Terrific Spa Experiences in Colorado’s Mountain Towns

Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

Mother’s Day makes many of us think of pampering. I read somewhere that a gift certificate to a spa was one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts offered. So keep that in mind next time you’re traveling with your favorite mom, even if that mom—or nurturing person—is you. Ladies or men—who doesn’t enjoy having their body and soul nourished by a soothing spa experience?

Here in the Rockies, spa going has become a big part of every mountain vacation year round. Whether you’re looking for just one fantastic therapeutic massage after a long day on the slopes or a big hike, or you decide to make a day of it, spa-going should be a necessary part of every mountain resort stay. Some of the spas are so fabulous that you’d be forgiven if you let the rest of your family or friends ski, ride, hike, bike or fish while you logged major relaxation time within such calming enclaves.

Spa Anjali Spa Journey Treatment Room

Below I’ve highlighted some not-to-be-missed mountain spas. All are attached to a resort, however, you don’t have to be a guest at those properties to soak up the benefits of their spa amenities and atmosphere. For the cost of one spa service, a whole heavenly world of healing is opened up to you in oh-so serene settings.

Outdoor Pool and Hot Tubs at the Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek

Embarking Upon a Tranquil Journey at Spa Anjali

Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

I’m a huge fan of The Westin’s fabulous fitness facility, especially their outdoor saline lap pool and yoga classes. This past summer I had the pleasure of sampling their spa. And I went big. It was more like a banquet of relaxation and wellbeing that I feasted upon here. I embarked upon one of Spa Anjali’s Spa Journeys, signature treatments that heal the body and spirit while awakening the senses. There’s no deep tissue work, although I did undergo a transformative experience that made me feel as though the energy in my body had been cleaned up and readjusted. Redolent oils, incense, hot stones, gongs, Sanskrit music and a massage therapist/spiritual healer by the name of Mira guided me on a magnificent journey of chakra realignment which left me profoundly stilled and rejuvenated. No kidding. When I heard about this treatment ahead of time, I was somewhat skeptical. Yet just minutes into what is known as Muladhara, a treatment based on Tibetan techniques that ground and stimulate energy within the body, I felt a tremendous sense of letting go—I felt myself releasing all that was trapped within me that wasn’t serving me. It was amazing. These Spa Journeys, which incorporate the philosophies, products and music of a woman well versed in the natural healing of aromatherapy and yoga, are available in select locations throughout the world. It’s worth a trip here to The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain to embark upon one of them. If you’re lucky, enjoy all three.

For more on The Westin Riverfront Pool and Fitness Facilities, read A Pristine Pool Experience in Avon/Beaver Creek and World Cup Adventures:  From Yoga to Yowza.

The Relaxation Room at The Westin Snowmass Spa

Treatment Room at The Westin Snowmass Spa

The Westin Snowmass Spa

I had always wanted to try a couple’s massage and here I finally did. Or I should say, we did since my boyfriend, Steve, was very much a part of the experience. I’d wondered if a couple’s massage might be a little hokey or at the very least awkward. Not at all; it was lovely. We both eased into a deep sense of relaxation, side by side, while being massaged and healed by two very skilled therapists here within the tranquil spa of the new Westin Snowmass. Clearly these professionals were more comfortable with the setup than we were at first but it didn’t take long for us to ease into an otherworldly state, partly induced by the fact that we were being comforted and cared for together. We padded out to the outdoor, slopeside hot tub afterward and traded impressions about the treatment which had lulled us into a state of happy coupledom. Even Steve, someone that doesn’t often indulge in spa treatments, gave it a big thumbs up. The Westin Snowmass Spa & Salon is small and intimate in its approach and décor, providing a setting that warmed our bodies and soul on a chilly spring day.

The Spa at Beaver Run Outdoor Treatment Pool

Another Watsu Paradise at Beaver Run

The Spa at Beaver Run in Breckenridge

Caring for your skin in the dry climate of the Rockies is no easy task. Hydration is key and in the case of a facial, that’s best achieved after deep cleansing by an expert esthetician. I had an extraordinary facial, complete with nourishing moisturizers skillfully applied to my visage by gentle massage while applying ancient Japanese pressure point techniques to my face, neck and head. Improved circulation and stress relief is the goal, one in which I know was achieved because afterward my skin glowed and I felt totally renewed. Next time I hope to experience Watsu at The Spa at Beaver Run, an aquatic treatment that takes place in the spa’s outdoor, therapeutic saline pools. Here the spa goer feels weightlessness which facilitates the relaxation of the muscles and other parts of the body, mind and spirit. Hmmm, wrap me in warm towels afterward and call me a delicious sushi roll.

A Couple’s Massage at Elevation Spa in Crested Butte

Revelation Spa’s Pool

Elevation Spa at Elevation Hotel in Crested Butte

There’s nothing like taking in a spectacular view during a spa experience. Here you can revel in one of the best while gazing upon Mt. Crested Butte from Elevation Spa’s newly installed hot tubs atop the hotel. I enjoyed a fabulous massage here last summer on the day the tubs arrived. Indeed, the massage left me very content and in a super relaxed state, however, I longed to loll in these tubs, some of the nicest and best situated I’ve ever seen. Alas no, they weren’t hooked up yet. But I’ve made a mental note to come back to this spa to experience them, perhaps at sunset when the mountain sky lights up with a rosy alpenglow no matter the season. For the cost of a massage or other treatment, I’m sure the soak is well worth it.

Note that most of Colorado’s mountain towns are in off-season mode now, however, within a couple of weeks, the resorts will kick into full swing. Be sure to reserve ahead during busy weekends and other peak times.

For other Colorado spa stories, read Tellurie’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas, Skiing & Spa-Going:  Part One in Vail , Skiing & Spa-Going:  Part Two in Aspen, Shopping, Ding & Spa Going Small in Breckenridge, Pick a Spa, Pick a Ski Destination, Telluride’s Beauty Boutiques and Spray Tanning:  Bronzage in a Bottle.