The ski season is upon us in Vail, and it’s time to gear up, ski down, and après every day. The excitement that surrounds the town at the beginning of each ski season is a great feeling, and as the Warren Miller film debuting around the country says, “Winter Starts Now.” There is nothing better than a beautiful bluebird day on the slopes unless it’s followed by a spa treatment to soothe your muscles and an après cocktail. Here are the top spas in Vail and Beaver Creek to unwind after a day in Vail’s legendary back bowls as well as the top spots to enjoy a slopeside drink.
Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
- Relax: Spa Anjali
- Apres: Maya
This 27,000-square-foot spa is the premier spa in Beaver Creek. With three infinity hot tubs, an oversized outdoor lap pool overlooking the mountains, and the top fitness club in town, it truly is the best place to kick off your boots at the end of the day. A local favorite is the Ponderosa Pine Therapy which borrows ancient Native American remedies to treat inflammation and muscle pain incorporating deep tissue massage and light stretching; a heated poultice filled with sage, pine, and lavender is used to alleviate tension as you melt into the heated table. Another great alternative is the Matterhorn Foot Massage, perfect after a long day on the hill. This invigorating foot scrub includes a hydrating mask and a neck and shoulder massage that will renew your feet and soul.
The new Travel Recovery Treatment has been in high demand as there is no doubt that travel is stressful – especially these days. Designed to melt tension, improve flexibility, increase blood flow, and decrease soreness after a long day of travel, this unique treatment uses a custom oil blend of rosemary, peppermint, and geranium to offset the negative effects of flying fatigue. A powerful, deep massage using traditional techniques will be combined with the Theragun Percussive Therapy tool allowing you to start your vacation relaxed and refreshed.
Once you feel rejuvenated, head to their famous Mexican restaurant Maya for some tableside guacamole and a selection of 150 agave-based spirits and house-infused tequilas. They have a great outdoor terrace and often have live music throughout the season. Fresh ingredients are sourced from Maya’s onsite garden, and you can’t beat their queso fundido and happy hour street tacos.
Sonnenalp Hotel
- Relax: Sonnenalp Spa
- Apres: Treff Cafe
The Sonnenalp Spa is a charming and welcoming space inside the family-owned hotel with beautiful heated tranquility pools and a riverfront sun deck. Indoor and outdoor whirlpools offer the best views of the Gore Creek. The oxygen bar is perfect for those experiencing the effects of altitude sickness or those needing an energy boost. This treatment produces 94.7% oxygen and aids in alleviating symptoms such as shortness of breath, altitude sickness, headaches, and fatigue. Enjoy their mountain sports massage, perfect for aching muscles, and pair it with their deluxe caviar facial for a real treat. This decadent treatment utilizes anti-aging caviar proteins to firm, tone, and rehydrate your skin which is particularly needed after sun exposure on the slopes.
Sonnenalp recently opened Treff Café, a new European Street Bar. Treff, meaning “meet” in German, is symbolic of the vision of the café, which is a quaint, casual meet-up place for quality food and drinks. A perfect place to gather with friends and family before or after a day of adventuring for coffee, fresh pastries, authentic German fare, wine, creative cocktails, and more. This new favorite in Vail Village allows you to enjoy the warmth and hospitality everyone loves from the Faessler Family.
Solaris Residences
- Relax: Spa at Solaris
- Apres: Matsuhisa
Nothing screams luxury quite like the Solaris in Vail Village. The premier location in the heart of the village overlooking the ice skating rink and center of town, leaves little to be desired. If you are lucky enough to stay at the property, you will enjoy stunning oversized suites and a perfectly positioned balcony facing out towards the mountains. The spa here is for guests only and offers privacy and exclusivity. Complete with soaking tubs, a relaxation lounge, an indoor pool, and a hot tub, the Spa at Solaris is a treat. Try the CBD Massage renowned for relieving muscle cramps, pain, and inflammation. Pick your pressure, close your eyes, and relax.
The very popular Matsuhisa, where sushi is an art form, is a great place to grab a seat at the bar and some sake. Once dinner time starts, tables are extremely hard to come by, so arrive early and enjoy their extensive cocktail menu and unique sushi choices.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
- Relax: Exhale Spa
- Apres: Slope Side Fire Pit and Champagne Bar
The Hyatt Beaver Creek is the town’s top spot to bring the family and enjoy its ski-in-ski-out location. Don’t miss the Candy Cabin (an actual candy shop on top of the mountain at 9,840’) on the Strawberry Park run. The new Exhale Spa brings joy to those who know and love the brand. It has the famous Aqua Sanitas Roman Baths experience that promotes wellness through a series of soaks, steams, and saunas. If you haven’t tried Exhale’s famous Barre and Cardio classes, now is the time. Then try the Om Body Therapy “Tui Na,” designed to bring balance to the body using techniques including brushing, kneading, and rolling along with acupressure techniques to better your energy flow. This is their unique approach to healing tendons, ligaments, and joints that can get damaged after an intense snow day.
After a day of skiing, find a spot at their outdoor fire pit for smores or enjoy a glass of champagne from the pop-up champagne bar right outside the hotel. Live music can be expected, along with some great stories from your day on the hill.
Wherever the day takes you, enjoy the ski season and everything Vail and Beaver Creek have to offer. The towns are filled with phenomenal dining options, loads of activities, and amazing art galleries and shopping. Cheers to an Epic 2022 Season.