Photography by David Stearn

"Spa vacations, and dude ranches with spas, are growing as health-conscious dudes and guests want to get away from the work place to escape and relax in pursuit of rest, fitness, invigoration, rejuvenation – in their quest for better health – both mental and physical. Today millions of city dude ranch vacationers are looking to Spa Dude Ranches to fulfill their dreams of being a cowboy or cowgirl and enjoy the peace; "wellness" and pampering that go hand in hand with active and passive spa vacations. Some Spa dude ranches offer luxury pampering, weight management, massage and aroma therapy, spiritual awareness, stress control, herbal and holistic wraps, nutritional programs and special diets that feature low fat healthy foods for all, prevention and body conditioning. One of the real added benefits of Spa Dude Ranch Vacations is the natural beauty and the surroundings that make each of these dude and spa ranches so unique and special. While there are many dude ranch vacations that offer massage and limited spa programs there are only a handful of Dude Ranch Spa Vacations that truly offer many of the programs and features that traditional spas offer. Be sure to check with each dude ranch and inquire of the level of spa treatments that they feature in addition to the horseback riding, fishing, hiking and children’s programs they may offer." -- Ranch Web

Our Location Neither the impossible beauty of the drive beside the West Fork of the Dolores River, the road perched above haunting beaver ponds nor the dancing light through the aspen groves prepares you for the first sight of Dunton Hot Springs. A Ghost Town so lovingly restored, so honestly weathered, nestling beneath the glistening snow fields of the San Juan peaks. Our Cabins Each of Dunton's guest cabins is an authentic, nineteenth century, hand-hewn log building, restored by local and Native American craftsmen who specialize in traditional building techniques. Although no two are alike, each bears a distinct individual character and history. All are furnished with custom luxury amenities, and reveal splendid views that change throughout the day with the shifting colors of sunlight on the mountains. All are less than five minutes walk to the bar, dining area, and adjoining conference facility of the saloon, the hot springs in the teepee and bath house, massage and yoga rooms in the Pony Express Spa, the bank of the West Fork of the Dolores, the waterfall, and the library. Some cabins have direct feeds from geothermal springs. Our Cuisine Use everything we grow ourselves, at our farm and vineyard, comb our local farmers markets, buy meat from our neighbors, gather the mountain's bounty of wild mushrooms, chanterelles and boletos, and then subscribe to a farm network that gathers food from every corner of the Colorado Plateau. That's what we do, and it tells you precisely our Chef's priorities. Finally, cook it as carefully as possible and serve it as elegantly as you are able. Everyone eats at one of our long, old tables but that doesn't mean that we will not meet your dietary concerns and needs. We even pack up the most wonderful picnics for your fishing trips, hikes, horse expeditions or the shady mountain meadow you have picked out. Our Spa At our Pony Express Spa, we invite you to experience the very best in holistic and therapeutic healing techniques - from Trager Therapy to hot rocks massage. From pedicures to mineral mud wraps. From reflexology to expert yoga instruction.  We specialize in natural cosmetic treatments and our luxurious facilities promote the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, including Yoga Retreats and Spa Packages.

CONTACT DUNTON HOT SPRINGS

	The Resort at Paws Up... the last best place
Your Montana Destination At the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness lies The Resort at Paws Up. Distinguishing itself from the rest of the Montana resorts and standing apart from all other Rocky Mountain resorts, the Resort at Paws Up offers an enchanting escape into the tranquility and magnificence of Montana's pastoral countryside. This luxurious guest ranch and resort in Montana is discretely nestled among some of the most breathtaking country in the world–the picturesque Blackfoot Valley. Here, you'll live day to day, adventure to adventure. Spend an hour, a day or a week on horseback–all in a wilderness sanctuary you'll never forget. Cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager cutthroats, explore the land Lewis and Clark swooned over, or indulge in sumptuous in-home spa treatments. You'll sleep on the finest sheets amidst a landscape of impeccable rustic elegance. It’s home to first-class adventure on a grand scale; an experience that other Montana resorts cannot match. Sumptuous In-Home Spa Treatments At The Resort at Paws Up, we have masseuses that melt muscle fatigue, stress management for executives and calming treatments for jittery pre-wedding nerves. Our sumptuous in-home spa treatments will bring rejuvenation, fortification and relaxation.  We give new meaning to the term "getting lost" in the woods.

The Fitness Program The Rancho Cortez fitness ranch offers a dynamic fitness and weight loss program addition to our Dude Ranch experience! If you need some weight loss motivation or if you'd like to enjoy a fitness based vacation, this is the place for you.  Our program is guided by personal fitness trainers and the dining menu was developed by our registered dietician. Get fit and lose weight while enjoying an authentic Texas experience. Spend your days hiking, strength training, kick-boxing, participating in water aerobics, and dine on a low-fat / low-calorie menu.   We have a full fitness schedule that is flexible and allows you to comfortably work as much or as little as you need or want. We utilize the beautiful Texas Hill Country and surrounding area as much as possible in your fitness workouts to give you a far more enjoyable experience.  Less Weight, Lower Cholesterol, Lower Blood Pressure are typical results for our guests. Our program will assure you great success, and you will go home having adopted a new way of living and eating. You will also go home smaller and fitter than when you arrived! Ranch Activities If your goal is to escape the main stream gyms and fitness centers, our ranch will be an ideal destination for you. Apart from a great fitness program, our ranch offers horseback riding for every level, cattle roundups, children's rodeos, hayrides, campfires, overnight trail rides, hiking, mountain biking, yoga, pilates, and much more. Fill every day with activity, or just relax out by the pool, hot tub or hammock.  For the spa enthusiast, enjoy massage, reflexology, manicures, pedicures Lodging and Location Rancho Cortez is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just one hour from San Antonio's world-famous Riverwalk and the Alamo. You'll  enjoy beautiful scenery, luxury accommodations and healthy, and home-cooked meals.  Rancho Cortez offers several options for living quarters, from hotel style single or double rooms, to family suites and private cabins, to our new hillside bunkhouse, or bring your RV to our RV area near the bunkhouse.  We have wireless internet network available, group meeting areas, game room, pool and hot tub for our guests. All accommodations include porches with great views (we are located on a hillside overlooking the Hill Country State Natural Area).  Pets are welcome in certain areas.

Rancho Cortez | Bandera Texas | 830-796-9339 | 866-797-9339

 

Wit's End Guest Ranch Resort & Spa | Vallecito Lake, CO  800-236-9483

The Ranch Wit's End Guest Ranch, Resort & Spa is a spectacular and exclusive dude and guest ranch in the beautiful Vallecito Lake Valley, in the Durango region, surrounded by 12,000 and 14,000-foot granite peaks. Inhale the sweet smell of mountain air. Relish the opportunity to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities in the outdoors. Experience the joy of pristine rustic living. On a Colorado dude ranch vacation at the Wit's End, your possibilities for entertainment, excitement or sheer relaxation are endless. Wit's End Ranch offers its guests country elegance, ambience, upscale accommodations, world-class Colorado fly-fishing and hunting, an exceptional children's program, candlelight dining alternating with good old fashioned western cookouts around the campfire and a superb horseback riding program.  The Spa Our unique ranch day spa features a beautiful spa with four relaxing massage and treatment rooms, two exotic multiple-head steam showers, a Swedish sauna and hot tubs overlooking a small, quiet pond,  a lounging deck, and an exercise room with high quality equipment for your convenience.  Guests booking spa packages enjoy use of our spa, showers, steam room, sauna, hot tubs, fitness equipment, and receive one massage per adult.  Skincare and additional services are also available.

ARIZONA

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS WICKENBURG, ARIZONA Discover the romance of the wide open range...at an Arizona ranch resort with 20,000 acres, 18 holes of golf, and 100 horses for exploring our rugged trails. Tee off at Golf Magazine's pick as one of America's Top 75 golf resorts, get a massage at the spa, or just relax and enjoy our tradition of hospitality at this historic Arizona dude ranch.  The Spa at Los Caballeros is in a a ranch house just a short walk from our main lodge. Stop by after a trail ride or a round of golf, and relax with treatments featuring ingredients grown right here on the Ranch. The Ranch has a beautiful Labyrinth walk, offers a tea service, Hohakam Massage, Desert Pearl Facial, Southwest Pedicure and Retreat Wrap Manicures.  The effect is regenerating, a transformation without end. The traveler, rested and restored, has a renewed energy to continue the journey ahead.

THE REX RANCH Amado, Arizona Imagine settling into your ranch room, looking forward to personal care in our Spa -- perhaps with a massage, rose pool bath, or Swedish massage.  Imagine having all of your meals prepared by an award-winning Chef, Misko Gilliland, who has worked with you to design menus reflecting your preferences.  And imagine the relief of knowing you have an abundance of time to laugh, play, nap, swim and relax.  It's a wonderful way of opening entire realms of new possibilities for your business, your family, your life!

CALIFORNIA

HIGHLAND RANCH PHILO, CALIFORNIA At Highland Ranch, there are lots of things you can do to have a good time. Go fishing, boating or take a swim in our lake or pool followed by a snooze in the sun. Go for a trail ride. Relax with a massage. Energize and restore yourself with a yoga class. Hike through the woods down to the river. Or just lie in one of our breezy hammocks with a book over your nose.

Spa at Warner Springs Ranch Warner Springs, CALIFORNIA In 1844, John Warner established the Warner Trading Post on the site now known as Warner Springs Ranch. Early stagecoach travelers Kit Carson, Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant, and others enjoyed relaxing and rejuvenating in the natural hot springs. They soon became a popular stop on the historic Butterfield Overland Stage.  They say location is everything, and everything delights at Warner Springs Ranch. Easy access and ideal temperatures made it a favorite getaway for screen stars during Hollywood's heyday. Frequent visitors included Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Gary Cooper, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, John Wayne, and Bing Crosby.  In 1984, 140 years after John Warner welcomed his first visitors, Warner Springs Ranch became a private resort. Today, spa guests can feel the same charming ambiance well revered throughout its prosperous history.

COLORADO

Harmel's Colorado Dude Ranch & Spa ALMONT, COLORADO Our ranch offers a fun, exciting and adventurous dude ranch spa vacation in the Colorado Rockies and the ultimate in Colorado Family Vacations.  Situated in pristine Taylor River Canyon at the confluence of three rivers surrounded by the magnificent Gunnison National Forest; Harmel's Colorado dude ranch vacations has become a premier Colorado dude and guest ranch for summer fun and leisure activities.  The outdoor heated swimming pool, six-man hot tub and sauna are just what the doctor ordered after a fun day of activities.  We also offer therapeutic massage by appointment, including facials, manicures, and pedicures.

MONTANA

BLACKTAIL RANCH WOLF CREEK, MONTANA This working ranch on 8000 acres of spectacular Big Sky country at the base of the Continental Divide offers all the amenities of a first-rate dude ranch and a mountain retreat center.  Stay well and fit in mind, body and spirit with a yoga class while you are at the Blacktail. To complete your relaxation experience, the Blacktail offers body work to all its guests. In a eco-friendly straw ball house, located just a minutes to the west of the Main Lodge, our massage specialist offers Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Belavi Facial Message, Neural Muscular Therapy and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.

TRIPLE CREEK RANCH DARBY, MONTANA Welcome to a luxury resort high in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies. Relax in world-class accommodations, dine on the freshest contemporary cuisine and sample the world's finest wines while our caring staff pampers you. What could be more soothing after a day in the great outdoors or as a perfect ending to a lazy day of relaxation?  Enjoy a massage in front of the fireplace in the privacy of your cabin or on your deck during the summer.  Make a romantic evening with a couples massage, followed by wine in the hot tub under the stars, and dinner delivered to your cabin

TEXAS

Cibolo Creek Ranch Marfa, Texas Extending over more than 30,000 acres of the Chinati and Cienega Mountains in the Big Bend region, Cibolo Creek Ranch & Spa offers rich history, dramatic vistas and warm Texas hospitality to travelers seeking a magical blend of adventure and peacefulness. Set against the backdrop of an endless sky supported by crimson high mesas and juxtaposed with lush orchards fed by natural springs, the property is a working ranch with horses, longhorns, buffaloes, and an occasional camel and abundant wildlife that offers guests the privacy and luxury of a world-class getaway.  Enjoy a refreshing and restorative experience in the ranch’s spa surrounded by elegant Southwestern décor that is enhanced by the warm glow of genuine mesquite flooring and regional artwork. Prearranged massages are available in two massage rooms. Health and beauty treatments can also be arranged.  We have 5,300 foot landing strip which can accommodate most private aircraft.

Paniolo Ranch Bed and Breakfast Spa Sisterdale, Texas The Paniolo Ranch Bed and Breakfast Spa offers a resort retreat overlooking the picturesque Texas Hill Country lake and hills. The Paniolo Ranch Bed and Breakfast Spa is a romantic resort retreat located in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country and just a stones throw from historic Boerne, TX and Sisterdale, TX, home of the Sister Creek Vineyards.  Guests enjoy the swimming pool and cold water spa, therapeutic hot tub and seated steam bath, whirlpool tub and outdoor shower, as well as complete menu of spa treatments, including massage, wraps, scrubs, facials, and more.

WYOMING

BROOKS LAKE LODGE & SPA DUBOIS, WYOMING Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa is in the Shoshone National Forest, surrounded by the Pinnacle Mountains, Continental Divide, Austin’s Peak and Brooks Mountain.  The owners of Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa are dedicated to continuing the long tradition of the Great Western Ranch and preserving the Western Craftsman style, and the spa is the newest addition to Brooks Lake Lodge.  The spa succeeds in its design to promote relaxation and well being.  Take the time to pamper yourself with a traditional massage or a special treat of a hot stone massage.  Indulge in a body treatment, facial or spa day package.  Or workout on our Life Fitness treadmill, stationary bike, stair climber or universal machine in the fitness room.  Then soak away your aching muscles in our outdoor covered Jacuzzi that offers stunning views the Pinnacles, Austin’s Peak and Brooks Lake, or heat up in our dry sauna as you recap your day of adventure outdoors.

The HF Bar Ranch SADDLESTRING, Wyoming Situated in a pristine valley on 9,000 acres bordering the Bighorn National Forest, is the second oldest dude ranch in America.  The HF Bar Ranch style of taking care of our guests is time tested.  Several times a week the Ranch has aerobics classes and yoga classes taught by certified instructors in our Clubhouse, and offers spa-style "Fitness Weeks" three times per year, focusing on healthy cuisine,  a variety of fitness classes, hikes, massages, and quiet free-time all in our relaxed, rustic setting.

LOST CREEK RANCH & SPA Moose, Wyoming With all of the excitement of a traditional ranch to the luxurious comforts of a full-service spa, Lost Creek offers personalized attention to ensure an experience that will make memories.  Famous for its spectacular setting, impressive main lodge, beautifully furnished cabins, western amenities, outstanding cuisine, and attentive personal service, we are proud that Lost Creek Ranch has earned the prestigious "Four Star" rating from the Mobil Travel Guide.

©1998 - 2010, All Rights Reserved, Spa Index Media, LLC
Spa Index: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas™ and a Dot Calm Resource™
SpaWire: Connecting you to the Spa, Salon & Wellness Industry™
SpaFlyer: ™An RSS Syndicated Blog for Spa Enthusiasts
SpaCast: ™ An RSS Syndicated Blog for the Spa Industry
@SpaIndex:  SpaIndex.com on Twitter
@SpaWire: SpaWire.com on Twitter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Link Partners