Hotel of the week: The Ranch at Rock Creek, Near Philipsburg, Mont.

This luxury ranch deserves “trip-of-a-lifetime status,” even if that trip will be “anything but cheap,” said MacKenzie Geidt in Sunset. The theme is “Wild West goes glam,” with Percheron-led sleigh rides embarking just outside the luxurious spa. Archery, paintball, fly-fishing, and ice-skating can also keep you busy, but it’s just as tempting to while away the hours with a book in front of a fireplace. Located just a short drive from Missoula and Butte, the resort also delivers “celestial cuisine and endlessly flowing wine,” all on “one of the prettiest riverfront spreads in the state.” theranchatrockcreek.com; doubles from $1,900