Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs is one of those rare places that inspire feelings of utter bliss. Located in the San Juan Mountains an hour from Telluride, the lodge occupies a twelve hand-hewn log cabins that originally made up this nineteenth-century silver miners town, exquisitely furnished inside.

A stay at Dunton Hot Springs is full of possibility and adventure. By day, you can follow spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails in the High Rockies, climb 14,000-feet peaks, jump into the saddle of sturdy horse to tackle high wilderness trails, enjoy world-class fly fishing on an exclusive nine-mile stretch of river, go kayaking and river rafting, explore the desert and Mesa Verdes national parks incredible Navajo archaeological sites, and even travel through the Valley of the Gods to the lodge’s own exclusive Sutcliffe vineyard, the list goes on, all with expert guides. In the winter, go helicopter skiing in a silent world of billowing powder, dog-sledding, ice-climbing and snowmobiling.

Or take an inner journey, learning photography, perhaps a painting class, enjoying a spa experience you simply will not find anywhere else, or soaking for hours in the natural hot springs. The library is a beautiful space in which to catch up on your reading with a glass of warming whisky or leaf through the resort's excellent collection.

Meals follow the tradition of the big cattle outlaws, all sitting together at a long antique table in the Saloon, the heart and soul of Dunton Hot Springs. Guests can also dine in their cabins, or on the private decks al fresco. Nothing is too much trouble. The original fixtures of the Saloon are fantastic – there is an antique cash register, a cozy wood-burning fire and you can even make out carved into the bar the names of Butch Cassidy and Sundance. Enjoy the freshest of organic local produce - succulent mountain lamb and river trout, ceps and chanterelles from the woods, and fruit and vegetables from the farm and vineyard, all served with great wines to match. You can even watch and help the chef prepare. It’s a great place to swap stories.

At night, head back to your cabin and sit out in a rocking chair on your private porch and admire the stars and the darkly silhouetted Rockies before retiring. The cabins are pure western romance. Classic wood furniture, rustic rugs and paintings are complemented by contemporary photography. Smaller cabins are ideally suited to honeymooners, while the larger cabins have three bedrooms, perfect for families.