The Green Guy’s Perfect Day: The Broadmoor

For anyone passing through Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor has been the place to stay for almost a hundred years. Presidents, celebrities, and captains of industry have all called The Broadmoor home for a few nights and with good reason: it’s gorgeous. With beautifully manicured golf courses, eight restaurants, and a labyrinthine spa available for your relaxation needs, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to leave. After two short days as a guest of the property, I can say with certainty that I didn’t want to go home.

With so much to do, it’s important to start your day with a solid breakfast foundation. For more prepared options, head to Charles Court on the West side of the resort but if you’re a more freeform breakfaster like me, you’ll want to hit the Lakeside Terrace for their brunch buffet. All the standards are here, so start with the made-to-order omelet station and work your way over to the smoked salmon with a stop for bacon along the way. You don’t want to peter out halfway through your morning activities.

Now that you’re full, take a trip into the Cheyenne Mountains for a two-hour horseback ride at the Stables. While not officially affiliated with the hotel, owner Hugh Trabandt has operated the stables for just about 20 years now and his guides know the woods better than the squirrels. Hop onto a sweet steed and enjoy the view.

Grab a quick bite at the Poolside Cafe (I had the caesar salad with grilled shrimp) before spending the rest of your afternoon getting pampered. After a long horseback ride, there’s nothing better than some spa time. The Spa at the Broadmoor offers a full range of treatments to melt your muscles including their signature massage combining Swedish and deep tissue techniques as well as more adventurous options like the organic Lu’Lur Ceremony that combines a Mandi Susu tub soak, ceremonial turmeric scrub, and a coconut cream body wrap to make you feel like Indonesian royalty. I’m still thinking about the foot massage that ended my signature massage.

Finish your day in the award-winning Penrose Room. Named for Spencer Penrose, the first owner of the resort, this restaurant is the only one in Colorado to win both AAA’s Five Diamond distinction and Forbes’ Five Star award. They take their pomp and circumstance very seriously here, so prepare to dress up and enjoy the opulence of Chef Bertrand Bouquin’s French-inspired multicourse meal. After you eat your fill, hit the dance floor to work it off. There’s a live band playing five nights a week.

If you’ve got any energy left, you can grab a pint at the on-site pub called The Golden Bee, but chances are you’ll just want to head back to your room and drift to sleep. The thin mountain air seems to put people to bed pretty early around these parts and it’s a safe bet that you’ve got another fun Broadmoor day ahead of you tomorrow.