Outback honeymoon in Colorado - hot springs to rustic chalets!
A romantic stay in Colorado conjures images of keeping warm by the fire after a day on the slopes, however the mountainous state is open to an array of romantic getaways year-round – from staying in rustic wooden chalets in former ghost towns to riding across the USA’s tallest sand dunes on horseback or taking a dip in one of the state’s many natural hot springs, Colorado’s majestic scenery can be the backdrop to an array of honeymoons and couples retreats.
Dunton Hot Springs
If glamping in an 1800’s ghost town has you romanticizing about times gone by, Dunton Hot Springs is the ultimate escape into the great outdoors of America’s Old West, where luxury found in its experiences and its accommodation, away from the crowds. Set in an alpine valley in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton Hot Springs brings honeymooners closer to nature, with activities ranging from horseback riding to mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, photography and yoga. Hand-hewn log cabins provide a cosy retreat where couples can relax to the sound of nearby waterfalls after a day in the mountains, whilst one of eight luxury tents at Dunton River Camp can provide the perfect waterside glamping experience, which are equipped with two mountain bikes ready for couples keen to explore the hundreds of miles of trails surrounding them.
Dunton Hot Springs can also be privately hired for weddings, with couples able to hire the whole historic town, including the original Dancehall & Saloon, Bathhouse, The Pony Express Yoga Studio, an open air chapel, two spa treatment cabins, and 13 hand-hewn luxury cabins for guests to stay in. The background of the San Juan Mountains, meadows and waterfalls provides beautiful scenery to set apart any wedding photo album. Guests can join the couple in adventure activities in the mountains or on the lake, as well as lawn games during the day, whilst line dancing, enjoying the outdoor fire pits and late night soaking in the hot springs make for magical evenings.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
This Forbes five-star, AAA five-diamond historic resort in the Pikes Peak National Forest, is on the doorstep of some of Colorado’s most iconic scenery, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak – the mountain from which Katharine Lee Bates penned the lyrics of ‘America The Beautiful’. The property, which opened in 1918, offers honeymooners luxury accommodation and an internationally renowned spa matched with memorable adventure options that capture the spirit of the American West. The Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experiences make for an extra special stay for those wanting to find seclusion high in a mountain lodge or in a peaceful lakeside cabin. The Ranch at Emerald Valley is an all-inclusive retreat where guests can hike scenic trails, try out fly fishing in one of The Broadmoor’s private lakes or take a romantic horseback ride, before kicking back in one of 13 luxury private cabins in the forest. Cloud Camp – a lodge located 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor – has 360 degree views of Colorado’s mountainous landscape, which can be explored by day and provide a starlit backdrop at night as couples can relax by the lodge’s open fire. Mule rides, disc golf, hiking and cooking classes are all available to complete the perfect honeymoon getaway.
A road trip along the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
Colorado’s thermal hot springs date back to the Ute Indians, who soaked in the mineral pools centuries ago for their healing properties. Today, honeymooners can combine this time-honoured wellness enhancing tradition with a road trip that delivers epic mountain scenery and romantic bathes in the natural mineral waters, taking on some of the 720-mile Historic Hot Springs Loop, which takes in 19 hot spring locations. Glenwood Springs, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is home to the largest mineral pool in the world, as well as the Yampah Vapor Caves – a naturally occurring underground steam bath, which provide the perfect setting to relax as the sun sets after a day of adventure in Glenwood Springs – be it white water rafting in the summer months or snowmobiling in winter. In the southwest of the state, Ouray is often referred to as the Switzerland of America, with iconic views of the San Juan Mountains, met by beautiful Victorian architecture dating back to the town’s mining roots in America’s Gold Rush years. Following a day of canyoning in the summer months or ice climbing in the winter, visitors can relax in the Sulphur-free hot spring pools created by the same geological forces that made the town rich in mining. Another iconic stop on the Historic Hot Springs Loop is Pagosa Springs, surrounded by three million acres of national forest and home to the world’s deepest geothermal aquifier. www.colorado.com/hotspringsloop
Zapata Ranch, Alamosa
Honeymooners looking to embrace the real Old West spirit with spectacular backdrops and learn a little on the way should check out Zapata Ranch. Not only will you experience life on a working cattle ranch, but you’ll be among a conservation herd of Bison and the tallest sand dunes in the USA. The ranch is located next to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the opportunity to ride on horseback across the dunes being exclusive to guests of Zapata Ranch. Whilst horseback activities can include moving cattle, exploring the San Luis Valley or an overnight pack trip into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guests can also try out fly-fishing in the local streams, wildlife watching or a yoga class before retreating to gourmet meals and luxury ranch accommodation. During a stay at Zapata Ranch, couples will learn how the ranch operates, the land and cattle management philosophy of Zapata Ranch and will be able to be hands on with the wranglers – ensuring an educational and enriching wild west experience.
www.zranch.org
Loveland
Also known as ‘America’s Sweetheart Town’, Loveland embraces its romantic name and has been home to a Valentine’s Day remailing programme since 1947, in which millions of Valentines have touched the hearts of loved ones by having Cupid’s message hand stamped and re-mailed from Loveland, Colorado. In 2019, a new Loveland Sweetheart Festival will celebrate love and art in many forms, which will take place in Downtown Loveland on 8th and 9th February. Anchoring the event is one of the largest love lock sculptures in the USA, produced by longtime Loveland resident, Doug Rutledge. This 10-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide steel LOVE sculpture will be introduced during the festival. Attendees can purchase a customisable love lock to secure on the sculpture – the perfect way to mark a romantic getaway. The new event will also feature a Sweetheart Love Art Show; beer, wine and chocolate tastings, and live music. Year-round, Loveland is abundant in adventure and activities for couples, with hiking and biking trails across the open space of Devil’s Backbone, horseback riding and s’mores roasting at Sylvan Dale Ranch, as well as 12 lakes and rivers to explore the waters by kayak or paddleboard.
Zapata Ranch, Alamosa
Honeymooners looking to embrace the real Old West spirit with spectacular backdrops and learn a little on the way should check out Zapata Ranch. Not only will you experience life on a working cattle ranch, but you’ll be among a conservation herd of Bison and the tallest sand dunes in the USA. The ranch is located next to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the opportunity to ride on horseback across the dunes being exclusive to guests of Zapata Ranch. Whilst horseback activities can include moving cattle, exploring the San Luis Valley or an overnight pack trip into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guests can also try out fly-fishing in the local streams, wildlife watching or a yoga class before retreating to gourmet meals and luxury ranch accommodation. During a stay at Zapata Ranch, couples will learn how the ranch operates, the land and cattle management philosophy of Zapata Ranch and will be able to be hands on with the wranglers – ensuring an educational and enriching wild west experience.
For more information, see www.Colorado.com.