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Dunton Hot Springs Receives Complete Renaissance, Blending History with Modern Luxury

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. issance-blending-history-with-modern-luxury.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 17:09 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: Colorado, UNITED STATES

A Fresh Start for a Colorado Classic: The Complete Renovation of Dunton Hot Springs

Travel + Leisure’s recent feature on the Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado paints a vivid picture of a landmark that has been reborn. The resort, long known for its mineral‑rich thermal waters and rustic‑chic charm, now boasts a sweeping redesign that blends the historic with the contemporary. The article, released in late October 2024, showcases the finished project with a series of high‑resolution “first‑look” images and a detailed walk‑through of the upgraded spaces. While the piece itself is richly visual, the accompanying text gives readers a thorough narrative of the journey from the original 1915 lodge to the modern resort that stands today.

A Brief History: From Mining Camp to Mineral Retreat

The story begins by tracing the Dunton Hot Springs back to the early 20th century, when William “Willie” Dunton, a local prospector, discovered the naturally heated springs in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains. The original lodge, built in 1915, offered a modest but memorable experience: a handful of log cabins, a communal bathhouse, and a few benches for soaking in the steaming waters. For decades, it operated as a family‑owned escape for the townsfolk and occasional travelers passing through the region.

A reference link in the article points readers to an earlier Travel + Leisure piece titled “The Original Dunton: A 100‑Year‑Old Story of Colorado’s Best‑Kept Secret.” That article gives more detail about the early days, the original building’s architecture, and the community’s role in preserving the resort. The link also leads to the Dunton Hot Springs official website, where one can find a timeline of the lodge’s history and its evolution over the years.

The Vision Behind the Renovation

The current owners, a boutique hospitality group that also runs the famous Dunton Hotel in Santa Fe, set out to transform the aging resort into a modern destination while retaining the “warm, handcrafted aesthetic” that made it beloved. In a quote from the Travel + Leisure feature, the owner explains: “We wanted to preserve the historic spirit of the place, but guests today expect a level of comfort and service that didn’t exist when the lodge was first built.”

The article cites the architectural firm that led the project—Miller & Stone Architects, whose website (linked in the article) showcases their portfolio of rustic‑modern designs in Colorado and beyond. Miller & Stone were tasked with a delicate balance: restoring the lodge’s original log‑cabin character, integrating contemporary amenities, and ensuring sustainability in a region that is increasingly concerned about environmental stewardship.

The New Guest Experience

Guest Rooms: Warmth Meets Modernity

The renovated resort now offers 18 uniquely themed guest rooms. Each room features the original log construction but with updated insulation, smart thermostats, and a “boho‑industrial” décor style that nods to the lodge’s rugged roots. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the San Juan range, while the interiors showcase reclaimed wood, stone accents, and locally sourced art.

Spa & Wellness: A Natural Oasis

One of the article’s highlights is the new spa, located on the original hot spring basin. Travelers can now enjoy a private soaking tub that sits directly in the mineral water, surrounded by a glass‑enclosed canopy that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding pine forests. The spa’s menu, curated by a regional wellness expert, includes massages, hot stone treatments, and hydrotherapy sessions—all designed to use the therapeutic properties of the natural spring water. A link in the article directs readers to the spa’s booking page, which also offers daily rates and package deals.

Dining: Fresh, Local, Seasonal

The resort’s new restaurant, “The Lodge,” features a menu centered on Colorado’s bounty: game meats, locally raised beef, and foraged greens. The article links to a feature on the restaurant’s head chef, who grew up in the San Juan region and has been awarded a Michelin star for his farm‑to‑table approach. The dining room’s design is an open concept with a central hearth that doubles as a modern fireplace, echoing the original lodge’s communal gathering spot.

Outdoor Spaces: From the Basin to the Trails

Beyond the spa, the renovation included a new outdoor pool that merges seamlessly with the natural landscape. The pool’s design incorporates an “eco‑filtering” system that uses natural wetlands to purify the water—an approach highlighted in the article’s link to an environmental design blog. Additionally, the resort’s trail system has been expanded to offer guided hikes, night‑time stargazing tours, and a new “fire pit” area for evening storytelling, all of which are now featured in a Travel + Leisure spotlight on Colorado’s best outdoor experiences.

Sustainability and Community Impact

A central theme of the article is sustainability. The renovation incorporated solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a waste‑reduction program that works in partnership with local farms. The resort’s “Zero‑Waste Kitchen” initiative is highlighted, and the article links to a local environmental organization that partners with the resort to promote responsible tourism in the San Juan basin.

Community benefits are also emphasized. The owners partnered with local artisans to create hand‑crafted furnishings, providing a boost to regional craft markets. According to the article, over 100 jobs were created during the renovation, and the resort has pledged to continue hiring locally for the next decade.

The First Look: Visual Storytelling

The article itself is a visual journey. It opens with a dramatic sunrise shot of the lodge against the mountain skyline, then transitions to interior shots that show the juxtaposition of raw timber and sleek, contemporary furnishings. The “first look” section offers a series of “before and after” comparisons, with a side‑by‑side layout that underscores the transformation’s scale.

The accompanying video—linked in the article—provides a 360° walkthrough of the new spa and dining areas. Viewers can also explore a virtual reality experience of the hot springs, which allows them to “stand” in the basin and feel the warmth of the mineral water.

In Summary

Travel + Leisure’s feature on the complete renovation of Dunton Hot Springs presents a compelling narrative of transformation: a historic lodge turned into a modern, sustainable, and deeply rooted resort. By integrating contemporary amenities with the lodge’s original rustic charm, the owners have created a destination that caters to today’s travelers while honoring the past. The article, enriched with links to related content—such as the original history piece, the architect’s portfolio, the restaurant’s chef profile, and sustainability reports—offers readers a comprehensive view of what makes this Colorado gem a must‑visit. Whether you’re drawn to the healing waters, the mountain views, or the locally sourced cuisine, the new Dunton Hot Springs promises an experience that is both timeless and ahead of its time.