Telluride’s Secret Spas

Hot Stone Massage at The Spa at Hotel Madeline

Spa-going is underrated.

Frequent spa goers know how an hour at a spa can transform you; and if you’re lucky enough to spend the better part of a day being cared for within a soothing space, you can leave brand new.

As I’ve written before, Colorado’s mountain towns boast some exceptional spas. Whether attached to a resort or not, our Rocky Mountain state knows how to meet the therapeutic and beautification needs of those visiting and residing in our rugged, sun-saturated environment. What better way to recover from a big day on the slopes or an energetic snowshoe in the valley? Indeed, focus on health and well-being permeates most every facet of our lives in Colorado, especially in Telluride where feeling good is more of a basic need than a luxury.

Below I’ve outlined a few of my favorite T-ride spas that might not be on every visitor’s radar. Smart locals, however, have them on speed dial.

The Himmel Spa at the Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge

The Indoor Pool at The Klammer

The Outdoor Pool at The Klammer

The Himmel Spa, Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge

I experienced one of the best facials of my life at this little gem of a spa located within this well-respected Telluride Mountain Village resort. Gina, an esthetician and massage therapist for over twenty years, gave me a Custom Facial replete with a series of anti-aging, deep cleansing, rehydrating and oxygen-boosting treatments. With the help of glorious Astara products, a regionally-developed brand, her expert touch rejuvenated my entire face, ears, neck and décolleté as my creamed hands and feet relaxed into the cocooning comfort of the warming mitts. The hot stone, which had been strategically placed beneath my derriere, grounded me to the whole journey like an anchor on a boat rocking at sea.

The Himmel Spa at The Klammer, it seems, claims some of the best therapists in Telluride, many of whom have worked there for years. Ask for Darren or Trevor if you’re looking for a massage, both are true healers that also create transcending experiences for their clients.

Go early to enjoy the indoor/outdoor pool and/or the hot tub and Oxygen Bar on the fifth floor. You’ll find an intimate, tranquil ambiance throughout, an inviting enclave where it’s easy to while away a few hours.

Soothing In-Room Spa Treatment at Hotel Madeline

The Bath Barista

The Spa at Hotel Madeline

Although Hotel Madeline, situated in Telluride Mountain Village, has become increasingly well known these past few years, its spa remains a bit of a secret–at least in my opinion. All that will soon change since new owners stepped in in the fall and big plans are in the works for the months to come. A new, street-level yoga and pilates studio is set to open mid-December, their salon will take over a bigger, more accessible space next spring and the whole spa will be reconfigured and more spacious than ever by next fall.

Yoga at the Madeline

Right now you can relax amid a silky, timeless decor punctuated by wood floors, earthen colors and special features such as fireplaces and balconies. The setting within the current salon is especially conducive to girls’ gatherings, either for a bridal party or a spa day with friends. Melissa, Hotel Madeline Spa’s top stylist and a passionate colorist, enjoys creating natural looks through hand painting or balléage. Although she’s not shy with more fashion-forward colors such as magenta or cobalt blue either. The space–along with  Melissa’s personality–beckons for a beauty session with a bevy of gals, accompanied by lots of great girl time, laughs and perhaps a glass or two of bubbly.

Hotel guests may delight in their own in-house spa moment by reserving a bath barista to come in and draw their bath and pepper it with customized bath salts and therapeutic body oils. Now that’s what I call luxury.

Corinne

Breathe

Ahhhh, just entering this oasis of calm and islands-inspired beauty, puts me at ease. And then when the gentle, soft-spoken Corinne Schreckengost, the owner of this Telluride day spa, greets me, I breathe more deeply. Part Scottish, part Mauritian, this lovely goddess of well-being and beauty takes the time to ask me how I’m doing, centering me with every word she speaks. No matter how rushed someone comes in off the street, a moment spent with Corinne surely helps you to dial it down to a greater sense of peace and happiness. Whether it’s for a waxing, a facial, a massage or a mani-pedi, Corinne’s technique is as flawless as her approach. Hmmmm, I promise you will breathe more deeply at Breathe. And emerge more beautiful inside and out.

For more Telluride spas, read