By Eileen Ogintz

AVON, CO — We clink champagne glasses.

But we’re not at a fancy restaurant. In fact, we’re wearing bathrobes and relaxing at the Westin Riverfront Resort Spa Anjali after a rejuvenating couples massage in the  huge –27,000 square feet spa .

Westin Riverfront Resort connects to Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Westin Riverfront Resort connects to Beaver Creek Ski Resort

 

Who says ski trips aren’t romantic. Certainly, they are when you leave the kids behind, one northern California couple said. “This is our time to reconnect,” she said, adding they often ski as a family in Lake Tahoe.

Send the kids to ski school (we are connected to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort), added another Colorado Springs mom “so we can ski all the fun stuff.”

And then there is staying at a luxe resort like a Westin, a short Gondola ride from the Beaver Creek lifts in Avon.  It’s not that this resort isn’t kid-friendly.  Certainly it is.

But without the kids, you can indulge in the spa or the wellness package complete with unlimited fitness classes, a $150 credit for the spa, unlimited use of all the wellness spa amenities including the outdoor pool, hot tubs steam and new Himalayan Salt Sauna a Nutrition for Wellness private consult with a Certified Master Nutrition Therapist and a $100 dining credit for healthy meals at the resort’s Lift, Lookout & Maya restaurants.  That’s a pretty good deal at $339 a night (two night minimum) in the pricey Vail Valley.

Swim laps as long as you like in the 25-yard saline lap pool, indulge in 24 hour room service.

Westin Riverfront Spa Anjali entrance

Westin Riverfront Spa Anjali entrance

It’s nice to have the ski valet grab your skis at the end of the day and put your boots on the dryer. Get your skis delivered to your room by Ski Butlers–no waiting on line at rental shops. And when I needed to switch out my boots, no problem—they came to the hotel après ski, with several pairs to choose from. They will also swap your skis should conditions change.

It’s nice to enjoy the music at happy hour or have someone else stress all the details for once. Instead of cooking breakfast, let someone serve you! Did I mention this hotel is dog friendly?

We’re staying in a studio that has a mini fridge and stove top as well as a coffee pot but who wants to cook when you don’t have to feed starving kids? All we need to do it put out a dish of kibble and water for Trooper, who is content to lounge on her doggie bed between walks out in the snow along the Riverfront bike trail.

And if you are coming with friends, take your pick of Studio Suites to three-bedroom condos.