Designers' Favorite Getaways
Hitting the road this summer? Here’s where some of the West’s top architects and designers go to get away
STEPHEN DYNIA, architect
Stephen Dynia Architects, Jackson, Wyoming
His Top Pick: Amangani, Jackson, Wyoming
Why He Loves It: “They’ve created an environment that literally lifts you above the valley. I love the simplicity of the interiors. It’s a sophisticated interpretation of Western design that’s not at all clichéd.”
Why You’ll Love It, Too: Views from the edge of the East Gros Ventre Butte are remarkable, as are the 40 guest suites and farm-to-table fare at The Grill.
Insider Tip: Book a corner suite overlooking the iconic 13,770-foot Grand Teton. And this fall, don’t miss the Amangani Bear and Wolf Expedition, a guided adventure to some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife-viewing sites.
From $875 per night, amanresorts.com/amangani/home.aspx, 877-734-7333
LARRY YAW, architect
Cottle Carr Yaw Architects, Ltd., Basalt, Colorado
His Top Pick: Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa, Paradise Valley, Montana
Why He Loves It: “There’s a sense of freedom in Montana. Spending time there takes me back to my childhood. Chico has a mix of historic and new architecture, and there’s fishing, hiking and hot springs. It’s all about the great outdoors.”
Why You’ll Love It, Too: It’s hard to beat the resort’s location in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Accommodations, from cozy rooms in the historic main lodge to luxurious “North 40” cabins, offer something for every taste.
Insider Tip: “Don’t miss first-rate gourmet dining and wine in the resort’s dining room—and there’s no dress code.”
From $55 per night, chicohotsprings.com, 800-468-9232
DIANA VINCENT, interior designer
High Camp Home, Truckee, California
Her Top Pick: Dragonsleaf, a three-bedroom guest house in Sonoma, California
Why She Loves It: “It’s secluded, rustic and incredibly well appointed, but not over the top. You can take the canoe out on your own private lake, gaze for miles at vineyards and mountains, or hop into the wooden hot tub with a glass of wine.”
Why You’ll Love It, Too: Private paths are lined with fruit trees bearing persimmons, apples and figs—all yours for the picking—and lead to a secluded outdoor “room,” complete with a fire pit and beautiful moonrise views.
Insider Tip: For a special treat, have private chef Maria Vieages prepare an incredible organic meal for you.
From $825 per night, beautiful-places.com, 800-495-9961
JACK SNOW, architect
RKD Architects, Vail, Colorado
His Top Pick: Hotel Delaware, Leadville, Colorado
Why He Loves It: “The traditional Victorian architecture, sloping floors included, is the real stuff. It’s a great stop during a bike ride on the National Scenic Byway, and the ride over Independence Pass on the way to Aspen is gorgeous.”
Why You’ll Love It, Too: The hotel is home to an impressive collection of American and European antique furniture and accessories; many of the pieces are on display in its 40 tastefully decorated guest rooms. Plus, Leadville’s National Historic District offers interesting boutiques, galleries and the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum.
Insider Tip: “Make time for a meal at Quincy’s in town. There aren’t menus, just whatever steak they’re serving.” Back at the hotel, don’t miss the traditional afternoon tea or Cowboy Tea (pastrami, pretzels and beer) on Sundays.
From $60 per night, delawarehotel.com, 800-748-2004
JEFFREY P. ELLIOTT, interior designer
Jeffrey P. Elliott Interior Design, Denver
His Top Pick: Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass, Colorado
Why He Loves It: “I really like the layout and the contemporary interpretation of Colorado mountain style. The service, the guest rooms and the Nest Café really bring the big-city experience to the mountains.”
Why You’ll Love It, Too: The slopeside location makes outdoor activities easily accessible, the hotel’s spa and Eight K restaurant are tops, and Aspen is just a few minutes away.
Insider’s Tip: “The shops at Snowmass Village are quite the treat, and it’s always fun to visit the contemporary Aspen Art Museum in town.”
From $150 per night, viceroysnowmass.com, 888-622-4567
TOP 10 PICKS: Where to Shop Like a Pro
The Lighting Studio, Aspen Peruse hundreds of lighting lines, from traditional to contemporary to avant-garde, including Prandina, Fontana Arte and Ingo Maurer. You’ll also find fine Italian furniture lines, such as Molteni & C, Pallucco Italia, Moroso and Bellato. Edwards and Denver locations, too. thelightingstudio.com
T-Trove Asian Decor, Denver, Colorado This 10,000-square-foot showroom is filled with an elegant and affordable collection of handcrafted wooden furniture, original artwork, Asian home decor, Japanese stone lanterns, quality garden pots and more. t-trove.com
High Camp Home, Truckee, California You’ll find a new take on mountain style here, with versatile design concepts ranging from “rustic with a modern twist” to vintage to industrial. Collections include lighting, tabletop, furniture and more. Interior design services are offered as well. highcamphome.com
Ketchum Kitchens, Ketchum, Idaho Specializing in “serious kitchenware,” this comprehensive shop in Giacobbi Square carries everything from Emile Henry bakeware to bar, wine, kitchen and tabletop accessories. ketchumkitchens.com
Decorative Materials, Basalt, Colorado The 3,000-square-foot showroom is an art gallery with a twist. Instead of painted canvases, the local and international artists represented specialize in tile, stone, metal, glass and other mediums. Visit the Denver and Edwards locations, too. decorativematerials.com
Victoria Price Art & Design, Santa Fe, New Mexico The place for modern home couture by Jonathan Adler, Knoll, Herman Miller, Flor and others, plus historic Native American textiles, jewelry and international folk art. Design services, too. victoriaprice.com
Diehl Gallery, Jackson, Wyoming This intriguing gallery specializes in national and international contemporary art by both emerging and world-renowned artists. The gallery will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June with its annual all-artist exhibition to kick off the season. diehlgallery.com
Studio Como, Denver, Colorado In the trendy neighborhood north of historic Lower Downtown (“LoDo”), this stylish design studio specializes in contemporary European lines of kitchens, lighting and furniture, such as Cassina, BOCCI, Minotti, B&B Italia and more. Boulder location, too. studiocomo.com
Home Outfitters, Vail, Colorado This savvy shop purveys a collection of European country-style furnishings and accessories. Shop for finds like lamps, mirrors and rugs, or go big with selections from The Plaza Collection of sofas, chairs and loveseats. Interior design services, too. homeoutfittersvail.com
Ec-lek-tic, Taos, New Mexico Located in a historic building just north of the Taos Plaza, this well-named shop specializes in Asian antiques, furnishings and 1910-1920 Art Deco rugs from Kashgar. Poke around the nooks and crannies for special finds and keepsakes. 575-758-4161
