Photo courtesy HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH Spirit Horse cabin at Hidden Meadow Ranch, Greer

Looking for a rustic but refined getaway this winter? warm up to one of these luxurious cabins.


Every so often, we city folk crave some time away from our day-to-day lives. Away from the office, our computers and BlackBerries, the traffic on the 101 and the sheer busyness of living in the Valley.

These five getaway spots offer just that. Rest assured, these winter retreats are a far cry from the ruggedness of camping. Forget the tents and sleeping bags, and prepare for peace and quiet. In just a few hours’ drive from Phoenix, you’ll be ready to relax among some creature comforts that will make you feel right at home.

Photo courtesy HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH Spirit Horse cabin interior at Hidden Meadow Ranch, Greer

Hidden Meadow Ranch
 
Just 10 miles north of Greer in Arizona’s White Mountains, the 150-acre Hidden Meadow Ranch is the ideal getaway – or even hideaway. Perfect for escaping the urban lifestyle, Hidden Meadow is nestled on a 50-acre meadow, where the ranch’s own horses graze and local wildlife roams.

Homesteaded in 1916, the ranch now has 12 guest cabins, with five more planned. At about 900 square feet, each cabin offers a wood-burning stone fireplace, a covered porch overlooking the meadow, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and complimentary sodas, juices, coffees, teas and bottled waters. Internet access is also available.

During the winter months, you can enjoy horseback riding (you can even bring your own horse), sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and back-country excursions in the ranch’s 24-passenger SnowCat. Plus, Sunrise Park Resort is just 30 minutes away if you’d like to ski.

Photo courtesy HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH Horseback riders trot among the aspens of Hidden Meadow Ranch

Room rates adjust per season and always include three meals a day. Packages give you the option of including ranch activities in your rate. If you’re heading out from Phoenix, expect to drive about four hours.
 
Specials: Stay two nights and get the third night half off, plus two free lift tickets and transportion to nearby Sunrise Park Resort. Double occupancy all-inclusive nightly winter rates start at $525, and include all meals and ranch-sponsored activities.

Info: 866-333-4080, hiddenmeadow.com