The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Colorado
United States

The Experience

The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has perfected the rustic-yet-refined balance that many luxury lodges strive to achieve. The stone-and-timber resort at the base of Beaver Creek mountain (30 minutes from Vail) has the requisite amenities (full-service spa, over-the-top service) one expects from a high-end property, but the casual ski-in/ski-out setting and warm Western-style decor prevent it from being too uptight or museum-like. With its stone fireplace, lodge-pine furniture and oversize windows, The Great Room is the perfect place to curl up with a book and a glass of pinot noir as the snowflakes blanket the slopes; and, a branch of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago opened here in winter 2007, bringing his signature wood-fired gourmet pizzas to the après ski spot in the valley.

The Rooms

In addition to Frette linens, heated marble floors and plush robes (handy for those frequent spa and pool trips) many of the 180 rooms have gas fireplaces and mountain-facing terraces as well as apropos touches like antique snowshoes or wooden skis mounted on the wall. And there are 40 rooms on the 8th floor Club Level complete with a private lounge where five courses are served buffet-style throughout the day—including afternoon tea and pre-dinner wine and canapés.

The Service

From doormen in Stetson cowboy hats who greet you on your arrival to the team of ski valets who store your skis after the last run of the day (they’ll even heat your boots overnight) to the cheery staff who hand out freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, you can’t help but feel pampered at all times.

The Highlights

Hop aboard the high-speed lift (linking Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead mountains) just steps from the resort for access to 1,600 acres of trails. More the après ski type? Choose from the outdoor pool (kept at 96 degrees), a eucalyptus-scented sauna and rock grotto hot tub in the spa or perhaps a few Colorado microbrews in the Buffalo Bar. Late night, gather 'round the fire-pit to roast s'mores while keeping warm with woolen blankets.

 

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