100 Years of Rocky Mountain Relaxation & Wellness

Boasting more five-star awards than any other resort property worldwide, I was looking forward to a stay at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and checking out their spa. When the Broadmoor opened in 1918, it offered one of the nation’s first spas and continues to be a forerunner in health and wellness. Situated around Cheyenne Lake with Cheyenne Mountain as a backdrop, this resort has it all—European décor, attentive service, gourmet dining, and world-class golf, hiking and tennis.

Founders Spencer and Julie Penrose traveled the world to create an oasis of culture in the West, opening The Spa in 1918, one of the first in the U.S. with dedicated space for both men and women. Today the sophisticated menu of services runs the gamut from traditional Swedish massage to a shiatsu deep therapy, where therapists use their bare feet in Oriental tradition with the help of celling bars for support and balance. An organic skincare line, formulated especially for men, is used in the men’s facial. Other treatments such as the “Coconut Cream Delight” body therapy promotes hydration, while “Wine Down” harnesses antioxidant power using chardonnay grapeseed. Gluten-free and vegan products are also used in a variety of treatments.

This anniversary year, the spa will offer some of its most famous treatments at a discount such as “A Dynamic Duo,” which combines an hour-long massage with an hour-long “Medik8” custom facial for $300.

What’s to come, is evident from the moment you check-in. Plush decor in the reception continues into the large and luxurious dressing rooms. A “scent bar,” lets you try different body balms and oils from earthy to floral. Treatments take place in the 36 treatment rooms.

Of the two relaxation rooms decorated in Old World style, I gravitated toward the larger with a wall of windows overlooking Cheyenne Mountain. Off to the side, an open-air porch contained several more loungers. In the smaller lounge area, cushy chairs cozied up around a fireplace.

In the Mountain View Room, light snacks included mix-your-own-granola, infused water, teas and a platter of fresh fruit. On a roundtable, a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers caught my eye—one of the resort’s many delights.

For those choosing hydrotherapy, the treatment almost borders on Nirvana, with water cascading from 18 shower heads. Afterward, the “Hydrotherapy Combo” includes a mineral or milk soak in a deep tub inside a private room. In both the women’s and men’s area, the oxygen room contains 80 percent oxygen, which purifies the body and helps with altitude issues.

On the first floor, the fitness center’s Olympic size indoor pool has two outdoor lap lanes and a whirlpool. Fitness classes include aqua aerobics.

The Broadmoor hosts the Women’s Weekend of Wellness, which takes place in March. Speakers give pointers about nutrition, skin care and more. Guests are pampered with a spa goodie bag and can take fitness classes, book a treatment, nosh on tasty cuisine or choose from several hikes.

For the adventurous, groups of 2-12 can opt for the  Seven Falls Challenge, booked via the spa/fitness center. Seven Falls is the only waterfall in Colorado that has earned a spot on National Geographic’s list of “International Waterfalls.” Accompanied by a certified fitness trainer, the challenge involves a short bike ride to Seven Falls, a run to the top through a scenic canyon and a return bike ride along dirt trails. In all, it’s ten miles with a 700-foot elevation gain. For others, like myself, a mile hike to the falls and 224 stairs to the top was reason enough to spend more time in the spa.