As winter gives way to spring, spas are the perfect place to help you reset and embrace optimal health for the warming season and all year long. Whether you need a quick salon service-can you say open-toe shoes?-or a weekend-long wellness retreat, take the time not only to pamper yourself, but to dig deeper and provide balance and nourishment to your body, mind and soul. Make this your springtime mantra: Relax. Renew. Repeat.
Here’s where you can get started.
When you need a
SACRED JOURNEY
It was on their own sacred journey to India’s Ganges River that SunWater Spa founders Kat Tudor and Don Goede were inspired to create a healing center around Manitou’s mineral spring water. Their inspiration is now your bliss as you soak in the solar-heated outdoor cedar tubs or drink in the sun and views on the south- and west-facing decks. Plus you can practice yoga and enjoy a full spa menu of services, including personalized mineral and essential oil infusions in the mudroom and the signature aquatic therapy, Watsu.
A day-stop at SunWater will elevate your mood, but now you can delve deeper into ideals of interconnected health and well-being at the SunMountain Center. Often used for yoga retreats, the two historic Manitou properties offer bed-and-breakfast accommodations complete with farm-to-table meals sourced in part from the biodynamic agriculture of the property-say hello to Jezebel, the resident pig. It’s a scenic setting for your own sacred journey of healing and holistic wellness.
514 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs, sunwellness.net
When you need to
COME TO LIFE
Alluvia Spa and Wellness Retreat at Cheyenne Mountain Resort is a sanctuary for mind, body and soul. Drawing its name from the life-giving, mineral-rich soils deposited by flowing water, the spa taps into the healing resources of the earth for treatments and sustainably-sourced products, including emerginC Organics and London-based Aromatherapy Associates. Favorites such as the Rawceuticals Revolution facial combines mineralized boreal forest bark concentrates, raspberry seed, sunflower and hemp oils to leave you feeling as though you just had a renewing walk in the woods.
Such treatments match Alluvia’s picturesque natural setting beneath Cheyenne Mountain. We love the patio and outdoor fireplace, as well as the wall of peaceful flowing water in the relaxation room. There’s nothing pretentious about this place-just pure, natural relaxation.
3225 Broadmoor Valley Rd., cheyennemountain.com/spa
When you need a
DEEP BREATH
Sometimes life dishes up days that require some deep breathing just to make it through. Mateo’s Day Spa offers a haven for a good deep breath through quality hair, nail and skin services in a serene spa atmosphere. But don’t just settle for looking good; you need to feel good too. Replenish your body with a Himalayan hot stone massage, which uses warm salt crystal stones that contain 84 naturally-occurring minerals and salts to restore depleted minerals as they soften and smoothe your skin. Or restore your glow with a shoulder-to-toe exfoliation using an organic Himalayan salt blend.
5919 Delmonico Dr., mateosdayspa.com
When you need an
INDULGENT URBAN ESCAPE
Rich history and modern luxury combine to create serenity in the heart of downtown at the MX Spa in the Mining Exchange Hotel. Exposed granite block walls and heavy vault doors maintain the character of the Mining Exchange’s 1902 origins, but the treasure it now holds is an elegantly tranquil environment where you can steal away for an hour or a day.
Has that outlaw, stress, robbed you of your Zen? Go for a deep-healing experience with an 80-minute Colorado Crystal Scrub and Botanical Energy Wrap; the uniquely re-energizing treatment matches your bioenergetic profile to a personalized blend of Colorado-based Phia products. Or strike it rich with a couples massage enhanced by a soak in the oversized hydrotherapy tub-which incorporates music and therapeutic lighting-and completed with add-on champagne and gold-dusted, chocolate-covered strawberries. Prefer to skip the romance? Check out Ladies Night special events or the Gentleman’s Package, complete with your choice of microbrew.
8 S. Nevada Avenue, mxspa.com
When you need
SPECIAL FOR ANY OCCASION
Spring is the season of special occasions: weddings, proms, graduations and more. And while Veda Colorado is known for being part of such landmark events, they can make any day special. Want artistic hair painting to enhance your facial features? Done. Simply want to finish your appointment with a braid because you’re on the way to the gym? They’ll do that too. And you can’t help but smile as you choose from their list of complimentary rituals, including a scalp massage, hand massage, makeup touch-up or aroma sensory journey, a sampling of aromatherapy oils. One less-obvious touch we love? Veda’s commitment to the local community by serving Loyal Coffee and providing spa services to people experiencing hardship.
Southgate, University Village and Academy Blvd., coloradoveda.com
When you need
WHOLE WELLNESS
Sure, you can still get your favorite massage and facial in the spa, but since the opening of the Garden of the Gods Collection’s International Health and Wellness Center, you can get personalized, proactive healthcare with a wellness membership. Start with consultations with physicians and clinicians trained in cardiology, internal medicine, kinesiology, naturopathic medicine, functional neurology, holistic nutrition and more. That means you can have your diet analyzed, your meridians mapped to assess the flow of chi, or life energy, and your body composition measured in a BodPod, a high-tech pressurized chamber that measures fat and muscle density. Of course, you don’t want to miss a stop in an herbal sauna or the detoxifying Himalayan salt inhalation room with infrared deep heat therapy.
3320 Mesa Rd., gardenofthegodsclub.com/spa
When you need a
HAPPY HOUR
Some days you need a splash of gin along with that splash of nail color. Beauty Bar is the place to be, thanks to a full bar and daily drink specials from Mule Day Mondays to Salty Saturday margaritas. Not of age? Not a problem! They offer nonalcoholic festive beverages for kids too. But there’s more than the novelty of a cocktail with your updo. The salon menu contains a wide variety of quality hair, nail, skin-care and makeup services, with a commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, inspiration, growth and wellness. And the modern urban interior is spaciously perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays or any other occasion. Gather the girls, and head for happy hour.
26 N. Tejon St. and 5925 Dublin Blvd., beautybar-inc.com
Feeling Adventurous?
It’s hard to beat the reliable relaxation of a signature massage or classic body wrap. But there are many new ways to think outside the massage table. Read about ashiatsu massage, floating and cryotherapy in “Spas: Feeling Adventurous?”
Thrive
Tips for the best spa experience—for yourself and those around you.
Switch it off: You can’t escape with your cellphone buzzing. Turn off all electronics, and embrace the silence.
Own it: This is your time, so speak up and do what’s right for you. Whether it’s choosing fragrances, adjusting pressure or deciding how much or how little to cover up, most spas will customize their treatment for your comfort.
Be generous: Standard gratuity is 15-20 percent. Some spas include this on your bill; most leaving tipping to your discretion. Enjoy all the extra amenities offered, but don’t forget to show some love for your therapist or technician.
