The Spa at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is just one of 30 spas IN THE WORLD to earn a Forbes 5 Star rating. The Broadmoor resort is itself one of only three "triple" five star properties...earning the highest rating for the hotel and restaurant in addition to the spa. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains and just miles from Pikes Peak, the historic 3000 acre property is the longest consecutive winner of the AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star awards for excellence. Opened in 1871, the Broadmoor features a 36 hole renowned golf course, a tennis facility, an awe-inspiring infiniti pool, lakes, views...everything a resort should offer.

While the Broadmoor resort is simply breathtaking, it's the Spa that really caught my eye. Cassie Hernandez has taken her duties quite seriously while serving as the Spa Manager for the past three years. "Earning the Forbes five star rating is not easy," says Cassie. "There are more than 200 esthetic standards rated including service, design, flow, aromatherapy, fresh flowers and running water in every service room. Every inch must be pristine. It's the little details that make the difference."

If the details include outstanding packaged services, it's no surprise that the Broadmoor earned its five stars. "Wine Down" ($385) offers a Chardonnay Sugar Scrub and Olavie wine Swedish massage delivering the benefits from the antioxidant properties, hydrating and anti-aging powers of the beverage. The "Lu'Lur Ceremony" ($315) is inspired by the Indonesian philosophy of incorporating rituals into daily life. This sacred ceremony has been modernized (with the Broadmoor's tub soak, scrub and body wrap) offering these royal services to every guest. Other therapies on the menu include a "Ceremonial Turmeric Scrub" ($140), "Vibraderm Body" ($165) and "Australian Mud Therapy" ($180). Of course all the standard services are offered including masks, peels and facials, but there is nothing standard in their delivery. There are 35 treatment rooms and almost 100 employees catering to every need. Everything...from the warm and yummy bathrobes to the local and organic teas offered...is totally VIP.

This is the third year in a row that the Spa at the Broadmoor has earned the coveted five star rating from Forbes. Not only do the guests seem totally at peace, the staff appear content and happy. As Cassie told me when I sadly had to leave the fresh and fabulous spa, "It is wonderful to be here."

broadmoor.com