This elegant resort and hunting reserve in the San Juan Mountains is on 4,000 acres of natural elk habitat, 60 minutes from Durango. Each of the Spanish-style hacienda's eight rooms, named for different regions of the world, incorporates furniture and art from the owners' travels, and all come with luxe touches such as Frette linens, whirlpool tubs, and balconies. Using organic and artisanal ingredients, the restaurant's husband-and-wife team create innovative sculptural dishes that could pass for fine dining in a major city. Stargazers can take in the view from the outdoor hot tubs and from the breathtaking flying deck suspended over the valley. Most guests spend their time hunting the many elk on the property, skeet shooting, or horseback riding.
When to go: Summer or early fall.
Which room to book: The spacious America Suite has a panoramic view of the hills (doubles, $895–$995, including meals).