Housed in the original building built in 1888, The Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado opened in 2009 and is now under the direction of spa industry veteran David Erlich. I first met up with David years ago at the beautiful Fairmont Mission Hill in Boyes Hot Springs, California, and since then he has managed spas from Hawaii to the Middle East. He is now also on the board of the Balneology Association of North America
David tells me he was first exposure to hot springs geothermal waters as a child living in Germany, where his father (a pilot in the U.S. army) was stationed. He says he has been an “avid soaker” since then and “the therapeutic efficacy of thermal mineral waters speaks for itself.”
In keeping with the heritage of the building, the spa has a vintage feel – colors, woods and even several claw foot bathtubs, but there are state-of-the-art features and amenities and touches of contemporary such as the water feature in the ladies locker room and the works by local artists that hang on the walls.
There are thirteen treatment rooms including a large and private suite perfect for girl getaways and bridal parties. A full menu of services includes Signature Experiences such as the unique 90-minute Ginger Renewal where the essential minerals of the hot springs are combined with the healing properties of ginger oil and a warm stone ritual. Another popular treatment – the Native Honey Steam Wrap made with locally-sourced honey – gives a nod to the Native American tribe who discovered the therapeutic hot springs hundreds of years ago. A natural antiseptic, honey was used by the Utes for healing wounds. The local honey is also sold in the spa’s well-stocked retail shop. More on The Spa of the Rockies