Beauty Colorado Shopping Spas Telluride: Beauty Colorado Shopping Spas Telluride
by maribeth
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Telluride’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas
Capella Spa Telluride: Better Than What the Romans Could Imagine
Hmmmm. There’s nothing like spa-going after a day in the mountains. Whether you’ve been out skiing, hiking or just wandering around taking in the sites, a visit to a spa in the mountains seems so much more deserved, so much more of a must. Maybe it’s the contrast of the rugged scenery and the high altitude sun with the soothing interiors of such cosseted spaces. At elevations of close to 10,000 feet, the spa experience is indisputably enhanced tenfold. And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself sitting in a heated pool or a hot tub with snowflakes falling gently down around you, you’ll truly understand why spas and mountain destinations go together like robes and slippers. (My favorite visual is one of steam billowing up from outdoor heated pools and tubs, a common occurrence throughout winter and most summer evenings at spas in the mountains. When you’re in the middle of that misty scene, you can’t help feeling otherworldly.)
In Telluride, we’re truly spoiled. Maybe it’s because our mountains are so mighty that we boast such heavenly spas, super luxurious enclaves housed within the finest hotels of Telluride Mountain Village, the heart of the ski area. The little known secret is that you can enjoy these superlative spas for the price of a treatment or in some cases a day pass: Access to them is not reserved exclusively for their hotel guests.
Colorado Spas Telluride: beauty salons Telluride Breathe day spas Telluride Franz Klammer Spa Himmel Spa Hotel Madeline Spa spas Telluride
by maribeth
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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.
Aspen Beaver Creek Breckenridge Colorado Crested Butte Hotels & Lodging Spas: Aspen Beaver Creek Breckenridge Colorado Crested Butte Hotels & Lodging Spas
by maribeth
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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.
Food & Wine Hotels & Lodging Restaurants Romance & Relationships Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride: Restaurants Romance & Relationships Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride
by maribeth
Comments Off on Night Out in Telluride Mountain Villlage
Night Out in Telluride Mountain Villlage
Great Room with a View on a Busier Night
I almost can’t wait for the ski season to end. The key word there is almost. I’d love for the skiing to go on and on but I’m also yearning to spend more time at my desk, something that is indeed a big challenge when the slopes lie right outside your door and you’re caught up in the ski fever that grips every mountain town from late November through a good part of April. Plus I’ve been working a lot on the hill teaching skiing, a very rewarding job that not surprisingly leaves little energy for writing at the end of the day.
Then there’s the near grueling pace of the social life that one must endure in such a happening mountain resort. No matter how much you try to stay in, there’s always a concert (often free!), a dinner, a party or an impromptu gathering to take in. Telluride is a culturally rich, increasingly sophisticated town, which consistently goes off at the close of the lifts. more »
Colorado Mountain Living Spas Telluride: Colorado epic snow year Madeline Hotel Spa mountain life mountain spas Spirit of the Mountains Telluride treatments
by maribeth
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Taking a Break from Skiing at the Madeline Spa
The Glorious Pool at the Madeline
Boy, what a season it has been here in Telluride, Colorado! I’m sure you’ve heard of the record-breaking snowfalls we’ve had. The skiing and riding have been extraordinary. But with all the joy that came with so many powder days, the massive accumulations of snow also created a lot of hassles and unfortunately many sorrows. Daily drives to and from work in slick, whiteout conditions were numerous. (One day after the marshal helped me dig out my car, I careened into a snowbank down the road. Thankfully there’s always a capable mountain man with a big rig in these parts that shows up happy to help out at just the right moment.)
It was so cold and snowy that the Telluride School District closed twice, something that rarely happens even once a year in this rugged mountain town. And yes, the avalanches were plentiful. Their force barreled down in parts that hadn’t slid in years, leaving all kinds of destruction in their paths, creating road closures, evacuations of homes and businesses and sadly in Telluride, two deaths of locals. In a small community such as ours, you’re up close and personal to such events and each happening packs a wallop, a harsh reminder of the force of nature and the immortality of us all.
Indeed, it was a winter that most of us here in the West weathered with grit.
For me, it was additionally challenging because I had a body part that crapped out on me. That seems to happen to a lot of us ski instructors. So when I finally learned that the pain I was enduring was due to a worn out hip–bone-on-bone–no less–I heard firsthand from a seemingly endless stream of instructors, patrollers and just general mountain people about their tales of “replaced parts.” Yes, I’m in need of a hip replacement, something I’ll do this off season in order to be in shape for next ski season. Fortunately I have a surplus of friends and acquaintances that have assured me that “it’s no big deal.” Such is life in a mountain town.
A cortisone shot, Celebrex, CBD salve and a little extra wine have helped me through. But I have to say that it’s been tough keeping up with the physical therapy and soaks that I promised myself I’d make a part of my regular regime. Life has a way of getting away from you, especially during a banner ski year!
I did, however, have the luxury of experiencing The Spa at Madeline Hotel & Residences, an Auberge Resort, here in Telluride. And I swear that the half day spent there was like the equivalent of several PT sessions and Epsom Salts baths combined. It was so healing and restorative!
Faves
There’s nothing like someone providing firsthand recommendations for lodging and other travel services. It’s even better when those tips come from a travel writer.
Well, that travel writer is me! I’ve written four guidebooks on France and have traveled the world, so believe me when I say I’m very particular about where I choose to stay. A place has to have charm, warmth and a feel of its own. Luxury helps, too, but as long as a property possesses spirit and authenticity, then I’m apt to add it to my list as well. As far as the travel services are concerned, the product has to be top notch.
The below establishments and services now sponsor me in my endeavors. I discovered them first and made up my mind that these were the kind of travel suppliers I wanted to recommend to you, my dear reader. I do indeed consider them among my faves or favorites.
I encourage you to contact them directly for the best deals and feel free to mention BonjourColorado.com. Here’s an important travel tip: It’s a fallacy to think that you’re going to obtain the best deals on sites such as Expedia.com. Once again, it’s best to check out the property’s own site for the best rates and then even call them for a possible upgrade.
Happy travel planning!
COLORADO PROPERTIES
New Sheridan Hotel: A Real Gem
New Sheridan Hotel, Telluride
This Telluride landmark has served as the hub of T-ride for well more than a century. Definitely check out my story on this destination hotel here. It also includes reasons why Telluride is so great. I also mention the New Sheridan Hotel in Fall in Telluride: A Beautiful Time for Sightseeing and Winter Travel Planning, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Colorado: A Stunning Place for Weddings, Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort, June in the Rockies: A Gorgeous Time of the Year and Dealing with Altitude Issues at Our High Mountain Destinations. The terrific New Sheridan Chop House is reviewed in Favorite Telluride Restaurants. This stellar property and Ray Farnsworth, the New Sheridan’s GM, is featured in Telluride Tourism’s Top Dogs.
Mountain Lodge, Telluride
Mountain Lodge Pool Deck
Stay at this handsome lodge to experience luxury mountain living in Telluride. (Most of the units and all of their high-end cabins boast fully-equipped kitchens.) Located in Telluride’s Mountain Village, Mountain Lodge Telluride also offers great ski in/ski out access. There’s mention of Mountain Lodge Telluride in the following posts: Night out in Mountain Village, Togethering in the Rockies, Telluride’s Beauty Boutiques, Three Men, Three Telluride Mountain Village Restaurants, Great Rocky Mountain Decks: Spectacular Views Year-Round, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Great Fall Travel in the Rockies, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado, Colorado: A Stunning Place for Weddings, Chef Bud Creates an Elevated Dining Experience at Mountain Lodge Telluride, Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort and Dealing with Altitude Issues at Our High Mountain Destinations. Steve Togni, Mountain Lodge’s GM and my beau, is highlighted in many of these stories, most notably Telluride Tourism’s Top Dogs.
The Peaks Spa: Where I Go to Relax
The Peaks Resort & Spa, Telluride
As one of the anchors of Telluride Mountain Village, locals and visitors alike enjoy experiencing The Peaks Resort & Spa year-round. I’m crazy about their spa and love the feel of their Palmyra Restaurant, a stunning showcase for panoramic views and fine culinary offerings. On a nice day—winter or summer—their expansive new deck is a must. Read about The Peaks at Telluride’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas, Spray Tanning: Bronzage in a Bottle, Great Rocky Mountain Decks: Spectacular Views Year-Round, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado and Dipping, Dining and Viewing at The Peaks Resort & Spa.
Camel’s Garden, Telluride
Camel’s Garden on the Gondola Plaza
If you’re looking to stay in the historic town of Telluride and are perhaps in search of a condo-type unit, I recommend the Camel’s Garden. Situated at the base of the gondola, you can’t beat its central location. And since this fresh-faced property also operates as a hotel, you enjoy all the amenities offered by a fine place of lodging including in-house breakfast, concierge service and more. Read more about this boutique hotel at Camel’s Garden: A Telluride Favorite and Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort
Sheraton Steamboat Resort
There’s nothing like being right at the base of a ski mountain and at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, that’s exactly where you’ll be. You can ski, hike and bike right out your door. Read Skiing Steamboat Powder and Bike Riding In and Around Our Beautiful Mountain Towns to find out what I have to say about Steamboat as a destination and this premier resort.
Cozying Up at the Redstone Inn
Redstone Inn, Redstone
Just fifty minutes outside of Aspen and nestled in some of the most unspoiled nature of Colorado, you’ll find the quaint town of Redstone with the Redstone Inn as its anchor. Read about this charming place of lodging in the stories Redstone Rendez-Vous and Bike Race Spectating, Colorado Touring, Book Promoting, Travel Adventures Galore Oh My.
Chipeta Sun Lodge: Southwestern Charm in the Rockies
Chipeta Sun Lodge, Ridgway
Conveniently located near Telluride and Ouray, Colorado, this Chipeta Sun Lodge provides the perfect base for experiencing the best of the San Juan Mountains. Chipeta also offers an affordable alternative to staying in Telluride and most of their units have been outfitted with kitchens. Be sure to check out Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa: Spirit of the the Southwest in the Rockies and Garden Love.
Gateway Canyons, Gateway
Southwestern Sensation Just Minutes from the Mountains
What kind of a retreat do you think would be created by the man who founded the Discovery Channel? A pretty, darn spectacular one, don’t you think? Gateway has become one of my favorite resorts in the West. Read what I have to say about it at Gateway Canyons: One Big Discovery, Going to Gateway, BBQ, Blues and Beauty at Gateway, Ferraris, Blues, Brews and the Rocky Mountains and Road Tripping in the Great American West.
Rochester Hotel, Durango
Rochester Hotel, Durango
A wagon train of western movies were made in and around Durango, Colorado and the Rochester Hotel pays tribute to many of them. I love this hotel, one of the coziest outposts in the West! Read more (and listen to a podcast) about Durango, the San Juan Skyway and the Western Movie Culture of the Four Corners Region here. The Rochester is also highlighted in On the Trail of Western Movie-Making in Colorado and Utah and Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: An American Treasure. Check out Sultry Summer Evenings at Durango’s Rochester Hotel to find out about some of their special events.
More Fine Colorado Hotels
For families visiting the lovely little mountain town of Ouray, I recommend Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs. Read about it at Our Ouray. You can also peruse my Colorado hotel category here.
UTAH PROPERTIES
Goulding’s Lodge, Monument Valley
Monument Valley
The Four Corners area is about a two-hour drive from Telluride, Colorado, my home base. Just a couple of hours beyond that, you find yourself at one of the most spectacular sites in the United States, Monument Valley. This historic lodge, trading post and museum is a must. Read what I have to say about Monument Valley and Goulding’s Lodge at Touring the Southwest with My Parents, On the Trail of Western Movie-Making Culture, The Lone Ranger Showcases Monument Valley, Southwest Colorado and More, Telluride, Monument Valley and the Oscars and Road Tripping in the Great American West.
Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City
Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
The place to stay in SLC, you’re always guaranteed a fun time at this swanky hotel. Dogs love the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, too, as you can tell from my story Dogs on Vacation.
OTHER U.S. HOTELS
If you’re headed to Washington, D.C., be sure to experience—even just for a drink—The Fairfax at Embassy Row. I feature it and its renowned restaurant, The Jockey Club Restaurant & Lounge, in The Elegance of Paris in Our Nation’s Capital: The Fairfax at Embassy Row.
Check out my Hotel category for many other lovely establishments around the world.
MORE TRAVEL SUPPLIERS AND EVENTS
Gorgeous Golfing at Telluride Ski & Golf
Telluride Ski & Golf
As a travel writer that lives in Telluride and more than moonlights as a ski instructor at the Telluride Ski Resort, I’ve posted a gazillion stories on this blog that highlight Telluride Ski & Golf. Here are just a handful of them: Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride, Forbes and Me, Girl Power Extraordinaire: Women from the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School, Part One, Skiing with Rock Stars: Schussing with Telluride’s Synchronized Ski Teams, Reflections on My Ten Years as a Ski Instructor, More Expert Ski and Snowboard Instruction and Fun in Telluride, Teaching, Training and Torchlighting with the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School, Telluride Ski Resort Opening Weekend: A Great Kickoff to the Season, Ski Fever, All in the Day of a Ski Instructor, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado, Telluride Women’s Weeks 2015, Telluride Women’s Week: Skiing and Fun for the Ladies, Talking about Telluride Ski and Snowboard School, Why Telluride, Playing Tourist in Telluride, Snowboardcross World Cup: Telluride Goes International, Family Fun Facilitators. By now you should gather that I think a visit to Telluride, Colorado should be tops on your list.
Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors
Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors
As a ski instructor and outdoor enthusiast, you can bet I have favorite shops and outfitters here in Telluride. Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors, a beloved choice by locals and visitors alike, keeps us active types properly suited up and geared out all year long. And they actually guide us to the fun here in southwestern Colorado. Read my story Spring Skiing, Spring Shopping to find out how they got me hooked up with great skis. Check out Bootdoctors Offers Further Adventures and Bike Riding in and Around Our Beautiful Mountain Towns to hear about their summer doings. Read The Look on the Slopes: Early Ski Season 2013-2014 to find out about their fantastic array of fashions and Finding Happy Feet at Bootdoctors to learn about the magic they can work on your feet and Grateful for Telluride and the Telluride Ski Resort to find out how much they’re loved by us locals.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival: The Place to be Mid-September
You have to experience a Telluride festival at least once in your life. And if you’re like most people, once you take in one of our renowned gatherings in our pristine mountain setting, you’ll be back again for more. Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is one of the best, especially since it takes place during the golden season of late summer, usually the third weekend on September. Read Always on My Mind: Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and Willie Nelson, Telluride Blues & Brews Promises More Fun than Ever this Year, Film, Blues & Brews, Telluride Makes Saying Goodbye to Summer Easy and KOTO Broadcasts the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival to All. Listen to my interview with the founder of this festival at Steve Gumble Brings Us Telluride Blues & Brews and More.
One of Au Château’s Many Grand Properties
au Château
What could be more dreamy than staying in the French countryside in a centuries-old château? You can find just the place suited to your taste and itinerary at au Château. Read what I have to say about this wonderful lodging experience at Oh Château Life!
TLC from Medjet Assist
Medjet Assist
Do not leave home without it, especially if you’re an active person! I’ve obtained a special 10% discount for BonjourColorado.com readers so if something not-so good happens to you while you’re away, you’ll be taken care of with much TLC. Click here to find out more and to sign up; note that prices have already been discounted for you by 10%. Read my story and listen to the podcast here.
Fine China
Imperial Tours
Thinking about taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip to China? Or maybe you want to go back to this fascinating land to take a closer look at perhaps the gumdrop mountains of Guilin or the brave faces of the Terracotta Warriors. The main thing is to do it right and whether you’re interested in a private or group tour, you’re sure to do it in style with Imperial Tours. Check out my story Touring China: Imperial Allure. There you can also listen to a podcast that provides lots of information about travel to China. Read Imperial Shopping to China to find out about a special shopping trip.
Beauty Colorado Hotels & Lodging Skiing & Snowboarding Spas Telluride The Rockies: Beauty Colorado Hotels & Lodging Skiing & Snowboarding Spas Telluride The Rockies
by maribeth
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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.
Beauty Hotels & Lodging Pot Pourri Restaurants Spas Telluride The Rockies Travel: Beauty Hotels & Lodging Pot Pourri Restaurants Spas Telluride The Rockies Travel
by maribeth
Comments Off on Great Deals for Public Radio: Summer 2010
Great Deals for Public Radio: Summer 2010
Capella's Mountain Elegance
There are lots of travel deals out there these days but you won’t find any as enticing as the ones I’m presenting to you below. And best of all, by making a pledge for them you’re supporting KOTO community radio in Telluride, one of the few entirely community-sponsored radio stations in the country. More and more people tune in on the Internet as well during T-ride’s famed Bluegrass Festival (when KOTO broadcasts live) or just any ‘ole day of the year. It’s a great way to get the flavor of a happening mountain town along with some fine music and talk.
If you don’t know about my Travel Fun radio show, please tune in live one of these Tuesdays. Or you may listen to some of my past interviews that I’ve posted as podcasts.
Now for the good stuff. Here’s what you can snatch up in exchange for a pledge, just e-mail me through my Contacts Page to lock in your travel premium. (You can also go there to sign up for my RSS feed and/or to receive bi-monthly Travel Fun announcements. Be sure to provide all your contact information including phone and address (e-mail as well as snail mail, please) and your desired prize. Know that I’m accepting pledges on a first come, first serve basis, so act fast!
TELLURIDE TEMPTATIONS
First-Rate Dinner and Lodging at Capella
$150. pledge: a two-night stay in a standard room (pictured above—wow!) in this stunning hotel, valued between $200. and $500.
$75. pledge: dinner for two at Onyx, Capella’s signature restaurant, valued at $100. not including tax and gratuity.
Feeling sophisticated? It sounds like you need to spend some time at Capella, the newest bright star of Telluride’s hospitality offerings.
The Himmel Spa Relaxation Room at The Klammer
Gorgeous Health and Beauty Treatments from the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge
$75. pledge: One-hour facial, valued at $130.
$75. pledge: One-hour massage, valued at $120. Note that both include access to the pool, fitness center and spa facilities for the day. How delightful, how de-lovely! Read what I have to say about The Himmel Spa at The Klammer in my story, Telluride’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas.
OUTSIDE OF TELLURIDE
Almost Like Home: Box Canyon Lodge
Great Getaway to America’s Little Switzerland
$50. pledge: Enjoy an overnight, valued at $100., at Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs, in Ouray. Read my Ouray story as a primer.
