You don’t have to enter The Broadmoor’s spa to find deep relaxation. Simply stepping onto the tranquil grounds of this Colorado Springs resort offers an immediate sense of calm. That said, a visit to The Spa at The Broadmoor certainly enhances the experience.
I spent two days exploring Colorado Springs, roughly an hour south of Denver, before retreating to The Broadmoor. Visiting a friend who moved to the area two years earlier allowed me to sample the destination’s charms before checking in to the resort—a true five-star haven nestled amid the city’s natural beauty.
The Broadmoor’s story began in 1880 when William Wilcox, seeking relief from tuberculosis, started a small dairy farm. Five years later, Prussian Count James Pourtales bought the property, developed an upscale suburb and created Cheyenne Lake. Over time the site survived a fire, several ownership changes and uses that included casinos and a girls’ boarding school. In 1916 Spencer Penrose, a Philadelphia entrepreneur, acquired the 40-acre estate with the ambition of building the world’s most beautiful resort. By 1918 The Broadmoor officially opened and introduced an 18-hole golf course. Nearly a century later, the resort’s elegance and scale reflect Penrose’s original vision.
There’s so much to enjoy at The Broadmoor. Beyond the stunning setting—Colorado Springs provides no shortage of scenic views—the resort features a full-service spa, multiple restaurants including Colorado’s only 5-star, 5-diamond dining room, 54 holes of golf, six tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, boutiques, and a wide range of tours, activities and guest programs.
On the evening I arrived I had dinner reservations at Summit, the resort’s newest restaurant. While changing for dinner I noticed a vivid double rainbow stretching beyond my guestroom window—an auspicious sign for the stay ahead.
Summit takes design cues from local landmark Pikes Peak and serves a menu crafted by Executive Chef Bertrand Bouquin that blends year-round favorites with seasonal specialties. I began with Summit’s signature mac and cheese crowned with lobster, oyster mushrooms, bacon and goat cheese, and followed with a seasonal bacon-wrapped tenderloin accompanied by vegetables and herb hollandaise—both courses showcased thoughtful technique and bold flavors. After dinner I spent the evening at Play, the resort’s late-night entertainment venue offering bowling and games. A Frozen Irishman adult milkshake made for the perfect nightcap and a restful lead-in to the next day’s adventures.
The following morning, warm sunlight coaxed me awake. I took a leisurely walk around Cheyenne Lake, the resort’s centerpiece, paused at the lakeside infinity pool and people-watched before breakfast at Charles Court near open windows. Although I hadn’t yet visited the spa, the day’s unhurried rhythm and beautiful surroundings already had a calming effect: relaxed meals, a brisk lakeside stroll, and a peaceful setting naturally put me into a tranquil state of mind.
When it was time for my treatment, The Spa at The Broadmoor impressed with a philosophy rooted in global techniques—ideal for travelers seeking diverse wellness approaches. After a quick tour and changing in spacious locker rooms (complete with surprisingly luxurious Japanese-style heated toilets), I settled into the relaxation area with views of the Rocky Mountains while waiting for my therapist.
I chose the spa’s signature 70-minute Coconut Cream Delight. The therapist began by prepping my skin with exfoliating mitts, then worked through pressure points while Kukui and organic coconut oils filled the room with a soothing scent. Highlights included a restorative face, ear and scalp massage that deepened my sense of calm. By the time the session ended, I was reluctant to leave the semi-slumber induced by the treatment.
Falling asleep during a massage is rare for me; my mind usually races. Reaching that level of relaxation—being able to let go completely and drift into sleep—is a true sign of an exceptional spa experience. The Broadmoor delivered that rare, blissful respite from daily life.
Even after the spa session ended, the serenity lingered. I carried that relaxed energy through an energizing tennis lesson (so enjoyable I bought a racket afterward), lazy hours on a poolside lounge and dinner at the Penrose Room, the resort’s celebrated 5-star, 5-diamond restaurant. The calm followed me all the way to my early morning airport transfer.
Leaving The Broadmoor felt surprisingly emotional. My time in Colorado Springs provided a much-needed reset. I didn’t make it to the Golden Bee, the resort’s 19th-century English-style pub with live ragtime piano, nor did I visit the newly opened Ranch at Emerald Valley—both reasons enough to plan a prompt return.
The Broadmoor
1 Lake Ave.
Colorado Springs
CO 80906
tel 719 623 5112
broadmoor.com