Byron Dudley

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• Best of Escapes 2005

Photo courtesy of the Rusty Parrot Lodge

Photo by Decorah Fleig

Best Romantic Getaway

The Rusty Parrot Lodge, Jackson, Wyoming Splurge and book one of the romantic Fireplace and Jacuzzi rooms. Dine in the lodge’s award-winning Wild Sage Restaurant, luxuriate in the renowned spa or venture out: the lodge is just a few blocks from Jackson’s Town Square.  (800) 458-2004 or rustyparrot.com. 

Knob Hill Inn, Ketchum, Idaho Featuring the charm of a European chateau set amidst the peaceful panorama of Bald Mountain and the Sawtooth and Boulder mountain ranges. (800) 526-8010 or knobhillinn.com.

OTHER FAVORITES: Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, California; Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado; Wine Country Farm, Dayton, Oregon; Sardy House, Aspen, Colorado.

Best Mountain Spa

Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe, New Mexico Experience the art of rejuvenation at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese spa and hot springs resort. Massages, facials and more in settings including treetop rooms and pagodas. Reserve The Four Hands, One Heart massage, where  two therapists work in unison. (505) 982-9304 or tenthousandwaves.com.

Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona Transcending the image of a traditional day spa is Canyon Ranch, a health resort tucked away in the Sonoran Desert. Experience healthy gourmet cooking, aquatic aerobics, golf instruction and of course the spa. The accommodations are top-notch. (800) 742-9000 or canyonranch.com/Tucson.

OTHER FAVORITES: Vail Cascade Resort & Aria Spa, Vail, Colorado; Golden Door ® Spa at The Peaks, Telluride, Colorado; The Body Sage Day Spa (inside the Rusty Parrot Lodge), Jackson, Wyoming.

Best Undiscovered Mountain Town

Hailey, Idaho A population of 6,200 resides in this small town nestled in the Wood River Valley. There’s much to do in Hailey—dog sledding, miles of non-motorized trails and local theatre, art galleries. Just 11 miles south of Ketchum and Sun Valley. (208) 788-4221 or haileycityhall.org.

Red Lodge, Montana A small town with a big appetite, Red Lodge has more dining options per capita than any other community in Montana. The city is also home to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area. Take the scenic Bear Tooth Highway here from Cody. (888) 281-0625 or redlodge.com.

OTHER FAVORITES: Truckee, California; Las Vegas, New Mexico; Palisade, Colorado; Hemet, California; McCall, Idaho; Bluff, Utah.

Best Hotel for Art Lovers

La Fonda, Santa Fe, New Mexico  Reserve a suite in the La Terraza wing (overlooking the Cathedral) of this historic landmark hotel. Admire the art of Ernesto Martinez (he’s decorated the walls, windows and furniture here for the past 50 years) while lunching in La Plazuela, the courtyard restaurant. (505) 982-5511 or lafondasantafe.com.

Photo courtesy of Amangani

Best Honeymoon Spot

Amangani, Jackson, Wyoming A stay at the Amangani will deliver exactly what a honeymoon should: the experience of a lifetime.  Two staff members for every guest ensures exceptional service. The room’s king-size platform beds and sandstone fireplaces offer cozy comfort. And in lieu of a traditional turn-down service, guests may find a book of poetry or a regional fly-fishing guide on their pillow, depending on their interests. Outdoor activities range from all that Jackson Hole has to offer. (877) 734-7333 or amangani.com.

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona After the stress of wedding planning and the excitement of the big day, a restful oasis is just what the happy couple needs. Relax at the world-class spa, where massage and body treatments slip the mind and body into relaxation mode, and dine at the resort’s array of restaurants. (800) 950-0086 or arizonabiltmore.com.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada Delectable dining, sinfully indulgent spa services and luxurious accommodations are the hallmark of this hotel. Whether you and your spouse are looking to unwind indoors or escape outdoors, The Chateau offers a storybook setting overlooking postcard-perfect Lake Louise. Take a rowboat ride for two out on the lake in summer, or a horse-drawn sleigh ride in winter. (800) 257-7544 or fairmont.com/lakelouise.

OTHER FAVORITES: Brooks Lake Lodge, Dubois, Wyoming; Highland Haven Creekside Inn, Evergreen, Colorado; Big-EZ Lodge, Big Sky, Montana.

Best Sunset

Over Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, Sweeping views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole and Cascade Canyon make it a spectacular place to take in the glory of the waning sun. Grand.teton.national-park.com.  

From Allred’s Restaurant, Telluride, Colorado This stone and timber perch offers staggering views of the 13,000-foot peaks framing Telluride and the twinkling lights of the historic town 1,800 feet below. (970) 728-7474 or allredsrestaurant.com.

Mohave Point, Grand Canyon, Arizona One of the most breathtaking photo ops around. Located on the southwestern rim of the canyon. Nps.gov/grca.

Along the Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana A hike here offers the jagged peaks of Garden Wall looming above, and deep valleys carved by glaciers below. Hikers often share the sunset with mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Nps.gov/glac.

He Devil Peak, overlooking Snake River, Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho Carved by the Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges 8,000 feet below. Hellscanyonvisitor.com.

Editor's Pick

Fish for Supper
West Coast Fishing Club, Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada
This is a true frontier wilderness. Stay at The Clubhouse overlooking the ocean on the highest point of Langara Island or at The Outpost, nestled in a rain forest and
surrounded by mountain streams. Fish for salmon or simply enjoy the splendid isolation. (604) 233-9232 or westcoastfishingclub.com. 

Eat, Drink & Listen
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Washington Located on an 87-acre wooded estate just 15 miles northeast of Seattle, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the state’s oldest winery. Sign up for a private cellar tour, participate in a wine-blending and indulge in a multi-course dinner expertly matched with award-winning wines. Enjoy summer concerts by the likes of B.B. King, Don Henley and the Dave Matthews band. (425) 488-1133 or ste-michelle.com.