Travel
The List
Featured Image: “WELCOME TO THE LITTLE NELL” BY GRAY MALIN
When it comes to posh resorts, there really is no place like home. Colorado plays host to a number of bucket-list properties, all offering their own unique brand of luxury. From grand hotels steeped in history, to mountain modern masterpieces, these are our top Colorado hotels and resorts, in no particular order. – Betsy Marr
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor has long been one of Colorado’s grandest hotels, with a storied past, impeccable service and immaculately manicured grounds. Crystal chandeliers, Oriental rugs and hand-painted ceilings make up the resort’s lavish interiors. Originals and replicas of the owner’s American Western art collection — the largest in the world — line the walls, making the hotel a bona fide museum. What’s more, Broadmoor boasts two top-rated golf courses, three swimming pools, five tennis and three pickleball courts, a bowling alley, spa and fitness center. There are also 26 luxury shops on property.
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Rugged meets refined at this resort, located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. From the 10-gallon-hat-clad doorman who greets you to the rustic great room, the Ritz captures the spirit of the Old West, with a luxe twist.Rooms are comfortable and stylish, with leather chairs, dark wood furniture and wood-beamed ceilings. This family-friendly resort offers a bevy of activities, including fly fishing, a horseshoe pit, two children’s play areas, an outdoor pool, golf and of course, skiing. What’s more, the in-house restaurant, Wyld, recently landed on the Michelin Guide’s recommended list.
Four Seasons, Vail
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself at the picturesque Four Seasons Resort, well then, you’re lucky enough. An idyllic alpine lodge with peaked roofs, wooden beams and stone exteriors, Four Seasons Vail is perhaps the town’s toniest respite. Natural hickory wood accents and limestone on the interior connect seamlessly to the great outdoors with large windows, balconies, terraces and a year-round outdoor pool with two whirlpools. The resort’s 121 suites and guest rooms are all beautifully appointed and equipped with the trappings one would expect of a modern luxury hotel. What’s more, the expansive rooms are the largest in the entire Vail Valley.
The Little Nell
Quite simply, there’s no place like the Nell. As Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond resort, The Little Nell is situated at the base of Aspen Mountain located 17 steps from the Silver Queen Gondola and is the only true ski-in/ski-out hotel in all of Aspen. Legendary for its incredible apres-ski scene at Ajax and its bevy of celebrity guests, the Nell could be an elitist tourist trap, yet is decidedly anything but. In fact, the property feels more like a boutique hotel than a magnet for bold-faced names and those who wish to be near them. The intimate vibe is apparent in the hotel’s lobby and cozy Living Room, where guests can hang out, have a drink and chat about their day.
St. Regis Aspen
Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis is an alpine manor that redefines mountain chic. Clean, modern lines, floor-to-ceilings windows and decadent decor abound. There’s plenty of posh gathering spaces throughout, including a Ralph Lauren-esque library with working fireplaces. A beautifully appointed RAKxa Wellness Spa is easily the most opulent in town with individual oxygen stations, a cold plunge, steam room, hot tub and confluence waterfall area. Dining at the St. Regis is equally impressive, with Velvet Buck’s rustic mountain cuisine, as well as Michelin-starred fine dining at the seasonal Chefs Club.
Dunton Hot Springs
Nestled in a valley near Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs began as a mining camp in 1895. Today, the property has been re-imagined as a resort steeped in rustic luxury. Dunton offers six hot springs (enjoy a soak under the stars or even in your own cabin) to really get away from it all. Choose from a menu of spa treatments or any number of outdoor activities—fly-fishing, horseback rides on the surrounding mountains trails, or hikes. There’s also a quiet library, outdoor chapel, and a saloon and dance hall. Fun fact: the saloon’s original wooden bar stands in homage to a bygone era of lawlessness and is carved with Butch Cassidy’s name, among others, giving visitors a true taste of the west.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Six thousand acres is an awful lot of space to have at your disposal on a mountain getaway, especially with a landscape of sweeping meadows, winding creeks, endless trails and pine forests. Throw in unobstructed views of the Continental Divide and you have Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash. The18,000 square foot Ranch Creek Spa offers 15 treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, a yoga lookout studio and multiple steam rooms, while a pool and hot tub offer million dollar valley views. The
Ranch House Restaurant occupies the property’s original homestead and serves fine cuisine. Accommodations range from well-appointed lodge rooms to large, private cabins.
