Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get away, reset, and spend some quality time together as a couple. Cabin rentals offer an alternative to busy and crowded hotels (read: no casinos or water slides), and often provide just as many luxurious amenities. Our list of the top cabins includes properties where couples can experience the beauty of the natural world, enjoy couple-friendly activities, and relax in a secluded environment.
Properties in the list are scattered to represent different regions of the country, allowing prospective travelers to find an excellent option for a romantic escape, whether they wish to stay close to home or desire a complete change of scenery. These cabins are available on islands, by rivers and lakes, and immersed in forests and lush greenery. Outdoor activities were also prioritized, from simple activities like stargazing to more robust ventures like golfing and horseback riding.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
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The Dunton Hot Springs private cabin rentals are located in Dolores, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. The 1800s Western vibe combined with the spectacular scenery make Dunton Hot Springs a unique and romantic destination for a Valentine’s Day getaway. For its mountain scenery, excellent cuisine, and luxurious accommodations, Dunton Hot Springs is popular with couples. All cabins are restored, but the furnishings are distinct to each. One recent reviewer on Tripadvisor called the property “rustic in an upscale fashion.”
Several aspects of the property make it special for couples. Classically trained chefs prepare meals at the Saloon from a menu featuring local ingredients, some from the farm and vineyard on the property. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate at the spa, which offers hot stone massages, body scrubs, as well as meditation and yoga sessions. The hot springs that are the resort’s namesake cover an area of about 0.3 square miles. The resort features a restored bathhouse where guests can immerse in the waters, which range in temperature from 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wintertime guests can take advantage of complimentary, half-day guided outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or visiting the Dunton River Camp Farm House. Couples who don’t mind a short drive can also visit the famous town of Telluride, which is about an hour and a half away from Dunton. There’s no shortage of things to do in the Rocky Mountain areas of Colorado.
The Hideout, Wyoming
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The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch is located in Shell, Wyoming, a two-hour drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The property won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2023. Capacity is limited to about 25 horse riders per week, making it even more popular with couples seeking to avoid crowds. Reviewers on Tripadvisor mentioned that the ranch owners and staff are welcoming and accommodating.
Guests stay in log cabins that are connected to the main lodge. The cabins feature vista views of Shell Canyon, porches with rocking chairs, and Nespresso machines. There is also a community hot tub on the property. Horseback riding is the primary draw for the ranch, and there are riding options ranging from 2.5-hour tours to eight-hour excursions. The ranch emphasizes that riding activities are provided for the full range of experience levels from novice to professional. Couples can take in diverse scenery of altitudes from 4,200 to over 11,000 feet in elevation.
Travelers also noted the excellent food provided at the ranch, which is included in the reservation package. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served and include Western-inspired fare that varies day to day. The ranch also provides a daily cocktail hour, enhanced by a visit from a ranch owner or wrangler to add a personal touch to the visit.
San Ysidro Ranch, California
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This legendary property located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, is probably best known for being the honeymoon spot for John and Jackie Kennedy. San Ysidro Ranch offers 38 private cottages where couples can cuddle up next to stone fireplaces. Careful attention to detail is evident by the ranch’s grounds, which feature citrus groves, olive trees, and a lily pond, and the fragrance of orange blossoms, magnolias, and jasmine is sure to set a romantic mood.
Each cottage has a gated entry with an enclosed garden for privacy and adjacent parking. While all cottages are uniquely furnished, they feature king-sized four-poster beds and outdoor rainfall showers. Camelot aficionados can book the Kennedy cottage where John and Jackie Kennedy stayed for their honeymoon in 1953. The 2,700-square-foot, two-bedroom retreat features Italian linens and radiant heated floors in the bathroom.
Several dining options are available on the property, including The Stonehouse, which won a Wine Spectator Grand Award and offers a lounge and separate dining room with an outdoor terrace. Reviewers on Tripadvisor rave about its views of the Pacific Ocean and the extensive wine list. Casual dining is provided at The Speakeasy, and couples can dine by a romantic fire at the Carriage House. The property also offers a private dining option at the Old Adobe by request.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Georgia
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Nestled on the edge of Lake Oconee, Georgia, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds is ideal for sporty couples. From kayaking to world-class golf courses, there’s no possibility of boredom. Along with its lake- or resort-view guestrooms, the resort offers six two- or three-bedroom waterfront cottages and a three-floor, four-bedroom lake house with a swimming pool. The cottages feature stacked stone fireplaces, kitchenettes, and wraparound patios. True to the Ritz-Carlton’s reputation for excellent service, the Cottage Concierge is on hand to assist cottage guests with arranging activities and experiences at the property. Professionalism and courteous treatment by the resort staff were key factors in the property’s high ratings on Tripadvisor.
The resort offers swimming at its infinity pool and target shooting at the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. Additionally, the five championship golf courses are a point of pride for this property near Augusta National, home of the Masters Golf Tournament. The courses offer a total of 99 holes, and private instruction is also available. Prospective guests should be aware that the property’s spa and fitness center are currently closed for renovation, with an anticipated re-opening in Spring 2024, but there is a temporary spa and fitness center set up to fulfill travelers’ needs.
Glen Oaks, California
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Glen Oaks in Big Sur, California, won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award for 2023. Couples looking for a rustic, tranquil escape would be pleased with any of the Glen Oaks’ cottages or cabins, which feature a variety of forest, river, and mountain views. Reviewers on Tripadvisor commented on the property’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the cleanliness of accommodations. Cabins offer kitchenettes and some include a cast iron fireplace or outdoor firepit. Guest accommodations include Wi-Fi, but there are no televisions. Each cabin and cottage is unique, so couples are wise to check the available options before booking.
The old-growth redwoods and Big Sur River scenery are tough to beat, and luckily, couples can take a loop hike around the lodge property to soak it all in. Be sure to check out “Grandmother Pfeiffer,” the second-largest redwood tree in Big Sur, and relax in an Adirondack chair by the river. Several nature experiences, from sandy beaches to coastal bluffs, can be found at Big Sur and are accessible to the public. The California coast also lends itself well to a scenic drive along Highway 1.
The Big Sur Roadhouse is located on the Glen Oaks grounds and serves cuisine prepared using local ingredients. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, and guests can take advantage of the complimentary homemade donuts and coffee available each morning.
Primland Resort, Virginia
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Primland Resort, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is located in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award for 2023. Couples can unwind in seclusion on the 12,000-acre estate in one of the resort’s luxurious tree houses. These 440-square-foot cabins were constructed of red cedar at 2,700 feet. Incredible mountain and creek views can be enjoyed from the tree house’s oversized windows or balcony.
Outdoor activities abound at Primland, including golf, fishing, paddleboarding, archery, tennis, and more. There’s nothing more romantic than stargazing, which couples can do at the resort’s observatory equipped with state-of-the-art Celestron telescopes. In February, the observatory is available daily at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. by reservation.
The resort also offers several complimentary activities for guests, including yoga classes (which also entail a complimentary smoothie), fireside s’mores, bocce, croquet, guided hikes, and disc golf. Couples can also visit the Tobacco Barn on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for seasonal cocktails, beer, and wine.
Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee
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This secluded property in Walland, Tennessee, receives rave reviews on Tripadvisor from couples for its stunning scenery, luxurious accommodations, and service. Couples can choose a cottage, cabin, or treehouse. The stone cottages provide breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and were built from materials from the mountains. Tree houses offer another option for seclusion amid natural beauty and are ideally suited for couples, as the shower and bathtub open to the main living space. Guests staying in the Watchman Cabins, located at the peak of Blackberry Mountain, have easy access to the heated, outdoor soaking limestone pool.
Blackberry Mountain focuses on mind and body wellness and offers numerous activities for guests to get centered and rejuvenate. Couples can sign up for curated treatments like Refreshed, Rested, Inspired, Grounded, or Stronger. Each package offers various experiences like hydrafacials, yoga, guided journaling, and trail runs to enhance wellness. Nest, the resort’s spa, also offers a variety of soothing treatments and views of the mountaintops.
Meals are included with a guest’s stay, beginning with dinner on the first day of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure. Three Sisters restaurant offers breakfast, a mid-day meal, and dinner prepared from regional ingredients. Guests can also dine at the Firetower, a restored lookout tower originally built in the 1950s at the peak of Blackberry Mountain with a restaurant built around it. The Firetower offers a three-course dinner experience for guests.
Eastwind, New York
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Eastwind Windham is a relatively new resort, founded in 2018, offering an escape from city life in the Catskills. The property’s A-frame, minimalist cabins are billed by the resort as a glamping experience enjoyable year-round. With a bit of preparation, couples can have an amazing glamping trip that rivals that of a hotel experience. Tripadvisor reviews noted the immersive nature experience and the lack of televisions and other distractions in guest accommodations. Cabins are 220 square feet and include a queen-sized bed, while cabin suites are about double the size. As an added bonus, couples not wanting to leave their furry companion behind can bring a pet at a fee of $50 per night.
The Bunkhouse Lodge is the on-site lounge, offering warmth from a fireplace for comfortable imbibing during the winter months. Guests can call ahead to order a breakfast basket with fresh bread, yogurt granola parfait, eggs, and seasonal fruit. The Bunkhouse Lodge also provides prix-fixe dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests can borrow bicycles free of charge from the resort for daytime exploring and cuddle up by one of the property’s firepits to wind down for the night.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa, Utah
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Sorrel River Ranch Resort in the mountain town of Moab, Utah, offers the perfect combination of red rock and river views. The resort is situated on 240 acres, and couples on Tripadvisor have been pleased with the property’s cabins and view of the Colorado River from their private balcony or their bathroom’s jetted bathtub.
As cozy as the room accommodations may be, guests may find themselves spending more time outdoors than anyplace else. The resort offers hikes exclusive to guests that provide stunning views of the Colorado River, mesas, and canyons. Couples looking to lean into the ranch aspect of the property can participate in a meet-and-greet with the ranch personnel and help groom the horses and feed the barn animals. Horseback riding and nightly s’mores (provided by the S’mores Concierge) by the campfire are sure to keep the fun going.
The River Grill serves breakfast and dinner, and lunch is available by pre-order. The restaurant is also offering a four-course Valentine’s Day menu for 2024. To unwind, Sorrel boasts a luxurious spa that provides massages, body treatments, yoga, and meditation opportunities.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, California
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The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is located in Los Olivos, California, the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. The property has a storied history dating back to 1886 when it was a stagecoach stop and gathering place in the Prohibition era. The cottage accommodations are original to the property and have been beautifully restored and feature updated, rustic furnishings. There are six cottages, each unique in size and layout.
Unsurprisingly, on Tripadvisor, travelers rave about the ample wine-tasting opportunities nearby, and there is a sparkling wine-tasting event at the Inn every Saturday featuring three varietals and light bites. Strange Family Vineyards varietals are also offered at the property in tasting flights, by the glass, or the bottle from Thursday through Monday. Mattei’s Tavern is also popular in its own right for its distinctly Californian cuisine, with many items made from ingredients harvested from the property’s garden. The wine list is comprehensive and representative of the wine-producing regions of California.
When not sipping the perfect glass of wine, couples can take advantage of the on-site Cottage Spa nestled among the olive groves. The spa offers a core menu of services that includes couple’s massages, dry brushing, and facials, and you can take advantage of special spa rates on weekdays. After a relaxing treatment, couples can extend the experience by soaking in the hot tub (and sipping another glass of wine).
Gingerhill Farm Retreat, Hawaii
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While the stunning beaches of Hawaii aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when considering a cabin retreat, there are a few options for couples who want to visit the islands but don’t want to stay at a mega-resort. Gingerhill Farm Retreat is located on the Big Island and is surrounded by lush greenery and gardens (and of course, the Pacific Ocean). While the property is fairly new to hosting guests, all of its Tripadvisor reviews are excellent. Guests rave about being surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife.
Gingerhill Farm Retreat offers a cabin, cottage, suites, and a jungle canopy, which is an elevated tent structure with a queen-sized bed, toilet, outdoor shower, and attached deck. The retreat provides organic linens and bath products and complimentary Wi-fi and parking. Retreat experience packages are also available, and include wellness activities like movement, meditation, healthy cuisine, and nature immersion.
The property is a bit off the beaten path on the western side of the Big Island, but it is only a 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport. Couples can explore all that Kona has to offer, like scuba diving and snorkeling tours and its abundant bars and restaurants.
White Elephant, Massachusetts
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White Elephant is located on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts and offers cottages, larger residences, and loft accommodations. Originally built in 1920, the property underwent a complete renovation in 2022 and is now open for reservations. Travelers gave high reviews for the Garden Cottages on Tripadvisor. Many also enjoyed borrowing bicycles from the hotel for a quick jaunt into town.
Garden Cottages are available one-, two-, and three-bedroom options and feature upscale amenities like Italian linens and Nespresso machines. Room service and evening turndown service are also provided. The cottages are arranged around an expansive lawn that features Arhaus furniture. When not boat-watching from a lounge chair, couples can rest and rejuvenate at the on-site spa, which offers body treatments, wraps, and facials.
In addition to room service, White Elephant offers seaside dining at the Brant Point Grill. The restaurant’s core menu includes steak and seafood and an extensive wine list. Another restaurant located at the property’s sister hotel on Nantucket, Topper’s at the Wauwinet, overlooks Nantucket Bay and offers a prix fixe menu of seasonal dishes.
West Beach Resort, Washington
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West Beach Resort on Orcas Island, part of the chain of San Juan Islands in Washington State, offers quiet cabins set along the beachfront. Couples on Tripadvisor praised the cleanliness of the cabins, staff friendliness, and the stunning views. By choosing West Beach Resort, you’d kick off your Valentine’s Day retreat with a scenic, serene ferry ride through the islands.
Guests can choose from beachfront, ocean-view, and garden-view cabins. Accommodations include a deck or patio, kitchens, wood floors, and wood-burning stoves in the main living area. The resort allows pets in certain cabins. Couples are advised to inquire about the Classic Plus Beachfront Cabins, located toward the end of the row of cabins on the beach for a bit more privacy. Although the resort also includes an RV camping area, the area is away from the cabins and does not add much noise to the atmosphere.
Opportunities abound for water activities at West Beach Resort. There are abundant fishing opportunities off the dock at the property, and guests can bring their own fishing poles. However, there are basic fishing supplies available at the on-site convenience store. Couples can also reserve their own guided kayak tour for a chance to glimpse harbor seals, porpoises, sea otters, and if they’re very lucky, an Orca whale.
Methodology
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We searched highly rated cabin and cottage properties on Tripadvisor and narrowed the reviews list to those submitted by couples. Properties that leverage beautiful, natural scenery with opportunities for outdoor activity rose to the top. Additional considerations included dining options and other amenities, like on-site spas, guided tours, and unique packages. We also considered how couples reviewed the cleanliness of the accommodations and the attentiveness of staff.
