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Iceland was seemingly made for couples. There are the famous steamy hot springs, gorgeous views (think picturesque snowy landscapes and breathtaking northern lights), cozy spas, and romantic fine dining. The country is like a playground for lovebirds looking to spend quality time together, making it the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day.
Thankfully, you don’t have to take a long flight to have the Icelandic experience. Colorado’s Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers snowy mountain scenery, natural hot springs, a spa, and other amenities — all without needing to cross the Atlantic. The resort is located in the quiet town of Nathrop, situated between hiking paths, calming greenery, and the snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, serving as a relaxing escape for couples on Valentine’s Day.
Skip the crowded restaurants and overpriced hotels in your city, and book a room at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort instead. Choose between the getaway’s apartment-style suites, comfy hotel accommodations (try booking a cliffside room for the best views), charming wooden cabins, or — if you want maximum space and privacy — a fully equipped estate rental, set 1.5 miles away from the main lodging area.
What to do at the Colorado resort
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is packed with luxurious activities designed with couples in mind. The main attraction for many visitors is the resort’s hot springs baths, and romantic duos can reserve a private soak to have the baths all to themselves. Try booking the L’Amour Package during your stay, which includes a 90-minute private bath for two, along with an intimate private dinner. Alternatively, opt for the Cupid’s Picnic Special, which comes with a cheese or dessert platter instead of dinner, or go for the Self-Care Special, complete with a bottle of wine and relaxing facials.
Once you’re done soaking in the hot springs, head to the Spa & Club for a hydrating juice (or cocktail — we won’t judge) and a massage (ask for a couple’s massage if you’d prefer to stay with your significant other). When you’re ready to warm up again, duck into one of the saunas or steam rooms to unwind while staying toasty.
For adventurous couples, take time away from the baths and spa facilities to explore the area’s skiing and snowboarding slopes. Monarch Mountain is the closest ski and snowboarding complex, located 36 miles away from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.
How to get to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers geothermal baths and white peaks similar to those found in Iceland — and visiting requires no long flight or jet lag. If you’re traveling from outside the area, look for flights to Colorado Springs Airport (about a two-hour drive away from the resort) or Denver International Airport (about three hours away). Renting a car to reach the resort is the most convenient option and will allow you and your partner to explore the nearby towns of Buena Vista and Salida during your trip. However, if you’d rather skip the rental car, you can also take a ride in one of the area’s buses or taxis.
If you decide to take a road trip to the resort, consider stopping in one of the region’s attractions on your way to the hot springs. Rocky Mountain National Park, located a three-and-a-half-hour drive north, is brimming with nature and stunning mountain scenery, though note that some areas may be closed during the winter season. If you’ll be arriving from the south, take a detour to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing preserved Native American adobe buildings. The settlement can be found about three and a half hours south of the hot springs resort.
