Glamptuary Review - Beyul Retreat
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE OUR STAY IN A RUSTIC CABIN BUILT IN THE 1940’S, AN INTENSE YOGA SESSION, A WINTER WONDERLAND PLAYGROUND, AND A ONE-OF-A-KIND ‘COWBOY CURLING’ TOURNAMENT WHICH INCLUDED A TRIP TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH FOR THE HUSBAND+WIFE TEAM FROM GLAMPTUARY.
Nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, sits a beautiful 32-acre property called Beyul Retreat. Formerly known as the Diamond J Guest Ranch, which was established in 1893, Beyul Retreat now operates as a year-round mountain Glamptuary offering a true “rocky mountain getaway.”
In addition to private hiking trails, peace and tranquility, and a plethora of wildlife (what you’d expect to find at a Rocky Mountain resort), Beyul has worked to create an atmosphere that provides abundant activities so that you’ll never run out of things to do once you arrive. And that’s a good thing because the nearest town is about an hours drive away.
Included on the property are multiple fishing/swimming ponds, access to a private stretch of the Frying Pan River for fly-fishing, yoga classes, massage, a cedar sauna, hot tub and even a cold plunge (if you dare).
Beyul is also happy to refer guests to trusted vendors nearby that offer rock-climbing tours, horseback riding, and other adventures to keep you busy (and maybe needing that cold plunge after all).
If you’re really lucky, or simply plan ahead, you may be able to participate in one of many events Beyul hosts throughout the year. Past events have included a Summit Series Event featuring speakers like Simon Sinek, Camp Omega which was a week long intensive yoga retreat, one of the many music events held throughout the year, and the most recent Cowboy Curling event which yours truly competed in and did very well I must say…
Before I tell you about our quest for the championship cowboy curling belt…allow me to show you the amazing cabin that we called home for the weekend.
Christina outside of our rustic cabin named ‘McGee’
There are 12 cabins in total on Beyul’s property ranging in sizes and amenities - all adorned with rustic charm and everything you need to feel cozy and comfortable.
The structural design of our cabin paid homage to the “OG” cabin designs dating back 100’s of years. It was a simple one room cabin with a side kitchenette, front and back entrance, and a full bathroom for doing bathroom things.
It was exactly what we needed and came equipped with all the comforts of home.
After we settled in, we suited the dogs up for a walk around the property to take in the surroundings. It was nearing the dinner hour and temps were in the single digits, so the walk was brief…and also stylish for our pups Kazan and Wally.
We had a big day ahead of us, and so I took it back to the old school approach when I’d prep for a big sporting event…carb loading.
I mixed in some veggies too for good measure.
After dinner, we decided to continue resting our bodies whilst exercising our brains over a game of Monopoly. The dogs were curled up next to the fireplace, our bellies were full, and we had a roof over our head. We felt complete.
Christina won. Again.
After waking from a restful slumber, we hydrated and got ready for our morning yoga session. Beyul has a large event tent centrally located on the property that plays host to many things and this morning - the agenda was stretch, align and prepare.
After we warmed up our bodies and aligned our chakras, it was time to get suited up for the Cowboy Curling Tournament. Aside from the 1st place award everyone was competing for…there were also awards to be handed out for ‘Best Outfit’ and ‘Best Performance.’ In true fashion, we took our outfits to the next level for both performance in the elements, and style because…we stylin.’
Confident in our looks and optimistic about our ability…we headed towards the frozen pond that had been cleared off and marked up for the Cowboy Curling Tournament. There were 16 teams in all, and guess who was first up?
Yes…they meant to say “3st”
Christina and I both played hockey growing up (and we grew up in Minnesota), so we had a high comfort level on the ice. We knew we had what it took to go the distance. We put our game faces on, and curled those coffee tins filled with sand like there was no tomorrow…
We slid to a win on our first match and we were off and running (or sliding…). Our opponents, The Skunk Girls, were great sports and the tone was set for the day - win and have fun. Or have fun and win. Or have win and fun?
There was a lot to see during the event with all the colorful and ingenious costumes.
Photo Credits - Tyler Wilkinson-Ray
As the competition stiffened, some competitors took to costume enhancements to gain a competitive “edge”…
Dog approved
We saw it all. And each time we slid up to the game grid…we kept winning.
Of course, we had breaks in between all our winning and Beyul had plenty of fun going on for us to partake in throughout the day.
After 5 grueling matches (and 6 hours in the frigid mountain air), we had managed to make it to the championship round.
There were teams from past events that thought we were ringers...a couple of cowboy curling cons that travel from tournament to tournament hustling up wins and whatever prizes we could get our hands on.
The truth was…we were just a couple of good ole country bumpkins who let love lead the way. And it led us to becoming the “3st Annual Cowboy Curling” Champions.
Your 2023 Cowboy Curling Champions
We had SO much fun and met WONDERFUL people during our stay at Beyul Retreat.
The team at Beyul has done a fantastic job of creating a welcoming atmosphere, a connection with nature, and a mission set to enhance the lives of those souls who pass through its gate.
I’d like to thank Abby Stern and her team for welcoming and hosting us for the weekend.
We left feeling enriched, fulfilled, and with a nice 1st place prize from one of the event sponsors - Sunski Sunglasses.
The Glamptuary family thanks you for being awesome.
Helpful Information For Planning A Visit To Beyul Retreat at Diamond J Ranch
Booking: Directly on the Beyul Retreat Website.
Nearest Major Airport: Denver International Airport.
Nearest Regional Airport: Aspen/Pitkin Airport.
Drive times: 1 hour from Aspen, 3.5 hour drive from Downtown Denver, 4 hour drive from Denver International Airport.
Nearest town is Basalt, CO- 28 miles away (45 minute drive).
Nearest hospital - Aspen Valley Hospital - 43 miles away (1.2 hour drive).
Paved road access, groomed and dirt roads inside the property.
Coffee and Tea + Light Snacks are provided in the Main Lodge. No meals are provided unless pre- scheduled with an event .
Each cabin comes with a full kitchen + standard (or mini) appliances. Grills are provided near the lodge.
Coffee-maker, coffee, and tea are provided in cabins.
Each cabin is fully stocked with plates, silverware and drinking glasses.
Full bathrooms are located in each cabin.
Towels provided, some toiletries provided, hairdryers located in bathrooms.
Communal lodge open 24 hrs with a seating area, games + books for check out, and a small “honor system” bodega.
Recreational equipment available on a limited basis.
Firewood available for free on property.
Sauna, Hot Tub and Cold Plunge are open 24 hrs.
Wi-Fi is available around the ranch.
Dog-friendly.
Family-friendly.
Open for group bookings and events.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your friends.
