Inside the newly renovated Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado

When you think about booking a vacation in Aspen, Colorado, your mountainside fantasies include the atmosphere of a people-watching hotel lobby or a town center with stylish après-ski bars and preserves within walking distance. may include locations. Early restaurant. But let's rethink our vision of the Rockies for a moment. What do you think of an architecturally stunning resort just 1.5 miles from the Aspen Mountain Gondola, yet secluded instead of the hustle and bustle? Downtown scene, barely heard at night? At Aspen Meadows Resort, you can do just that. This historic building is undergoing renovations that will define its identity.

To truly understand the charm of this spectacular 40-acre retreat on Aspen's western edge (did you know Aspen has a western edge?), you need to dig a little deeper into its history.

Aspen Meadows was built in the 1950s as housing for the Aspen Institute complex and was unveiled by businessman and philanthropist Walter Pepke in 1949 as a nonprofit humanities campus. Bauhaus architect and artist Herbert Bayer transformed Alpine farmland into a dynamic artistic culture. destination. The austerity of the architecture designed in his Bauhaus style, with its extensive use of sharp lines and primary colors, provides an exciting juxtaposition with the grandeur of the site's natural surroundings, including the massive slopes of the Rocky Mountains and slender aspen trees.

Since its early days, it has developed a reputation as a tranquil retreat with gorgeous architecture and an artistic footprint. But for many years, most people staying at the spacious, all-suite Aspen Meadow Resort were primarily conference attendees or tourists taking part in the institute's extensive academic, cultural, and artistic programs. . Few out-of-town visitors knew much about Aspen Meadows.

But last year, the institute tapped Salamander Hotels & Resorts to usher in a new era for Aspen Meadows. “Aspen Meadows has certainly been an iconic facility for decades, but even iconic facilities need to be revamped,” said Justin Todd, general manager of Aspen Meadows. .

And its long-awaited makeover will begin in 2022, in time for the 2022-2023 ski season, with many of its 98 suites (spread across six buildings), ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, in demand. Comprehensively updated to meet the requirements. Meeting the demands of today's mountain vacation seekers.

When they first opened nearly 70 years ago, these suites were clad in knotty blonde wood. A more contemporary design language, built around Bauhaus structural minimalism, now defines interiors. “I would describe the room as a Bauhaus-inspired room with a modern aesthetic,” Todd said of the light colors and warm wood layers. Striking decorative elements add even more visual interest, from the bulbous pendant chandelier to the lacquered bright blue side table.

But the most appealing part of this renovation is the enhancements that modern travelers can enjoy. For example, as a result of these changes, indoor air conditioning was introduced for the first time in history. Another new facility for storing ski boots and other gear was incorporated into the redesign. And for guests of the resort's Institute, a comfortable workspace remains a key element of every suite. But even with all these upgrades, one very important thing remains for him. “Our full suite product is still one of the largest in Aspen. That hasn't changed,” Todd said. The average area of ​​a suite here is his 600 square feet. “Guests will be impressed by how easy it is to work, eat, spread out and store all their gear in these rooms.”

With all 98 rooms completed, work will begin on other improvements to the property. At the end of the day, the goal is to provide an authentic resort experience at Aspen Meadows. According to John Spears, executive vice president of operations for Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the scope of the transformation will include the realization of his Walter Dining concept at his Isaacson Center. Bentel & Bentel Architects, the firm behind New York's Ale Club and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, is responsible for reimagining the main restaurant without sacrificing one of its key perks. It's the only dining room in town with a panoramic view of all the ski mountains. In Aspen.

Launching for the 2023-2024 winter season, West End Social is a brand new addition to the Aspen Meadows experience. Here, head chef Rachel Saxton and executive pastry chef Sara Figueiredo create Colorado dishes such as gochujang-laced Wagyu beef tartare, a bison burger patty stuffed into a hearty pretzel roll, and fresh pasta made daily. takes you through a journey of flavors from around the world. The après-ski experience here, with a stunning outdoor area with unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains, has also been revamped to be more competitive with the experience in Aspen.

The health club and spa will also be renovated. An outdoor heated lap pool with views of the Rocky Mountains is already a big draw for both visitors and local members. But Spears wants to turn it into a destination spa. “We are in the very early stages of planning a world-class wellness center with traditional spa services enhanced with a robust program of workshops, cooking classes and weekend retreats,” he says. reveals. We are also planning experiential programs that take advantage of the natural environment on the premises. Spears said rugged adventures such as biking, guided hikes and fly fishing along the Roaring Fork River are some of the activities he hopes to introduce in the future.

All of this is part of transforming the campus into a more complete tourist destination. Now, as I walk around my surroundings, I feel both awe and tranquility when I come across an outdoor art collection. The Resnick Center for Herbert Beyer Studies, a gallery dedicated to Herbert Beyer's remarkable portfolio of creative work (from advertising posters to abstract paintings to tufted textiles), will open in 2022 and will be part of the facility. It helped breathe new life into the. But once the planned development is fully rolled out, the resort will certainly offer much more than it currently has, while maintaining the tranquil, nature-first atmosphere that has made it a standout on Aspen's hospitality scene. It will happen.

“this [new] “The atmosphere is very much Walter Pepke's idea of ​​Aspen: balance of mind, body and spirit,” Spears said. “We want our guests to focus on the great art and programs on campus, rejuvenate their bodies in the Aspen mountains, and refresh their minds with thoughtful hospitality, delicious food, and connections with others. I’m here.”