Family Vacation Ideas in the Southwest

The Inn at Entrada is a luxury oasis at the mouth of the spectacular Snow Canyon State Park. This small but exquisite luxury resort is located within the gated golf community in Saint George, Utah. Guests stay in their private casitas with fantastic views of the famous vermilion cliffs. The design of the casitas is inspired by the ancient Anasazi dwellings. They blend perfectly with the surrounding majestic nature.

Casitas are very modern and well-appointed inside, with all contemporary amenities. Guests are offered complimentary breakfast in the Inn’s lobby. Guests have a huge range of options for outdoor recreation and entertainment, from playing golf at Entrada’s or other St. George’s great golf courses to hiking through nearby Zion National Park.

2588 West Sinagua Trail, St. George, Utah, UT 84770, 435-634-7100

When it was built in 1887, The Strater did not have indoor plumbing or electricity. Nevertheless, it was the center of Durango’s social and cultural life, and it continues to play the same role today. One of the West’s best-known hotels and Durango’s beloved landmark, this iconic hotel charms guests from the moment they enter its magnificent lobby, with its exquisite handcrafted woodwork, lovingly preserved period wallpaper, and original Victorian details.

The country’s biggest collection of American Victorian antique walnut furniture decorates the guestrooms and hotel common spaces at the Strater Hotel. The hotel offers 93 beautifully appointed rooms, daily live entertainment at the Henry Strater Theater, live music at the hotel saloon and bar, and superb gourmet food at Mahogany Grille, the Diamond Belle Saloon and the elegant Victorian Office Spiritorium.

699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, 970-247-4431

On the outside, Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque is an imposing edifice built in 1926 as a hospital for the Santa Fe Railroad. On the inside, it is a modern, bright, and luxurious hotel with a perfect combination of traditional elegance and modern comfort.

This beautifully renovated historic building has 74 luxurious rooms with all amenities.

Features include a lovely cobblestoned dining plaza, a garden with a fountain, and a spectacular rooftop Apothecary Lounge where you can sip your cocktail and watch downtown Albuquerque and the mesmerizing New Mexico sunset. The hotel’s famous gourmet breakfast is served in the hotel parlor or on the terrace in the garden.

Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service and go to Old Town, Albuquerque Convention Center, Nob Hill and the University of New Mexico.

806 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505-242-0040

Relax on a comfortable lounge chair by the pool of Lake Powell Resort and enjoy the front row seat to the panoramic view of magnificent vermilion cliffs across Lake Powell. Besides lovely pool and spectacular views, Lake Powell Resort offers 345 rooms renovated in 2005 and provided with all modern amenities and contemporary comfort.

You can have a cup of coffee at the resort’s lounge bar, check your email at the business center, or pick a gift at the souvenir shop. Lake Powell will entice you with paddleboards, boat cruises, and waterskiing. You can explore the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on foot or on a horseback.

And when you come back to the resort, have a massage or relax in the whirlpool before heading to the resort’s Rainbow Room for a gourmet meal and more of the spectacular views.

100 Lake Shore Dr, Page, AZ 86040, 888-896-3829

Floating above the Sundance Valley from which the lodging takes its name, the rooms at Sundance Resort are nestled into the encircling mountains and provide guests with rustic charm and home comforts. There are suites made from local materials that take their style inspiration from the natural environment and feature kitchen facilities and even lofts.

Outdoor activities abound for visitors to explore the area all year round depending on the season. Dining options are plentiful and include a restaurant, grill, bar, and deli and the food is made from organic ingredients.

8841 North Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, UT 84604, 800-892-1600

Rancho de los Caballeros will bring you back to the romantic times of the Wild West when the cowboys were roaming Arizona with their large sombreros and powerful horses. This historic Arizona dude ranch is a unique, wonderfully appointed resort located in historic Wickenburg, where you can forget all your daily worries and let the life take much slower pace.

All 65 spacious, tastefully decorated rooms and 12 luxurious suites have magnificent views of the vast Sonora Desert. From the beautiful Western décor of hand-woven woolen fabrics, hand-carved wood and antique period pieces, Rancho de los Caballeros will offer you quiet times of reflection and relaxation, or a full schedule of activities, from golfing, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, or breakneck ATV and Jeep tours. When you return, relax by the campfire and get to know your fellow travelers while sipping a cup of coffee or roasting marshmallows.

1551 S Vulture Mine Rd, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, 928-684-5484

The charming ski resort town of Brian Head, Utah is famous for its wonderful slopes covered with fine white powder. However, once the snow melts, forests become full of life and meadows are covered with wildflowers. Brian Head is a great vacation destination whether you prefer to hit the mountain on your skis or to stroll through narrow trails and steep mountain paths. Whether you are a ski bunny, prefer to watch birds, or want to explore Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Lodge hotel makes for a perfect base.

With 100 modern, beautifully appointed rooms and 12 luxurious suites, you will find perfect comfort, lovely Mission-style furniture and all modern amenities such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Suites have stone fireplaces and queen sleeper sofas. Relax after the day of skiing or exploring at the hotel’s Red Leaf Spa, enjoy a gourmet meal at Leany’s Steakhouse or Lift Bar & Patio.

Grand Lodge at Brian Head, 314 Hunter Ridge Dr, Brian Head, UT 84719, 435-677-9000

Stare out at the Red Cliff Rocks of Utah from the comfort of one of the recently renovated rooms at the Capitol Reef Resort. You may feel as if you are in the heart of the wilderness, but all your needs are catered for and amenities such as Internet access and cable television are all provided. If you want something a little different however that will really help you commune with nature, then you can even choose to stay in your own teepee. If you get hungry, head to the Pioneer Kitchen Restaurant for delicious local dishes and classic comfort food.

2600 East Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775, 435-425-3761, Capitol Reef Resort Video