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The Resort at Paws Up Day One – Contributing Writer Jen Bianco

I spent a fantastic few hours at the Farmers Market in Missoula with Chef Dale Levitski and Alex and Kyle this morning, shopping for produce for his Last Best Supper tomorrow night at The Resort at Paws Up.

Dale knew all the vendors and made sure I sampled some of the best local produce. I learned a lot about edible flowers, including some he’ll be roasting tomorrow.

It was fascinating to see how hands on Dale is– he had a complicated shopping list and a vision for everything including the flowers that will go on the table.

There was so much produce we even had to load up my rental car full of peaches and onions (which smelled far more delicious than one could imagine).

Then we hit the road to drive to The Resort at Paws Up just in time for lunch. We’re getting ready to check in now.

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Spotlight: Tierra Atacama in Chile

One of South America’s best kept secrets is Tierra Atacama in Chile. This eco-friendly lodging facility has a peculiar surrounding landscape to say the least. It neighbors a volcano, marshland, geysers, and salt flats teeming with flamingos. Credit is due to Tierra Atacama for creating an oasis of modern luxury amid such a rugged and beautiful landscape. Tierra Atacama is a boutique glamping experience created by the same family that owns and operates Ski Portillo. Tierra Atacama creates experiences for guests that combine outdoor adventure and sports with modern comforts and excellent service.

The architecture, interiors, grounds and spa of Tierra Atacama were designed by Chilean professionals with the goal of balancing local cultural influences while creating a place that allows guests to relax and spoil themselves. Every room has a private terrace that overlooks the Licancabur volcano. The interiors are casually elegant. The designers used hand-made textiles produced by local villages. The rooms are meant to embody authentic desert culture.

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Tierra Atacama has a special culture that is all part of the adventure travel experience. The ambiance is casual and friendly. Guests are invited to gather in the living room, library, bar, by the pool, and the gardens on the terrace. Great care is taken to make sure guests feel as comfortable as if they were in their own homes. It’s a great meeting place for old and new friends. The landscape speaks for itself and Tierra Atacama has created a special experience where you can enjoy the good life in one of the most unusual spots on earth.

SP3.jpg.1024x0Photo: Tierra Atacama website

The weather is pleasant and dry year round. Any month is a good choice for travel to Tierra Atacama. It does rain occasionally during between January and April; snow can be seen in the high mountains. This rarely affects travel in San Pedro, however, it does mean that some high-altitude excursions may be suspended as the roads become inaccessible. Desert temperatures vary greatly following the rising and setting of the sun. Dressing in layers is recommended year round. Night temperatures in winter (June-Sept) are very cold. Sunblock, sunglasses and sun hats are essential any time of year.

Spa1.JPG.1024x0Photo: Tierra Atacama website

Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa in San Pedro de Atacama offers guided adventures, Altiplano excursions and bird-watching; as well as luxury spa services, fine dining and boutique hotel hospitality. Create an opportunity to treat yourself to eco-tourism in one of the world’s most unique destinations, the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile.

Find out more about Tierra Atacama and start planning your trip.

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Contributing Writer Review: Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado

Located 4 miles up the road from Cresto Ranch is Dunton Hot Springs, which is a 5 star, yet funky resort. Dunton was once a mining ghost town, until it was lovingly restored into a very special resort that manages to maintain the town’s original charm while satisfying the needs of today’s travelers. This place is special and the staff top notch, which is why Dunton Hot Springs regularly winds up ranked as one of the top ranked all-inclusive resorts in the USA.

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At the center of Dunton Hot springs is an authentic 1885 saloon, which serves as the resort’s social hub and town center. Inside the saloon, some of the building’s original fixtures remain– including the bar where Butch Cassidy’s rumored to be authentic signature is carved into the original wood. A pool table, screening room area, and games make the saloon come alive during meal times and in the evenings.

The saloon building features an open kitchen, and guests can dine communally or individually if they prefer. The resort’s Executive Chef, Carrie Eagle, manages the resort’s strong regional cuisine program, and Dunton Hot Springs has won awards from Bon Appetit as one of the best resorts for food lovers.

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Dunton‘s guests stay in 13 whimsical one and multiple bedroom cabins, and each has it’s own personality and idiosyncrasies. There’s a canvas-topped cabin called Christy’s Tent, built with reclaimed materials from the 1830’s. Well House has it’s own private hot springs and plunge pool. Major Ross has divine old west décor, while Bjoerkmans has a great view of the waterfall and a bohemian vibe. It’s easy to see why repeat guests like to stay in different cabins each time they visit.

Guests can enjoy Dunton’s natural hot springs at the source, in an outdoor pool, or in the restored 19th century bathhouse originally used by the miners. The bathhouse is an incredibly atmospheric building, and now has an indoor hammock and loft space that can be used for relaxation or meditation. Unlike other hot springs I’ve visited, Dunton’s don’t smell overly strong due to the low sulphur content.

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An old Pony Express station has been converted into a spa and modern mountain Zen yoga studio. There is a cozy two-story library stocked with everything from fiction to books on fine art and history. An outdoor chapel- complete with a view of a cascading waterfall is used for weddings on the property.

During the winter months (when Cresto Ranch’s tents are closed for the season) the waterfall freezes over and guests use it for ice climbing.  Other winter activities include dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

After seeing Dunton Hot Springs rustic luxe charms and meeting the warm and attentive staff, I can see why guests often come back to this unique all-inclusive cabin property.