BY PAIGE SLAUGHT
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Whether you desire a dream vacation where indulgence and pampering are top priorities or prefer to stay active and fit during your holiday, look no further than The Arrabelle at Vail Square. Located in the beautiful Lionshead Village of Vail, Colorado, The Arrabelle spills over with luxury of all kinds, tailored to the needs of spa enthusiasts and sports superstars alike! It matters not whether you are staying here with your significant other, friends or your entire family; you’re going to find it all –- pampering at the spa, proximity to trails and shopping, and outdoor activities galore. At 8,022 feet of elevation, this property will literally take your breath away.
The Old-World charm The Arrabelle delivers is reminiscent of Europe’s grandest resorts. Modeled after the Swiss ski town of Zermatt, the architectural style that inspired Vail in its earliest days clearly carries on throughout the guest rooms, suites, and private residences at The Arrabelle. Outside, Vail Square maintains the iconic mountain chateau look, featuring an ice rink and fire pit, with a terraced area full of fountains and year-round concerts. Although built in 2008, The Arrabelle was updated this past June to give a new look and feel, including a fully renovated workout facility and new hydrotherapy spa equipment.
First things first: let’s talk about location. Tourists from all over the world come to Vail to experience more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls, and the most groomed terrain on the planet. For access to this, The Arrabelle at Vail Square provides the perfect ski-in, ski-out location for you and your family to enjoy. Take private ski lessons with your kids, or embrace your inner Lindsey Vonn by gliding down the iconic Champagne Glade.
With more than 300 days of sunshine in Colorado per year, you are likely to get one of the classic “blue sky, powder days” at Vail –- an experience so surreal you will have to ski it to believe it. Note: be sure to pick up a complimentary GoPro camera at the front desk so you can document your entire day’s adventures!
At The Arrabelle, no family member gets left behind or forgotten. Before heading out on the slopes, drop your furry friend at the doggie spa where Fido will receive his very own water bowl, bed, homemade doggie treats and a midday walk while you’re out adventuring. No, we’re not kidding.
Later, when it comes time for après ski, head back inside for some rest and relaxation at the award-winning Rock Resorts Spa. The full-service, 10,000-square-foot spa is the perfect way to unwind. Signature treatments include a fruit and spice body wrap and the antioxidant glow facial. Guests can also choose from three in-room spa offerings -– including one for kids –- which can be ordered up right from the in-room iPad. Be sure to book your appointments early, as they do fill up!
In short, The Arrabelle does everything possible to make sure guests can wake up feeling refreshed and recharged in order to make the most of their vacation!
http://arrabelle.rockresorts.com
The Limelight Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the white River National Forest, Aspen is the epitome of luxury when it comes to Colorado mountain towns. Although originally founded as a small mining village, Aspen has grown to become the fabulous resort town it is today, while still remaining true to its rustic charm and elegance. A stay at the downtown Limelight Hotel will place you perfectly in the center of adventure headquarters, while still letting you feel wonderfully pampered and relaxed.
The Limelight Hotel is an eco-friendly resort at the base of Aspen Mountain, but not the typical ski chalet you might think. There are no wooden beams or bear-skin rugs; instead, you’ll find an array of modern decor, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, shiny furniture, and bright orange accents. The building is an art piece in itself, with spacious seating and lookouts to take in the wonderful world outside. For these reasons, the Limelight attracts an eclectic and adventurous clientele – you can’t get more hip than this.
With recently updated amenities, the guest rooms at the Limelight are full of things you will love: king-sized beds, flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and plush robes. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a rooftop terrace, a lobby fireplace, and a lounge with live music. A resort fee covers shuttle service, use of the fitness center, ski lockers and continental breakfast. However, be careful not to spend too much time basking in this modern comfort, for the world outside is probably what you came for!
At the Limelight, there is a certain emphasis on “Limelightitude”, that is, the attitude of saying ‘yes’ to adventure, lightening up, and enjoying the present. In Aspen, you are smack in the middle of a Mother Nature masterpiece, and there is an entire bucket list of things to do.
During the fall, a full array of autumn colors is on display, bringing many so-called “leaf peepers” to the area (visitors who come specifically to look at the changing leaves). Regardless of your outdoor ambitions, you are sure to find something that will excite you. From rafting along the Roaring Fork River, to rock-climbing near the Maroon Bells, hot-air ballooning to paragliding, the fresh air and gorgeous natural surroundings create the perfect place to get outside and explore, all within steps of the Limelight.
In the winter, Aspen comes alive in the form of a snow globe, the beautiful scenery and open spaces lending themselves to be the focus of cold-weather recreation. The Limelight is pleased to offer guests complimentary snowshoe tours, taking you along mountain streams, over ridgelines, and through valleys, while learning about mountain ecology and environment. Cross-country skiing, and of course, downhill skiing, also are popular activities for tourists and locals alike. It is no wonder that “I came to Aspen for the winter, but stayed for the summer” is a popular saying among those who have lived in town for a while.
After a long day on the mountain, what better way to enjoy the afternoon than relaxing in the Limelight Lounge, indulging in well-earned, free cookies and a new specialty hot chocolate bar. Mouths start watering just thinking about it.
As a vibrant and lively music town, keep an eye on the Limelight’s website for information regarding upcoming events. Some highlights this fall and winter include cruiser bike adventures, “Paint N Wine” nights, the annual Christmas Tree lighting, and the return of the ESPN Winter X Games come January!
https://www.limelighthotel.com
Omni Interlocken Resort
The award-winning Omni Interlocken Resort is a hotel, golf club, and spa located in beautiful Broomfield, Colorado – a suburb of Denver with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Named one of the top 10 best hotels for families by Child magazine, the Omni Interlocken Resort is the ideal place to stay for a family vacation or a business trip.
With its striking scenery and a challenging 27-hole championship golf course, this property welcomes you to a retreat into modern luxury. Settled just outside the nearby college town of Boulder, this year-round Colorado hotel offers a wealth of onsite pleasures, as well as offsite adventures.
Golfers will love the picturesque golf course, with its striking scenery and more than 400 feet of elevation changes. Designed by Graham & Panks International, (a partnership between David Graham, 1981 U.S. Open Champion and PGA Senior Tour player, and Gary Panks), Omni Interlocken Golf Course was ranked third in the “Best Resort Courses of Colorado” survey. The course consists of three individual regulation nine-hole courses – Eldorado, Vista and Sunshine.
Spa enthusiasts can escape into a world of relaxation at the on-site Mokara Spa, complete with a jacuzzi and full range of treatments for both men and women. Downstairs, you will find two resort-style pools and a whirlpool, surrounded by mountain greenery and gentle waterfalls. Unlike many other pools in Colorado, the pool at Omni is open year-round, 24 hours a day. This means more time lounging, less time stressing. As you meander around the lush grounds, views of the nearby Flatirons mountain range provide a breathtaking background.
Foodies will enjoy dining at one of the delicious restaurants on the property, whether it be in the hotel, near the pool, or at the golf club. Of special note is the Meritage restaurant, a casually elegant atmosphere that features an expansive menu and an “Art of Breakfast” buffet. The assortment of exquisitely prepared local cuisine creates flavorful meals with perfectly paired wines. If you would rather enjoy delicious cuisine in the privacy of your room, 24-hour guest room dining also is available.
Children will be happy to learn of the special kid’s bags they will receive upon check-in, complete with books and board games for added entertainment during the day. Families are encouraged to attend the weekly dive-in movie shown at the outdoor swimming pools. While lounging poolside – or even inside the pool – guests enjoy complimentary popcorn while they watch a movie on the specially constructed big screen. Be sure not to miss out on the milk and cookies offered in the lobby!
On top of all of this, the Broomfield location of Omni provides perfect access to nearby hiking and biking trails, as well as skiing and shopping. Whether your day trip takes you to an outdoor patio in Boulder, up to Eldora Ski Resort, through Estes Park or even further into the Rocky Mountains, the luxury accommodations at Omni Interlocken Resort are sure to make your vacation memorable.
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/denver-interlocken
