Spas in the News

New Four Seasons Resort Vail to Open in December

High in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Vail invites year-round outdoor pursuits from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and golfing, plus offers lively nightlife, great food and boutique shopping. Life in Vail centres in Vail Village, and beginning this winter, Four Seasons Resort Vail will be at the heart of it all.

“Vail has so much to offer, whether it’s spending all day on the slopes, indulging in spa treatments and enjoying fine food, strolling in the Village, or joining in the excitement of Vail’s many festivals,” says Hans Willimann, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Vail. “At Four Seasons, everything is planned around creating the perfect vacation for families, couples and friends."

Located in the European-style alpine community of Vail Village, the new Resort’s contemporary American West style is marked by a distinctive roofline and numerous balconies opening to the great outdoors. Guests are just steps from Vail Village’s many chic shops, chef-owned restaurants, bar scene, arts festivals and events – and the slopes.

A Skier’s Heaven

At Four Seasons Resort Vail, every detail is anticipated so that winter sports lovers can maximise their enjoyment of North America’s largest ski resort destination, which includes 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of skiable terrain. The experience begins in the Resort’s boot fitting area, located in the Lobby, where skilled professionals stand ready to serve the novice to the most accomplished, and continues at the slopeside Ski Concierge, more than the typical ski valet.

“Using high-tech equipment, our boot experts will take customised fittings, and jot down details that will match each skier to the right equipment for their size and skill level,” explains Willimann. “This information is transmitted to our Ski Concierge, who selects skis and poles, and puts them alongside perfectly-fitted boots in the guest’s own locker. By the time they arrive the next morning, boots are toasty warm, skis are waxed, and all that’s left to do is jump on the chairlift and ascend the mountain.”

Four Seasons Ski Concierge is a comprehensive facility located next to the Vista Bahn chairlift. Complete with private lockers and lounge for Resort guests, and full-service ski shop open to the public. The Ski Concierge is staffed by a team of experts whose sole mission is to get skiers out on the slopes as effortlessly as possible.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Back at the Resort, the Spa provides restorative treatments for bodies stretched by physical activity and skin challenged by high altitude conditions, while natural, locally sourced ingredients pamper in massages, facials and more. Romantic couples’ suites with whirlpools and fireplaces offer private retreats.

“The combination of physical exertion and high altitude can sometimes surprise first-time visitors to Vail,” says Willimann, noting that Vail is more than 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) above sea level. “But by staying hydrated, and by including our custom-designed spa treatments in vacation plans, guests can happily embrace the clear mountain air and the alpine way of life.”

After an active day, the signature Spirit of the Rockies treatment is recommended. It begins with Sole Revival, a foot soak infused with aspen, pine and birch, which are natural remedies for inflammation and stiff joints. The journey continues with a spa elixir to ease altitude adjustment, and then a series of bath, mask, rinse and compresses using river stones and natural infusions of evergreen, fir and juniper to soothe and relax the body and spirit. Finally, guests are invited to “hibernate” in one of the Spa’s own slumber rooms before emerging with restored energy and new vitality.

Another way to relax while continuing to take in the great outdoors: the Resort’s outdoor pool. Heated year-round and free of harsh chemicals (it’s a saline pool), it’s a great place to soothe tired muscles, or cuddle up in deck chairs by the large stone fireplace while enjoying Four Seasons signature Haut Chocolate.

Time to Refuel

Inside the Resort, another massive fireplace commands attention in the lodge lobby and Fireside Bar and Lounge, the perfect place for après-ski drinks. Featuring a full selection of martinis and cocktails, the Bar will specialise in Latin American classics such as the caipirinha, pisco sour, mojito and Cuba libre. Hot and cold tapas and sushi accompany the evening.

Char-broiled steaks and chops flavoured with house-made rubs and sauces take centre stage in Flame Restaurant, where selected mains are prepared tableside, and sides are shared family-style. Local specialties, including local elk and buffalo, are being sourced from Colorado’s farms and ranches in preparation for opening.

The wine list is distinctly New World, featuring unusual labels from Oregon, California and South America, as well as other international wine-producing regions. “We’ll have dozens of wines by the glass, and recommend flights to accompany meals – that way, guests have the opportunity to try varietals they may not have experienced before,” says Willimann.

In the morning, coffee and cocoa will be prepared by an expert barista, and early risers can fuel up on protein and carbs at the breakfast bar before heading out for the day.

Tucking in for the Night

Lodge accommodations are also inspired by the great outdoors. Every one of the 121 suites and rooms has its own easy-to-light gas fireplace for cosy evenings, and offers innovative options for connecting rooms and suites. This means that parties from two to sixteen can easily customise combinations of living and sleeping areas.

Four Seasons Resort Vail also includes real estate opportunities with 19 Residence Club fractional ownership condominiums and 16 Private Residence whole ownership residences for those who want to visit Vail more often. Residences range from beautifully appointed one- to five-bedroom homes between 1,638–5,673 square feet (152–527 square metres), and include access to all the signature services of the Resort.

“Selected residences will also be available through Resort reservations for those interested in accommodations with greater privacy and more room for larger parties,” notes Willimann.

Elevating the Experience

Taking the mountain resort experience to even higher levels, Four Seasons Resort Vail will be the company’s third location in the Rockies, joining Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and Four Seasons Resort Whistler as year-round destinations for active outdoor vacations, as well as ideal settings for meetings and business retreats.

Also opening in 2010 is Four Seasons Hotel Denver, a sleek tower in the midst of the city’s arts, shopping and sports attractions. Just a two-hour drive from Vail, its downtown position offers easy options for trip planning, as well as seamless service between the two locations.

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