Magee Homestead is a private hideaway nestled in the valley of the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain ranges. The nine upscale cabins can be rented individually or the group can be blocked off for a private event. Those wanting to host a reunion or intimate family wedding love that it is a secluded location but still conveniently close to the private airport in the tony town of Saratoga. While exclusive, it is a laidback property – more of an adult summer camp meets spa kind-of-feel and, best of all, it is an all-inclusive resort.
Part of the Relais & Chateaux group, the property is a 30,000-acre resort catering to folks who love the outdoors – fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and shooting, but at the end of the day want first-class spa treatments, a smooth Wyoming whiskey at happy hour, gastronomic meals, and sunset cocktails by the campfire.
My husband Matt and I spent three days and nights at Magee honing some ranch skills already acquired and adding to our repertoire through the help of their expert guides.
Our favorite activities
Fly fishing – Access to Gold Medal (5,000 fish per mile) Streams and armed with the help of our expert guide Phillip, us novices learned the art of casting, mending and releasing. Matt caught a fine-looking 20” rainbow trout after an epic battle and was grinning from ear to ear – priceless! Since Magee Homestead is part of the Orvis endorsed Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, professional gear from waders and boots to poles and nets were included as part of the excursion.
Hiking – The Medicine Bow (12,000 ft. high) offers some of the prettiest vistas and is an excellent hike for those wanting a serious workout. The day we tried to take it on, it was snowed-in so our affable guide Corbin took us over to Brush Creek where we enjoyed our off-piste adventure to the top of the ranch’s rolling hills. Once down, we elected to cross a patch of the stream with chilly rushing white-water. It was a challenge traversing barefoot on the slippery, moss-laden rocks to dry land, but the frigid waters actually relieved our aching feet. Magee offers non-hikers a great option to explore the National Forest via all-terrain Polaris vehicles with a Ranger (supplemental fee applies).
Horseback Riding – Proficient horse folk and novices alike can experience some of the prettiest trails in the range. Every guest is outfitted with authentic riding boots and hats before being paired with horses according to their riding abilities. It was Matt’s first-time riding, and while I have been a few times before, I still consider myself a novice so we requested docile horses and a patient wrangler. Our patient guide Garrett choose a couple of easy-going horses for our ride and took us on a scenic and tranquil trail. It was the perfect introduction for greenhorns like us.
The Spa – the property sits up at an elevation upwards of 6,700 feet. For those arriving from sea level, I highly recommend an a-la-carte spa treatment. I booked a reflexology session which did wonders to help ease my joint pain post-hike and noticed there are specifically designed treatments to help people avoid or relieve altitude sickness.
Accommodations, Food, and Libations
Known for five-star hospitality and outstanding food and wine, it’s no wonder that Magee Homestead is part of the Relais & Chateaux family. Each well-appointed cabin is distinctly decorated with a western chic flair. Modish amenities like their own bottled sunscreen and lotions are a nice touch.
Efforts at Magee are being made to be as eco-friendly as possible. Reusable water bottles are provided to each guest and robust plans for sustainable food production are in the works. Currently, the red meat served is sourced from their own ranch-raised Akaushi herd. Their massive on-site greenhouse produces 100 different items used throughout the property and other ingredients they need they work diligently to procure from regional partners.
Chef de Cuisine, AJ Buchanio, and his team take advantage of the local fish and game to serve wild west delights with a sophisticated twist. The sommelier pairs each course with wine (if desired) from the extensive wine list. Signature cocktails and mocktails inspired by local spirits and healthy fixings are their specialties from the bar which puts a little extra happiness into their Happy Hour.
Homebrew Detox shots are kept cool in a self-serve minibar fridge in the dining lodge right next to the sinfully delicious home-baked cookies. I am sure that the detox cancels out the indulgence of the cookie so I had one of each daily, just to be sure.
Whether visiting as a couple, family or with friends a getaway to Magee Homestead is a treat for adventurers with an appetite for laidback luxury.
Magee Homestead | 6429 State Highway 130, Saratoga, Wyoming 82331
