If you're looking for a top-notch vacay destination that ranks up there with premier resorts in Thailand, Switzerland, and the Maldives, then look no further than our very own state: Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa made Travel + Leisure's 2017 list of "Top 100 Hotels in the World."
Of the top 100 hotels, only 27 were located in the United States, representing New York, California, Florida, Hawaii, Vermont, South Carolina, and even Wyoming, among others. Colorado's Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa landed at No. 52 on the list. [gallery size="full" ids="19281,19279,19277"] Located on the far west side of Colorado in gorgeous red rock country, Gateway Canyons has won multiple awards from 16 different entities within the last decade.There are many reasons to visit Colorado’s Gateway Canyons Resort, an award-winning destination located in the secluded Unaweep Canyon of Western Colorado," their website states. "Surrounded by the vast lands of the Uncompahgre Plateau, Piñon Mesa and La Sal Mountains, our full-service resort features exceptional lodging, dining, outfitting, educational programs and the world-class Gateway Colorado Auto Museum."For the true Colorado experience, resort guests can explore the surrounding landscape and connect with nature by participating in kayaking, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, snowshoeing, and much more. Yoga and luxurious spa amenities assist guests in achieving pure and total relaxation, while five unique dining experiences are sure to satisfy and delight guests' tastebuds. [gallery columns="4" size="full" ids="19275,19285,19284,19283,19280,19276,19274"]
Travel + Leisure surveys its readers on their travel experiences and preferences every year, then rates hotels based on location, facilities, service, food, and value.
The No. 1 resort on the list is Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia, while the No. 2 resort is The Brando, in Tetiaroa, French Polynesia.
Even closer to Denver than the Gateway Canyons Resort is the No. 3 resort: Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, in Saratoga, Wyoming -- a "grand destination among luxury dude ranches, offering an ultra-private collection of historic guest ranches, set on a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch in south central Wyoming."
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Brush Creek Ranch is only a four-hour drive from Denver! That's totally do-able, if you're looking to get away from the city and get completely in touch with Rocky Mountain nature.
What do you think? Have you been to any of the resorts on the list? How about Gateway Canyons or Brush Creek? We'd love to hear your thoughts about these two world-class resorts in the comments section!
