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STORY BY CHRISTINE DEORIO

POST HOTEL & SPA

THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK

INN AT ABEJA

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From the airport in Calgary, count on a two-hour-plusdrive through Banff National Park to reach this hideaway.Perched on the Pipestone River, it’s just two miles fromLake Louise; the ski lifts are a quick shuttle ride away.

A luxury summer camp of old: warm, intimate and com-fortable. Though the setting is rustic, men often donjackets for dinner in the cozy log-walled dining room.

Swiss hoteliers (and brothers) André and GeorgeSchwarz’s attention to detail, which is evident at everyturn. Guest rooms are immaculate, the cuisine is thearea’s finest, and the staff treats each and every guestlike kin. Come summer, flower boxes burst with blooms,and in winter, wood-burning fireplaces are always aglow.

Afternoon tea on the lawn, dessert in the cozy fireplacelounge and, if it’s on the menu, chef Hans Sauter’s takeon fresh British Columbia salmon.

The Watson House, your very own 3,000-square-footmountain lodge on the banks of the Pipestone River.

From $345 per night. 800-661-1586, posthotel.com

PHILIPSBURG, MONTANA

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

Located near the historic mining town of Philipsburg in the heart of western Montana, not far from Missoula andButte, the guest ranch sprawls across 10 square miles of

rugged land that includes miles of trails, stocked troutponds and a Blue Ribbon stretch of Rock Creek.

“True Grit” meets the Ritz

Never needing to open your wallet: Each stay includeseverything you could want to eat or drink, plus one morningand one afternoon activity per day. Accommodations in the

Granite Lodge, private cabins and log homes juxtaposerough with luxe: pretty armchairs cozy up to stacked-stone

fireplaces, rustic birch beds are topped with Frette linens,and polished clawfoot tubs rest atop weathered wood floors.

Horseback riding through the ranch’s 6,000-plus acres ofterrain, fly-fishing its four private miles of Rock Creek, andthe sore-muscle-soothing “Rock Creek Ritual” at the spa.

The creekside Canvas Cabins look like tents, but with pri-vate baths and fireplaces, they live like luxury hotel suites.

From $1,900 per night. 877-786-1545, theranchatrockcreek.com

A century-old farmstead in the foothills of the Blue Moun-tains, just minutes from Walla Walla in Washington’s sleepysoutheastern corner. Meticulously restored farm buildingsnow house a winery and guest suites, all surrounded by 35acres of lush lawns, gardens and vineyards.

A storybook farmhouse with an extra room—and seat at thebreakfast table—just for you

The charming accommodations, each located in one of thefarmstead’s original outbuildings, including the old carriagehouse, summer kitchen and chicken coop. In addition toamenities that help you stay connected (satellite television,wireless Internet), you’ll find extras designed to help you un-plug, from field guides and binoculars for birding to booksand games—and private patios to enjoy them from.

A visit to the onsite winery (and a taste of Abeja CabernetSauvignon) housed in a former horse barn.

We love the little Bunk House, complete with a retro kitchen,clawfoot tub and views of the Estate Viognier vineyard.

From $215 per night. 509-522-1234, abeja.net

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THE BESTHIDDEN

GEMSESCAPE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY

FOR SOME SUMMERTIME SOLITUDE AT ONE OF THESE

OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH RETREATS

LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA

42 ML | The Best of Mountain Living

The Rustic Inn isn’t exactly hidden—it sits just off the roadthat leads from the airport to town—but its private cabins aresome of Jackson’s best-kept secrets. Located on 12 acres

across from the National Elk Refuge, many overlook FlatCreek, which draws wildlife to its banks. Grand Teton and

Yellowstone National Parks are an easy drive away.

A cozy stay with good friends (who make a mean breakfast!)

Location, location, location. If you plan to play in andaround town, there’s no need for a car. The inn’s shuttle willget you to and from the airport, a courtesy car will take youaround town, and it’s a short stroll to Jackson’s restaurants,shops and galleries. Guest rooms and cabins are decorated

with tasteful Western touches, and guests rave about thebreakfasts included with each stay (try the famous granola).

A “Mountain Tune Up” treatment at the inn’s spa and a drinkat the bar, tended by some of the friendliest folks in town.

The priciest option, the Superior Creekside King Cabins arepopular for a reason: greater privacy and front-row views

of Flat Creek and its resident wildlife.

From $119 per night. 800-323-9279, rusticinnatjh.com

The high desert landscape that inspired artist GeorgiaO’Keeffe provides the backdrop for this Relais & Châteauxgem, situated where the Rio Grande, Ojo Caliente andChama Rivers converge. Though isolated, the inn is con-venient to Ghost Ranch, Bandelier, Chimayo and the OjoCaliente hot springs; Santa Fe is a 45-minute drive away.

An exclusive house party in a traditional Spanish hacienda

You won't get nightly turndown or room service, and thereare no televisions or mini bars, but what you will enjoy is farmore rare: real privacy, staff members who know you byname, and delicious, intimate breakfasts and three-coursedinners included in your stay. Seven beautifully appointedguest rooms offer wood-burning fireplaces, private patiosand surreal views of mountains, mesas and valleys.

A hike up to the Sandstone Shrine, a spectacular structurecarved into a sandstone butte on the side of Black Mesa.

The secluded “Kiva” includes a circular main room withstargazing skylight, lighted niches adorned with kachinas, awood-burning fireplace and whirlpool tub for two.

From $350 per night. 505-753-6818, ranchodesanjuan.com !

RUSTIC INN

RANCHO DE SAN JUAN

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ESPAÑOLA, NEW MEXICO

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JACKSON, WYOMING