9 Best Resorts in Colorado for Rocky Mountain R&R

Colorado is known for its craggy alpine peaks, trout-filled mountain rivers, world-class skiing, and outstanding camping adventures.

It’s quite rugged and an adventurer’s paradise. However, it’s not always as foreboding as it may seem and is home to some pretty luxurious accommodations, spas and resorts, and hot springs.

As much as we fancy ourselves the outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, there’s no harm in taking on adventures while also relaxing in the luxury of world-class resorts.

If you’re planning a trip to Colorado this year, check out these nine resorts that make for a perfect stay any time of year.

Related Read: 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado

1. Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Why you should stay: A warm and hospitable Rocky Mountain outdoor experience.

• Location: Tabernash
• Class: 5-star
• Recent Recognition: Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice, #1 Cross-Country Ski Resort in North America, Tripadvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Winner, Travel + Leisure Top 25 U.S. Resorts Perfect for Families
• Rates from: $304

Though the exterior style and location may lead you to believe it, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is not a dude ranch. Hidden behind that remote and quiet country exterior is a gorgeous and luxurious resort.

With hundreds of acres of land to explore by cross country skies, bike, foot, or horseback, beautiful and private river access for fly fishing, and access to the slopes at Winter Park Resort, there is no shortage of ways to stay occupied while visiting the ranch.

On top of that, unwind at the resort’s Ranch Creek Spa. Choose from a single massage, soak, or a full zen relaxation experience with one of the spa packages. The resort makes it easy to plan events such as conferences, weddings, or group travel.

Related Read: 12 Extraordinary Cabin Rentals in Colorado

2. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Why you should stay: A ski-in/ski-out Rocky Mountain experience.

• Location: Beaver Creek
• Class: 4-star
• Recent Recognition: USA Today Awards Top 10 Best Readers’ Choice Spas 2019
• Rates from: $1299/night

Right at the base of the runs, you can ski-in/ski-out of these accommodations. Not only will you get to experience the lap of luxury with a stay at Park Hyatt Resort, but also laps on the hill!

Check out the snow depth from your balcony, relax in the pool or hot tub, or have apres-ski next to the outdoor fire pit. Sore muscles after days of hitting the slopes? Book treatments at the resort’s Exhale Spa to help you recover after those long days.

Are you visiting during the summer? Beaver Creek has fly fishing, hot air balloon rides, and whitewater rafting adventures, and the resort can help you book those outdoor adventures.

Related read: 11 Perfect Romantic Getaways in Colorado

3. Aspen Meadows

Why you should stay: An active but luxurious vacation with adventures for everyone.

• Location: Aspen
• Class: 4-star
• Recent Recognition: 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
• Rates from: $424/night

Aspen Meadows resort is well-situated on the north end of town to keep you in a quiet part of town but still gives you easy access to multiple trails for hiking and biking and mountains for skiing!

The resort features beautifully designed rooms, a fine dining restaurant, an outdoor lap pool and hot tub, gear rentals, and tennis courts. A stunning spot to spend a vacation, Aspen can fulfill any adventurer’s dream. In the summer, play a round at the local golf course, take a gondola ride up the mountain and go paragliding, hike the Maroon Bells, or navigate your way along the massive local trail systems on your mountain bike.

Winter, of course, brings epic skiing as well as snowmobiling adventures. Local activities are abundant at any time of year, including music festivals, food and wine events, or cultural ski days.

Related Read: 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado for Unforgettable Adventures

4. Vail Four Seasons Resort and Residences

Why you should stay: A skiing vacation home base with all the bells and whistles.

• Location: Vail
• Class: 5-star
• Recent Recognition: Best Hotel in Vail by U.S. News & World Report in 2021
• Rates from: $1,200/night

Nestled in the valley of Colorado’s most well-known ski resort, Vail Four Seasons is a top-notch spot to spend a vacation. Though not quite ski-in/ski-out, the resort is perfectly situated to get to the slopes and enjoy the offers in the town of Vail.

The resort has a game room and tv lounge for the kids to enjoy, a heated pool open year-round, a ski concierge team to set you up with rentals, lessons, and more, and an onsite bar and restaurant. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day out on the slopes, head to the spa to get a massage, facial, or body treatment.

They also offer nail, hair, and barber services so you can make sure you look your best for that night out in town.

Related read: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Colorado

5. Viceroy Snowmass

Why you should stay: A resort with everything you need for a ski rental adjacent to lift access.

• Location: Aspen-Snowmass
• Class: 4-star
• Recent Recognition: The 30 Best Ski-In And Ski-Out Resorts In The World For 2022, Forbes Top 10 Resorts in Colorado, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2021, Ranked #1 in The Top 10 Colorado Resorts, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021
• Rates from: $699 ($399 in the offseason)

If you’re looking for those ski-in ski-out accommodations in the Aspen area, then Viceroy Snowmass will make you smile. Located adjacent to lift access, the Viceroy is the most sophisticated spot in the heart of Snowmass Village.

Unwind from your journey or post-ski with a ritual, massage, or exfoliation at the onsite spa. Pick from any of the onsite bars or restaurants to refuel after a day on the slopes—or if you’d rather stay in and relax, the hotel is happy to serve meals to your room.

The Viceroy is the perfect spot to plan a wedding or anniversary celebration, with complimentary rooms available for the happy couple. No matter your reason for heading to Aspen-Snowmass, a stay at the Viceroy will complete your experience.

Related Read: 10 Gorgeous Cabin Rentals in Grand Lake, Colorado

6. Three Forks Ranch

Why you should stay: An exclusive guided experience in the ranchlands of Colorado and Wyoming.

• Location: Savery, WY (Colorado/Wyoming border)
• Class: 5-star
• Recent Recognition: A 5.0 rating on Tripadvisor, WSJ Finest Money Can Buy, Elite Traveler: Top 101 Hotel Suites of the Year
• Rates from: $1,895/night

An all-inclusive resort experience awaits you at Three Forks Ranch. Set on 200,000 acres of land, the resort accommodates truly unique experiences.

With fly-fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and shooting ranges in the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in the winter, you are sure to get the active and exotic resort/ranch experience.

There is even a private downhill ski/snowboard mountain exclusive for guests. Of course, during your stay, you’ll experience the best hospitality around. A partnership with the Mayo Clinic makes this the perfect getaway for those looking for a fitness and wellness journey designed specifically for you.

Related read: 11 Easiest 14ers in Colorado

7. The Broadmoor

Why you should stay: A stay at a historical and luxury mountain golf resort and spa.

• Location: Colorado Springs
• Class: 5-star
• Recent Recognition: AAA Best of Housekeeping 2020, U.S. News and World Report Best Hotel Rankings 2020 Overall No 1 Best Hotel in Colorado
• Rates from: $310

Tucked on the edge of town near open space and mountains is the luxury resort of The Broadmoor. Originally a casino, the Broadmoor burnt down and was reestablished as a casino and hotel in 1897.

In 1918 a refurbished hotel and newly designed golf course opened to the public. Nowadays, the Broadmoor has all the modern updates, is right in town, and offers some spectacular amenities to its guests, including helping plan all kinds of outdoor and Colorado-specific activities.

If you’d rather, stay at Cloud Camp or the Ranch at Emerald Valley or the Fly Fishing Camp for a remote and superb Colorado experience full of hiking, scenic views, and unmatched beauty.

8. Chateau Beaver Creek

Why you should stay: A under-appreciated, luxurious stay in the heart of Colorado’s ski country.

• Location: Avon
• Class: 5-star
• Recent Recognition: Forbes Best Ski Hotels
• Rates from: Call for rates and availability

Incredibly customer service drive ski resort that is the highest end of upscale, The Chateau is the premiere sport for hard skiers with deep pockets who want to luxuriate at the end of a day of tough runs.

Twenty of the resort’s 65 rooms are ski-in/ski-out condos, and all of them are equal to or higher quality than regular luxury hotel “Presidential Suites.” The Chateau has a supreme restaurant that draws guests from adjacent towns, but keep in mind it’s only open for dinner.

If you choose to visit during the summer, you’ll have an equally enjoyable trip with hiking and biking trails out your door, fly-fishing, and rafting on the Eagle River, or full access to rock climbing and jeeping.

Related read: 10 Tiny House Rentals in Colorado

9. Stonebrook on Fall River

Why you should stay: Stay at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Location: Estes Park
• Class: 2-star
• Rates from: $139/night

Though this spot may not seem like it’s quite as high of quality as others on the list, the location of Stonebrook makes up for the lack of an onsite spa.

Set at the base of Deer Mountain, on the Fall River, you will find a peaceful and relaxing stay on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore the national park by hiking or touring on the bus shuttle system, and return to your cozy room to enjoy a beer or glass of wine by the ensuite fire.

Your chances of spotting wildlife are quite good here as elk, bear, coyotes, sheep, and even lions call the mountains their home. If you’re staying for a while, be sure to check out the quaint town of Estes Park to enjoy some nights out or book a rafting or jeep tour.

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