Colorado Winter Feature Winter 2001

They don't call Colorado Mountains the "Ultimate Mountain Playground" for nothing! Throughout the year, Colorado has an endless array of activities for everyone to enjoy.

If you are visiting during the winter you will certainly find the world famous skiing and snowboarding but have you tried snow-shoeing, snow-mobiling, ice-skating or tubing?

After any of the winter activities you begin to consider the nurturing process to help you continue the activities while away on your "long awaited" winter vacation. We went on our winter spa tour to help those who are planning their winter vacation in the State of Colorado.

First, we recommend that you do not rent a vehicle, there are several options to help you get to your destinations.  Once you have arrived at your resort each town offers the largest free bus system in the country and offers complimentary bus shuttles daily, running every ten minutes. To connect from Vail to Beaver Creek there is a bus that charges $3.00 per person (one way). 

Presidential Limousine

You don't need to bring your skis and snowboarding gear! The resorts have made it very convenient for all your ski, snowboard equipment and apparel needs.

   Known Locally as One Track Mind                   Located in the Resort

The Vail Marriott 

Our first stop took us to "The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa". Here you will find a cozy resort nestled at the base of Vail Mountain. It is located 150 yards from the Lionhead ski gondola.

The Marriott's "Golden Leaf Spa" has gathered together a comprehensive menu of services from around the world. This spa caters to both men and women. Even if your stay is a short one it would be very beneficial to receive a facial designed to stimulate, renew and restore damaged skin.

They specialize in Sports, Swedish, Shiatsu, Neuromuscular, Reflexology, Pre-natal, Acupressure, Core, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massages. They also offer the most sophisticated body treatments in the Vail Valley. The "Seaweed body mask & herbal body wrap" is a must for detoxifying the body! Their Canadian hydrotherapy tub helps your body absorb nutrients from a mud, seawater or aromatherapy bath.

The spa is open until 8 pm, allowing you  to ski during the day and be pampered in the evening. Items used in the spa may be purchased by contacting the spa. They will soon have an online ordering convenience.

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Our next stop, was Beaver Creek. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa was an exceptional find! The resort is a rough-hewn wood and sandstone interior, which gives you the feel of "old-world elegance". There are numerous wall-sized fireplaces that give you a cozy feeling, with lots of tempting nooks to socialize in. This is truly a romantic setting in an atmosphere of rustic warmth and unassuming affluence. It takes on a magical air with a ice skating rink (located beside the Park Hyatt property), sleigh rides in the snow and storytelling by firelight.

Once again, we suggest equipment rental this time from Gorsuch Ltd., located in the hotel. You may contact them on line to reserve your equipment www.gorsuchltd.com. They also offer a full line of winter ski apparel for men, women and children.

The "Allegria" spa has reached their goal of being one of the best spas in the Rockies. They truly have set new standards for design and innovation in the spa industry. "Allegria, which means "happiness" in Italian was designed with the influence of Feng Shui to create perfect harmony and relaxation.

 The list of spa therapies available is extensive and includes such custom-designed elements as specialized Feng Shui treatments. Hydrotherapy, aromatherapy facials and a variety of massage treatments that are offered by an expert staff of technicians.

The superbly appointed health club features state-of-the-art Cybex and Precor equipment, extensive personal training programs, as well as an indoor-outdoor pool. The health clubs design affords the feeling of being outside on the Beaver Creek Mountain. Some of the featured treatments not to be missed are: "The Balance massage" Designed to stimulate and balance the body's energy channels and opens the mind to inner wakefulness. Allegria Hot Stone Massage, a very unique experience!  The Barefoot Massage, also known as "Ashiatsu", is an ancient form of bodywork brought to us from China, Thailand and Japan. It is guaranteed to induce deep relaxation and stimulate the body's own self-healing capabilities! ! Products used in the "Gentleman's Facial" are designed especially for men. All products used are available on-line from the spa.

The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera

Our next stop was "The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera" This was on our way to "Aspen". Cordillera is located in Edwards, Colorado and just another twenty minutes west of Beaver Creek. 

This property was distinguished by its unique Belgian Chateau-style architecture and mountaintop setting. The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera is a converted getaway. The magnificently appointed rooms provide exceptional solitude and comfort. Every care is taken to pamper you in every detail. They do not offer "ski in and ski out", however they do provide complimentary shuttle for their guests to Vail and Beaver Creek, which takes 20 minutes.

They do have a cross-country ski and snow shoeing course near the Lodge, with equipment rental available for a small charge of $15.00 per day. Lighter side cuisine is offered to those watching their weight. Some very exceptional treatments offered at the Spa at Cordillera are: Thermal Mineral Kur, this deluxe treatment has a detoxifying and totally relaxing effect! Be sure not to miss the "Essential Oil Wrap", this is considered the "upgraded massage". This luxurious application of the finest essential oils and therapeutic mineral cream works to relieve tension, provide moisture to dry skin and promote an overall sense of well-being!

The fitness center is included in your stay with Cordillera and features Cybex and Technix equipment to help you get a great work out! The hours are from 6:30am-9: 00pm.

The St. Regis Salon offers a full range of services for both men and women, including manicures, pedicures, facials and body wraps. Don't miss their "Ocean Glow Facial", or "Reverse the waves of time facial." St. Regis is located between the mountain's two primary base ski lift's and within walking distance of all   shops, restaurants and entertainment in Aspen. The hotel is only 10 minutes from the Aspen Airport, which we would recommend as your exit point from Colorado.

If for some reason you were not able to get the appointment time you wanted at The St. Regis Salon , we discovered  The Aspen Club & Spa (Day Spa) very near the St Regis Hotel. They offered a number of treatments and day spa packages to suit your needs.

One of their "Specialty Spa treatments", called "Reiki", involves intensive therapeutic massage and meditation techniques to align the body's energy centers. Our male reviewer especially enjoyed this treatment after a hard day on the slopes! Our female reviewer really enjoyed the "Lymphatic Drainage Therapy". She experienced a decrease in cellulite and puffiness as well as relief from allergies, headaches and backaches!  

The most important thing we learned is that regardless of whether you take a vacation in winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are always spas to allow you to maintain your good health.

Thank you for joining us.

See you at the Spa!

Finest Health Spas Review Staff.
Please contact us at: [email protected]

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