Love, Elevated

Intimate stays, destination dining, and artisan finds perfect for a romantic escape

Story Lexi Marshall

Colorado’s mountain towns have long mastered the art of romance—think fire-lit dinners, snow-dusted streets, and boutique shops filled with locally made treasures. For couples looking to turn a date night into a full-fledged escape, these two destinations deliver intimate stays, memorable meals, and artisan gifts that feel personal rather than predictable.

Slopeside Sophistication + Elevated Alpine Dining

With its polished village, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and access to some of the state’s most celebrated dining experiences, Beaver Creek sets the stage for a refined mountain retreat.

Located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, Beaver Creek Lodge offers a more intimate alternative to the area’s larger resorts. Part of The Kessler Collection, the lodge blends alpine comfort with an arts-forward sensibility, with an on-site gallery and a cozy wine bar that naturally draws guests in after a day outdoors. Suites are spacious and inviting, with fireplaces and plush bedding that make it easy to slow down. Champagne at check-in is a welcome starter, while amenities like a heated pool, sauna and steam rooms, and an on-site restaurant—Alpine + Antlers—round out the experience. Step outside, and the pedestrian-only village unfolds with shops, ice skating, and performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, encouraging guests to settle into Beaver Creek at an unhurried pace.

Just down the way, the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa brings a more expansive sense of luxury to the village. Following a recent, multi-year renovation, the ski-in/ski-out resort reflects a polished mountain aesthetic, with redesigned rooms, a lively lobby, and an emphasis on wellness. Its 30,000-square-foot Exhale Spa offers a restorative counterpoint to days spent on the slopes, while dining at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill and après-ski at the Brass Bear Bar anchor the social side of the resort.

For a dinner that truly feels like the main event, Beano’s Cabin delivers one of Colorado’s most distinctive dining experiences. Accessed by snowcat in winter, the candlelit log cabin sits high on the mountain in a meadow once homesteaded by Frank “Beano” Bienkowski, a Polish immigrant who farmed lettuce and hay here nearly a century ago and traveled by wagon or snowshoe to reach town. That sense of remoteness and history still shapes the evening today, as guests settle in for a multi-course menu that blends refined technique with hearty alpine flavors in an intimate, celebratory setting. Since opening in 1986, the restaurant has built a reputation for thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine—making it an especially fitting choice for anniversaries, proposals, or a special occasion dinner that feels truly memorable.

For a meaningful souvenir—or a gift that feels thoughtfully curated rather than mass-produced—Alpine Kind in Beaver Creek Village offers a unique mountain-inspired shopping experience. Opened in May 2018, the boutique specializes in outdoor-themed apparel, accessories, and gifts that celebrate Colorado’s mountains with a modern touch. A standout feature is the custom hat bar, where visitors can personalize felt hats with bands, pins, and other details.

Backcountry Romance + Historic Charm

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray offers a very different kind of romantic escape—one rooted in dramatic scenery, historic buildings, and expecptional off-the-grid adventure.

For couples seeking a truly unique escape, Red Mountain Alpine Lodge offers more than a hotel stay—it’s an immersive mountain retreat. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains and accessible seasonally, the custom-timber lodge features heated floors, memory-foam beds, warm showers, and chef-prepared meals that cater to all diets. Guests arrive to sweeping views along Highway 550 and a wooden deck with a fireplace overlooking jagged peaks. Stays are typically all-inclusive, with guided backcountry adventures, from skiing to ice climbing, letting guests disconnect and fully embrace alpine life. Evenings revolve around communal meals and quiet moments under the stars, making it an ideal choice for couples who value experience, adventure, and the simple joy of the mountains.

For couples who want to stay close to town while soaking in historic charm, The Western Hotel offers a boutique experience with modern comforts. Built in 1891 and recently renovated, the 16-suite property blends vintage character—gas fireplaces, leather accents, and even in-room tubs—with contemporary touches like kitchenettes and thoughtfully designed spaces. Guests can unwind in The Grotto Spa, featuring a cold plunge, dry sauna, facials, and massages, or enjoy Colorado-inspired cuisine at The Western Saloon & Grill, which celebrates a “farm to fire” approach, highlighting orchard-fresh fruits, earthy root vegetables, and local meats and cheeses sourced from nearby farms and ranches. The Chef’s Counter offers an intimate experience for just five guests per night, with a three-course prix fixe menu paired with optional wine flights.

For artisan gifts with a strong sense of place, The Mercantile Ouray stands out. The shop features a curated selection of home goods, apparel, and locally inspired items, making it easy to find something personal without feeling overly themed. Highlights include hand-selected Navajo and Zuni jewelry crafted by New Mexico artists, alongside craft cocktail kits, silk scarves, art prints, apothecary goods, custom Ouray sweatshirts, picnic blankets, camp mugs, and candles. The broader selection ensures there’s something for every style, whether it’s a keepsake or a practical piece to enjoy long after the trip ends.

Whether your idea of romance leans toward ski-in sophistication or quiet nights beneath jagged peaks, Colorado delivers it with confidence. Beaver Creek offers polish, comfort, and elevated dining moments that feel celebratory, while Ouray invites couples to slow down, unplug, and reconnect through shared experience and historic charm. Add in locally made gifts that reflect the places themselves, and these escapes become more than a getaway—they become memories rooted in place, intention, and time well spent together.