Travel: 3 Romantic Outdoor Retreats To Get Away From It All
1. GLAMPING GETAWAY
Utah’s newest glamping resort, Conestoga Ranch, occupies 18 acres near Bear Lake, or, as locals call it, the “Caribbean of the Rockies” thanks to the area’s enchanting turquoise-blue waters. The property can accommodate up to 160 guests, making it ideal for rustic-chic weddings or honeymoons.
Bunk up in one of the canvas Grand Tents, each named for a national park and equipped with electricity, comfy beds with Pendleton blankets, en suite bathrooms, mini fridges, and private campfires for roasting s’mores. Guests can also stay in custom-crafted Conestogas modeled after authentic 19th-century covered wagons.
At the on-site Campfire Grill, dine on burgers, roasted chicken, and wood-oven pizzas; wash it all down with wine and local craft beers. The grill can provide picnic baskets and catering for on-site events. Hop on one of the resort’s bikes and cruise down to the lake to swim, paddleboard, and soak up the sun, or pedal into town to sample a favorite local treat: fresh, creamy Bear Lake raspberry shakes.
2. RED-ROCK REFUGE
Located six miles from Arches National Park, Utah’s other upscale glamping resort, Moab Under Canvas, gives a whole new meaning to sleeping under the stars. The 40-acre sandstone and sagebrush property boasts a variety of safari and tipi-style tents all outfitted with beds and most with en suite bathrooms (some have shared facilities), wood-burning stoves, and decks where you can take in the sweeping desert landscape at sunrise and sunset. Book a secluded suite tent for your honeymoon, which adds a king-size bed, lounge area, and spectacular views of Arches.
For a boho-chic celebration, rent the entire glampground and host up to 300 guests. Large tents are available for dining, dancing, and all manner of revelry. Make a weekend of it and treat guests to hiking, biking, and hot air balloon rides.
3. ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Vista Verde Ranch, an all-inclusive dude ranch just north of Steamboat Springs, offers all the luxuries of a resort but in a casual, kick-yourcowboy- boots-up manner. The service is top-notch, the staff is super friendly, and the Western fare is homestyle cooking at its finest (all meals and booze are included in your stay).
Get cozy in a private cabin with one to three bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room, wood stove, and hot tub on the deck. You won’t find TVs or telephones, but you’ll experience pure peace and quiet. A stay in the winter is especially magical and romantic. Wake up to powdery snow; eat a hearty breakfast of pancakes, omelets, or oatmeal; and then head out on a guided snowshoe expedition, take a horseback riding lesson at the indoor arena, hop on a sleigh ride, or hone your skills with a cooking class or wine tasting. At night, head to the main lodge for board games, live music, or a country-western hoedown.
Featured Photo: Britt Chudleigh / Chudleigh Weddings