Although I admit I’m given to hyperbolic statements, my therapeutic massage at Madeline Lodge & Residences, Auberge Resorts Assortment, a just lately renovated five-star property in Telluride, Colorado, actually was the very best therapeutic massage of my life. My therapist Adrianna gave me the “Alpine Treatment Muscle Reduction” remedy—deep, focused strain with arnica-infused anti-inflammatory oil. She labored her approach by way of each knot in my again and neck, even those I hadn’t recognized had been there. She used CBD, she used lavender, she used shea butter…phrases fail me after I intention to explain precisely what she was doing to me. All I do know is that I needed that therapeutic massage to go on endlessly.
However all good issues should finish, so when my hour was up, I frolicked in a comfortable straightforward chair within the Spa Lounge, sipping water, returning to earth. After which I stepped outdoors to the Alpine Swim Membership, the place I soaked within the jacuzzis, let the jets penetrate my muscle tissues, and stared on the majestic mountains surrounding me like a hug. Servers strolled by to take my drink order, so I sipped a neighborhood craft beer and thought of what I would like for dinner.
If this feels like a dream, effectively…Telluride, an upscale ski city on the western slope of Colorado, is a dream: Large, multi-hued mountains loom towards the blue sky, folks journey by gondola, and no matter season, there’s all the time a lot to do—snowboarding, snowshoeing, horseback driving, climbing, kayaking, world-class eating, procuring, artwork, and a stream of music festivals.
However again to the spa. The spa remedies at Madeline are “nature-inspired.” Assume sizzling river stones easing the stress in your backbone; a neighborhood skincare line product of Colorado mountain spring water, quartz crystals, and natural important oils; a reflexology remedy for drained ft after a protracted day of snowboarding or mountaineering; and a remedy particularly designed to ease altitude illness. There’s additionally a salon that gives every little thing from haircuts and styling to airbrush tanning to lash tinting and a bit boutique on the reception space that slings crystal jewellery and lotions and lotions and oils to make your pores and skin glow.
For those who’re not a lodge visitor, reserving a spa remedy over $100 means a full day’s entry to the Alpine Swim Membership, state-of-the-art gymnasium, and Spa Lounge. You may make a Saturday of it—carry some weights, swim a couple of laps, get your therapeutic massage, soak within the jacuzzi or do some sun-bathing on the umbrella-shaded lounge chairs, after which bathe and hit one of many lodge’s on-site eating places for dinner—the extra informal Black Iron Kitchen & Bar (don’t miss the potato dumplings with morel mushrooms) or the brand new, aprés-ski-chic Timber Room, the place lush throw rugs, darkish woods, wealthy leathers, and up to date artwork create a comfortable but elegant environment. Be certain that to order one of many well-known craft cocktails.
In case you are a lodge visitor, prepare for five-star remedy. Each room is a murals—rustic earth tones complementing shiny patterns on high quality materials. The beds are the type you by no means wish to get out of. Along with the magical little spa, the property presents limitless curated visitor experiences—foraging with the chef, guided trout-fishing expeditions, mountain biking within the San Juans, a helicopter tour and picnic, even a dog-sledding journey within the snowy months.
It could be not possible to have a nasty time in Telluride. Everybody loves Telluride. By anybody’s requirements, it is among the most lovely corners of the nation—its mountains unmatched, its luxurious limitless. However what I’m telling you is that this: Guide a therapeutic massage at Madeline. Higher but, guide one for each day of your trip. You may thank me later.