Starlight Cabin was built alongside the Ruidoso River in the 1930s as a modest fishing cabin, but you wouldn’t know that simply by looking at it. The bungalow has been beautifully renovated. While it retains an inviting homespun charm, it also boasts luxe furnishings, stainless-steel appliances, an outdoor hot tub, free WiFi, and cable TV.

With one bedroom, Starlight Cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway, though thanks to the sofa bed in the living area, it can sleep up to 4 people. From the covered deck, you can not only see the river but also hear the burbling of its waters rushing over the rocks. Start your morning with coffee at the deck’s table for 2; end your evening snuggling on the porch swing in the moonlight as owls hoot in the distance. In between you can savor a romantic supper right along the river—there’s a 2nd bistro table set up just a few paces from the water. And don’t forget about the outdoor hot tub. Especially after a day of hiking, horseback riding, or skiing, a soak outdoors among the pine-scented breezes will feel so pampering.

Large windows let the verdant view and plenty of sunshine into Starlight Cabin’s living area. The cozy space is outfitted in luxe mountain style, from the leather sofa bed to the lustrous wood tables to the stove-style fireplace. Here you’ll find another delightful table for 2, plus an impressively equipped kitchen, complete with shining stainless-steel appliances, cookware, and tableware. There’s also a gas grill on the deck. If you reel in any fish from the river—or from nearby Alto Lake or Grindstone Lake—you can cook it out here for a true mountain feast.

Starlight Cabin’s bedroom includes a sumptuous king-size bed. When you arrive, it will be perfectly made up, so if you want to start your stay with a nap, you can. The bathroom features a claw-foot bathtub that’s been updated with a shower, just as the antique sink has been upgraded with a modern vanity. It’s these touches that distinguish Starlight Cabin from so many other vacation rentals.

Another advantage, of course, is the cabin’s location. As you dangle your feet in the river, picnic on the lawn amid the towering trees, and stargaze late at night from the deck swing, you’ll feel blissfully enveloped by nature’s glory. Starlight Cabin’s setting is so peaceful, you might easily forget that it is less than 2 miles from the shops, restaurants, and galleries of downtown Ruidoso.

Starlight Cabin is also close to 2 lakes. At Grindstone Lake and Trail System you can canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and fish on the lake, bike and hike the surrounding trails, and even play disc golf. Alto Lake is regularly stocked with trout; when you’re not fishing you can explore the surrounding trails on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Just as close is Grindstone Stables, where you can sign up for a guided horseback ride or, in winter, a sleigh ride. Hubbard Museum of the West, Ruidoso Downs, and 2 casinos—Inn of the Mountain Gods and Billy the Kid—are within a 10-minute drive, and Ski Apache is only 40 minutes away. (The same conditions that make the Ruidoso area great for skiing can make driving difficult, so vehicles with 4-wheel drive and/or tire chains are strongly recommended in winter.)

While Starlight Cabin is ideal for a romantic getaway, it’s also just yards from 2 other cabins, Riverside Dream and Clearwater, each of which sleeps 10 people. This is especially convenient if you’re planning a reunion or other large get-together such as a wedding party. In fact, the cabins are adjacent to Sanctuary on the River wedding venue.

Charm, comfort, convenience: Starlight Cabin has it all. Don’t miss out—book your stay today!