Recommend June 2017 - 42

Glamping at Collective
Yellowstone in Montana.

Active Honeymoons
Michelle Marie Arean

Today's honeymooners are looking for
more than just lounging by the resort pool
with mai tai in hand. Nowadays it's about
exploring a destination and packing in some
outdoor adventure, and these three resorts
are made for those active-laden honeymoons
(although a little bit of downtime for
cuddling is also in the picture).

An Active Match
The Ranch at Rock Creek, a Relais &
Chateaux property in Montana, is a great
choice for active honeymooners as it's set on
10 sq. miles of wilderness. Honeymooners
can get their adrenaline pumping while
horseback riding, hiking or biking, or trying
their hand at fly fishing, clay shooting, or
archery. The winter months, too, are filled
with active pursuits such as snowshoeing, ice
skating, cross-country skiing, and sledding,
although an intimate moment on a horsedrawn carriage ride is a must. For a truly
unique experience, recommend "snowga," or
yoga practiced in the snow.
All-inclusive rates start at $2,600 per
couple per night and include all activities,
board, and food and beverage including
wine and spirits. Travel agents work directly
with a Ranch Ambassador who will help
them customize their client's honeymoon
and create special celebratory moments and
amenities for them to enjoy. Couples can opt
for a private picnic followed by a couples spa
treatment; or a private meal en-suite or out
in nature.
For the most romantic accommodation,
point honeymooners to Trapper Cabin-A
Romantic Canvas Cabin on Rock Creek, set
42 june 2017

among the pines and aspen at the highest
point on property, and steps away from the
creek. It features an outdoor cedar soaking
tub and fire pit that honeymooners can enjoy
with a bottle of wine or nightcap under a
starry sky.

Twosome Glamping
Located within Montana's Moonlight Basin,
Collective Yellowstone offers honeymooners
luxurious tent accommodations with
signature furnishings and locally sourced
meals, as well as outdoor adventures. For
clients who would like to be one with
nature, but don't want to rough it during
their romantic rendezvous, this glamping
experience situated along the freshwater Lee's
Pool is ideal. "Upon arrival, guests will find
spacious tents decorated with chandeliers and
rugs from local artists, 1,500-thread-count
sheets and a private en-suite bathroom.
The grounds include a large campfire where
guests can enjoy artisanal s'mores by chef
William Howell," says Daniella Sloane,
general manager of Collective Yellowstone.
"Collective Yellowstone appeals to every
kind of newlywed, but really speaks to the
adventurous couple who prefers the fresh
mountain air and sound of bubbling creeks."
Outdoorsy couples will also like the farmto-table format, and let them know that chefs
can prep meals alfresco at the retreat's Three
Peaks Lodge. Sloane adds that, "Sitting
around the campfire while watching the
sunset is one of the most romantic moments
at the retreat. After toasting marshmallows,
many couples walk to the dock to gaze
out across Moonlight Basin to look at the

reflection of Lone Peak and Fan Mountain
on the water."
The outdoor activities include
hiking, horseback riding, and stand-up
paddleboarding, which can be arranged
through Moonlight Outfitters service.
Concierges are available to help
honeymooners customize their trip, as well as
special celebrations such as private romantic
dinners, or a BBQ in a box to enjoy lakeside
or at their tent. Rates start at $500 per night
per tent.

Beaching It
And for watersports aficionados, the Hilton
Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on
Florida's Emerald Coast is just the spot.
Honeymooners can choose from a variety
of watersports, including pontoon boat ride,
wave runners and parasailing, or they can
go sailing, deep-sea bottom fishing and even
take a sunset dinner cruise aboard a luxury
yacht. While on land, couples can opt for
a tennis match, or go biking around town.
The property offers four championship golf
courses, a Serenity by the sea Spa, three
pools, two whirlpools, six restaurants and
three bars.
Recommend a stay in the 1-bedroom
Presidential Suite boasting a private
wraparound balcony, coastal views, separate
living and dining areas, a wet bar, and a
separate bathroom from the master.
As for the most romantic spot? Well,
catching that Florida sunset dip into the
horizon is at the top of many lists. Book the
Leisure Escapes package and receive a $50
daily resort credit for every night of your stay.
In July, room rates start at $346 per night. ■
Contact Information
Collective Yellowstone:
collectiveretreats.com/retreat/collective-yellowstone

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa:
hiltonsandestinbeach.com

The Ranch at Rock Creek, a Relais & Chateaux:
relaischateaux.com/us/united-states/rockcreek-philipsburg
recommend.com
http://www.collectiveretreats.com/retreat/collective-yellowstone http://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com http://www.relaischateaux.com/us/united-states/rockcreek-philipsburg http://www.recommend.com
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