The INNside Scoop

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  Wending up a narrow mountain road, I leave the hurry-scurry world behind. As I inhale the rejuvenating mountain air, my spirits soar in sync with my ascension up the stony incline. I can hardly wait to reach my destination—an off-the-beaten path oasis with promises of panoramic vistas amidst the clouds.
   After a tantalizing peek-a-boo glimpse of the Southwestern-style hacienda, the dwelling slowly comes into full view. Situated at the base of Blue Mountain and overlooking Red Rock Park, Hughes Hacienda sits atop a hill in the Rocky Mountains of color coordinated Colorado—a state where all the colors of nature seem to come together in perfect harmony. Even though this unique inn stretches over 19 secluded acres, it is only 20 minutes away from downtown Colorado Springs where fine dining abounds.

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}One is able to savor the splendor of Colorado from this unique B&B—an oasis of quietude and serenity in the Rockies.~
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A walled courtyard, featuring a triple-tiered trickling fountain and a plethora of indigenous plants, serves as the entrance to Hughes Hacienda. As soon as I walk through the soft sculpted adobe archway, I feel like I have been swooped away by a Southwestern spell of magical enchantment
   Wayne and Carol Hughes, the personable and capable resident innkeepers, opened their home as a bed and breakfast inn in 1995. The Hughes are gracious hosts whose warm Southwestern hospitality makes guests feel cared for and welcomed.
   Guest accommodations at Hughes Hacienda bed and breakfast are comprised of an alluring guest room and a commodious guest suite. Each is distinctive and comes with an assortment of special amenities: flickering LED votive candles, a coffee maker, a stereo/CD player, a TV/VCR,  a small refrigerator, plus other extras. Tranquil music is piped into the bedrooms as well as the bathrooms.

   My husband, who joined me on this trip, and I stayed in The Baja Room and loved it. Even though The Baja Room is not as large or secluded as The Hacienda Suite, it opens onto a private deck (photo on page 2) with magnificent views of glorious mountains, red rock formations, and glit-tering city lights in the distance after dark. The deck, complete with two chairs and a table, is shaded by a large aspen tree. Zooming hummingbirds—lured by nectar-filled birdfeeders—seem to be ever present and provide fascinating entertainment. The Baja Room boasts a vaulted 17 foot wood-beamed ceiling and features a queen bed with a headboard creatively designed from wooden shutters which once hung upon  the oldest light house on Baja peninsula.
   If larger, more deluxe accommodations are preferred, The Hacienda Suite is sure to please the most discriminating sojourner.  Located on the ground level with its own private patio, The Hacienda Suite provides the ultimate in Southwestern décor and comfort. Handsome wood-beamed ceilings, polished Mexican tile floors, a cozy Kiva fireplace, luxurious leather wing chairs in a sitting/entertainment area, a king-sized bed with an unusual hand-made willow branch headboard, a wet bar, and outstanding views combine to make this guest suite one difficult to leave. However, with its therapy spa and piñon wood-burning fireplace, the entry courtyard  beckons guests to spend time there as well.
   Each morning a Southwestern mini-feast is served and includes fresh fruit, a delicious entrée, a variety of meats, and tortillas or home-baked bread. Depending upon weather conditions, breakfast is served either on the covered patio (overlooking the mountains, flower gardens,  and the valley below) or in the dining room next to a cheery fire. No matter where breakfast is served, the presentation is as impressive as the food served and the attention received.
   Hughes Hacienda is truly an oasis of quietude and serenity in The Rockies where one is able to savor the splendor of The Southwest in high style.