CO ESCAPE TO RIDGWAY

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa

Ridgway

It wasn’t long after we checked into Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa in Ridgway that my husband and I jumped on our road bikes and headed toward the Dallas Divide. The pass that divides the

Dolores River and Uncompahgre River in

Southwest Colorado is one of the most scenic byways in the state, if not the country, and what a way to see it.

We biked the Dallas Divide in mid-April, yet it’s important to note that this may or may not be possible depending on potentially late-season snowfall along with unpredictable spring weather. After the 20 miles of headwind and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, coming back to soak in our private hot tub at Chipeta was just perfect. The location is ideal any time of year, as Ridgway and the surrounding area is full of outdoor adventure in any season. In the winter, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are endless, along with ice climbing in nearby Ouray; once dirt is revealed after the spring thaw, hundreds of miles of trails are just waiting to be explored.

The Chipeta property is inviting, a cozy adobe-inspired compound tucked into the end of a side street in Ridgway. It was once a cow pasture, and in 1994, was developed by Jack and Patsy Young. They still own and operate it today.

“So, we started with the first building, which is a true adobe structure,” Patsy Young shares. “That was a 12-room B&B. Then, we expanded it building by building; now, we’re up to 33 rooms, a restaurant, a spa and a little Kiva conference center.”

Among the current 33 rooms, there is a variety of accommodations from single rooms to rooms with private hot tubs and gas fireplaces, most with a view and an outside deck.

Patsy calls the spa "the heart of the resort” and offers massage, couples’ massage, aromatherapy, facials and body treatments.

Other amenities at the resort include two solar-heated pools, along with yoga and Tai chi offered in the Kiva. The Kiva is a circular event space, inspired by Native American gathering spaces, and it’s ideal for hosting retreats, meetings, wedding receptions, music events and more.

The Four Corners Restaurant is open yearround to locals and the public, while the popular rooftop Sky Bar with its stunning views is open during warmer weather and often has live music. Four Corners serves breakfast daily and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Order the Huevos Rancheros if Chef Stefan has them on the menu!

We enjoyed our road bike adventure this trip, but for mountain bikers and hikers looking to have Chipeta as their basecamp, the Ridgway Area Trails (known as the RAT trails) offer miles of multi-use fun.

Chipeta was originally inspired by honoring the original occupants of the Uncompahgre River Valley — the Ute Tribe and Chipeta, wife of Chief Ouray, specifically. Nearly three decades after the Youngs opened the original bed and breakfast (Chipeta SunLodge), Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa is still a nod to the heart and heritage of Southwest Colorado. +

by kim fuller

chipeta.com

WELLNESS IN Santa Fe, New Mexico

A Healing Getaway to “The City Different”

by Kim Fuller

Alot of destinations use “wellness” as a buzz word, yet Santa Fe, New Mexico doesn’t have to force an experience of vitality on locals or visitors. Rich, vibrant energy already pulses throughout the city and to the land around it, and the quieter months of winter and early spring offer all the magic without the masses.

Just a six-hour drive from Denver, Santa Fe is easy to drive to from most of Colorado. Take the road trip to listen to an engaging audiobook or podcast and the time flies by … I do remember the very first time I drove to Santa Fe; I was in my early 20s and with my friend Jessie on college spring break. She and I listened to Eat, Pray, Love, and I’ll never forget the memories of that individual and shared journey; it was all just what I needed to help heal coming right off of a recent heartbreak.

Santa Fe does just this — it delivers wellness in whatever way you need it at the time. Go for a fun and active getaway or a quiet and nourishing retreat. Whatever type of well-being boost you’re seeking, Santa Fe seems to have it. Miles of trails, wellness resorts, nourishing restaurants and distinct culture are all available to explore and enjoy.

RETREAT

Stay a little ways from town for a peaceful retreat at the high-desert refuge of Four

Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa

Fe. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Sante Fe, this property is tucked gently into the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The resort offers casita guest rooms and suites, each with its own fireplace and private terrace.

The remote setting of this property invites an escape from the busy day-to-day and into a slower cadence. Trails can be accessed just steps from the casitas, so it’s easy to take off for an hour or more for a hike before settling back into the pace of relaxation.

Stay on property to dine at TERRA if you don’t want to venture into Sante Fe, with many flavors of New Mexico on full display. Also, be sure to spend some time at the lovely outdoor pool, and hit the gym or a yoga class to add a spark of movement to all the chill time.

RESET

Not far from Four Seasons is Bishop’s Lodge of the Auberge Resorts Collection, and the beautiful property makes for a lovely day trip to enjoy lunch at SkyFire restaurant followed by the Symphony of Sound at Stream Dance Spa. This experience uses crystal meditation bowls, Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments to create healing vibrations to help harmonize and recalibrate the body, mind and spirit. All the wellness experiences at Bishop's Lodge are rooted in ancient ritual and inspired by the healing power of Mother Nature, and because of this, the spa menu is more unique and dynamic than most.

It’s definitely worth driving into town to start one of your mornings with yoga at BODY of Santa Fe. BODY is a health and wellness center that offers eco-conscious clothing, healthy snacks, massage and facial treatments, studio and fitness classes, as well as events to inspire community. “When you walk into BODY, we want you to feel relaxed and connected,” describes longtime owner Lori Parish.

In the winter and early spring, get outside for some runs at Ski Santa Fe, just a short drive from town. After yoga or before you head up to the ski hill, swing by one of Iconik Coffee Roasters’ two café locations in town for a delicious, warm drink and homemade breakfast options.

REAWAKEN

From the bells of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in the historic Santa Fe plaza to blue sky and bright sunshine highlighting art instillations and clay adobe buildings on Canyon Road, culture is everywhere in Santa Fe.

For a bite to eat or a bit of shopping, head over to The Railyard, a special area of town that combines elements of art and culture. The must-see farmers’ market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the artisan market is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A trip to Santa Fe is not complete without a stroll down Canyon Road. After a morning or mid-day meal, walk through and past the countless creative spaces like The Art Club Gallery, notable restaurants like Geronimo and sweet boutiques like Homefrocks along this enchanting strip.

For an afternoon delight, walk over to Kakawa Chocolate House to sip a chocolate elixir, or take a drive across town to Honeymoon Brewery for a tasting of artisanal, alcoholic kombucha. It’s bubbly like beer, yet light like cider and with all the probiotic boost that kombucha boasts. I especially love the Piedra Stonefruit flavor.

Be sure to fit in at least one museum visit while in Santa Fe; there are many to choose from, including New Mexico Museum Of Art, New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Museum Of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum Of International Folk Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

For dinner plans, there are many great restaurant options; one that tops the list for a hearty appetite of steak and seafood is Palace Prime. To pair your meal with some evening entertainment, enjoy a tapas dinner and Flamenco show at El Flamenco near the city center.

A rejuvenating time in Santa Fe can come together any way you choose, as there are so many ways to enjoy the bright verve of this special place. Every time I visit, I find it healing in some way, be it body, mind, spirit or heart. May your Santa Fe memories spark the same light for you. +

by Cabrini Klepper

For 10 years, I dreamt of traveling alone. My Pinterest board contained thousands of aesthetic travel pictures, and I’d often picture myself on the Mediterranean beaches I saw in pictures. Media depicts travel as a chance to bask in the world’s beauty whilst simultaneously finding yourself; traveling is a dream, and I yearned for the unknown, the wanderlust, the freedom, the adventure associated with travel.

However, no one who travels for an extended period is quick to reveal the hard times, the process of adapting or how to navigate unfamiliar cultures. To friends or acquaintances, it feels silly to admit to craving trivial elements of home when you’re staying in the heart of

Barcelona for over a month. How could one feel misplaced when they’re surrounded by gorgeous gothic architecture and exquisite

Spanish cuisine in one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world?

Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s normal and okay to be overwhelmed, but there are ways to adapt and overcome. Once I decided to be brave, Barcelona revealed itself to me in a whole new light.

Adrenaline fueled my first week in Barcelona. The liveliness of the city swept me off my feet, and I felt enchanted by the newness. I visited Antoni Gaudi’s Basilica de La Sagrada Familia, enjoyed mouth-watering seafood paella and danced with my new friends at La Barceloneta Beach. Each night, I fell asleep absolutely content, dreaming about my morning croissant and café con leche.

As days passed, waves of longing for home rolled over me. I tried to deny the initial feelings and maintain a busy schedule, determined to experience my Eat, Pray, Love moment in bustling Barcelona. But, the moment I sat at the top of Montüic hill — overlooking the vibrant, opportune city — I realized I needed to take a step back. Although it took me a while to admit, I felt homesick. However, I planned to be abroad six more weeks, and I already felt dazed, lost and lonely… foreign in a foreign city.

I decided to take a new approach to travel by diving deeper into my mindfulness practices and adding in some routine. Yoga taught me your outer reality reflects your inner subconscious. I noticed things weren’t right when I felt snappy towards others or annoyed at minor inconveniences. For example, when I felt like crying because the bus driver flew by my stop (you must wave at them, or they won’t stop if no one on the bus wants to get off), I knew something wasn’t balanced within.

In favor of being completely spontaneous, I forewent my mindfulness must-dos, so I reinstituted my daily meditation and journaling practices. Somedays, it didn’t happen, but most days it did, and that was enough. I took time to reflect and write about what the city and social interactions taught me. When you’re uncomfortable, you can find comfort in the fact that you’re growing and evolving with each anomalous experience. Upon reflection, you can develop inner contentment in knowing you’ll always have yourself — the best, most-reliable company.

As days went by, I pushed myself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, to be brave. Instead of feeling upset at inconveniences, I viewed them as an opportunity to grow, evolve and gain wisdom.

When I got lost and missed my tour reservation, I averted frustration by exploring the neighborhood of Encants. Had I not gotten lost, I would have never visited Mercat de Bellcaire — one of the oldest flea markets in Europe dating back to the 14th century.

Being brave and balanced enabled me to say yes when, on a whim, a friend invited me to Granada for the weekend. I thought about declining, as I already felt homesick, and I didn’t want to project my feelings onto anyone else. However, I decided to be uncomfortable and booked my flight. At the Granada “La Feria” Corpus Christi festival, we met a Spanish Olympian who invited us to their upscale beach party the next day. We ended up saying yes. At the party in Málaga, a beach town dubbed “The Hamptons” of southern Spain, we enjoyed reggaetón music, met fascinating locals and indulged in homemade Spanish cuisine. I put myself out there, and it turned out to be one of the best weekends of my life.

Now, as I get ready to embark on my homeward-bound voyage, I treasure every experience — the “good” and the “bad.” Both lead me to grow and evolve, to gain unforeseen insight into myself. The best travel advice I learned: be balanced, be brave. +

The Barcelona Balance

Being Broad-Minded + Brave While Traveling

CABRINI KLEPPER feels passionately about yoga and meditation as gateways to living a more mindful, present life. When she’s not running or writing, she teaches at CorePower Yoga and the University of Colorado Recreational Center. She will graduate with a B.A. in journalism and minors in geography, business and sociology from CU. Cabrini was an intern at Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind Spoke+Blossom, Covered Bridge and YOGA + Life magazines.

by lexi reich

Destination Wellness:

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

If you’re looking for a new kind of wellness destination this year, look no further than Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. A threehour plane ride from the Mile High City, this beachy paradise is beaming with sunkissed shores and an inspiring atmosphere to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

The SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is reason enough to book a stay this winter or spring. It is one of only nine spas in

Mexico to be awarded five stars by Forbes

Travel Guide — and it’s incredibly apparent why. Recognized for its outstanding facilities and service, the 16,500-square-foot space features 20 treatment rooms, more than 30 spa treatments, a high-performance gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. Treatments are grouped into seven ceremonies — Huichol, Water, Wind, Earth, Fire, Diamond and Beauty — and include organic elements like coffee, chocolate, seashells, tequila cream, aromatherapy oils and more.

All spa guests are welcomed with a hydrotherapy ritual designed to heal through the power of water prior to their chosen treatment. The experience guides one through a revitalizing shower, herbal steam and sauna, a dip in the two-temperature lagoon, time in the jacuzzi and a final multi-jet Swiss shower. Other offerings include eucalyptus inhalation to help decongest respiratory passages and

gourmet fruit-flavored waters and snacks served by a spa butler. Once the water ceremony is complete, whatever offering chosen from the signature spa menu is then only enhanced. You can’t go wrong with the Grand Cora Massage, which stimulates sensorial perception with a sound ritual and eliminates nerve tension with warm ginger oil, renowned for restoring emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellness.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features 267 ocean-view suites, including 12 grand terrace suites, some with private plunge pools. Of the resort’s six restaurants, four have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and preparation. The all-inclusive oasis has 24/7 in-suite service, oversized infinity pools and immediate access to the pristine beach, in addition to other amenities like a baby concierge, kids’ club and teens’ club. The property is adorned with landscaped gardens and a backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Once you check in to the resort and are greeted with a welcome neck and shoulder massage, you know your wellness journey has only just begun. + IF YOU GO:

• Get your morning flow on with an all-levels yoga class overlooking the water. After, grab an organic green juice with orange, celery, pineapple, cactus, parsley and spinach from Azul, which overlooks the Banderas Bay.

• Make sure to reserve a table at

Sen Lin, a modern Asian fusion restaurant combining tradition with highly innovative gastronomic techniques. The chef-inspired, award-winning menu filled with plentiful plant-based options will leave you in awe.

• End your night at Koi Bar, a seductive nightlife destination serving creative cocktails. Sport your casual-elegant clothing and cheers to a well-deserved getaway.