Hotels Restaurants Spas The Rockies Utah: Hotels Restaurants Spas The Rockies Utah
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Stein Eriksen Lodge: A Rocky Mountain Classic Where Sunday Brunch Astounds
An Arrival Circle Fit for an Olympian at Stein Eriksen Lodge
Since I moved to the Rockies nearly ten years ago, I’ve been cultivating a short list of renowned resorts that I’ve wanted to discover. (Anyone that reads this blog with any frequency knows that I love fine hotels and more importantly, the ambiance they create.) Let me see. There’s The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Sonnenalp in Vail and Sundance and Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah. These are what I consider to be the crème de la crème of the old, established Rocky Mountain resorts and by the time I post this story, I will have experienced all of them. (Feel free to let me know if I’m missing any from this grouping! Yes, I know there are some great lodges in Montana and Wyoming, but I’ll save them for another day.)
There’s a reason these establishments have been world-renowned for decades. Actually at each, you can count many reasons, the biggest one perhaps being that it’s easy to create memories at these properties, unique moments that remain with you forever thanks to the overall feel of the resort. Details such as fresh flowers, hand-carved furnishings, a saloon with a creaky wooden floor and the uniforms sported by the people that work there also help to transport you to a different place.
Beauty Colorado Hotels Skiing & Snowboarding Spas Telluride The Rockies: Beauty Colorado Hotels Skiing & Snowboarding Spas Telluride The Rockies
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Pick a Spa, Pick a Ski Destination
Outdoor Pool at The Peaks Resort & Spa
You’re missing out on a good chunk of fun and relaxation if you think your whole mountain experience has to be all about hitting the slopes. Sure, there’s nothing like spending day after day in the fresh air, carving perfect turns on buttery snow or picking through exquisite, diamond-shaped moguls. Yet even the most die-hard skiers and boarders need a day off. Or maybe just a half day. Or how about a couple days off? It’s supposed to be a vacation after all. You don’t want to feel like you need a vacation after your vacation, do you? How about après-ski—don’t those moments represent some of the best of your whole ski vacation? Those delicious hours of the day don’t have to be all about drinks at the bar.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
O.K., admit it, time spent at the spa would be much appreciated. And in case you haven’t noticed, spas aren’t just for ladies. Men (and even in some cases, children) enjoy delightful times there, as well, especially in the Rockies where top ski destinations boast some of the finest spas in the country. It seems as though resort and spa experts really “get it” in the mountains. They realize that in a rugged land where you play hard there’s even more of a need for spas that focus on ultimate relaxation and hydration, privileged enclaves where the weary outdoor enthusiast can go to unwind and rejuvenate. Best of all, most of these spas rate high on ambiance. From cozy mountain elegance to alpenglow serene, there’s a spa and a vast menu of treatments from which to choose for everyone’s taste.
There’s still plenty of time to plan a great mid-winter or spring ski trip. Act fast though since with every additional snowfall, the airlines seem to bump up their prices. (Note that as I post this we’re delighting in a major snowstorm that has already dumped about 1 1/2 feet on most of Colorado’s mountain resorts.) As with all travels, there’s much to consider when planning your vacation. I suggest you factor in the spa component more than ever before. You never know when the skiing might go south (even for just a few days) and as we all know, there’s nothing like a spa experience to alleviate a mountain of stress.
I’ve highlighted some of my favorite Colorado mountain spas below. All are contained within places of lodging, however, you don’t necessarily have to stay at that resort to experience the spa. All open their facilities to outside guests for the price of a treatment or in some cases, a day pass.
My Lap Lane of Luxury at The Peaks Resort & Spa
The Spa at The Peaks, Telluride
I’m lucky enough to claim this expansive spa and fitness center as part of my home turf. I come here as often as I can and always leave relaxed and restored. Perhaps the largest and most impressive among my Colorado mountain spas featured in this story, The Spa at The Peaks encompasses thirty-two treatment rooms, a sleek fitness center, private men’s and women’s lounges, a full-service hair and nail salon, numerous saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, Roman tubs and two pools including a lap pool and an indoor/outdoor pool as well as a lovely gift shop. They also offer a variety of classes from yoga to Zumba. From most vantage points at The Peaks, you gaze out at awe-inspiring peaks, a panoramic vista that enhances your spa sensations tenfold every season of the year. This is also a terrific kid-friendly spa (although there are plenty of private areas for adults). I’m always amazed by the amount of energy the kids display romping in the indoor/outdoor pool and zipping down the water slide after big days on the slopes or out hiking. Come early to claim your poolside chaise lounge in the summer since the outdoor pool at The Peaks is a Telluride favorite. Note that I enjoyed a fabulous facial here by Tricia, an excellent esthetician, and that the spa uses Isun, a locally-made line of beauty products, in most of their treatments. For a fun story about my spray tanning experience at the salon, read Spray Tanning: Bronzage in a Bottle.
Himmel Spa, Fairmont Franz Klammer Lodge, Telluride
Outdoor Pool at The Fairmont Franz Klammer
Easily considered one of the best-kept secrets of Telluride, most people don’t realize that this boutique spa may be enjoyed even if you’re not staying at The Klammer. I love the intimate, low-key feel of the spa which includes indoor and outdoor hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas and a cozy welcome area and treatment rooms which exude a heartwarming chalet-like feel. Come early to experience the rooftop adult-only hot tub before your treatment and dare to go naked (I did!) if you slip quickly into the bubbling water. A massage with Darren is a must, especially if you’re in need of good muscle work and great healing therapy.
Read Telluride’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas for other luxury mountain spas in Telluride. Note Capella changed ownership this year and is now called Hotel Madeline. For more boutique-y spa experiences in T-ride, read Telluride’s Beauty Boutiques.
The St. Regis Aspen
Remède Spa, St. Regis Resort, Aspen
The Cold Pool at Remède
For me, Remède is the spa to go to in Aspen. It exudes all the luxury and discretion of this high-end property. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the St. Re gis, you can pad down to the spa in your robe, otherwise plan to spend a good chunk of time here, the way so many of the Aspenites do for a variety of treatments from a Purifying Wrap to a Rejuvenating Pedicure. A great address for couples or even a spa day with the girls, each spa experience begins with a delightful spread of sweet and savory snacks and ends with a glass of champagne. Arrive well in advance of your treatment to enjoy Remède’s many amenities including a comforting oxygen lounge and a Confluence hot tub with waterfall, both leisurely features shared best à deux. It’s all so transformative and relaxing that you just might need to book a stay here after all.
Allegria Spa, Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek
Mountain View Suite Treatment Room at Allegria
Whether you’re a visitor or a resident of Colorado, it seems that you can never get enough hydration in this arid climate. We all try to drink gallons of water and slather ourselves with triple-moisturizing oils and creams. Yet it’s never enough. For the supreme gift of moisture, experience aqua sanitas, or healing waters, at Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. Inspired from the ancient tradition of Roman baths, here you may take to the waters in a variety of forms before your treatment (such as a facial or massage) even begins. Start at the Thermae Pool, a hot, co-ed pool, evocative of a natural spring. The rest of your hydrotherapy is enjoyed in separate male and female areas where you’’ll want to sample their Cascata Rainshower, their Caldarium Steam Room and Mineral Pools and their Tepidarium, a room bathed in light where you laze upon heated, tile loungers. My visit at Allegria culminated with an ultra-hydrating facial, expertly provided by Jennifer. I left so relaxed that I couldn’t muster the energy to shop in Allegria’s boutique, a fabulous-looking emporium of potions and lotions that begged to be discovered. Men take note: this might be one more reason to send your ladies to the spa more often.
Vichy Shower at Allegria
Bachelor Gulch Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The Stone Grotto at Bachelor Gulch Spa
I love the Rocky Mountain feel of this whole resort, a look that’s largely conveyed through the use of lots of natural materials such as wood and stone. The Bachelor Gulch Spa also embodies this back-to-nature approach, especially within its Stone Grotto, a relaxation area distinguished by stone walls and a wood ceiling where men and women lounge about within a tranquil and private setting. To me, it felt like a luxurious womb, especially after a dip in the Grotto’s warm, saline pool. It’s easy to curl up poolside for a nap. Fortunately this restful moment might only be interrupted by your therapist gently awakening you for your treatment. I had a massage with Adam, a session marked by his skillful hands and heating pads applied to my back and shoulders, an added feature never before experienced with a massage. Afterward, my hunny and I sat outside of the Great Room around the fire pits to take in the sunset before finally moving inside for drinks. We sunk deeply into their huge, leather couches, expressing gratitude that we had cut our ski day short to spend such a long, languorous moment at The Bachelor Gulch Spa, most definitely one of the most intimate and romantic spas we had ever encountered together.
As I look back upon my time at many of the above resorts, I realize that these spa experiences flood my mind as much as my memories on the hill. It’s my bet that they’ll have the same effect on you as well.
Colorado Hotels Spas The Rockies: Colorado Hotels Spas The Rockies
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Glenwood Hot Springs: Swimming and Soaking Year-Round
Summer Fun Year-Round at Glenwood Hot Springs
It’s been a great summer for hydrotherapy. With record-breaking temperatures hitting much of the country, people have been discovering more than ever the healing benefits of getting in the water. Out in the West, we’re spoiled since we have access to swimming and soaking all year long at many exciting destinations in our Rocky Mountain state. Colorado has some of the best hot springs in the country and certainly the granddaddy of them all is Glenwood Hot Springs, a natural geothermal spring with a flow rate of 143 liters per second. That’s a lot of fresh, hot mineral water for easing the stress out of your tired bones and muscles.
Best of all the Glenwood Hot Springs outdoor pool, which measures over two city blocks long, is always kept at a comfortable 90 to 93 degrees. Kids and adults love this temperature, ideal for playing on the water slide or swimming laps in the pool. For more therapeutic dunks, head to the other end of the pool where this mineral-rich water hovers around 104 degrees. Here in Colorado we’re blessed with a dry climate that renders even the hottest days perfectly pleasant. But oh, those Colorado nights. As soon as the sun slips down in the sky, there’s a chill in the air that makes soaking all the more enjoyable. And, of course, when fall and winter hit, you can really strike the right formula between hot and cold, especially if you’re lucky enough to find yourself at Glenwood Hot Springs with the snow falling down gently around you.
No wonder people have been flocking to these hot springs along the Colorado River for centuries. Originally referred to as “Yampah,” or “big medicine,” by the Ute Indians, the first known visitors to these springs, the site has always been revered for its great healing power. In 1888, the world’s largest hot springs pool was created in the newly established town of Glenwood Springs and since then, people have been traveling from all over the world to this healing wonder of the Rockies. I love how the original sandstone bathhouse and lodge, built in 1890, have been beautifully preserved and that the pool is kept nice and clean with a state-of-the-art ozone purification system.
The Beautiful Old Bathhouse
Checking into the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is the best. Situated across the street from the pool, it’s spotless, attractive and very much oriented toward providing the visitor with the easiest and most frequent access to soaking possible. This is when living in modern times feels especially appealing since today people freely bop across the street whether in their robe or swimsuit for an early morning soak or an evening dip. You can bet there was more decorum a century ago!
Even if you’re not staying the night, a stop at Glenwood Hot Springs provides a great opportunity for relaxation and a break from driving to other popular Colorado destinations such as Aspen or Vail to or from Denver, for example. I’ve done this several times during ski season and it has always furnished a fun, convivial and relaxing way to break up a trip. With a pool this size, you rarely have to worry about crowds.
Yes, swimming and soaking year-round represents a good prescription for all no matter what age.
Glenwood Hot Springs, 800-537 SWIM (7946) or 970-945-6571, www.hotspringspool.com
The town of Glenwood Springs is cute, filled with nice shops and great dining. You might just have to plan on spending the night!
Read Travel Lightly: Something to Remember During the Busy Holiday Season and Always for another mention of Glenwood Springs and tips on how to be more relaxed during your travels.
Colorado Four Corners Hotels Music & Dance Restaurants Spas Telluride The Rockies: Colorado Four Corners Hotels Music & Dance Restaurants Spas Telluride The Rockies
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Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa: Spirit of the Southwest in the Rockies
Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa
Can’t decide whether you want to vacation in the Southwest or the mountains? How about choosing a place of lodging where you enjoy the spirit and landscapes of both? Check out Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa, a lovely southwestern-inspired adobe retreat set within the majestic San Juan Mountains, just an hour from Telluride, Colorado. Situated in the charming little town of Ridgway (featured in John Wayne films such as “True Grit”), I often recommend Chipeta as an excellent base for visiting the many interesting sites and towns that pepper southwestern Colorado and southern Utah.
If you travel further into the mountains from Ridgway, you can easily explore the historic old mining towns of Telluride, Ouray and Silverton. If you head toward Montrose, you can hit the Ute Indian Museum, a well-worth-the-stop attraction that showcases one of Colorado’s most complete collections of Ute ceremonial and traditional artifacts. Just on the other side of Montrose, plan to spend at least a half day at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a stunning and somewhat spooky site that provokes nearly as many oohs and aahs as the Grand Canyon. And within a two-hour drive you can find yourself amidst the striking red rock of Moab and other parts of southern Utah in addition to Arches National Park and Canyonlands.
Since there’s so much to visit in the area and most of the lodging at Chipeta includes condo-type units, you’ll likely want to check in here for a week. Plan at least a couple of relaxing rest days where you can stay put at this warm and welcoming lodge just to loll by the pool or enjoy a treatment in their spa.
View from the Porch of Chipeta's Four Corners Cafe
Whether you’re staying at the lodge or just passing through, a stop at Chipeta’s Four Corners Cafe for dinner or drinks is a must. Here you’ll be enchanted by the striking vistas provided from the top-floor location of this casual restaurant and bar. Inside, the scene serves up heaps of southwestern charm within its desert rose-colored interior. As the sun sinks beneath the mountains, you’re bathed in pink light most evenings whether you’re seated inside or out.
The Sunny Interior of the Four Corners Cafe
Indeed this heartwarming lodge is aptly named. It’s called Chipeta, in honor of the lovely wife of Chief Ouray, head of the Ute Indians that once inhabited this land, a gentle woman that eventually became “queen” of both the whites and the Utes of the region. Embracing the rich diversity of this part of the country is what Chipeta, the lodge and the beloved Native American figure, are all about.
Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa, Ridgway, Colorado, 800-633-5868, www.chipeta.com
July is a wonderful time to visit Chipeta Sun Lodge and its Four Corners Cafe, especially this year with such a rockin’ Ridgway Concert Series lineup. Free concerts take place every Thursday throughout the month from 6p.m. ‘til dark in Ridgway’s Town Park. What a great way to kick off the weekend!
Hotels Outdoor Adventures Restaurants Spas The Rockies Travel: Hotels Outdoor Adventures Restaurants Spas The Rockies Travel
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Gateway Canyons: One Big Discovery
The Kiva Pool: My Own Special Sanctuary
I returned to Gateway Canyons recently and became even more enchanted by this magnificent site than when I first visited this resort two and a half years ago. Clearly they’d been busy at Gateway throughout this period, cultivating and refining the soothing oasis that has been created within the awe-inspiring red rocks of this unique southwestern Colorado location. Indeed, Gateway Canyons is well on its way to being a world-class resort. And certainly Gateway Canyons owner and founder of the Discovery Channel, John Hendricks, must feel proud about how his burgeoning resort has more than added to the beauty of this already spectacular setting.
Although just a two-hour (and quite scenic) drive from Telluride and Grand Junction, getting to Gateway can require a bit of an effort. But to me, this only adds to the appeal of this lovely resort. I can’t ever imagine it overrun by tourists and that certainly wasn’t the case when I stayed here a couple of weeks ago during peak time. This enabled me to while away peaceful hours by the Kiva Pool, sipping lemonade and eventually a prickly pear cactus daiquiri as I leafed through magazines. A quick dip in the pool’s cool, saline water allowed me to lounge in the desert heat until the surrounding rocks soaked up the sum of the day’s blistering sun. Ahhhh, that’s what I call relaxation.
Panoramic View of Gateway Flanked by Their Landmark Palisade
Each evening, however, provided other opportunities for fun. I selected a different spot as the day ebbed on the resort’s beautifully manicured grounds to sip a glass of wine from my private stash. Here I marveled at the changing display of light on the rocks and in the sky as I chatted with friends. We enjoyed a bite one evening on the patio of the Paradox Grille, the resort’s more casual restaurant. But I fell truly under the spell of Gateway grandeur as we dined on the patio of Entrada, the resort’s fine dining establishment. I often say that fine dining is part theater, and outside at Entrada, you sit upon one of the most glorious theater sets of the world. Here, you’re just high enough to take in the best views the resort has to offer: the vast stretch of green lawn punctuated by giant cottonwoods, the interplay of light on the palisade, the towering monument that marks Gateway and the sky-blue pink sunset as the day morphs into night. Opera, twinkling lights and a fire pit made for smore-ing added to my “I feel like I’m in a movie/play” sentiments. A crescendo was hit as I savored a perfectly prepared piece of filet. And as fireworks were set off for a group of South Americans here on a Discovery Retreat, I remarked to myself that it wasn’t surprising that the man behind one of my favorite T.V. channels would fashion such an unparalleled experience.
The Entrada Stage, Or Rather Patio
In addition to taking in the resplendent grounds and superlative car museum of Gateway, there’s also lots of outdoor adventure to be enjoyed. This time I floated down the Delores in a duckie, an hour and a half fun-filled expedition that provided me with even more extraordinary vistas and giggles galore. I also ventured up into the canyon on an energetic hike that made me want to come back some day and go even farther. But it was my time in the new Spa at Gateway Canyons that lulled me into total reverie the most. As throughout the entire resort, the warm, earth-toned decor of this luxurious space eased me into deep relaxation. My highly-skilled esthetician gave me a facial that left my skin feeling plumped and pampered, well toned and hydrated. Here—as well as throughout the rest of the resort—the service was excellent.
Entry to Paradise
I left the Spa and all of Gateway Canyons feeling like I had embraced the many healing benefits of this surely sacred place. I felt like the sun-drenched energy of the red rocks would live in me forever. And not surprisingly, I vowed to add to that red rocks vibe as often as my schedule would allow.
Read about my first trip to Gateway Canyons, a wondrous adventure I did with a girlfriend, at Going to Gateway.
Know that you can enjoy many of the amenities of Gateway Canyons—such as the Spa, the Auto Museum, the Adventure Center and the restaurant—without spending the night.
You Can Never Get Enough Views of the Palisade
Hotels Pot Pourri Shopping Spas Telluride: Hotels Pot Pourri Shopping Spas Telluride
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Valentine’s Love: Great Deals for Public Radio
Wrapped in Red at the New Sheridan Hotel
Here’s an opportunity for twofold love. Snatch up a great deal on travel and treats while supporting community radio. I’ve listed some exciting gifts below that you can give your Valentine and at the same time you’ll be showing support for KOTO, our homegrown NPR station here in Telluride, Colorado. All proceeds from these gifts benefit KOTO. You’ll notice that you don’t even have to go to T-ride to take advantage of them. All you have to do is contact me with your pledge and I’ll let you know if you’re the lucky recipient of these fine premiums. It’s first come, first served, so go ahead and e-mail me your choice along with your contact information and I’ll let you know if you’ve scored a great Valentine’s gift for your sweetie.
TELLURIDE ONLINE BOUTIQUES
$60. pledge: Indulge in a scrumptious avalanche of chocolate from Telluride Truffle, one of the country’s top chocolatiers. This Signature Gift Box contains truffles, hot chocolate mix, dark chocolate and peppermint bark as well as some of the most outrageously-good cookies in the world. Owner Patty Denny has graciously offered to ship this yummy bundle anywhere in the country. Valued at $80., including ground shipping.
Gorgeous Goodies from Telluride Truffle
$40. pledge: Serenade a sweet lady with an Italian silk scarf and scarf ornament from Alpen Schatz, a Telluride boutique specializing in alpine treasures of the finest quality. You may even chose a heart-shaped scarf ornament to mark the occasion. Alpen Schatz also showcases high-end accessories for your pup. Owner Mary Dawn DeBraie has, in fact, been invited to set up a mini boutique at the Hotel Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Westminster Dog Show in New York City, February 11th-15th. If you’re in the vicinity, do stop by! Scarf and scarf ornament valued at $55., including ground shipping.
Silky Sensations from Alpen Schatz
$20. pledge: Wow yourself or a loved one with a one-pound box of toffee from Ruth’s Toffee. I sent my Mom a box for Christmas and she’s still talking about these out-of-this-world confections. If you want to triple your love karma, place lots (or at least one) order with Ruth. This lovely lady lost most of her prized possessions when her house burned down after the holidays. She’s amazingly positive though which is certainly why her toffee tastes like chocolate-y almond love. Valued at $25., including ground shipping.
ALL THE ABOVE PURVEYORS ALSO OFFER A 10% DISCOUNT TO BONJOURCOLORADO.COM READERS. Visit my Shopping Page to find out how you can receive this added markdown.
TELLURIDE TRAVEL, SPA AND BEAUTY PROVIDERS
$175. pledge: Imagine spending a night with your hunny wrapped in cosseted elegance at Telluride’s renowned New Sheridan Hotel. Boy, that’s something that even I haven’t had the chance to experience yet. I have had a moonlit soak in their rooftop hot tub though and I can tell you that’s reason enough to line up a stay at this destination hotel. When in T-ride, do not miss this historic gem, even if you just stop in for a drink at the bar! One-night stay valued at $250.
True Serenity: Mountain Lodge Treatment Room
$100. pledge: Treat someone special (perhaps yourself!) to one of the best massages of your life, provided by Darren Miller, from Rolling Relaxation Massage, within the cozy confines of the handsome Mountain Lodge at Telluride. Darren has generously donated a 90-minute massage which includes use of the pool, hot tubs and sauna. Valued at $150.
$80. pledge: Enjoy a one-hour Custom Massage at the Fairmont Franz Klammer Lodge’s Himmel Spa, a chalet-inspired healing space where pampering and therapeutic touch reign supreme. Valued at $120.
$80. pledge: Your significant other might enjoy a one-hour Oxygen Facial at the Himmel Spa while you’re having your neck and toes rubbed. Yes indeed, life is always better à deux, especially when it comes to Valentine’s celebrations. Valued at $130.
Both of the above treatments include same-day access to the pool, hot tubs, spa and fitness facilities. Sounds like a must to me.
Franz Klammer's Heavenly Himmel Spa
$75. pledge: Offer a deep breath of oxygen to your loved one. How great is that? You can if you pick up this offer for a one-hour session in a hyperbaric chamber, provided by Telluride Hyperbarics. This treatment works wonders for altitude adjustment or just general fatigue. And as for the originality factor, it wins this roster hands down. One-hour session valued at $110.
$20. pledge: Shape up with style. Would it be a too-obvious hint for you to offer your guy a men’s haircut by Rosa Lea at Salon 7? Hmmmm. Maybe, but it all depends how you frame it, right ladies? With a little finesse, he’ll love you for treating him to some extra babying. I’d call that a win-win. Rosa Lea’s men’s cuts are valued at $30.
ROMANTIC GETAWAY OUTSIDE OF TELLURIDE
$80. pledge: Enjoy a soak (or more!) and a suite—perhaps the honeymoon suite—at the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in lovely Ouray, Colorado for a one-night stay. Now that sounds like the right formula for love and relaxation. Valued at $140.
Please note that some restrictions may apply on all or some of the above.
There you have it, the best Valentine’s win-win around. Remember if you want to make a pledge, contact me. If you’re the first, I’ll give you the O.K. then ask you to pay your donation to KOTO. Once that’s done, I’ll put you in touch with the purveyor. To avoid any confusion, I ask you to not contact the radio station directly UNLESS I give you the go-ahead.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the above people and establishments for your donations to KOTO’S Winter 2011 fundraising drive. Your donations are GREATLY APPRECIATED.
For those of you not “in the know,” KOTO is a rare breed, one of only a handful of community-sponsored radio stations in the country. People all over the world tune in to www.KOTO.org on the Internet for much of our programming including the full coverage of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and quirky, little programs such as my own Travel Fun. O.K., maybe my show isn’t so offbeat, but I do enjoy having the flexibility to be eccentric enough to offer programs that cover a broad spectrum of topics from Sex, Travel and Fun to Humor and Travel. You can check out some of my past shows right now which have been posted as podcasts at BonjourColorado.com.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you! May we all make sure to reserve a big place for love in our hearts each day of the year.
Spa Going: The Perfect Antidote to the Winter Blues
The Sitting Room of the Spa George V at the Four Seasons in Paris
Ho hum. If you’re not an avid outdoor enthusiast, you might be growing tired of winter by now. The Northeast has been in the grip of mighty cold and snow for the past couple of months and as I write this, half the U.S. is bracing itself for another arctic wallop. Europe has experienced quite the winter as well, particularly in Paris where I hear many fashionistas have gone so far as to trade in their stylish châpeaux for more practical knit hats—mon dieu!
Aside from cozying up on my couch with my kitties, an excellent cup of tea and a good book, I’ve found a trip to a spa to be the best therapy for curing mid-winter doldrums. (That’s, of course, after I’ve had fun in the mountain air.) Pampering and intense relaxation always warm my body and soul, leaving me to feel newly restored and ready to affront the cold or whatever else is thrown my way.
I love how almost no matter where we find ourselves, we can chose a spa experience that will transport us to a new and different healing space sure to transform us on many levels. There’s a spa out there for seemingly every mood and budget; it’s just up to us to seek it out.
The Oxford Spa Treatment Room
When I flew into Denver recently, I experienced a treatment at The Oxford Club Spa just hours after I landed. Now this is how you recover from tiresome travels and acclimate yourself to the high altitude of the Rockies, I thought. I chose a facial that left my skin feeling plumped up, beautifully hydrated and well prepared for exposure to the cold, dry air of the West. Carried out by a fairy-fingered esthetician within a warm, dimly-lighted space, the treatment wrapped me in the same quiet luxury found next door at The Oxford Hotel, one of Denver’s most historic properties. I padded out of there, ambled a few blocks in LoDo (Denver’s Lower Downtown) and promptly fell into a deep state of relaxation within my hotel room. Never had I slept so well the first night at a higher elevation. Maybe next time I’ll even try a workout in their fitness room.
At the other end of the spectrum, travelers may indulge in a terrifically high-end spa experience at the Four Seasons George V in Paris. Unless you’re a die-hard minimalist, you’re going to love the Spa George V. If Marie Antoinette were around today, this is what she’d want her spa to resemble. Festooned in an array of eighteenth-century fabrics and furnishings, and a trompe l’oeil depicting the gardens of Versailles (located behind the indoor pool), yet fresh as the morning dew, the ambiance of this spa wraps you in cosseted luxury. And like at many other spas around the world, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to experience its charms, as long as you come for a treatment. So here’s my tip for transatlantic travelers: Arrive here directly from the airport and plan on spending a few hours to help you become acclimated to Paris. Often due to early morning arrivals people are not able to check into their hotel rooms right away, so leave your bags here, and conquer jet lag with one of the spa’s special massages, and then take a short nap behind a veiled curtain in one of their dreamy resting areas. I guarantee that this plan will change the course of your whole stay.
Treatment Room at the Spa George V
I think this is a good plan of action for spas all over the country as well, especially since traveling these days leaves us increasingly weary. Dealing with our daily routine can seem like a big expedition as well, especially during these storm-filled winter months. Thank goodness there are spas around the country to promote that ah-haaaa feeling.
The Oxford Spa Lobby
The Oxford Club Spa, 1616 Seventeenth Street, Denver, www.TheOxfordHotel.com
Spa George V, 31 av George V, 8th arrondissement Paris, www.FourSeasons.com/Paris
For more spa stories, peruse my Spa category. Check out More LoDo Love to read my take on LoDo and The Oxford Hotel.
Camel’s Garden Hotel: A Telluride Favorite
The Gondola and Camel's Garden Hotel Backdropped by Telluride's Majestic Peaks
I love boutique hotels. Our Colorado mountain towns are blessed with a number of them and in Telluride, Camel’s Garden Hotel is one of my favorites. It offers the whole package for assuring a heartwarming stay in our beautiful Victorian town: great location at the base of the gondola, large, brightly-colored rooms and condos, personalized service and a variety of amenities. The breakfast room is so pleasant and welcoming that you’ll want to hang around for a second cup of coffee. No problem since there are two lifts to chose from (including the gondola) right outside your door. As for après ski or late-night stargazing, guests at Camel’s Garden enjoy the privilege of experiencing one of the best hot tubs in town, one of the best in the West, in fact. Frankly I’d stay here just for the use of the tub which is really more of a small pool from which you can take in killer views.
The Breakfast Room at Camel's Garden Hotel
Hot Tub with an Awe-Inspiring View
The only thing elusive about Camel’s Garden Hotel is the origin of its name. I’m still digging for the whole story. So far I can tell you that it’s named after Camel’s Garden Road, a trail off of Bear Creek, located up on the mountain behind the hotel. Many different sites in the area derive their names from the native Utes but this one seems to have more of a mining connection. I’ll let you know once I find out for sure!
Camel’s Garden Hotel, Telluride, Colorado, 888-772-2635 and 970-728-9300, www.CamelsGarden.com
Oops! I Almost Forgot
Atmosphere Day Spa, one of my choice spas in Telluride, is located just off Camel’s Garden lobby. You’ll love the soothing atmosphere of this spa, truly an oasis within our dry, Rocky Mountain climate. You’ll also be impressed by the skillful touch of all the estheticians and therapists here, a beautiful bevy of spa girls that pamper locals and visitors alike. Read more about Atmosphere Day Spa and other favorite haunts of mine at Telluride’s Beauty Boutiques.
