This All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in a Colorado Ghost Town Just Got a Multimillion-dollar Renovation

Dunton Hot Springs, the 1800s Colorado mining town–turned–mountain retreat, has completed a three-year renovation. The multimillion-dollar project refreshed guest cabins and communal spaces, including the historic Saloon and Dance Hall and the updated five-bedroom Potter House, the resort’s largest accommodation.

The Relais & Châteaux stay sits in a remote valley in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, about 30 miles from Telluride, and draws guests for its mineral-rich hot springs, mountain views, and just 14 hand-built log cabins, all dating back to the town’s mining heyday. Chef-driven meals and a serious wine program round out the off-grid but decidedly luxurious vibe.

“This renovation has been about stewardship and honoring Dunton’s history while ensuring it remains a place of deep restoration for generations to come,” says Christina Rossi, managing partner at Dunton Management Company. “Dunton has always been a labor of love, and every decision has been made to protect the soul of the town so guests continue to experience it in a way that feels deeply personal and timeless.” London-based design firm Waldo Works led much of the redesign, working closely with Rossi and the on-site team.

One of the most notable changes is Chuck’s Cabin. Built more than 130 years ago and now open to guests for the first time, the four-bedroom, multi-level retreat is among Dunton’s most spacious options. The restoration preserved original elements like hand-hewn log walls, while adding wide-plank oak floors, custom-made furniture, and contemporary finishes. A queen bedroom with en-suite bath is on the main floor, while upstairs, a king bedroom comes with a deep soaking tub and rain shower. And in the cabin’s living room, large windows make the most of views onto the Dolores River and surrounding mountains.

Inside the Major Ross Cabin, another historic miner’s home, the update features layered textiles, sculptural lighting, and bespoke pieces that nod to frontier life and global craftsmanship.

Longtime Dunton guests will recognize the five-bedroom Potter House as the go-to spot for multigenerational trips and group getaways. As the final piece of the renovation, it’s been refreshed with redesigned bathrooms and updated textiles to align with the new design direction, while retaining generous common areas and wide-open wilderness views.

The social core of Dunton—the Saloon and adjoining Dance Hall—has also received a thoughtful update. A custom Molteni range now anchors the Saloon, encouraging more interaction between guests and the kitchen team at mealtimes. Next door, expanded seating and layered lighting in the Dance Hall make the space more flexible, from casual afternoon gatherings to late-night dancing. The original bar, said to bear Butch Cassidy’s carved signature, remains untouched, surrounded by handcrafted materials, art, and antiques that keep the 19th-century spirit firmly in place.

Nightly rates at Dunton Hot Springs start from $1,165, and you can book your stay at duntondestinations.com.