Denver, Colo. (June 23, 2021) — Colorado’s outdoors, active lifestyle, fresh air and sunshine continue to appeal to visitors in search of wellness offerings, with a renewed interest in the healing powers of nature. There’s no better place to discover destinations, experiences and people to restore mind, body and soul.
A study recently released by U.S. News & World Report and the Aetna Foundation listed six Colorado communities in the Top 10 healthiest communities in the U.S. The report found that a healthy population and environment, plus infrastructure that promotes active habits such as walkability, led to the Centennial State’s dominance. These same criteria inspire travelers to seek Colorado destinations for experiences that offer respite, bring inner peace, promote healthy habits and even transform lives.
Namaste From Inspirational Locations:
- Yoga on the Rocks allows yogis to experience a vinyasa flow at 6,450 feet in elevation at one of the country’s most iconic, awe-inspiring music venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Sessions are held at 7am Saturdays through Aug. 1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2021.
- Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Yoga on Aspen Mountain offers an hour of mountaintop, open-air Hatha yoga at 10:30am, Monday through Friday, July 5, through Sept. 6. After yoga, the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain offers grab-and-go lunch daily.
- Hike and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) with Sun Breath Yoga in Fort Collins. Yoga hikes are held at Eagles Nest Open Space and Running Deer Natural Area. SUP yoga takes place at Horsetooth Reservoir; no experience is needed and equipment is provided.
Historic Wellness Destinations and Landmarks:
Historians estimate that as many as one-third of Colorado’s early settlers moved to the state for reasons associated with health. These landmarks were originally founded, and are still sought after, as places for wellness retreats and individual healing.
- Since first opening its doors in Colorado Springs more than a century ago, The Broadmoor has offered guests an incredible way to experience the unique beauty of the American West. Today, that tradition is met with genuine hospitality and programs and activities that celebrate its surroundings. Guests seeking a tranquil retreat can enjoy the pools and pampering treatments at Colorado’s only Forbes 5-star rated spa.
- Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder is the only year-round chautauqua, and the only one whose grounds are free and open to the public. Celebrating its 123rd anniversary on July 4, 2021, it remains a living document of the Chautauqua Movement’s ideals: learning for all, uplifting entertainment and useful leisure in a natural and inspiring setting.
- Glenwood Springs, notable for its healing hot springs, was brimming with potential when Hotel Colorado was built in 1893. Its proximity to the Glenwood Hot Springs and a European-style spa attracted health-seekers then and now. The hotel was used as a place of healing for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Transformational Wellness Experiences:
- Dharma Sangha Crestone Mountain Zen Center offers residential monastic Zen practice and meditation under the guidance of Head Teacher Zentatsu Baker Roshi, Dharma Heir of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in Crestone. Zen practitioners are welcome to join the daily schedule or apply for a variety of Zen programs.
- Guests at the True Nature Healing Arts Kiva & Spa in Carbondale enjoy daily classes in yoga, movement and meditation, personal growth workshops, a spa and an organic cafe. The beautifully landscaped and sustainably built development includes a Kiva for events up to 100 people and a tranquil Peace Garden with a reflexology path, labyrinth and Zen Garden.
- Along with a slew of food trucks, Fort Collins is home to a meditation truck. The Meditation Station, a 192-square-foot solar-powered mobile studio is a safe place for people to disconnect from the stresses of the world. Guests exchange shoes and cell phones for centering crystals, then sit atop cushions and pillows while they find their Om.
- Warhorse Ranch is an equine-assisted therapy facility in Steamboat Springs devoted to empowering veterans, first responders and trauma survivors who live with PTSD, anxiety and depression and to reducing the risk of suicide. A team of a licensed, credentialed mental health professional, a qualified equine specialist and a horse work together with the client in an arena.
- The Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes is one of only 100 Shambhala centers in the world. The 600-acre mountain valley retreat is home to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the world’s most significant examples of sacred architecture. The center begins hosting in-person events again in July, including programs on Buddhist meditation, yoga and other contemplative disciplines.
- The Pueblo Holistic Wellness Center offers cutting-edge technology and holistic regenerative medicine as well as traditional Chinese medicine. Services are focused on safe, gentle and natural healing of the body through the use of prolotherapy, plasma rich platelet therapy, ozone therapy, acupuncture, Gua Sha, Chinese herbs and other Asian modalities.
Unexpected Spa Services:
- The Beer Spa is Denver’s new day spa featuring beer bath hydrotherapy which utilizes malt and hops from local breweries that coincide with what's on tap in the taproom (which rotates monthly). In addition to the signature Beer Therapy Experience, they also offer full-spectrum infrared saunas and zero-gravity massage chairs.
- In Boulder, the Weekday Retreat at the St Julien Hotel and Spa includes accommodations, a $50 nightly spa credit, a complimentary welcome bottle of red or white wine and a lavender-scented bath bomb to use in their oversized tub. Use the spa credit for a non-intoxicating, cannabis-based massage.
- The 18,000-square-foot hand-hewn log spa at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa with its crackling hearths, homemade tea, and panoramic mountain views set the stage for relaxation. Ultra-pampering CBD massages, rejuvenating skin treatments, maternity treatments, complimentary yoga and more reset body, mind and spirit.
- The Orchard in Fort Collins offers a state-of-the-art salt cave halotherapy. Relax in oversized anti-gravity lounge chairs during a salt cave session or sign up for a Gettin’ Salty party where participants learn about the history and benefits of salt therapy, make a salt scrub and salt soak to take home, experience a foot soak and get a free salt session.
- Guests of Pure Beauty and Wellness Spa can spend their time in the Telluride Salt Cave in different ways. It is a quiet room where some people like to meditate, some relax or even sleep, some may read although the lights are dim. Yoga and massage options are also available.
- The Strata Integrated Wellness Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs combines the best of Western and Eastern medical science with proven solutions in nutrition, fitness, meditation, mindfulness and coaching—along with rejuvenating spa treatments.
- The combination of reduced sensory inputs and gravity along with magnesium rich Epsom salt create a unique environment and promote overall well-being at Salt 360 Float Studio in Durango. Filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt and 12 inches of 95℉ water, the restorative effects, both mental and physical, begin to take hold.
Healing Hot Springs:
Visitors can experience the healing powers of hot springs throughout the state is by exploring along the Historic Hot Springs Loop that takes them on a road trip to four destinations:
- Founded as a wellness destination for neighboring mining towns, Glenwood Springs draws visitors from around the world for its thermal wonders that today include two hot springs and a naturally occurring vapor cave and its year-round outdoor recreation.
- Long before Steamboat Springs was known for its world-class ski resort, the 150 geothermal hot springs that dotted the landscape were revered among Native Americans and pioneers. Today, two hot springs offer unique and memorable experiences.
- Pagosa Springs is home to the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer, the Great Pagosa Hot Springs, discovered hundreds of years ago by the Southern Ute Indians. Today, Pagosa Springs features abundant outdoor adventure with three hot springs to enjoy.
- Nestled along the Continental Divide in Chaffee County, Buena Vista and Salida are bustling outdoor recreation destinations with options for enjoying natural geothermal waters that range from rustic to state-of-the-art spas to cabin hideaways and natural creek soaking.
Travel That Stimulates the Mind, Body and Soul:
- Arrivals begin August 6, 2021, at the new Gravity Haus boutique hotel in Winter Park. With 38 guest rooms curated for ultimate relaxation and thoughtful amenities tailored to the modern outdoor enthusiast, Gravity Haus embodies the authentic Colorado experience. Relax in the outdoor hot tubs or train smarter at Dryland Fitness.
- Mountain Bike Like A Girl: In honor of the Roaring Fork Valley’s recent designation as an International Mountain Bicycling Association Gold-Level Ride Center, The Gant Aspen has created a unique experience geared toward empowering female cyclists of all levels seeking to learn or perfect their mountain biking skills.
- Visitors escape the crowds, stroll the gardens, meditate and learn about alpine plants and the fragile mountain environment at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. The Gardens showcase more than 3,000 species of high-altitude plants. The gardens are free and open year-round.
- Set beneath the majestic 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains lies the historic Zapata Ranch. Guests of the ranch can ride horses with 2,000 bison or in Great Sand Dunes National Park, hike area mountains, assist with daily work at a working cattle ranch, learn about environmental conservation practices and enjoy gourmet meals.
- A little known but widely acclaimed acoustical wonder known as The TANK Center for Sonic Arts has a reverb more extraordinary than the Taj Mahal. Built circa 1940 as a railroad water-treatment facility, this seven-story Corten steel water tank was moved to Rangely in the mid-1960s and used for decades as an underground studio by musicians and recording artists. Open 9am to 1pm Saturdays, May through October.
- “Free range tourism” in Sterling allows busy travelers to slow down, explore wide-open spaces, safe activities and outdoor fun. Options: step back in time at the 14-building Overland Trail Museum, go birding along the South Platte River, take a self-guided tour of 14 tree sculptures by renowned artist Bradford Rhea, connect with locals in the charming town square, sample flavors from a brewery and spice shop and enjoy concerts and festivals.
- Meditation apps and spa soundtracks feature trickling water for a reason. Travelers looking to find their calm can experience the real thing in Colorado’s northeastern plains along the North Sterling Reservoir, South Platte River and at Jackson Lake State Park. The park is an oasis where visitors can rent a SUP, swim, or lounge on the beach, ranked one of the Top 15 Park Beaches by Reserve America. Birders flock to the park because it’s in the Central Flyway for migratory birds.
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ABOUT COLORADO: Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2021 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO.
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