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
Published in the The Definitive Guide to Deer Valley issue of Park City Magazine.
|
|
|
