, basalt stone massage and many other heavenly therapies.
Triple Creek Ranch - Darby, Montana
A chic getaway in Montana, Triple Creek Ranch is an adults-only mountain retreat in the small town of Darby, set on thousands of acres within Western Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains. Especially romantic, it sits among soaring pines on the side of the region’s highest mountain, Trapper Peak, offering the chance to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty as well as tours to look for moose, elk, peregrine falcons, eagles and hawks, and possibly bear or wolf, if you’re lucky. Guests have access to a long list of activities available right onsite, like horseback riding, hiking and golfing. Afterward, ease hunger pangs by enjoying gourmet meals focused on fresh, local ingredients. The cozy log cabins come complete with wood-burning fireplaces and hot tubs, making for an ideal finale to the end of an unforgettable day.
Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa - Dubois, Wyoming
Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming about 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park, this peaceful resort is ideal for a quiet getaway with its rustic cabins and stunning scenery. The 100-year-old historic lodge offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and country living with gourmet dining, 5-star service and excellent accommodation. There are lodge rooms and cabins to choose from, all with western décor and wooden furniture, offering magnificent views and wood-burning stoves. Guests can enjoy winter and summer activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing and snowmobiling as well as wildlife excursions, hiking, fishing, canoeing, archery and trail rides. As this is an all-inclusive resort, all meals, many adventures and access to the spa with a variety of massage and other treatments, are included.
Amangani - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Perched on the edge of East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson Hole, the legendary Amangani, which means “peaceful home,” is known as one of the finest mountain resorts in the world. Sitting nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks grazing land and meadows while surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. It offers a dramatic Rocky Mountain hideaway for those who want to enjoy tranquil luxury with its Zen-like feel throughout. The overly-spacious rooms boast fine craftsmanship in details like woven cowhide chairs, slate-lined shower rooms, metal fireplaces, king-size platform beds and deep soaking tubs with mountain views. The sliding glass doors opening to private decks with sweeping vistas of the Snake River Range and the Teton Range with its dominating Grand Teton peak are icing on the cake. Here, the staff takes the time to get to know each guest by name, and extraordinary service is experienced throughout, whether enjoying the local, sustainable ranch cuisine in The Grill dining room or the seaweed body treatments at the spa.
Redfish Lake Lodge - Stanley, Idaho
Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley offers affordable, comfortable lodging for those who want to enjoy the best of the great outdoors in its cozy cabins, uniquely decorated in different themes, most with a fireplace. There are no TVs or telephones, providing a more authentic, back-to-nature escape. Instead, of staring at your smartphone, you can rent bicycles and go mountain biking, hike the miles and miles of trails in the Sawtooth Mountains, play boche ball or rent a boat to take out on the lake. There are also lots of outstanding fishing spots and scenic lake tours available too. A traditional Northwestern breakfast is served every day of the week in the main dining room, and guests can also enjoy a meal in Limbert’s restaurant.
River Stone Resorts & Bear Paw Suites - Estes Park, Colorado
Just a stone’s throw from Rocky Mountain National Park, River Stone Resorts & Bear Paw Suites offers the chance for the ultimate outdoor adventure with a variety of one, two and three-bedroom units, most adjacent to the beautiful Fall River, for a serene mountain experience. All feature a full kitchen, gas fireplace, gas grill, HDTV with cable, a washer/dryer, an in-room jetted spa tub or outdoor hot tub and more. From here, you can enjoy hiking the more than 355 miles of trails in the park, fly-fishing in the multitude of rivers and lakes, horseback riding, water sports like kayaking and white water rafting, as well as wildlife viewing, including the large population of elk that can often be seen hanging out right in town.
Sonnenalp - Vail, Colorado
Renowned as the very best hotel in Vail, in a town with many exceptional properties, this Bavarian-style lodge features luxury suites and rooms that all offer views of either Vail Village or Gore Creek, along with amenities like handmade furniture, heated floors in marble bathrooms and fireplaces. Fuel up for a day of play at the impressive breakfast buffet – and be sure to ask for the Bavarian Benedict, served upon special request by lederhosen-wearing staff. In addition to the wide variety of recreational activities in the surrounding area, you can enjoy a private 18-hole golf course, perfectly located in the sun-drenched valley of Edwards, and a pampering spa facility.
Teton Springs Lodge & Spa - Victor, Idaho
Located in Victor, Idaho just 25 miles from Jackson, Wyoming, the resort offers a tranquil destination in mountainous surroundings along with convenient access for exploring Jackson Hole. Guests frequently return for its warm, elegant atmosphere in addition to the striking scenery. The stylish rooms include private balconies, fully-equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs and heavy wooden furnishings. The cabins all sleep up to 12 guests and come equipped with outdoor barbecue grills as well as washer/dryers. While most spend the day exploring the surroundings, there are on-site amenities too, including a golf course, pool, tennis court and spa. The Sage Café and The Grille & Fireside Patio restaurant serves up hearty portions of locally sourced mountain cuisine.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch - Beaver Creek, Colorado
The Ritz-Carlton, with its giant lodgepole-and-timber cabin in traditional National Park-lodge style, offers convenience and luxury, dominating the base of Bachelor Gulch Mountain between Beaver Creek and Arrowhead. The sleek rooms have a luxurious yet rustic look, while marble bathrooms all boast soaking tubs. Visit the spa for locally inspired treatments and unique amenities, including a rock-lined Grotto. You can also enjoy Japanese delights at Sakaba as well as more casual dining and live entertainment at Buffalo’s.
Grand Hyatt Vail - Vail, Colorado
Set at the base of Vail Mountain, Grand Hyatt Vail is located in the heart of Vail Valley within the Cascade Village neighborhood. Plush rooms and suites feature modern mountain decor, with upgraded rooms adding separate sitting areas. Bike rentals are available, while active travelers will love its easy access to Vail Mountain skiing and snowboarding. After a day on the slopes, unwind at the creekside infinity pool or enjoy a soak in the hot tubs.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado - Santa Fe, New Mexico
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe’s renowned art galleries and shops, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo foothills overlooking the Rio Grande River Valley, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is renowned as the area’s most intimate resort. Taking advantage of the nearly always present sunshine, the villa-style casitas are contemporary, airy and earthy, equipped with adobe fireplaces, heated bathroom floors and deep soaking tubs. Spend the day enjoying the fresh mountain air by booking everything from hiking and biking excursions to guided tours of Taos and O’Keeffe Country through the newly added onsite Adventure Center. Detox at the spa offering regionally inspired treatments like Mountain Spirit Purification and culinary adventures at the restaurant, Terra.
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
The Resort at Paws Up offers incomparable luxury in the stunning Blackfoot Valley east of Missoula. Guests enjoy staying amid unspoiled wilderness for an especially tranquil escape nestled into some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. While you may want to relax and do nothing at all, you’ll find numerous options for getting active, including horseback rides that range from an hour up to a week, fishing world-class trout waters, four-wheeling on an ATV tour, hiking 100 miles of trails, mountain biking, rafting, clay shooting, kayaking, rappelling and more. A wide range of accommodation options is set across the 37,000-acre working cattle ranch, including everything from luxurious private homes to glamping in high-end, safari-style tents.
El Monte Sagrado - Taos, New Mexico
Located in the colorful town of Taos, noted for its art colony and an almost magical aura that casts a lingering spell, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa is a lush sanctuary for nurturing the body, mind and soul. Created to exist in harmony with the land, it features a Sacred Circle of green space and cottonwood trees that are bordered by waterfalls, stone water sculptures, a wooden footbridge, stocked trout pond, and a multitude of regional flora and foliage. The resort includes luxe suites and casitas, all with décor that reflects a wide range of global influences inspired by Native American culture and local artists. The Living Spa offers exotic treatments using all-natural and organic products infused with indigenous flowers and plants, while the De la Tierra restaurant is a destination in its own right, renowned for its culinary delights.
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch - Stanley, Idaho
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is in the fortunate position of having the stunning Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River as its backdrop, surrounded by more wilderness than anywhere else in the lower 48. It welcomes guests to enjoy a unique western experience with a nearly limitless possibility for outdoor adventures, both onsite and throughout the majestic Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Enjoy the natural hot springs pool, a stocked pond, access to the Salmon River, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding, as well as kicking back on the front porch with Old Hickory rockers. There are a variety of cabins, including a honeymoon cabin and family cabin, as well as main lodge rooms, all with luxury linens and fireplaces. The skilled on-site chef prepares delicious and healthy breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners using local ingredients.
Red Horse Mountain Ranch - Harrison, Idaho
Set in the foothills of the Rockies at the edge of Couer d’Alene National Forest, this all-inclusive guest ranch offers the ultimate family vacation with something for everyone in an ideal blend of outdoor adventure and rustic luxury set across 300,000 acres. You’ll enjoy first-rate western accommodations in either private cabins or lodge suites, all with private baths and down comforters. Choose from an extensive list of guided adventures like horseback rides through the gorgeous scenery, fly-fishing, archery, kayaking and more.
Whitefish Mountain Resort - Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish Mountain Resort, located in the beautiful Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park, offers a variety of on-mountain accommodation options, including lodges, townhomes and condominium rentals. All are fully furnished with kitchen supplies, a TV/DVD player, barbecues and firewood. Winter brings the opportunity for skiing, snowboarding, dog sled adventures and snowmobile tours, and after the snow melts, visitors can enjoy scenic lift rides to the top of the mountain, an alpine slide, hiking, mountain biking, and zip line tours. Transportation is offered to downtown Whitefish, which boasts a variety of restaurants and nightlife venues.
