Destination Spa Guide

Even if you’ve just driven up the hill for a quick weekend away from Denver, there’s something about visiting a spa on vacation that seems especially indulgent. We scouted out a range of high-country spas—you know, for some extra encouragement to schedule that appointment you were already dreaming about. Plus, we revisit some tried-and-true urban favorites, scope out spas with a twist, and give you the 411 on spa etiquette. Go ahead. Get pampered. You deserve it.

 

La Bellezza Spa • Lyons

Go here for: An unexpected and romantic hideaway. A few miles outside Lyons off U.S. 36 (look for the covered bridge entrance), this spa adjoins the family-owned Ciatano Winery and unassuming Rock n’ River Resort. Set along the St. Vrain River on a secluded property that was once an apple orchard, the lodge-winery-spa combo is a hidden treasure worth a stop on the way back from Rocky Mountain National Park—if not a trip on its own. With a handful of treatment rooms, a hot tub, and a eucalyptus steam sauna, the spa is small but tastefully and chicly appointed. The flagstone and polished hardwood floors, exposed brick accents, hanging pendulum lighting, modern basin sinks, and welcoming fireplace in the lounge give the spa the kind of rustic-yet-elegantly-posh vibe that many upscale hotels strive so hard to create—yet sometimes miss the mark. La Bellezza achieves it effortlessly and without pretention. The second-story treatment room is airy, sunny, and spacious with exposed beam work and multiple windows that filter in a pleasant amount of the natural light we find missing in so many other spas.  

Get pampered with: The Amore ($250 per couple). This package lets you reserve the intimate spa all for yourselves so you can enjoy the amenities at your leisure. Savor your 80-minute aromatherapy massage (all therapists have at least 10 years of experience) and foot reflexology, and then wander next door to the winery where $5 apiece gets you a wine tasting and the perfect way to top off a spa date. 

If you stay: Make it more than a day trip and book a guest room for the night, but be prepared for off-the-grid relaxation: Cell coverage is spotty and the eclectically furnished rooms don’t have televisions. But who needs to be wired when there’s a river stocked with trout (seasonally) and locally made wine aplenty (we recommend the Cabernet Franc) just outside your door?

Be aware: Although it’s tempting to indulge in wine tasting at Ciatano immediately before or after your spa appointment, La Bellezza advises against it, as staying hydrated is an important part of any treatment. 

Schedule it: 303-823-5006, labellezzaspa.com