When my friend Lisa planned a girls weekend at The Broadmoor for part of her 50th birthday celebration I was all in. I had a pretty intense travel and writing schedule for a few weeks and this was to be a weekend of R&R with some gal pals. It was my light at the end of the crazy schedule tunnel. Yes, even a perpetual traveler needs to recharge her batteries every once in awhile.
I had just come off of a 48 hour Instagram takeover for Visit Colorado Springs when I arrived at the Broadmoor late on Friday afternoon. The Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond resort has been known for its impeccable service for over a century. As you walk into the lobby, it oozes nostalgia and luxury with the timeless European elegance of its decor. I was checked in and whisked off to my room, or should I say suite in the South Tower. The room is nicely decorated but it was the oversized tub, tv in the bathroom and stunning view of the lake that took the room over the top for me.
For dinner group gathered at La Taverne and sat out in the La Jardin sunroom surrounded by plants with the late day light still shining through the skylights. One of my friends split a salad and entree with me. I love to split meals so I can try more than one thing. We ordered the wedge salad (minus the bacon bits since I don’t eat meat) and pan seared scallops, which were highly recommended by our server. I love a great classic wedge and La Taverne delivered on this one with candied pecans, heirloom tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles. The scallops were tender and buttery served with turnips, carrots and snap peas in the orange beurre blanc sauce. It was satisfyingly filling. After dinner we retreated to one of the seating areas of the lobby in the West Tower that feels more like a library than a lobby. We laughed and chatted over a wonderful birthday cake made by Goochie Cakes in Denver. It was simply divine.
Saturday morning I woke up early and caught a stunner of a sunrise over the lake. It even made me say, “Woah,” out loud as I pulled back the draperies. Our group gathered for breakfast at Natural Epicurean for a healthy start to the day. I opted for an almond milk latte and veggie quiche. The mini quiche was the perfect fuel for our hiking adventure that morning. Before hitting the trail, we sat outside and enjoyed the serenity of a morning at the Broadmoor.
We decided to hike over to Seven Falls. It’s an easy hike of about a mile. It starts in the neighborhood surrounding the Broadmoor then hit an easy trail that meanders through the trees to Seven Falls. It’s dubbed “the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado.” It’s the only waterfall in Colorado to be on National Geographic‘s list of International Waterfalls. The steep-walled box canyon is stunning as the Pillar of Hercules rise over 900 feet from the canyon floor and narrow to only 41 feet apart. You can walk or take the tram through the box canyon to get to the falls. It’s 0.8 miles from the ticket booth to the base of the falls. We decided to climb the first set of stairs. While climbing the stairs you’ll feel you heart pounding, breath shortening, and legs trembling. The 185 steps take you up to Eagle’s Nest. If you don’t want to take the stairs, you can take the elevator up through the mountain. Eagle’s Nest gives you a great view of the entire falls. It’s the eagle eye view and it’s spectacular.
We climbed back down the stairs and I promptly asked “who wants to climb the other stairs with me?” Three of our group of six started it and two of us made it to the top of the falls. There are 224 steps to the top. The staircase takes you along the seven different falls that make up the grandiose Seven Falls. I really enjoyed reading the signs about the falls because each one is different. I actually never knew there were so many types. Once at the top, there are hiking trails you can take to Inspiration Point and Midnight Falls. If we would of had more time I would have been all in to hike to both, but we didn’t so it means I need to go back. As I was hiking the stairs back down I stopped in a couple of spots to enjoy the rushing water and the view looking out through the canyon. Both climbs were totally worth it for the views!
Enjoy the splendor of Seven Falls in this short video.
We hustled on our hike back to the Broadmoor for lunch because several of us had spa appointments in the afternoon. We popped back into Le Taverne and I scarfed down the shrimp salad a la Louis Stratta. It was light and the perfect nosh before I headed off to the spa. Boy was I in for a couple of hours of much needed pampering. First up was a 50-minute signature massage with therapist Cassandra and then an oxygen infusion facial with aesthetician Hanna. I didn’t bolt out of the spa after my treatments. Instead I relaxed in the Mountain View Room overlooking the 18th hole of the golf course and enjoyed a cup of tea while catching up on the latest issue of People. I walked out and melted into a lounge chair ultra relaxed and fresh faced.
I enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the property before getting ready for dinner. Three of us stayed Saturday night and headed over to Ristorante del Lago. There are fantastic restaurants on property so there’s really no need to leave. The decor including terra cotta tile almost made me feel like I had been whisked away to Italy. We split the burrata and arugula salad between the three of us. I ordered the margarita pizza, with full intention of not finishing it to have some to take home the next day. The burrata with honey glazed acorn squash and hazelnuts was out of this world. The salad and pizza were comfort food of fresh and simple ingredients made with love in the traditional Italian way. Since I didn’t eat all of the pizza I splurged on a scoop of their homemade gelato. Pistachio was a perfectly sweet way to end a spectacular day of adventure or relaxation with friends.
Instead of rushing out Sunday morning, I took time to stroll around the lake enjoying a latte and just taking in the view one last time before hitting the road back to Denver after a weekend of R&R at one of the world’s best resorts.
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