When it comes to choosing the perfect getaway, one may prefer escaping to a warm destination, while another may appreciate a much cooler temperature. I personally enjoy both climates, so when we were invited on a Dog-Themed Press Trip to stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, in Avon Colorado, I knew that I had been introduced to a resort that would accommodate all of my interests, year-round, including Tuna’s!
We flew into Denver International Airport, which is a two-hour, gorgeous drive to Avon. Although there is an airport located much closer to the resort, which we likely would have flown into during the winter months, I was confident that the drive up to the Rockies would offer an optimal visual presentation during the summer season. I can tell you I wasn’t wrong.
When we arrived to the property, the first thing I noticed was how the expansive log-cabin mountain resort was nestled in the lush Colorado Rockies, among the vast soaring pines. As the hotel’s website perfectly puts it, you are “surrounded with picturesque views, the ski slopes of Beaver Creek, colorful Colorado wildflowers and a wealth of resort amenities.” And that was truly the beauty of it! Although the property is a standard of luxury, it didn’t feel pretentious, but rather, exceptionally inviting. In fact, we felt like we fit right in from the moment we arrived. That’s how the staff made you feel...like you were right at home.
We were escorted to our incredible lodge-inspired suite, which would be home for a fun-filled three days. Our room was equipped with a stunning stone fireplace, a lush velvet sectional, an expansive furnished balcony to enjoy the fresh air, and impressive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Furthermore, in my opinion, the king size feather bed was made of clouds, and the shower felt spa-like.
Beyond the four walls of our cozy room, the hotel features an array of modern amenities, including unmatched ski-in/ski-out access for the winter months, a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool for the warmer months, a renowned indoor luxury spa with a co-ed grotto, and a variety of six distinct restaurants that “cater to every element of your stay, whether a pre-hike breakfast, après ski snack, regionally inspired dinner or a late-night cocktail.” Among them was WYLD, the hotel’s signature dining experience that “emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, mountain cooking techniques and house-blended seasonings”, and Buffalos, a refined sports bar and restaurant, which offered an elevated gastropub cuisine and featured a variety of regionally sourced microbrews.
During our stay, we did our fair share eating, relaxing, and hiking, but one of our most unique activities was watching the Eclipse. We stayed during the week of the Eclipse, and it seemed as if the whole town was anticipating the rare sighting, especially the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch because the resort is located in the 90%+ path of totality. Fortunately for his eyes, Tuna didn’t a glimpse of the Eclipse, but he sure did enjoy running all around the expansive grounds prior to the sighting. In fact, all of the dogs did since the entire property is exceptionally pet-friendly, including all of the restaurant's outdoor patios, and they also offer gourmet doggie dishes! On that note, we even hiked up a small mountain so that our dogs could dine privately at quaint Anderson Cabin, and they enjoyed doggie massages while they were digesting their yummy meals.
Overall, we were incredibly spoiled during our amazing stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, so if you are looking for refined, yet down-to-earth getaway to visit literally anytime of the year, I highly recommend this resort especially if traveling with your pets. The fee is reasonable, at $125 fee for up to 3 nights, and two dogs per room with no weight limit. For a complete list of pet policies, please contact the hotel, and for more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, click here.