Just outside the town of Crestone and nestled in the heart of the Mystic San Luis Valley, Crestone Casitas is a welcoming retreat on 40 spacious acres. The cozy casitas sit at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so prepare to see a magnificent sunset display of crimson-soaked peaks and shadowy slabs.
With their primo location near some of Colorado’s most photogenic and hikeable peaks, the three charming casitas provide an ideal getaway. Let your worries melt away as you cozy up in front of the fireplace or sit outside on your private patio. In spring and summer, hummingbirds and butterflies are frequent visitors to the hacienda-style garden, adding an extra touch of natural magic to the space.
The garden is so nice it’s worth mentioning again. Stroll the walking paths, stop to admire the fishpond or let your legs sway happily in the swing with a view. Whether you want to lose yourself in a book while a mountain breeze tickles your neck or grill a tasty meal of farmers’-market finds in the shared outdoor kitchen, one thing is certain: You’ll definitely be spending some time out here.
The proximity to the Sangre de Cristos makes the casitas divinely Coloradan. This mountain range houses some of the state’s most beloved summits, including famous fourteeners like the Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point.
How about the rustic outdoor bar? The wooden structure is handmade and decked out with funky artistic touches, like vintage beer signs, wind chimes and tin salamanders that climb the walls. Stir up a drink and mingle with your fellow casita guests in the courtyard. Or, enjoy a quiet after-dinner cocktail under the twig-thatched roof as star-studded indigo skies peep through. Either way, it’s a win.
This award goes to the decor, both indoor and out. As you stroll the courtyard, don’t be surprised to see trees with friendly faces, fairies, outlandish toadstools and voyeuristic gnomes. Back in the comfort of your casita, rooms have a warm vibe thanks to stained-glass light fixtures, wood-burning stoves and rustic clay pots brimming with flowers.
“Oh my goodness! I don't know if I have all the words to describe how wonderfully magical this space truly is. The grounds are just beautiful. Loads of hummingbirds all day long. Sweet little stream. Magnificent flowers. It was the perfect getaway — so tranquil and full of peace. The casita was cute and had everything we needed. Sparkly clean. Would come back here in a second.” — Tara, airbnb
The casitas are set in San Luis Valley — an area known for mysticism and the metaphysical — so you’ll find plenty of spirit-stirring experiences, from acupuncture at Crestone Healing Arts Center to possible extraterrestrial sightings at the UFO Watchtower. Naturalists will enjoy the area’s many hiking trails and can revel in the otherworldly landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, just an hour away by car. Drive a few minutes to the town of Crestone itself to savor organic, locally sourced vegan tacos and sirloin steaks at Our Food is Art.
Photos courtesy of Crestone Casitas
