Before arriving to The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, this summer adventure begins with an opportunity to experience the Best of The West in the Mile High City of Denver. JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek is a perfect place to start your adventure in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Splurge for a concierge level room as this gives you access to complimentary snacks and cocktails in the evening, and breakfast in the morning. Right in the heart of Cherry Creek North, Denver’s most noted high-end shopping and nightlife district cannot be beat. Cherry Creek is home to over 300 spas, salons and endless shopping options and art galleries.
The restaurant at the hotel, Second Home Kitchen + Bar offers an eclectic American menu with some favorite local dishes including Braised Bison Short Rib and Mile High Meatloaf. The outdoor fire pit is a nice touch, and a great place to enjoy one of their fabulous cocktails. You can start your day with a visit to the gym, or enjoy one of the fabulous spa packages at Antoine du Chez Salon and Spa. Top suggestion: The Rejuvenation, which includes a 90-Minute Tranquility Massage; Antoine du Chez Facial; manicure and pedicure; designer haircut; and a catered lunch from Second Home. Feeling refreshed, it is now time to hit the road to Colorado’s Vail and Beaver Creek…
Vail Valley: Where To Stay
Located in Avon, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain is located in the heart of the Vail Valley, and is the ideal base for your mountain retreat. The on-site Beaver Creek sports store has a great staff that helps you with your ski equipment all winter long, but also available in the summer to help rent mountain bikes and cruisers for kids and adults. They have great gear and fly fishing guide services from Gore Creek Fly Fisherman. Daily free fly fishing casting clinics are offered on the lawn by Gore Creek Fly Fisherman. Also, nearby Nottingham Lake rents stand-up paddleboards and fishing poles. The 40-mile Eagle River bike path runs in front of the resort. If you thought the mountain views and air were nice in the winter, the scenery in the summer (with the flowers in bloom) is even more stunning.
Vail Valley: What To Do
Quiet scenic hiking and biking trails go for miles. Several tour operators offer white water rafting from May through September, and if horseback riding is more your style, the picturesque backcountry is the perfect backdrop. Between June 25th and August 13th the Beaver Creek Rodeo takes place every Thursday for a localized experience. The Beaver Creek Tennis Center is open from June to September; and the Eagle Vail Golf Course and Beaver Creek Golf Club are gorgeous public courses that offer unsurpassed amenities.
The popular Westin Family Kids Club is open for children ages 5-12 in both the summer and winter. Resident World Champion Triathlete Josiah Middaugh created FIT Family Kits for guests that boast footballs, cones, a kite, a jump rope, chalk and several other items to keep children entertained for hours.
Vail Valley: Where To Spa
After a day of hiking, tennis or golf, book yourself a treatment at the 27,000 square foot rejuvenating Spa Anjali. You can enjoy a relaxing Riverstone massage; a Mountain Honey Body Mask; or the Ponderosa Pine Therapy, which borrows Native American remedies to treat inflammation and muscle pain. Followed by the steam, sauna and whirlpool (or perhaps some laps in the Olympic sized swimming pool), you will be glad you indulged. The spa gift shop boasts products for your hair, nails and skin; and stylish products such as backpacks, yoga clothes and jewelry.
Vail Valley: Where To Dine
From June 23 to September 8, Richard Sandoval’s Maya, the modern Mexican cuisine and tequileria restaurant on property holds a live music series on Fridays called “FAC” on their patio. $3 tacos, $4 beers and $6 margaritas are a great way to start your weekend. This is a must-do at the hotel. If you are not in town on a Friday, make sure to dine at Maya during your stay as Chef Sandoval’s recipes and the 100+ agave based spirits and house infused tequilas should not be missed. Not only do they make the best margaritas in town, but their table side guacamole with tuna, Colorado Stripe Bass and Carne Asada are also amazing combinations. If you still have room, wash it all down with cinnamon churros, or some roasted banana bread pudding.
Vail Valley: Where To Buy
Considering staying? It usually crosses everyone’s mind when they are in the mountains, and enjoying the fresh air, beautiful views and laid back lifestyle. Here is a new tempting option: The Lion. Located a short walk from Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola, The Lion offers 65 alpine modern residences ranging from Studios to 5-bedrooms, all with high end finishes and spacious balconies, plus three levels of underground parking and an on-site restaurant. Amenities at The Lion include an outdoor saltwater hot tub, an indoor infinity current lap pool and saltwater hot tub, a fitness center with steam room and an entertainment room. The Lion offers residents ski lockers with boot dryers at the entrance of the building. Rentals will also be made available via East West Destination Hospitality’s Vail Mountain Lodging. If you actually take the plunge, you will be happy you did. As they always say, “the locals came for the winter, stayed for the summer, and never looked back.”