The Story Behind Haute Haus Wellness Escapes: A Colorado Retreat Designed for Connection
There are plenty of beautiful mountain rentals in Colorado, but Haute Haus is something more. What sets it apart isn't just the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sauna, hot tub, wellness room, or sweeping mountain views. It's the feeling that stays with you throughout your visit—a sense of calm, connection, and intention that's difficult to put into words until you've experienced it for yourself.
Located just two hours from Boulder in the small mountain town of Alma, Haute Haus was thoughtfully created by owners Darin and Yvonna as both a family retreat and a place where others could reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves. From the moment you arrive, it's clear that every detail has been carefully considered, not just for how the space looks, but for how it makes people feel.
After spending time at the property, I found myself less interested in the amenities and more curious about the people behind them. How does a place feel this intentional? The answer, it turns out, begins with a family, a love of travel, and a vision for creating a mountain escape designed to be experienced rather than simply rented.
It Started With A Happy Accident
Like many Colorado mountain home searches, the journey began in Breckenridge. The couple initially hoped to purchase a cabin there but quickly realized the properties within their budget weren't the right fit. After expanding their search and nearly purchasing a home in Blue River, an unexpected opportunity appeared in Alma. At the time, their business partner was living in Denver and toured the property on their behalf while they were out of state. After a FaceTime walkthrough, a few conversations about the property's potential, and a leap of faith, Yvonna and Darin submitted an offer—and won.
What began as a practical real estate decision soon became something much bigger. The more time they spent in Alma, the more they fell in love with the town, its people, and the possibilities the property offered. Before long, what started as an unexpected opportunity evolved into a shared vision: creating a place where families, friends, and travelers could slow down, reconnect, and experience the Colorado mountains in a more meaningful way.
"It was a little bit of a happy accident, but we grew to love the town, the community, and couldn't have picked a better place to build our wellness escape."
More Than a Rental, It's Their Family Retreat
One of the things that struck me most about Haute Haus is that it doesn't feel staged. It feels lived in—in the very best way possible. With a game room complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, darts, and plenty of space to gather, it's easy to see how easily the kids can disappear downstairs for hours of play while parents unwind in the hot tub, reconnect around the fire pit, or linger over a morning coffee. It's equally suited for a multi-generational family vacation, a wellness retreat, a girls' getaway, or a group of friends looking to spend quality time together. That's because the space was designed from real life. Darin and Yvonna regularly travel to Alma with their two young children, balancing family time with the realities of maintaining and growing a hospitality business. Their visits often include grocery runs, project lists, and home improvements before settling into the slower rhythm of mountain life.
"We rarely go without improving, fixing, or maintaining something," Yvonna laughed.
Yet despite the work, they've built rituals around slowing down. Almost every morning, Darin and Yvonne wake up early to sauna and talk about life, business, and their plans for the day. Then they make coffee and breakfast. Watching the sunrise and setting intentions together is one of their favorite parts of staying there. It's easy to see how those moments shaped the atmosphere guests experience when they arrive. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a retreat, or simply escaping the pace of everyday life, Haute Haus feels less like a rental and more like a place designed for connection.
Inspired By The Alps, Grounded in Wellness
The design of Haute Haus feels both elevated and approachable—a balance that didn't happen by accident. Drawing inspiration from years of travel, particularly throughout Europe and Japan, Darin and Yvonna created a space that feels deeply personal while remaining welcoming to guests. "The Alps inspired the natural wood tones, black-and-white palette, and cozy textures," Yvonna shared. "There's definitely some Scandinavian influence as well."
Their honeymoon in Japan left an equally lasting impression. It was there that they fell in love with the country's approach to wellness and self-care, inspiring details like the steam shower and bidet, both reminiscent of the onsens they visited during their travels. As someone who has spent time in Japan myself, these details immediately stood out. They're subtle, but they create an experience that feels different from many wellness-focused stays in Colorado. Throughout Haute Haus, wellness isn't treated as an amenity—it's thoughtfully woven into daily life. From early morning sauna sessions and evenings in the hot tub to quiet corners designed for reflection, every space encourages guests to slow down and be present.
What They Hope Guests Take Home
When I asked Yvonna what she hopes guests feel after a stay, her answer was immediate. "We want guests to feel how we feel." Simple as that. A sense of home. A sense of possibility. A sense of connection. And perhaps that's the magic of Haute Haus. It's not just a mountain getaway. It's an invitation to experience a slower pace, discover a small Colorado town full of heart, and remember what it feels like to truly settle in. In a season where so many of us are craving rest, connection, and time outdoors, Haute Haus offers all three—along with a reminder that sometimes the best escapes aren't the furthest away. They're simply the places created with the most intention.
"We hope guests leave feeling inspired, relaxed, joyful, and wanting to come back again with family and friends."
Skiers Right Lodge and Haute Haus are more than just vacation rentals—they're places meant to be experienced. Every detail, from the wellness amenities and thoughtfully collected interiors to the connection with the Alma community, reflects the owners' belief that where you stay should feel as meaningful as where you travel. That intention extends beyond the design itself. Throughout both properties, Yvonna and Darin have intentionally showcased small businesses and entrepreneurs whose products align with the experience they're creating. Guests will discover wellness products from Merigold in the wellness room, sip what quickly became our favorite tea from Tea with Tae, and find thoughtful touches like Baja Gold bath salts, red light therapy, and a Peloton—all carefully selected to encourage rest, restoration, and well-being.
It's a reminder that supporting local doesn't stop at the front door. By showcasing brands and makers they genuinely believe in, Yvonna and Darin have created a space that not only supports guests but also celebrates fellow entrepreneurs building something meaningful of their own. Whether you're planning a family getaway, gathering friends for a long weekend, hosting a wellness retreat, or simply looking for a place to slow down and reconnect, both properties offer something increasingly rare: the feeling of being truly at home while away.
If your travels ever take you to Alma, put Haute Haus Wellness Escapes at the top of your list. Come for the mountain views, sauna sessions, and Colorado adventure. Leave with a deeper appreciation for this tiny mountain town, the businesses that help bring these spaces to life, and the people who have poured so much heart into creating a place worth returning to again and again.
Book Here: https://www.hautehausalma.com
Photography By: Linden Wilsonn
