I just got back from a fabulous road trip to Colorado! One of our stops was the Lodge at Glenwood Springs where I visited the Spa of the Rockies and soaked in the Hot Springs pool. First of all, let me say that Glenwood Springs is absolutely beautiful! When researching online, I found that there was no shortage of cool activities to choose from and I only wish that I'd had more time to fully experience what this place has to offer. Next time I visit, I plan to explore the Vapor Caves.
Glenwood Springs itself has a very small town vibe with an air of history about it. I immediately felt relaxed as I looked around at the surrounding canyons and red dirt mountains covered with greenery. Local breweries, restaurants and coffee shops are easy to walk to via a pedestrian foot bridge across the highway and river. The Lodge was comfortable and the staff very helpful and we were glad to be so close to the Hot Springs Pool which was included in the price of our room. As we walked to the pool, we could smell the distinct aroma of sulfur which reminded us that we were in a natural geothermal area which, to me, is very fascinating. This is really the first hot springs I've visited and I was excited to experience it!
There were two pools, a large one kept at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a smaller "therapy pool" kept at 104 degrees. We went straight for the hot one and found that after a while we felt a little overheated even though it didn't seem to be all that hot. We sat on the steps for a bit and then tried the other pool, which did feel cool in comparison. It was quite refreshing! The weather in Glenwood Springs over the Memorial Day weekend was actually rainy and chilly so we returned to the Therapy Pool again to warm up before getting out for some dinner. The pools are open until 10pm and look lovely all lit up after dark. They are also quite nice to be soaking in during a rainstorm as the steam rises and you can feel the contrast of cool and warm water on your skin.
The next afternoon, I visited the Spa of the Rockies which overlooks the Hot Springs Pool. This is a new addition to the Glenwood Springs resort and has been recently renovated. Inside it is breathtakingly beautiful and you feel immediately pampered. I was shown to the dressing room and given a locker with a robe and sandals to change into. The dressing room was fully equipped with everything you could need and through some glass doors was a fountain and a steam room where you could start your relaxation process. In the steam room, I found wet washcloths with the scent of eucalyptus which I used on my face. After that, I went to the Serenity room to enjoy some jasmine tea while I waited for my therapist to come and get me. There were also dried fruit, nuts, and either lemon or cucumber water to drink along with other loose teas to choose from. I took note of the blankets, footstools, and settees for sitting and relaxing.
My therapist, who was an older gentleman, came and took me to the treatment room. I was a little disappointed that they were having some technical difficulties with the Vichy Shower so I would not have that as a part of my treatment. I've always wanted to try one and so I'd requested it. Instead, the room had a regular shower for me to use. The Spirit Purification Ritual I'd booked, started with an adobe mud mixture applied to my body with exfoliating gloves. The warm mud felt good and I liked the scratchy sensation of the gloves. I was then wrapped in plastic, a thermal reflective blanket, and other warm blankets and given a foot and scalp massage while the mud dried on my skin and pulled impurities from my body. After that I showered and was back on the table for a bit of a juniper and sage lotion massage. When the treatment was finished, I was taken back to the Serenity room and left to relax and dress at my leisure.
My overall Spa experience was a little mixed. They do seem to be slightly understaffed and working out some kinks still. I got the impression that my therapist was experimenting with the treatment which led me to believe that there is not much of a protocol for him to follow. The experience could have been more seamless and professional. After all, we are paying a lot of money for these spa treatments and we expect to be thoroughly wowed! Are spa treatments ever worth the money? I wonder. They do have a beautiful facility there, however, and the staff is very accommodating and friendly. I hope to visit again, but perhaps I'll just get a facial at the spa and spend my money on a river trip or cave exploration instead.
In general, Colorado is a really nice place to visit. They have great mountain biking, cool little mountain towns, and who can pass up the opportunity to enjoy natural hot springs? Oh, and they seem to be good at making beer too. I recommend checking it out!
Glenwood Hot Springs
