Spa

More Than Skin Deep

Relaxing, rejuvenating, and healing, an appointment at the Spa at The Broadmoor goes far beyond luxury. BY AIMEE HECKEL

BEFORE I EVEN CHECKED INTO THE SPA at The Broadmoor, I felt both calmed and inspired by my surroundings.

I’d just completed a killer workout: heavy deadlifts with a barbell. (That’s not the kind of equipment you’ll find in a typical resort, but The Broadmoor Fitness Center is stocked with everything, even for powerlifters.) After my workout I enjoyed a soak in the outdoor hot tub and then reclined on a chaise lounge by the indoor pool, sipping on a glass of cucumber-infused water, as I—and my tired muscles—delightfully anticipated some quality spa time.

Only at The Broadmoor, I thought to myself.

I’m a believer that spa visits are not purely an indulgent expression of luxury, but a crucial part of overall health and wellness. For everyone. Research backs this up; countless studies show the mental and physical benefits of massage, meditation, yoga, and overall relaxation, all of which are offered at the Spa at The Broadmoor or The Broadmoor Fitness Center.

The spa is one of Colorado’s rare Forbes Five-Star facilities, which means it’s the best of the best. It also features some extra amenities that mean you’ll want to arrive well in advance of your appointment time.

About an hour before my scheduled treatment, I arrived at the spa to check in. The therapist offered me a glass of fruitinfused water and took me on a personal tour. Afterward, I slipped into the coziest

white robe ever to explore the steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room, gender-specific relaxation room, and co-ed lounge (the aptly named Mountain View Room and Terrace) overlooking the stunning golf courses. The relaxation room was stocked with hot tea, spa water, and an array of healthy snacks, including fruit and nuts. All these extras are enough to warrant a visit even without a scheduled treatment, and hotel guests can

get access for a small fee (worth it).

I spent most of my time on a comfy bench inside the unique oxygen room, the air of which is infused with a higher-than-normal concentration of oxygen. This is especially appealing to out-of-state travelers trying to manage the thin mountain air, but it rejuvenated this Colorado native, too. I felt my small headache quickly melt away.

That was a fitting prelude to the treatment I had booked: The Broadmoor’s Oxygen Infusion skin treatment. I’d never heard of anything like that before, and it seemed uniquely suited for a healthy Colorado getaway.

The facial was a little more technical than the typical rub-your-face-for-anhour treatment. It started with some of the standard steps I expect from a facial, including a gentle wash. Then my therapist applied an active serum and used the gentle, hyperbaric pressure of a special machine to deliver oxygen and infuse the serum into the deepest layers of my skin. It was soothing and (honestly) fun. When she went over my lips, it tickled a bit and made us both laugh. She spent some extra time on my deeper lines, such as around my eyes and forehead. I was pleased to see her using products from Sanitas, one of my favorite local skin care lines.

The fifty-minute treatment is deeply hydrating, which is great for the high altitude of Colorado. As the serum sank in, my therapist gave me a soothing shoulder and neck massage, and I felt my worries melt into the warmed table.

After it was all done, she handed me a mirror. My face looked like porcelain, and my lips looked fuller, like I’d had a plumping treatment. I was surprised at how dramatic an effect it was after just one treatment! (In fact, my face looked so great that I didn’t wear any of my usual makeup to our fancy dinner that night at Penrose Room. I had honestly never felt so naturally beautiful.)

After my appointment, my therapist brought me a cup of chilled water and walked me back to the women’s lounge.

The only other step to get me ready for my dinner was a quick stop by a station lined with Zents skin care products. A variety of gentle and natural-smelling scents (in body sprays, body oils, and lotions) were spread out on the counter.

I picked the one that best fit my mood: Sun, a cheerful scent made with vanilla, sandalwood, blood orange, grapefruit, and amber. Zents says its luxurious body care line leaves a “healing imprint”—which created the perfect bookend to my day at the luxurious yet healing Spa at The Broadmoor.

As the serum sank in, my therapist gave me a soothing shoulder and neck massage, and I felt my worries melt into the warmed table.

.ESSENTIALS. THE SPA AT THE BROADMOOR

The Forbes Five-Star Spa at The Broadmoor and The Broadmoor Salon feature an array of individualized treatments, products, and services in an ultra-relaxing environment. Spa guests are invited to use all the spa’s amenities during the same day of their scheduled treatment. Treatment slots do book up, however. We recommend booking your services in advance to ensure availability. Visit Broadmoor.com or call (855) 498-7558 for reservations.