Maintaining a long-term relationship isn’t for wimps.
As October got into full swing, my husband Ben and I were caught up in a mundane cycle of kid-related obligations. Decorating for Halloween, I started to wonder if our two little miracles might secretly be vampires the way they were sucking the life out of my marriage.
So Ben and I did the only logical thing we could think of, and booked a night at The Broadmoor, offering “Pre-Giving Getaway” rates as low as $195 for select dates in November, plus complimentary golf green fees for stays November 18 to 20. The Broadmoor is also offering a special “Colorado Appreciation” deal to residents, who can snag rates as low as $149 for stays on select dates this November, December, and January.
Dinner for Two
A night at The Broadmoor is worth the 70-mile drive to Colorado Springs, and dinner at Summit is a must. The restaurant’s contemporary cuisine—think braised short rib and Spanish octopus—is bolstered by a stellar wine program. A glass enclosed wine turret stows over 500 bottles selected by three staff Sommeliers. There’s something about me sampling great wine that brings out the best in my husband.
Five-star hotels like The Broadmoor are known for their service. Maybe this is a mom thing, but I spend a lot of time waiting on others, so I really appreciate an attentive server who can successfully recommend the right wine for my crispy red snapper over parsnip puree.
After dinner, Ben and I bundled up, and walked around Cheyenne Lake, where lakeside fire pits offer the perfect setting for a nightcap before retreating to one of the hotel’s luxury rooms or suites.
Relax and Reconnect
Sleeping in until 7 a.m. was almost as indulgent as reading an actual newspaper over coffee at Café Julie’s, the hotel’s new Parisian Patisserie. In addition to noteworthy java, the café displays a beautiful collection of Valrhona chocolate that’s handcrafted on-site. No, I’m not going to tell you how many breakfast truffles I had because some things that happen between spouses are private.
I made amends a few hours later, over a Buddha Bowl at Natural Epicurean, a health-minded, organic lunch joint. Natural Epicurean is one of 20 dinning options, which range from Colorado’s only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond restaurant (Penrose Room) to swanky lounges and casual cafés. On-site activities include golf, tennis, and hiking, as well as shopping at 26 on-site retail stores.
Explore Together
After lunch, Ben and I walked to Seven Falls, located inside a park owned by The Broadmoor. It costs $14.50 to access Seven Falls Park, and, yes, it’s kind of annoying to have to pay to hike in Colorado. But Seven Falls has been a privately-owned tourist attraction since the 1880s. After the site was devastated by floods in 2013, The Broadmoor purchased Seven Falls Park and made significant improvements to the tune of $1 million.
The grounds are so immaculately maintained, it’s like you’re hiking at Disney World for the first eight-tenths of a mile. Wind through South Cheyenne Canyon before reaching the base of some truly stunning waterfalls. Climb the 224 stairs leading to the top of the second waterfall, and you’ll have access to a few more miles of dirt trail passing additional falls and a scenic overlook.
After a slow-paced, totally indulgent day, Ben and I got back to Denver just in time to grab the kids at school. There they were smiling, ready to wreak havoc on a relationship we’d just replenished. No big deal. I’ve already booked our next stint at The Broadmoor.
