When we moved to the north Denver one of the things I struggled with initially was the sheer amount of chain restaurants that surround us. As the small businesses and restaurants have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 social distancing measures I started keeping a list of the locally owned restaurants that I want to make sure to support with my takeout or delivery order.
I tried looking for a North Denver specific list but wasn’t having much luck so I created one of my own!
Continue Reading…A month into the new year and it already feels like there hasn’t been a minute to catch a breath. Between Drew working extra shifts and me putting together a few TV segments the month of January has truly been crazy.
Cue the need for a Spa Day.
The Gaylord Rockies opened up just over a year ago and when they reached out to share their upcoming Valentine’s Day Spa specials I was excited to go check it out. When life is as busy as it’s been lately, taking a mini-vacation is the perfect way to reconnect.
One of my favorite things to do as a couple is heading out to the spa. What’s hard is finding a place that offers both a relaxing setting and allows us to spend time together. For couples looking for a spa outing Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Rockies is the perfect solution.
You check in at the front desk and attendants will take you back to the individual men’s and women’s locker rooms. Here you receive a private locker with a robe and sandals. Both sides feature the same amenities, including a eucalyptus steam room and a Rocky Mountain Rain Shower to cool off after enjoying the steam. If you’ve ever put your toe in a mountain stream you know exactly what you expect from the Rain Shower.
Before heading off to your treatment you can meet back up with your spouse in the co-ed Alpenglow Fireside Lounge. This is a sitting room everyone wishes they had in their house.
A massive fireplace greets you and comfortable seating provides plenty of space to relax together. Screened off chaise lounges provide private areas for you to enjoy the time as if you are the only ones in the room or you can enjoy the cushy group seating in front of the fire. Ice cold pitchers of cranberry and elderberry infused water are the perfect beverage to sip on while waiting for your treatment. There are even colored pencils and coloring sheets for additional stress relief while waiting!
We booked a couples massage so after a lounging for a short while our masseuses Amy and Marsha greeted us and brought us back to the couples treatment room. Side-by-side massage tables meant that we could each receive custom massages, but still spend a bit more time together. With aromatherapy and a complimentary yoga balm treatment my massage was exactly what I needed after such a busy couple of weeks.
I enjoy trying to find time for a massage a couple of times a year but I can honestly say I’ve never had a massage that was so customized before. Amy shared that a lot of the tension in my back is originating in my hip flexors. She helped me stretch out the muscles in my hips to really relieve the stress on my shoulders and upper back.
With the instruction to drink lots of water we headed back into the Fireside Lounge to make a plan for the afternoon. I wrapped up my stay by spending time in the steam room and enjoying the Crystalline Ice Fountain. Small ice pellets help keep a comfortable temperature while in the steam. The dry air in Colorado makes a steam room that much more heavenly. I love how soft my skin feels after a good steam.
Throughout the locker room a variety of lotions, soaps and scrubs were available to use. I loved the Honey Coconut Mango Salt scrub and used it to exfoliate away some of the harsh winter dryness on my hands.
After enjoying the spa amenities guests are invited to relax by the pool before heading home. The front desk will even validate your parking with the purchase of your treatment! This is truly the best way for a Denver couple to experience a spa day ‘staycation’.
Throughout the month of February Relâche Spa is offering several romantic seasonal spa treatments.
This 50 minute treatment combines the aroma of chocolate and the exfoliation of papaya and pineapple enzymes to craft the perfect facial experience. Price: $180 per person
Couples will enjoy a full body stone massage while their hands are wrapped in chocolate paraffin. A warm Moroccan Oil scalp masque tops off this 110 minute treatment. Price: $330 per person
A wine inspired bath bomb soak ad wine pairing combines chocolate and peppermint for the ideal hand and foot refresh. Price: $150 per person
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary spa service to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I first heard that Colorado was getting our own Gaylord Hotel I was more excited about ICE then anything else. ICE is a Gaylord tradition and when I lived in Texas I had heard about how amazing it was, but didn’t get a chance to go myself. I received an invite to check out opening weekend from the Gaylord media team about a month ago and I’ve been counting down the days ever since!
Each year the Gaylord Hotels across the country create a winter wonderlands, filled with breathtaking Ice Sculptures kept at a below freezing 9 degrees for the entire time the display is open to the public. The Gaylord Rockies inaugural display shares the classic Rudolph story featuring characters from the claymation movie.
In the world of internet shopping there is nothing better then getting to experience toys and games firsthand. Luckily in Colorado our neighborhood toy store Beyond the Blackboard is helping make shopping in person a fun and interactive experience.
National Toy Store Day is December 9th and in honor of the celebration Beyond the Blackboard is giving 20% off your entire purchase at either of their Colorado Locations.
I attended a holiday kickoff just last weekend and I had so much fun browsing through all the new toys and playing with this years picks for holiday gifts. It’s more important than ever to support local businesses and when you are looking for gifts for kiddos, there is truly no better shop to explore. Owned by former teachers, Beyond the Blackboard specializes in educational toys that will hold up to daily play.
Disclaimer: I was invited to an event at Beyond the Blackboard but was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.
