Pampered, Privileged and Fun-Loving Vail

Solaris Residences in Vail

Private Terrace at Solaris

More Stylin’ at Solaris

Maybe you’re a part of the one percent and are looking for a great lodging recommendation in Colorado. Maybe you just want to peek behind closed doors to see how the ultra rich vacation. Or, maybe you just want some insider tips on where to find some family fun in Vail, Colorado. Either way, please read on and enjoy my pictures.

Sleeping in Style

Sweet Dreams

Like many other travelers, the ultra rich have discovered the joys of vacationing in our mountain towns winter and summer. What’s changed in recent years, however, is that in addition to staying in hotels and houses, they like to stay–or reside in–residences. I’m talking full-service spreads that can make them feel at home in sprawling style while delighting in the benefits of the amenities of a full-service hotel.

At Home at Solaris

Deluxe Dining Room Table

Me Checking Out Solaris

Solaris Residences in Vail ranks as one the more exclusive places of lodging of this caliber in Colorado. Replete with cherrywood cabinets, sub zero refrigerators, granite counter tops, Wolf stoves, gas fireplaces, mahogany floors and an abundance of other high-end necessities and embellishments, each of the one- to six-bedroom residences here look more like a Hollywood movie set than cozy little ski lodgings in the mountains. Most of the seventy-nine individually owned residences (I can’t even say apartments unless it’s in a French way such as l’appartément de Louis XVI), do, however, accept short term guests. Know that even a one-night stay in such a privileged enclave is possible.

If you’re going for it, pick a residence that faces the mountain, not I70 (the interstate).

Sexy Solaris

People that own here are among the richest in the world. So don’t be surprised if you see a $1.2 million sports car parked out back. Some own multiple residences in order to house their cooks, pilots or I suppose, difficult family members. Private ski instructors know these folks well. And as one of them (in Telluride), I’m happy to say that I’ve found most people–most of my clients–to be lovely.

Finishing Touches

You might not be looking to occupy a 6,500 square-foot unit for a week, but it might be worth it to you to organize a getaway to a residence wrapped in a sumptuous contemporary mountain decor, one sure to create a memorable backdrop for all kinds of special occasions.

Bill Marshall Demonstrating the Electronic Valet

“We have a personal assistant for every resident,” says Bill Marshall, general manager of Solaris, on a special tour he conducted for me. “They go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for their guests.” One such magical moment involved ice skating lessons by a teacher dressed as Cinderella for a little girl that loved both ice skating and Cinderella. See what money can buy?

Monitoring All Kinds of Activities

If you’re a techie, you’ll love the Electronic Valet by the door, a highly sophisticated gadget that controls the lighting, the thermostat and other household needs in addition to providing updates on the highway and ski conditions as well as much more.

Vail Pretty

So there you go, there’s the inside scoop. I can’t help wondering if these mountain residences have off-season rates.

Lion Square Lodge

Lion Square Lodge Hot Tub and Pool

Lion Square Lodge
You will find more affordable bliss at Lion Square Lodge, a Wyndham property that recently completed a $53. million renovation! Like Solaris, it benefits from a fantastic location although here it’s truly right at the base of the mountain at Lionshead. That means super easy access to the gondola winter and summer, something that’s especially appealing if you have kids in tow. (With children, the schlep to the mountain with gear and bulky clothing can be especially onerous.) Many of the units here also boast patios and balconies, which provide easy outdoor access to the mountain.

The Place to Go in Vail to Restore Yourself

Zen-Like Setting at Vail Vitality Center

Vail Athletic Club

Vail Vitality Center
I love this place! It’s serene, intimate and very much oriented toward good health and well being. I was lucky enough to sink into a massage here and was completely rejuvenated by the skillful hands of the therapist and the Zen-like surroundings of the Vail Vitality Center. It’s no wonder this may be considered one of the preferred spas of the guests at Solaris. The Center offers a variety of classes–from yoga to pilates–in addition to their soothing spa treatments. Those looking for more of a workout will love the state-of-the-art equipment at the Vail Athletic Club, which also makes up this wondrous center of vitality and relaxation.

On the Gondola

Summer Vail
It’s no secret that most of America’s mountain resorts have figured out how to tap into the summer fun that can be had on the ski hill. Some resorts, such as Vail, have built a veritable village on top of the mountain–Epic Discovery punctuated with Adventure Courses, a Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, disc golf, zipline tours and more. I took a gondola ride up here with my guy to scout out the amenities. We enjoyed checking out the various high-energy activities but opted for a tranquil hike down the mountain.

On Top of Vail

One of Many Vail Activities Atop the Mountain

Tubing on Top Too

Picking My Summer Route Down Vail Mountain

Leading the Way

To me, there’s nothing like hiking in the mountains of Colorado amid tall aspens, pines and wildflowers.

That’s the best form of wealth around.

Alpine Charm in Vail

Note that this year kids, ages four through twelve, ride free on the Vail gondola when accompanied by adults. I also want to highlight the Friday Afternoon Club and Saturday Sundown Concert Series, great ways to enjoy live music at the top of the mountain throughout the summer. Rocky Mountain High doesn’t get much better than this.

For some of my dining recommendations in Vail/Beaver Creek, read Summer Dining Picks for Vail, Beaver Creek and Telluride, Favorite Restaurant Picks for Frisco, Vail, Beaver Creek and Telluride, Sweet Basil. For spa recommendations, check out Pick a Spa, Pick a Ski Destination, Skiing and Spa Going:  Part One in Vail, Colorado, A Pristine Pool Experience in Avon/Beaver Creek, Terrific Spa Experiences in Colorado’s Mountain Towns and World Cup Adventures:  From Yoga to Yowza.