Jet Set: Dunton Hot Springs 

When it comes to a rustic mountain getaway, some might say that less is more. But, let’s face it -- between the instant coffee, communal showers and cold sleeping bags, less is really just less. Fortunately, there is one Colorado mountain getaway where you can leave the city behind and have that authentic log cabin experience. Complete, of course, with five star dining, a full service spa and a 1000 thread-count sheets. Now that is my idea of “roughing it.” 

Located in the Four Corners area of Colorado is Dunton Hot Springs, this former gold rush town turned luxury enclave is comprised of 400-plus acres surrounded by a pair of national forests in the San Juan Mountains and is primed for an array of activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, or just simply relaxing. 

The main attraction of Dunton has always been its four hot springs, all natural and all heated to 105 degrees. But, these days, the attention is now on Dunton’s luxury log cabins. Renovation by German business tycoons Bernt Kuhlmann and Christoph Henkel, these 19th century cabins are filled with hundreds of thousands of dollars of exotic artifacts and artwork collected from all over the world by the owner's wife, a former art dealer from Munich. Dunton also boasts a spa, broadband Internet access and a private chef, who can whip up a down-home cowboy barbecue or prepare an exquisite Pacific Halibut. 

According to the New York Times, “underneath the high-gloss finish and the relentless tastefulness Dunton Hot Springs is a rare authenticity. It is possible that there is simply too much eye candy at Dunton and too many ways to indulge yourself. But at a certain point you just have to give in and enjoy it. The Henkels may have gilded and Karl May-ified Dunton, but underneath the place still has a soul.”

So this Valentine’s, if you are looking for a romantic retreat, skip the slopes and make haste to Dunton Hot Springs and for some well-deserved R&R in a hi-style cabin. Who knows, it may even motivate you rediscover the great outdoors. Just make sure you remember to keep that private chef in toe.