By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
It is so important to take care of ourselves, especially now. The past seven months have been anything but normal and we could all use a wellness getaway. Because the body and brain are irrevocably linked, a massage, an oxygen bar or yoga might just be the thing that accords us the capability to face whatever happens next.
With wellness retreats a thing of the past this year, we looked around to nd places where guests can stay and enjoy a few spa-alicious amenities that help body and soul.
All-inclusive mountain luxury
Beaver Creek is an unincorporated community located 20 minutes west of Vail. It borders the small town of Avon and has its own ski area. Once here, there is little reason to leave.
Guests of the Westin Riverside & Spa are swept away from the moment they walk into
this resort hotel. The views to the outside are postcard perfect and the entire place has that spa-like scent. It’s the type of hotel that provides all-inclusive luxury, but still allows guests to wear jeans.
With an onsite Chef Richard Sandoval restaurant called Maya, a coffee shop, a cafe and a bar in the lobby, guests have everything needed for a delightful stay.
Located on the bottom oor of the hotel is Spa Anjali, the athletic club and an outdoor, heated saltwater pool. In addition, there are two in nity hot tubs with mountain views. During the summer, Laps Pool Bar provides poolside dining and drinks.
No small touch has been overlooked at Spa Anjali and yet there is no pretension here. The Asian design blends with Colorado mountain comfort. It’s a winning combination for guests seeking rest and relaxation.
The waiting area is sumptuous and utilizes earthy tones that evoke an ambiance of peace. Start a Spa Anjali journey lounging here with a mug of hot tea or a glass of wine.
The name of the spa means “divine offering” in sanskrit, and it is tting. They offer a number of “Spa Journeys,” like the Rocky Mountain Journey that includes a Ponderosa Pine Therapy session.
The massage is 75-minutes and the Rocky Mountain Journey uses a poultice of sage, pine and lavender. Before each part of the body is massaged, the poultice is rolled gently over the skin to release the bene ts of these locally gathered, organic ingredients.
All guests of the spa are encouraged to arrive early to indulge in the use of the steam room, sauna or outdoor hot tubs. This is the perfect way to prepare the body and mind for what’s to come.
Livin’ large at the biggest spa in Colorado
The view from The Peaks Resort & Spa in Telluride rivals any amazing view in the world. The San Sophia Mountain Range turns pink in the morning and orange in the evening. Getting a room with a view here is a must, and dinner at Altezza always comes with a side of this unbelievable scenery.
The 42,000 square-foot spa faces the magni cent mountain range and offers an array of treatments and activities. With a heated indoor/ outdoor pool and an indoor lap pool, this is a swimmer’s paradise at any time of year.
The facility also features a multi-level tness center and tennis courts. It’s easy for a guest to add tness to their getaway. They can choose from a number of yoga classes held here each week as well as other offerings, such as cycling and Pilates.
If relaxation is all a guest seeks, this spa offers calm in spades. From the moment one enters the spa, their olfactory senses ll with that delightful “spa aroma.” Start with some hot tea and then enjoy a eucalyptus infused steam room, an oxygen inhalation lounge or a dry sauna. There are also Roman-style tubs.
Spa professionals recommend guests use the tubs before a massage as this will help relax the muscles and mind. Whether it’s stress from a long drive or the tightness that comes from being on the ski slope all day, a soak is the perfect way to start a spa experience.
The meditation room is where clients wait for their appointment, whether it’s a massage, facial, skin restoration or a body treatment like a post-slope foot therapy. The spa also offers a variety of wellness services such as acupuncture. In addition, there is a full-service salon featuring everything from nail repair to blowouts.
The Peaks was the rst hotel built in Mountain Village, the ski area of Telluride. A free gondola ride takes passengers to the Town of Telluride. It’s a scenic ride whether the view is shimmering gold leaves or freshly fallen snow.
A place for fun and space for serenity
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center is located in Breckenridge, and the resort encompasses a lot of what Coloradans love about the town: it’s laid back, staff is friendly and it is usually home to countless events and festivals each year, including Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywine Festival in January (although not this year).
Once the car is safely parked in the garage, the resort offers free transportation to guests. However, there is little reason to leave. Located at the bottom of Base 9, it’s ski-in/ski-out, making everything, even getting to the chairlift, easy.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Beaver Run has three restaurants, several bars, a market, multiple pools and hot tubs, an arcade, business center, exercise facility and tennis courts. And of course, there’s the Spa at Beaver Run.
The spa is located across Village Road from the resort. It’s a small, cozy space that makes visitors feel right at home. The menu of available treatments has been limited due to COVID-19, but they still offer massages, facials and an oxygen bar.
Breckenridge is 9,600 feet above sea level, so an oxygen bar is a good idea. This can be added for $1.50 per minute to the beginning or end of any spa treatment. In addition, there are two gorgeous outside hot tubs that can be reserved.
Please note due to COVID-19, spas around Colorado do require reservations, so be sure to have the entire trip organized before going.
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer based in Loveland. She is the founder
of HeidiTown.com and covers travel, festivals and The West. To comment on this article, email letters@nocostyle.com.
