Abode at Willowtail Springs Bed & Breakfast Cabins

Discover Willowtail Springs, the best-kept secret in Southwest Colorado! The cabins and gardens have been featured in Sunset, Country Home, Colorado Expressions and American Airline magazines as well as Country Homes Book of Best Places.

Willowtail Springs and three classy cabins await you amid the sun-washed landscapes of Southwest Colorado. Nestled on an enchanting 60 acres of fields, forests, streams, breathtaking gardens and a large lake filled with bass. Canoes and row boat sit by the dock ready to escort guests. Fish, dream, and watch birds, double rainbows or Colorado mountain sunsets when the mist hangs low on the surface of the water. Lie in peace as the sunrise filters gently through the lace and trees. Luxuriate in the hot tub perched on an outcropping of rock over the lake. Take in the galaxy above; the shooting stars, the moon and, if you are lucky, the northern lights.

 

Romantic getaways, honeymoons, anniversary, elopements, small weddings, birthdays, family vacations, reunions and artist retreats are perfect at Willowtail Springs.

Secluded but not remote, we are directly located on the San Juan Skyway Loop. Guests take day trips to attractions in Mancos, Dolores, Telluride, Ouray, Ridgeway, Silverton, and Durango. We are just 10 minutes from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, 30 minutes from Durango and the Silverton train, the Anasazi Heritage Museum and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park. The mystical vastness of Hovenweep, Dolores Canyon Outlook, Canyonlands, Monument Valley and Arches National Park are only 90 minutes away.

Guests come with a full itinerary, but succumb to the spell
of Willowtail Springs, unable to pull themselves away.

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"Wow! What attention to detail and thoughtful imagination!! From the fresh flowers to the fresh bread, butter, cream and yummy raspberry/cherry jam."

~ Betty, Tina and Susan - Michigan

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Experience Willowtail Springs in all Seasons

Many beautiful places exist in the Southwest, but Willowtail Springs seems to be an especially magical and inspirational place for people who have stayed here. We have hosted artists, writers, photographers, meditation groups, couples and families, all of whom seem to relax and shine in this setting.

From the decks, windows, fields and forests a variety of birds are always present. We are a Release Site for Birds through the Durango Wildlife Rehabilitation Center licensed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

"World Class!" ~ Jackie and Bob - Texas

The property is blessed with an uncommon wealth of water. Fed by a spring, irrigation water and run-off, the lake provides a healthy habitat for large mouth bass and other species. The plentiful irrigation water creates an additional source of water which weaves through forests, fields and meadows filling wildlife ponds as it meanders or rushes through the land and joins existing streams on its route.

Stewardship of the varied ecosystems on the land is our passion, our meditation, our magic, our breath, our practice and our reward. Lush gardens, wilderness, ancient forests, meadows, sun dappled oases and intimate shady grooves have consumed us for years.

The seasons are as varied as the landscape. Be sure and sample winter, fall and early spring as well as summer

All photos taken by Cloy Arts & Sciences unless otherwise noted.

Misty velvet filaments overly quietly
White blue dotted blankets

Yellow threads sprayed across red cloth

Soft thistle throated voices
Singing gentle sage lullabies

Magenta tunes against deep purple woods

Whispered prayers to exquisite moments
Borrowed in time

~ Peggy Cloy ~

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"This place rivals many of the quaint locals throughout Europe, a beautiful, elegant, great location." ~ Janet and Phil - Harp, Kansas

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Tai Chi as an "internal martial art" has long been practiced and recognized by many world cultures for its tremendous fittness, dexterity, balance, mental clarity and focus. This is especially important for its restorative powers where it may be diminishing in an aging population. Lee Cloy has 40 years of experience in many types of martial arts, with emphasis on Tai Chi for the last 25 years. As a Master of these arts, and through the combination of his own skills in several styles, Lee'ss Tai Chi has evolved into a unique form placing focus on bringing about healing and regeneration in both body and spirit. Lee works with new and experienced individuals to help them develop and expand their own Tai Chi skills, creating a more grounded and centered place within themselves from which they can bring more authentic power, energy and peacefulness into their daily lives. Lessons are available individually or as part of a Rejuvenating Retreat stay at Willowtail Springs.

Listed below are some of the many comments from Lee's recent students:

"Lee has worked with people of all skill levels during his 40 years experience in Martial Arts of all kinds. During the last 4 years he has concentrated on the healing and regenerative side of Tai Chi rather than the more Martial Forms and Practices. He has combined his own skills in several areas to forge a practice which is very unique and very valuable to a number of people."

"Tai Chi has lowered my blood pressure and reduced the mediation required. It has also improved my sense of well being, health and relaxation, diminished physical discomfort from a hip injury and knee surgery, and improved my stance and movement while performing daily chores, thus reducing physical stress on my body."

"Lee teaches a smooth and soft form of Tai Chi, "Like swimming in the air", which is restorative to the body. It calls upon and nurtures its own healing energies through meditative movement."

"As a somewhat skeptical mechanical engineer, I did a little research into what it really is and why I should be involved. I found that it was the most popular exercise on earth and led to healthier and happier lives. Having originated as a form of martial arts but now used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, emphasizing the importance of the energy of mind intent, it then adds breathing techniques to the physical movements. Tai Chi is helping me learn to relax, gather energy and reduce stress in my life."

"Tai Chi is a very personal activity. Spending time with a master like Lee in such a peaceful place is unique. Peace and centering is always present in the patience, power and strength Lee brings to his practice and his teaching."

"Words that come to mind when I think of Tai Chi with Lee…energizing, thoughtful, challenging and healing. The physical experience has increased my circulation, improved my balance and flexibility. The spiritual experience has introduced moving meditation as part of my daily practice, centering and aligning myself with the energy of the universe.

"Lee has adapted the form to create a connection between mind, body and spirit that brings a wholeness and connectedness to all these parts of my life. It is a blessing to be in his presence and to be his student."

• Luxurious pillow top beds, lovely linens & fluffy robes
• Fully equipped kitchens and outdoor gas grills
• Homemade bread, cherry/raspberry jam, organic juice, butter, cream, milk, eggs, fruit, fresh ground coffee, tea, homemade granola, fruit, olive oil and spices
• Fireplaces
• Two canoes and a rowboat
• Fishing gear (No fishing license required for catch and release of large mouth bass in our private lake)
• Snow shoes in winter
• Croquet & badminton
• Wildlife ponds
• Two person hot tub on a breathtaking rock outcropping looking at the lake, mountains and stars
• Bouquets of fresh flowers
• Natural bath and spa products
• Binoculars and bird books
• Tips to special area attractions
• Wi-Fi, TV, movies, DVD player, sound system
• Evaporative coolers in two cabins
• Arrange for the extra luxury of a massage, facial or private dinner in your cabin

Luxury Amenities

• Romantic dinner for two served by candlelight inside your cabin or on the deck (menus available), $185-$225.
• Massage for two people (one-hour each), $160.
• Photography session of your time at Willowtail Springs, whether it be a wedding or any other occasion. One hour photo shoot, plus a disk of 45 photos, $450 if done by Peggy and Lee. Up to $2000 if more extensive work is done or another professional photographer is used.
• Limousine service to and from Durango for dinner, dancing or a performance. Prices vary, please check with us.

The comment we hear the most from our guests is a version of...
"Tell people to stay longer. We had no idea how much there was to do and see in this area and we need more time to boat, fish, hike and relax at Willowtail Springs."

Some people go out to an area attraction almost every day. Others come for two weeks and never leave Willowtail Springs. We have listed many of the most visited and popular sites in the area. Keep in mind that many of your most treasured sites and experiences in the Southwest may be in surprise places not often found on a tour map. We are also happy to give you our own personalized advice on what to see and do, which may not be on the more publicized lists.

Willowtail Springs is located midway between the mountains and the Canyonlands. You can go both directions during a stay. We have flyers and maps for you in each cabin as an overview with details of the rich choices available to you during your stay in the Southwest.

However, before venturing out, take time to enjoy all the pleasures at Willowtail Springs:

Fishing, boating, bird watching, reading, strolling in garden paths or through the woods and forests, hot tub, mountain sunrises, shooting stars, rainbows, wadding in the streams, watching wildlife or the release of raptors, snowshoes by each cabin, sledding on hills...

For workshops and retreats on the property, click here.

Area Attractions

Mesa Verde National Park (10 minutes to entrance)
The spectacular giant of Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) Ruins – one of the 10 Wonders of the World and most visited sites in the area. The entrance to this World Heritage Site is only 10 minutes Willowtail Springs. Visit for a day or more depending on your interest level.

Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park (30 minutes)
Ute Mountain Tribal Park is owned and operated by the Ute Tribe. Larger than Mesa Verde National Park, full day or half-day tours are available with a native Ute guide. Guests are always amazed and thrilled by their experience here.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This is another giant attraction of endless thrilling views and river gorges.? Comment: Think seriously about arranging to take the train one way and the bus or van and a jeep tour or river rafting upon return. One has two views and double the thrills with any of these alternatives.

Trimble Hot Springs
This is an excellent choice on the day you do the train or separately combined with massage and dinner.

Transfer Campground (20 minutes)
Be in the mountains in a heartbeat for viewing, long hiking trails down the river bottoms and the mountain ridges or easy strolls through aspen and oak. Keep driving and hike Shark’s Tooth Mountain.

Goodwin Point
Out of the way but worth the drive

Dolores Canyon Outlook (1 1/2 hours)
Ponderosa forest entrance ending in deep SW canyons of pinion and juniper. This one is an unexpected and spectacular surprise.

San Juan Skyway Loop
Gorgeous, can be enjoyed as a full day trip or part of a day?. Drive along the Dolores River, thru mining towns and over three mountain passes. Stop with a picnic overlooking some of the most exquisite landscapes in Colorado.

Ouray, Little Switzerland (2 1/2 hours)
Hot springs, ice climbing park, Bon Ton Restaurant, Buena Tempo Mexican Restaurant

Ridgway (2 1/2 hours)
Orvis Hot Springs, Sandy's Sunshine Kitchen, Fabulous Adobe Inn, Mexican, 5 star, Great!!

Silverton (2 hours)
Mining tours, Blue Grass Festival, four wheel and Jeep thrills

Telluride (1 1/2 hours)
Bridal Falls, many festivals: Film, Blues and Brews, Bluegrass and others, Hongas Restaurant, Asian, fresh & yummy!

If you still do not have your fill of otherwordly desert, steams, rocks, ruins and sky:

• Crow Canyon Archeological Center (40 minutes) Become an archeologist for the day or the week.
• Four Corners National Monument - Touch 4 states at once!
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah (1 1/2 - 2 hours)
• Arches National Park, Moab, Utah (2 1/2 hours)
• Comb Ridge, Bluff, Utah (2 hours) Hike for hours or days
• Valley of the God, Utah (2 hours & 15 minutes) Explore limitless hidden canyons, waterways and waterfalls
• Mexican Hat, Utah (2 1/2 hours) Point of departure or take-out, San Juan River Trips, magnificent and varied landscapes
• Monument Valley (2 1/2 hours)
• Hovenweep National Monument(1 1/2 hours)
• Canyon of the Ancients National Monument (30 minutes) especially lovely late afternoon
• Sand Canyon, back entrance of Canyon of the Ancients (45 minutes)
• Lowry Pueblo
• Anasazi Heritage Center (20 minutes) Wonderful!

Fishing and Boating
Besides the largemouthed bass at Willowtail Springs, there are many fabulous fly fishing areas very close by. Go by yourself or with one of the wonderful guides in Durango or Cortez.

• Duranglers
• ProFlyFishers
• McPhee Reservoir: The second largest body of water in Colorado, has both warm water and cold water fishing, swimming and boating
• Naraguinnepp Reservoir: Take a boat or a fishing rod or just a picnic
• Navajo Lake
• Dolores River
• Animas River
• San Juan River

Bicycling

You are in one of the Mountain Biking centers of the country. The trails and choices are unlimited.? Bring your own bike or rent one in Cortez or Durango when you arrive.

• Boggy Draw, Dolores
• Durango, tons of off-road trails

Horseback Riding

• Rimrock Outfitters - A favorite with our guests, go up in the mountains and have dinner cooked and hear cowboy songs!
• Rustler's Roost - Also very good

Mancos Stagecoach - Great fun!

Jeep Tours
Outlaw Jeep Tours

Cross Country Skiing
Chicken Creek, Mancos

Golf

• Conquistador, Cortez
• Dalton Ranch, Durango
• Durango Mountain Resort
• Piñon Hills, Farmington, New Mexico

Hiking Limitless!

River Rafting

• Mountain Waters Rafting, Durango
• Mild to Wild, Durango
• Flexible Flyers, Durango
• Durango Rivertrippers, Durango

Skiing

• We are midway between Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort and Telluride.
• Hesperus is 20 minutes from Mancos.
• Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
• Telluride
• Hesperus
• Wolf Creek Ski Area

Other Points of Interest

• Colorado Welcome Center, Cortez (20 minutes)
• A wealth of information about the area
• Cortez Cultural Center
• Indian Dances

Restaurants - In Mancos and a few of our favorites:

• The Kennebec Cafe& Bakery - Twenty minutes East on Hwy 160 in Hesperus, CO
• Arborena - A contemporary art gallery, wine bar and cafe in Mancos featuring some of Peggy's work.
• Absolute Bakery - Great bread and goodies. Also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner sometimes
• Millwood Junction - Family dining, specials, music and bar
• Ted's Taco - A true local favorite

Mancos Businesses, Some of our favorites:

• Beehive
• Fabulous Facials, foot reflexology, gifts and beauty products
• Zuma Natural Foods
• P and D Grocery
• Full range of groceries and snack bar
• See Mancos Valley Chamber for more

Local Events

• Music in the Mountains July 10-Aug. 1, 2010 Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
• La Plata Paw Dog Sled Races February 13 & 14, 2010
• Mancos Melt March 4, 2010
• Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival May 13-16, 2010
• Spring into Mancos May 15, 2010
• 10th Annual Mesa Verde Indian Arts & Culture Festival May 28-30, 2010
• Mancos Renaissance Festival June 26 & 27, 2010
• Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Arts Festival August 27 & 28, 2010
• Balloon Festival September 24-26, 2010

Chamber of Commerces

• Cortez Chamber
• Dolores Chamber
• Durango Chamber
• Durango Tourism Office
• Mancos Valley Chamber

The Treehouse Gallery

The Treehouse Gallery is a wonderful place to meet for 10-15 people. The large room is very light with wood floors and wonderful artwork. The sliding walls can be used for presentations of many kinds. There is a lovely bathroom and an office area on this floor. The price for this space is $200 per day to rent from 8 AM - 4 PM. Its use does not depend on an overnight stay at Willowtail Springs B&B, although it can be combined with one. It is not available for workshops.

The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday for all guests to view Peggy's artwork from 4 - 6 PM. We are also available by appointment at other times.

The Working Studio

The "Working" Studio space is a separate building nestled in some of the gardens and looking out to the lake. It is a perfect retreat for individual creative work or for groups and workshops. It also has more of Peggy's art work as do the cabins on the property for guests who are interested. It is a light, airy room with a sink, refrigerator, walls for art work display or other display items. There are work tables which can be used for standing or sitting. The garden areas around the building are perfect for outdoor extension of work and contemplation. It will accommodate 10 -15 people depending on the activity. It is priced differently depending on the activity, the number of people involved and whether or not they are guests already at Willowtail Springs. The bathroom is next door in the annex of the Lakehouse if participants are not already staying at Willowtail Springs.

The Mancos Studios in Downtown Mancos

The Mancos studios are roomy and versatile. They are good for Tai Chi, Art or meetings. Three separate spaces and two bathrooms are available. It is open 9 AM - 4 PM and is $200 per day for any of the three spaces.

Peggy's new art website is peggycloy.com, where there are lots of pieces with images and prices, sizes and medium as well as Peggy's bio and some of the places she has shown.

To learn more about Peggy's Art, Click Here.

Workshop Participant Comments

"Thanks so much for another beautiful, idyllic respite. This is a glorious refuge where quiet seeps into my body and my mind becomes free from lists, demands and urban shrillness. It's a place for gathering, dreaming and essential peacefulness.

A coot cuts a wake across the lake, it's cry echoing into the blue bowl of the sky. That I were so free, to paddle in such a home...."

Linda Bowers, Director, Seattle Arts and Lectures ~ Seattle, WA
Former Head of Hedgebrook Women Writer's Retreat, Whidbey Island, WA

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"Fast weather, sweet air, long dusk and coyotes with moonlight... You'll write here whether you want to or not."
Alan Furst, author of RED GOLD, parts of which were written at Willowtail Springs, and many other award winning novels.

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"Willowtail Springs has a gentle magic which is a powerful catalyst for transformation. I benefited from the top quality presenters in both experimental painting and Tai Chi push hands."

Caitlin Howell, Master of Divinity
Wholistic teacher and consultant

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"Peggy and Lee, my spirit is refreshed after my stay. I wrote a poem for you and began several new songs."
Annie Gallup, Musician, Artist, Poet

Small Weddings

• Willowtail Springs offers an exquisite and inexpensive site for small weddings, a property for the bridal family to stay if the wedding is larger or as a photographic site.
• It is especially lovely for the bride and groom to stay for their honeymoon.
• We can accommodate lodging for up to 12 people including the bride and groom, who may have their own separate cabin.
• Weddings can be held in the elegant Lakehouse or outside in the gardens, weather permitting.
• We can also accommodate a small reception and rehearsal dinner for 12 people.
• There is a minimum site fee for $500 and a coordination fee of $300.

Romantic Elopements:

• Some couples decide to marry during their stay at Willowtail Springs, others plan ahead for this event.
• Couples can facilitate the entire ceremony themselves in Colorado. In this case, Willowtail Springs provides a lovely backdrop of landscape and interiors.
• You can take advantage of the Couple's Special and add luxury amenities to enhance your stay.
• We charge a site/coordinator fee of $300 in addition to your lodging.
• Please ask us about special rates and accommodations.
• Please remember when scheduling your ceremony at Willowtail Springs that you must pick up your license at a Court House in Colorado during their open hours [usually 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday].
• You must drop off the license after the ceremony on a weekday or mail it in.

You also have several options for an Officiate for your ceremony in Colorado:

• You may marry one another with or without witnesses.
• You may have a minister come to Willowtail Springs.
• You may have someone else marry you.

Let us accommodate your romantic getaway or event!

"Our quiet wedding under the pinions of the Bungalow was all we had wished for and more. Our honeymoon was esquisite, surrounded by nathure and the elegance of our cabin. Only the hummingbirds roked the perfect silence and solitude." Lynn and Criag, Seattle, WA.

"The time and effort placed into our wedding was unimaginable. The experience was one of true tranquility for both our ceremony and honeymoon." Shaw and Candace, Petal, Mississippi

"Thank you for blessing our marriage with the energy and presence of this abundant place. We will return soon to our paradise nestled by the lake and
talk again to the trees and the fairies." Wendy and Chrish, Alameda, California

"Thank you for making our special day so wonderful. You both went out of your way for us and we enjoyed every minute." Lisa and Mike, Lubblock, TX

"Your guidance and friendship with our wedding was lovely. We are so fortunate to have stumbled upon such an unusually beatuiful place." Ami and Matt, Lewisville, CO

"The cabin is a work of art and attention to detail, color, light and space. Thank you for making our wedding so special." Yvonne and Mide, Arlington, TX

Families and extended families often use Willowtail Springs as a special gathering place for their vacations together. There are many reasons why they are so happy with their time here and choose to return again. We have decided to give you a variety of their impressions first hand:

"Thank you for another wonderful visit to Willowtail Springs. We cannot wait to come for the third time." ~ Lisa and Terry - Keller, Texas

"We loved our Winter Holiday in the Garden Cottage. The highlight was building our own sledding track down to the lake. We have promised the children a hasty return to Willowtail Springs." Christian, Muriel and Children ~ Belgium and Mexico

"Fun Fun Fun. Some places merely contain you but Willowtail Springs envelopes you in its warmth and charm. What a wonderfully restorative stay!" Francis and Family ~ Superior, Colorado

My favorite place to sleep!
When I want to get away, I got to go to Willowtail Springs. I have had the pleasure of staying in each of the cabins and every bed I have slept in has offered the best rest I have ever had! I personally like to write, draw and take pictures when I am there. I know there are many other activities available but I prefer the quiet the space offers. My husband and I planned our wedding during a stay there and came back, rented all of the cabins and brought our family. I love Willowtail Springs all year, especially when it snows. The views are gorgeous! Peggy and Lee stock the cabins with local eggs, produce, fresh bread and the most amazing cherry berry jam. Don't tell Peggy that I once ate an entire jarful with a spoon! It's a must stay if you are even thinking about staying near Mancos for a few nights or just want to get away! ~ Jan 8, 2011

"Quiet warmth permeates the colorful textures and solid wood of a home tastefully gathered
to provide comfort and security. Highly recommended for return trips."
–Dona, Durango, CO

"Ahh, serenity! Coming here in winter is ideal. New song, we've left our hearts at Willowtail Springs..."
–Susan, Katy, TX

"What a haven! We never dreamed it would be so lovely here!
So much charm and whimsy, a beautiful oasis."
–Betsy, Littleton, WI

"We appreciated your great hospitality and you references on special area attractions and restaurants."
–Nick and Family, Dallas TX

"Peggy and Lee made us feel at home the moment we arrived."
–Shirley and Arnold, Robinson, TX

"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality and for your warm welcome, which we never take for granted."
–Karen and Sharon, Catonsville, MD

"Thank you for sharing your piece of Eden. We appreciated the extra time you took to acquaint us with
this wonderful area." –Susan and Rob, North Carolina

"Besides the delicious bread and jam, the most gracious host and hostess."
–Deborah and Ron, Redlands, CA

"Of all the places we have visited in 30 years, this is where we will return. Your hospitality is unequalled
anywhere as are the vistas you protect on you wondrously special place."
–Ruth and Richard, South Hadley, MA

"Our kids enjoyed this very special reftge as much as we did–even our 12 year old!
We want to return and return and return."
–The Lathams

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Some places merely contain you. Willowtail Springs envelopes you in its
warth and charm. What a wonderfully restorative stay!"
–Francis and Family, Serior, CO

"Sheer delight. Utopia. Christian, 10, learned to fish and canoe, a world beyond video games."
–Ben, Patty & Grandson, Christian, Highlands Ranch CO

"I will not forget the evening sitting on the porch with my daughter and watching the
hummingbirds and a summer rain storm. What a paradise!"
–Linda, Temeculs, CA

"A wonderful escape and sanctuary–perfect opportunity to do absolutely nothing
or find an adventurous way to spend the days."
–Richard & Therita, Boulder, CO

"It's time to go already?! I could go on forever about Willowtail Springs."
–Leigh Ann and Ben, Ashland, KY

"Our friends told us about this place–beyond our expectations."
–Pam and Ben, Scotland

"Many facilities over-sell the qualities of their accomodation. You undersold and delivered
on all promised and more!"
–Curt, Miami, FL

"Truly the most gorgeous hot tub setting to soak, day or night."
–Patricia, AZ

"The Bungalow was a perfect Anniversary Retreat. We loved the flora and fauna which enhance
this gorgeous getaway."
–Anna Maria and Ronnie, Hewitt, TX

"What a special environment to celebrate 10 wonderful years of marriage. Guess we will book
early for our 20th! Keep making the awesome salves and lotions!"
–Alex and Dawn, Rye, CO

"You have started with a spectacular place and have created a place where things come from within.
We want to come back for our own Sunset Point Anniversary to share the magic of the granfather cedar and the breathtaking sunsets."
–Cees and Ankie, Amberberg, Netherlands

"I told Dave to come up with something special for our Anniversay and did he ever!"
–Haleys, Haruna, TX

"Fantastic Anniversary!!! The stay would have been worth it just for that peppermint and
lavender body scrub. Amazing stuff!!!"
–Sarah and Mike, Ankeny, IA

"What a magical birthday trip, sourrounded by views, art flowers and books.
You have created and enhanced an oasis."
–Sherla and Greg, Salt Lake City, UT

"Willowtail Springs brought me back to thoughts of innocence and childhood where we could
put the world on hold for a few spectacular moments and just simply be. It was a birthday trip
I will recall with great joy–a slice of heaven on earth."
–Andrea, Englewood, CO

"Our Christmas stay was wonderful. The children had a blast! We found the cottage and
grounds extremely restful-almost surreal to the point we both forgot our 'busyness at home.'"
–Lesley and Mike

"We loved our Winter Holiday at Willowtail Springs. We have promised the children a hasty return."
–Christian, Muriel and Children, Belgium & Mexico

"My husband brought me blindfolded for Valentine's Day! It was the most romantic time we had
ever spent for a getaway."

–Roger and April, Durango, CO

Worth Many Return Trips
Willowtail is a beautiful, interesting, inspiring place. The landscaping (whether by Ma Nature or by Peggy and Lee), is restfully beautiful. This place is whatever you need it to be -- romantic, restorative, exciting, educational, most of all lovely to inhabit for a while. Peggy and Lee have an obvious and contagious respect for Willowtail Springs; they are gracious, welcoming, non-intrusive stewards of this remarkable hideaway. We cannot wait to return. ~ Sep 29, 2010

magical place to stay
We booked the lakehouse for 3 nights and wish it had been 5! It was beautiful, cozy and relaxing. My only regret is that I planned too many activities off the property and didn't leave enough time to just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Thank you Peggy and Lee! ~ Aug 22, 2010

Reunion in Paradise
The other reviews here were the reason we chose this place and they were absolutely CORRECT! The lodgings are wonderful- cozy, homey and yet a touch of sophistication due to the artistic style of Peggy, our hostess. We stayed in the Lake house and the Bungalow - 7 of us. The gardens were lovely and so creatively adorned with the most unusual items! Grounds- all 60 acres are perfect for wandering, birding, or just sitting looking at the coots and grebes- with their ducklings- on the pond. The view was great to bewgin with but when a rainbow was seen coming from the mountain tops one evening - it was hard to top! Peggy and Lee were available and helpful, but never intrusive. We all felt so at home. We were close to some hiking, and took a day trip to Mesa Verde, which can be seen from the property. We also took a day trip north to Ouray- a fantastic village! ~ Aug 5, 2010

Heaven on earth!
This is an ecological wonder--a beautiful spot with its own lake and surrounding pine and juniper trees. The lodgings are all unique and different but wonderfully cozy and beautiful. I stayed in the Bungalow looking over the water to the La Plata Mountains. The sun woke me every morning reflecting off the lake. The kitchen was easy to cook in--everything needed was there. Special home touches in the decor, amenities and setting made my stay very peaceful and relaxing. The only sounds were the many birds. Lots of room to walk and explore and many Pinion and Ponderosas that were saved from the Bark Beetle making the surrounding area very special. Great place for a retreat--alone or with a group. ~ May 18, 2010

Beautiful, friendly, calm, perfect
Staying here for only 3 nights was no where nearly enough! We had so much planned for our visit to Mancos but quickly decided to spend most of our time at this tranquil getaway. Everything from having a barbeque on the deck, canoeing in the lake and having the cats follow us about was wonderful and I would recommend this place, with its fantastically welcoming owners, to anyone. ~ Sep 1, 2009

Wonderful, relaxing family vacation
My husband and I just spent 5 relaxing nights in the Lakehouse with our 3 children (10,12 & 14). The house was very comfortable and nicely appointed with amazing views of the lake and mountains right off the deck. The gardens were beautiful and added to the peaceful feeling of the property. The kids enjoyed fishing from the canoes, playing with the cats and relaxing in the hot tub. We also spent a day at Mesa Verde National Park, explored Durango and did some hiking. The location feels like you are far away from everything, yet you are very centrally located. The owners were great and happy to make recommendations for restaurants, markets, etc. Willowtail Springs is a very special place that we would love to visit again. ~ Jun 23, 2009

Fantastic Colorado Experience
My husband, myself and another couple visited Colordo last August and stayed at "Willowtail Springs" for 5 days. This place is a real "find". Beautiful setting, with lovely manicured gardens surrounding three cabins, set back from a main road, ensuring privacy to guests. The owners, Pat and Lee, have artfully decorated each cabin, and supplied the kitchen with utencils, pots, glassware, china and an array of spices. Additionally, homemade cookies, milk, eggs, breads, juice and fresh fruit are provided. The bathrooms are stocked with towels that are plentiful and large bottles of toiletries. The furnishings are beautiful, with good beds and quality linens. We stayed in the "Lakeside" cabin which is a large two story log cabin with two "sitting rooms". a separate dining room, 3 bedrooms, one full bath, one half bath, and a large deck overlooking a small lake. There are canoes and fishing gear for those so inclined. The cabin is also stocked with a library that includes books and dvd's. The owners are on the property but are not at all intrusive. In fact we would have liked to have gotten to know them better! This is one of the most beautiful cabins that we have ever found in any area of the country. We apologize for this late entry! ~ May 7, 2009

"Thanks so much for another beautiful, idyllic respite. This is a glorious refuge where quiet seeps into my body and my mind becomes free from lists, demands and urban shrillness. It's a place for gathering, dreaming and essential peacefulness.

A coot cuts a wake across the lake, it's cry echoing into the blue bowl of the sky.
That I were so free, to paddle in such a home...."
Linda Bowers, Director, Seattle Arts and Lectures ~ Seattle, WA
Former Head of Hedgebrook Women Writer's Retreat,
Whidbey Island, WA

"Fast weather, sweet air, long dusk and coyotes with moonlight...
You'll write here whether you want to or not."
Alan Furst, author of RED GOLD, parts of which were written at Willowtail Springs, and many other award winning novels.

"Willowtail Springs has a gentle magic which is a powerful catalyst for transformation. I benefited from the top quality presenters in both experimental painting and Tai Chi push hands."
Caitlin Howell, Master of Divinity

Wholistic teacher and consultant "Peggy and Lee, my spirit is refreshed after my stay.
I wrote a poem for you and began several new songs."
Annie Gallup, Musician, Artist, Poet