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6-star service at a private ranch in the Rockies: Is this the ultimate holiday experience?

4 April 2023 • Written by Lucy Dunn

A holiday at Moonshot Ranch is not just any holiday. The first difference is that you don’t rent this one-of-a-kind home and its cinematic 200 acres in the heart of Aspen’s Rocky Mountains – you charter it. Moonshot’s proprietor, a boat owner who has travelled the world, recognises that the curated service you get from chartering a yacht is second to none, more than any five-star hotel. His mission therefore is to offer a unique holiday rental specialising in unparalleled six-star service.

Book a stay here and you will have every wish and whim catered for thanks to your very own private concierge, driver, chef and ranch manager who will be on hand 24/7 to help make sure your stay is the most luxurious it can be.

The second difference is Moonshot’s location. The impeccably furnished home, which consists of five guest suites, three staff rooms, ten bathrooms and one office, is only nine minutes drive into Aspen yet you still get the full Colorado experience: panoramic scenery, fresh mountain air, dazzling azure skies and a 360-degree view of Aspen’s four mountains, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. The ranch is set on a 500-acre mesa (flat-topped rock) which gives elevated views across the valley.

Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular at Moonshot, and, rather aptly, so is star and moon gazing: there is no light pollution to dim your view. A dip in the hot tub is a must. Depending on the time of year you visit, your intuitive concierge will suggest a range of activities each day specifically curated for you and your group.

Every activity has been thought of – and instructors and guides are provided on any or all activities as needed. On the ranch there is everything from volleyball and polo to mountain biking, motocross and car racing – perfect for active types. Skijoring – snow skiing behind a horse in full gallop on a course – is also available in winter.

The area also offers a wealth of things to do for all ages: from world-class skiing and snowmobiling in winter, to family hiking, hot air ballooning and kayaking in summer. More sedate activities include fly fishing in the mountain streams and lakes (the area is renowned for large trout fishing) or the stunning Silver Queen gondola ride up Aspen Mountain. And not forgetting the abundance of cultural activities that Aspen has to offer – the historic mining town has a thriving arts scene with must-see events and exhibitions happening throughout the year including at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

If you don’t want to step outside the front door, your concierge can arrange experiences to come to you such as spa treatments, massages or yoga sessions. However, if you are yearning to explore, there are daily horse rides on one of the estate’s six horses. Every level is catered for – whether you’re new to horse riding or are a more advanced rider who wants to try their hand at the traditional rodeo-style techniques such as barrel racing, reining or cutting (lessons are available). And children won’t be bored – there are mini-Shetland ponies for them to ride in Moonshot’s pristine green paddocks, as well as friendly alpacas and ranch dogs to pat and chickens to feed.

The most magical times of year to experience Moonshot are spring, summer and autumn, when the trees burst into glorious technicolour. A snow-covered Aspen also sparkles during the holiday season. Brimming with designer boutiques, chic eateries and smaller independent stores, there’s everything you need for your last-minute Christmas and Hanukkah shopping.

With so much to do and discover, no two Moonshot holidays are the same. And with attentive staff who make it their business to really get to know you, somewhere you’ll want to come back to time and time again. 

With rates starting from $250,000 per week, find out how to book your stay by clicking here.


Sponsored content created for Moonshot Ranch