Resorts out West That Are Perfect for Families
There are plenty of hotels in the U.S. that purport to prioritize families, but some go above and beyond with kid- and adult-approved amenities and atmospheres. 1. C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado: Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, just a two-hour drive from Denver, this 8,500-acre ranch resort beckons city slickers wanting to slow down in the Wild West: Picture guests on horseback, galloping through meadows, or holed up in the tented spa overlooking the river. The purposeful lack of in-room TVs and telephones is a literal breath of fresh air, encouraging both kids and adults to stay off their screens and get out into nature, whether that means fly fishing, mountain biking, or hiking in the summer, or snowmobiling, cross-country-skiing, and ice skating in the winter. In addition to a full kids' program and convenient all-inclusive plan, accommodations also focus on families, with homey rooms and one- to-three-bedroom cabins perfect for multi-generational groups. 2. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Utah: The Lodge at Blue Sky, located just outside Park City, appeals to active families who like their Mother Nature with a side of modern comforts. The photogenic landscape - 3,500 acres of undulating hills, dotted with roaming wildlife - lends itself to outdoorsy pursuits (mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, or heliskiing), but you'll be far from roughing it here. After an activity-packed day, you can unwind with a treatment in the 7,400-square-foot spa, enjoy a drink at the High West Distillery, which produces its own whiskey, or soak in the infinity pool overlooking the mountains. Or, simply retire to your lavish accommodations, which include spacious lodge-like rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, canyon-facing suites built into the hillside and equipped with a private terrace and outdoor fireplace, and freestanding suites situated along the banks of a creek. 3. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Set at the base of the Teton mountain range, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Jackson Hole, this ski-in/ski-out property offers prime access to some seriously extreme hiking, biking, and skiing trails. Between strenuous runs on the slopes, though, guests are spoiled with luxe comforts, from the heated towels and robes to the hot chocolate and s'mores to the dedicated ski concierge who advises skiers on snow conditions. The well-appointed rooms are warm and welcoming, equipped with fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and balconies with mountain or valley views. For some apres-ski entertainment, there are several restaurants and a bar (all with mountain vistas), a heated outdoor pool, and a serene spa with treatments to help you decompress before another active day in the great outdoors. 4. Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Colorado: Smack in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, this secluded getaway sits on 6,500 acres of pristine wilderness. It's under a two-hour drive to Denver, though the resort is its own adventureland, with a full schedule of activities, from cross-country skiing and sleigh rides in the winter to zip lining, biking, and fishing come summer; horseback riding is offered year-round. The rooms, some of which have stone fireplaces, are rustic-chic, while three restaurants (which use organic, locally sourced ingredients) provide spots to refuel and a full-service spa and heated outdoor swimming pool are at the ready to soothe muscles after an active day. Here are a few that are we can more easily drive to from Maryland: 1. Taconic, A Kimpton Hotel, Vermont: With in-room fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, a fully stocked library, and a wraparound porch for taking in the idyllic views, this boutique hotel in Manchester, Vermont, will make families feel at home in no time. Kids will love the complimentary bikes, while parents will praise the in-room spa services and daily wine hours hosted every evening. Meanwhile, kiddos and adults will find equal pleasure in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant serving American fare. Even four-legged family members are well taken care of here, with plush beds, water bowls, and mats available in pet-friendly rooms. 2. Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri: Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, overlooking Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is all about quiet perfection. The historic property, originally built in the 1920s and now in the hands of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, is sprawled across 4,600 acres, though it manages to give off a picture-perfect small-town vibe. Families can do as much or as little as they'd like - several world-class golf courses, a full-service spa, an outdoor heated swimming pool, complimentary canoes and kayaks, two marinas, multiple dining venues (including one with panoramic views) and much more await. No matter what your itinerary holds, the accommodations (log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, charming lodge rooms, and inviting cottages) offer a snug respite. 3. The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rhode Island: For a glimpse at life in the Gilded Age, book a stay at this stately brick mansion, built in 1909 by the Vanderbilt family. Inside, the Gatsby-like space shelters a huge fireplace, museum-worthy art, and a grand staircase that leads to the crisp, contemporary rooms. In addition to subtle signals to a bygone era, there's also a peaceful spa, two swimming pools, and in the summer, a garden terrace and rooftop bar with sweeping harbor views. Guests can also easily explore nearby Newport - the hotel is close to the action, but lacks any noise, thanks to its location on a quiet leafy side street. 4. WaterColor Inn & Resort, Florida: Much like the name suggests, the David Rockwell-designed WaterColor Inn & Resort is splashed with a cheery color scheme of soft blues greens, lending the Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, spot an airy, laid-back feel. When visitors aren't sunbathing on the beautiful private beach, you can find them on the water, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, or on land, hiking, biking, and golfing. Factor in a coastal dune lake setting, food using ingredients from local farms and fishermen, and beachfront rooms with balconies that look out onto the Gulf of Mexico, and you'll soon understand why this property is a favorite among families.
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