Experience unparalleled luxury with an exclusive stay at Wyoming's Magee Homestead, where a week's stay can cost up to $175,000. This hidden gem offers an idyllic retreat surrounded by pristine nature, providing total privacy and lavish accommodations.

With just six people per square mile, Wyoming has never looked more enticing as a vacation spot than it does today.

As summer approaches and social distancing remains a reality, it's no surprise that Wyoming, the Cowboy State, is rapidly becoming a popular getaway.

One Wyoming resort stands out by offering something truly unique: a private ranch for guests to quarantine in total luxury and comfort.

Naturally, guests who pay this premium price are treated to a wealth of amenities. Rooms, meals, and most activities are included in the nightly rate, though some luxury services like spa treatments come at an additional cost.

Magee Homestead, a prestigious member of the renowned Relais & Châteaux collection, is widely regarded as one of the finest ranches in the United States.

Set on 30,000 private acres of sweeping prairies, majestic mountains, and tranquil rivers, the property offers a natural playground for its fortunate guests.

A rustic sanctuary

The resort features nine beautifully restored historic cabins, scattered along a charming path and centered around a communal fire pit. The largest cabins resemble cozy homes, with three bedrooms and full kitchens, while all cabins showcase impeccable Western-style interiors and offer breathtaking views of the untamed wilderness.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from scenic horseback rides, to exploring the grounds in an all-terrain Polaris Ranger, or even an exciting game of paintball on a secluded hilltop meadow.

Afterward, visitors can unwind at the exclusive on-site spa, which features an outdoor pool with private cabanas and an indoor grotto for relaxing, even late into the night.

Spa treatments are available in serene private rooms or in the outdoor teepee, with popular services including a soothing heated river stone massage and a scalp treatment designed to help with high-altitude adjustment.

In light of Covid-19, aestheticians will wear gloves and face shields, providing an extra layer of safety for all guests.

A pandemic first

Interestingly, this exclusive full-property rental almost didn’t come to fruition.

Magee, which is part of the expansive Brush Creek Ranch, had initially planned to remain closed throughout the 2020 season, with only the family-friendly Lodge and Spa property open for visitors.

The management initially believed the Lodge would be the most appealing option for guests during the pandemic, as Magee typically doesn’t accommodate children. Therefore, they planned to consolidate staff to operate just that property. However, they began receiving numerous inquiries about private buyouts, according to Jeremy Belnap, the owner of Magee Homestead.

“Families were eager to escape, travel, and reunite, especially if they hadn’t been together during the quarantine. It made perfect sense to offer private buyouts,” says Belnap.

After just a few weeks of offering private buyouts, Magee Homestead secured bookings from four groups, including one that will stay for an impressive 14 days. Belnap expects the resort to host around eight to ten weeks of business this summer.

Tailored to perfection

For Belnap and his team, private buyouts offer more room for creativity and adaptability compared to their standard operations.

Almost every aspect of the stay can be personalized to meet the guests' preferences, from group activities to tailored meals. “We’ll discuss all their likes and dislikes,” says Belnap, who works closely with the group before their arrival. “If they want an Italian or Mexican-themed night, we’ll make it happen. We’re able to customize everything based on the group's wishes.”

The staff can organize a wide range of outings, from a fun family competition at the on-site gun range to a thrilling day spent navigating the challenging ropes course high in the tree canopies.

Though the property can technically accommodate just one guest, the nine cabins together offer 12 bedrooms, providing ample space for groups of up to 27 people.

Magee typically employs around 25 staff members, depending on the group size, resulting in a higher staff-to-guest ratio, which ensures a level of pampering found only at the world’s most exclusive retreats.

In addition to the personalized activities and luxurious cabins, Magee and its parent property, Brush Creek Ranch, are renowned for their innovative cuisine, blending the flavors of the American West with refined culinary techniques.

Magee has its own private dining room, but guests can also take a short drive to The Farm, Brush Creek’s stunning on-site complex, which includes a restaurant, brewery, distillery, creamery, and bakery. At The Farm, guests can enjoy exquisite multi-course meals at the upscale Cheyenne Club, while socially distanced outdoor events will be held throughout the summer.

For guests staying in cabins with kitchens and a desire to cook, they can arrange to purchase fresh ingredients sourced directly from the Ranch.

Prioritizing safety

Magee is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of its guests, introducing new protocols in response to the ongoing coronavirus situation.

All staff members will be equipped with masks (and gloves when required), and guests will have the option to wear masks if they wish.

To minimize exposure, each group will have a dedicated team of staff members for the duration of their stay, ensuring consistency and avoiding the need for staff to rotate through different guests. “This allows for personal connections with the staff without the risk of encountering a new server every day,” says Belnap.

Since the property is reserved exclusively for one party at a time, there’s no need for social distancing measures like spacing tables or limiting guest interactions during activities. “Having the entire property to yourself brings back a sense of normalcy,” Belnap adds.

Certainly a rare occurrence in these times.