The Most Exclusive Place To Stay In Aspen

Anyone who knows anything about Aspen is well aware that it’s one of the most upscale destinations in the world and known for its designer shops, high-end restaurants and glamorous crowd. Celebrities, titans of industry and the deep pocketed set in general flock here year after year for the incredible skiing, hiking, culture and photogenic setting.

Of course, in a city like Aspen, high-end hotels are a given, but most recently, there’s a new way for the luxury seeking set to stay, and it may be the most exclusive option yet: The Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch.

No, it’s not a hotel. Rather, Aspen Valley Ranch is a gated community with homes that spans more than 800 acres and is just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen. Comprised of residences, the property is unlike anything else that currently exists in town. It’s a self-encompassing retreat with every imaginable luxury and amenity, and like any exceptional place to stay, it also offer amenities that you would never be able to imagine.

Aspen Valley Ranch is ideal for families with kids of any age and groups of friends traveling together. Couples will love it too and can look forward to the ultimate in privacy during their stay.

Let’s talk about the homes to start: the properties range from 5,700 to 13,000 square feet and have a contemporary aesthetic with wood accents- a nod to the surrounding mountains. They feature an open concept floor plan, high ceilings, an abundance of natural light, large family rooms and kitchens for gathering with family and friends and spacious outdoor areas with patios and hot tubs. The appliances, dishes and glassware are the best in class.

The accent pieces are chic, and the art is a stunner— the collection throughout the residences (and public spaces) includes works from celebrated artists such as Domingo Zapata, Jonathan Bermudes, Jeff Koons and Tony Cragg, Gilles Roussell, Johanne Cinier, Richard Rhodes, Laurence Jenkell and Samuel Prudden.

Now to activities, and I’m talking about possibilities that guests can enjoy onsite.

Over the winter that means snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and spending time in the incredible gym and pool house complete with a heated pool, hot tub, steam room, full weight room and yoga studio. During the summer, there’s hiking and a horse barn with a wrangler, horses, eight horse stalls, wash bay, tack room, feed room, 60-foot round pen and an exterior riding arena

Other diversions: the Historic Barn that features a game room with arcade games, air hockey, foosball, skee ball, a ping pong table, pool table and an eight-person bar. Then the Ranch House with a movie theater, wine room and dining room that can accommodate 14 people and overlooks the mountains ahead. In fact, the views of Aspen’s mountain expanses are a highlight at Aspen Valley Ranch and can be savored from nearly every vantage point.

Oh, and I can’t leave out the Toy Garage filled with snowmobiles, four-wheelers, electric and dirt bikes, snowshoe gear and more.

What makes Aspen Valley Ranch the gem that it is are the amenities that truly spoil guests every step of the way. Weekly housekeeping, car service, a concierge and airport transfers? Check. A sommelier service, grocery delivery and onsite massages, pedicures and blow-dries? Check check. A private chef to cook you dinner, babysitting for your kids or a pick up in town after a day on the slopes or hitting the shops? Well, you get the idea.

Simply put, the staff is fabulous and have years of experience working at luxury hotels. They’re warm, work as a team and say “yes” to request. They’ll stock your fridge with your grocery list before you arrive, accompany you around the property for a hike, organize picnics on the grounds with all your favorites foods or run you to the pharmacy if you need to pick up medicine— in fact, they’re more likely to go get the medicine for you to save you the trip.

A stay at Aspen Valley Ranch starts at $200,000 a month. Pricey, no doubt, but if you’re looking for a level of exclusivity that’s hard to find in one of the most exclusive places in the world, Aspen Valley Ranch is it.