It’s not a necessity to step within the walls of The Broadmoor’s spa to achieve true relaxation. A visitor need only step onto the tranquil grounds of the Colorado Springs, Colo., resort to find respite and a sense of serenity. That’s not to say a visit to the on-site The Spa at The Broadmoor doesn’t help!

I’d been in the Colorado city, about one hour from Denver, for two days before retreating to The Broadmoor. Visiting a friend who relocated to Colorado Springs two years ago, I was able to discover the treasures of the destination before escaping to the hotel, a treasure in itself. The Broadmoor is a true 5-star getaway nestled in the city.

In 1880, Philadelphian William Wilcox, seeking relief in Colorado Springs from his tuberculosis, started a small dairy farm. Five years later, Prussian Count James Pourtales purchased the dairy from Wilcox and turned it into an upper-class suburb of Colorado Springs before building Cheyenne Lake for $25,000. This was the beginning of the modern-day Broadmoor, which would see a fire, several casinos, a stint as a girls’ boarding school and several owners before formally opening its doors as The Broadmoor and debuting an 18-hole golf course in 1918. Two years prior, Philadelphia entrepreneur Spencer Primrose purchased the 40-acre area with a vision of creating the most beautiful resort in the world. Nearly 100 years later, I imagine Primrose would be fairly content with the outcome.

It’s easy to lose oneself in all The Broadmoor offers guests. Aside from the natural beauty, of which Colorado Springs has plenty, The Broadmoor boasts a spa, multiple restaurants (including the only 5-star, 5-diamond restaurant in Colorado), 54 holes of golf, six tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, shops, tours, and activities and programs for guests.

The evening of my arrival, I arranged for dinner at Summit, the newest dining outlet. As I was settling in and changing before heading to the restaurant, I spotted a full double rainbow from my guestroom window. A good omen for how wonderful my stay would be.

Local landmark Pikes Peak inspired the sleek interior décor of Summit, and the menu, created by Executive Chef Bertrand Bouquin, features year-round favorites and seasonal specialties. I mixed up my selections, opting for a Summit favorite for my starter — how can one pass up mac and cheese with lobster, oyster mushrooms, bacon and goat cheese? — and a seasonal favorite for my entrée — an exquisite bacon-wrapped tenderloin with vegetables and herb hollandaise. The entire meal experience was one tasty welcome to the resort. I ended the night at Play, the resort’s late-night destination featuring bowling and games. The Frozen Irishman adult milkshake was a perfect nightcap: a full stomach ensuring a restful night before I truly explored the property — and the spa — the next day.

The warm summer sun teased me awake in the morning, and I strolled around Cheyenne Lake, the center point of the resort, people-watching and checking out the lakeside infinity pool before breakfasting near the open windows of Charles Court. While I’d yet to actually visit the spa, the therapeutic effects of slowing down were already evident in my gait and attitude. Indulgent, calming meals; a brisk walk on a beautiful morning; a gorgeous backdrop; and a peaceful setting — I fell into the Zen mentality immediately.

Finally, it was time for my spa treatment. The Spa at The Broadmoor’s philosophy is inspired by treatments and cultures from around the globe — perfect for a global traveler. After a quick tour before changing in the ample locker rooms (the Japanese-style heated toilets were quite a surprise!), I sat drinking in the views of the Rocky Mountains in the relaxation area as I waited for my therapist.

I chose the 70-minute coconut cream delight treatment, a signature of the spa. Before the massage, my therapist primed my skin with exfoliating mitts. As the masseuse worked on my body’s various pressure points, the room filled with the aroma of the Kukui and organic coconut oil being used. My favorite part was the face, ear and scalp massages, which delivered on the promise to “enhance my restful state.” A few minutes later, when the massage was complete, my therapist had to nudge me out of a semi-slumber.

I’ve only fallen asleep during a handful of massages; it’s a rare moment when I am even able to turn off my brain from racing a mile a minute with thoughts during a massage, never mind day-to-day life. A sure sign of a good spa treatment — or even just a perfect break from reality — are those moments when I can achieve complete relaxation and doze off during a massage or shut off the outside world, truly appreciate my surroundings and get lost in the moment. I achieved all that at The Broadmoor from the beginning to the end of my stay.

My time at the spa was over much too quickly, but the relaxing effects lasted through tennis lessons (so much fun, I came right home and bought a racket), reclining on a poolside lounge chair and dinner at the 5-star, 5-diamond Penrose Room, right on through to my 3 a.m. wake-up call and airport transfer.

I was genuinely sad to pull away from The Broadmoor. My time spent in Colorado Springs had been much needed. I never did make it to the resort’s Golden Bee, an authentic 19th-century English pub with live ragtime piano music, or to check out the resort’s newly opened Ranch at Emerald Valley. Both are must-sees — and the perfect reasons for a return visit to The Broadmoor as soon as possible.

The Broadmoor

1 Lake Ave.
Colorado Springs
CO 80906
tel 719 623 5112
broadmoor.com