WELLNESS 101 Nourish body and soul at STRATA Wellness at Garden of the Gods Resort.

Self-Care, Self-Love and Mountains ofMindfulness

Awaken your mind, body and soul at STRATA INTEGRATED WELLNESS SPA

By Maren Bartels

“EVEN FROM the early beginnings in 1951, the vision was grand and ambitious: to create the ultimate escape where recreation and relaxation reign supreme, and where the distractions of the outside world disappear,” shares long-time Garden of the Gods Resort and Club member turned co-owner Brenda Smith. Built by millionaires Al and Margaret Hill, the club was an exclusive retreat for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry and political and literary luminaries who marveled at the rock formations and views of Pikes Peak. “When Judy (Mackey) and I bought the resort, we wanted to elevate the Hill Family’s original vision and offer a fully holistic approach to complete wellness.”

Centuries ago, these sandstone rocks served as a Native American crossroads where numerous nomadic tribes gathered in peace. According to local stories, because the immense stone formations were considered sacred ground, rival tribes laid down their weapons when entering the Garden of the Gods.

Today, the same beautiful setting beckons guests to undergo a personalized journey of restoration and renewal with the thoughtful spa treatments and integrative medical practices at STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa and its newly launched wellness retreats.

“When we reconnect with what brings us joy, when we’re in touch with our truest selves, we can focus on deep healing, self-discovery and transformation,” according to Grant Jones, Vice President of Wellness, “and that’s what our wellness retreats strive for in an innovative and modern way.”

As the name suggests, STRATA’s goal is to restore balance layer by layer, in harmony with the transformative powers of nature and time. And the newly launched wellness retreats blend Eastern and Western practices for an immersive journey of self-exploration and elevated mindbody health. These one-of-a-kind experiential and immersive Colorado wellness retreats allow guests to get back in touch with nature and themselves.

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODEL: SUSAN ZAGER, DONNA BALDWAIN AGENCY. HAIR AND MAKEUP BE LOVE COSMETICS. LOCATION: STRATA INTEGRATED WELLNESS SPA

how to live life well for themselves. While wellness can have different meanings for each person, one statement is universal: We all can benefit from more wellness in our lives,” Jones states, “and these retreats offer fully integrative wellness experiences with local organic foods, yoga, massage, body treatments, meditation, guided workshops, time in nature, community and so much more.”

STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa is open to the public—including locals, guests, visitors and wellness destination patients alike. Their team of experts, consisting of thirty unique providers, across more than forty multidimensional disciplines and service lines with patient-centric proactive healthcare. To get on the wellness wagon, sign up for the appropriately named Self-Care for Self-Love Wellness Retreat coming in February. stratawell.com Apricō means bright, sunny and serene in Latin. And the team behind this Boulder company is on a mission to bring that sunshine to the masses through nutraceuticals that work. In fact, their products increase absorption by 5-25X. Not to get too science-y but Apricō increases the bioavailability of supplements without the prick of a needle which means the nanoparticle delivery of their vitamins, minerals and supplements increase your health and wellness. We love the Sleep Easy Drops and Immunity Shots and the Detox and Cleanse Drops. APRICŌ, Louisville 888.221.9355; apricō.life

Apothecary Tinctura has been Denver’s go-to herb shop for over 22 years. These medicine makers, herbalists and natural health practitioners have a deep passion for plant medicine and lucky for us, their products, workshops and events are all designed to help nourish our minds, bodies and souls. Try their Tranquil Tea to quiet your mind and find some inner peace, Free Movement Willow-Turmeric Tincture to reduce joint inflammation and Cedar Atlas Essential Oil to feel more grounded, more connected to the earth.

BOOST YOUR DAILY WELLNESS REGIME

Check out these local companies to expand your at-home healthfuliness

APOTHECARY TINCTURA, Denver 303.399.1175; apothecarytinctura.com

MoonDance Botanicals specializes in handcrafted products as well as spa parties and classes such as, Customized Potions, Artistic Alchemy and Natural Living. Try the Chamomile Rose Facial Steam, a botanically lush blend of organic herbs that moisturizes and restores the skin. It’s packed full of rosebuds to protect the skin and help build collagen, lavender which smooths out oily and dry skin while balancing the pH, Chamomile which has anti-inflammatory properties and Calendula which is a deeply hydrating and healing emollient. If your dogs are barking, try the Sole Revival Stimulating Foot Scrub, this scrub is doused in peppermint oil to leave you feeling chilled out and rejuvenated. For the guys, Bay Rum Toner will close the pores while gently moisturizing the skin for a spicy and uplifting effect. MOONDANCE BOTANICALS, Denver 303.263.727; moondancebotanicals.com