It’s not every day you’re greeted at a resort spa by Superman, cape fluttering from an air-conditioning draft. That memorable welcome happened to me once at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Colorado. Through Sept. 1, the resort is hosting the DC Summer Experience, a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences that’s ideal for fans of classic comics and families. Themed offerings include DC Movie Night Poolside, DC Fun by the Pool, Hall of Justice Character Dining and the DC Super Hero Academy Live Show.
Located a short drive from Denver International Airport and downtown Denver, this 85-acre resort provides a luxurious setting suited to layovers, leisure escapes, business trips and large conferences. From the check-in level, expansive glass windows frame panoramic views of the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies, creating a striking backdrop that flows up to the Grand Lodge level. Natural materials such as stone and wood, plus design elements that reflect the region, give the lobby a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The resort offers a wide range of accommodations—about 1,500 guestrooms and suites—ranging from deluxe rooms to executive suites designed for comfort and functionality.
© Debra Bokur
Dining options are extensive. Highlights include Old Hickory Steakhouse, Copper Table for classic American fare, Mountain Pass Sports Bar for casual meals, The Fortunate Prospector offering English-style pub dishes, Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill for poolside dining, and Garden & Grain Seasonal Kitchen, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. For quick bites and beverages, Cocoa Bean Coffee House and Rockies Marketplace provide grab-and-go choices, while Embers Lodge Bar, near twin grand fireplaces, creates a cozy spot for drinks.
The resort features more than 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, suited to intimate gatherings and major conventions alike. On-site planners assist with logistics across multiple ballrooms, breakout rooms and versatile event venues. A standout addition is the Mountain View Event Pavilion, which pairs more than 14,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and patios with 15,000 square feet of lawn space—ideal for receptions, corporate functions and large-scale events.
© Debra Bokur
Leisure is a major focus as well. The award-winning Relâche Spa offers a calming retreat with earth-toned relaxation lounges and a full menu of body therapies and seasonal treatments. Signature services have included options like the Cactus Pear Collagen Facial and the Orange Grove Body Renewal Wrap—a coconut-and-citrus scrub followed by deeply hydrating shea butter and clementine-scented oil.
For outdoor fun, Arapahoe Springs Water Park spans three acres and features waterslides, indoor and outdoor pools, a rock grotto, sun decks and a 720-foot lazy river. Private cabanas are available poolside with lounge seating, flat-screen TVs and food-and-drink service so guests can relax without leaving their spot while enjoying mountain views.
Activities extend beyond the pool. Golfers and enthusiasts can practice at the Topgolf Swing Suite with interactive simulators offering 18-hole virtual courses as well as games like fastball, football and soccer. The resort’s refreshed 15,000-square-foot Games Lawn hosts outdoor fun, while augmented-reality experiences send guests on a property-wide scavenger hunt to find 12 endangered “animals” via a smartphone app. As evenings wind down, guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails in the Grand Lodge, where local musicians perform nightly.