4 Mountain Resort Pools to Help You Beat the Heat
As we head into the dog days of summer, here are four resort pools that will help you beat the heat in some of Colorado’s most breathtaking settings. Whether you’re craving mountain views or desert landscapes these resorts will leave you longing for blue water all year long.
GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA
Gateway, Colorado
I have not had the pleasure of visiting this resort, but I have well-traveled friends who consider it one of the most outstanding properties in the west—and Travel + Leisure readers seem to agree, having named it the #1 Top Resort in Colorado in 2016.
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa is located an hour southwest of Grand Junction, in the Palisades of Western Colorado. Surrounded by red rock peaks, guests can enjoy a myriad of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, digging for dinosaur bones or touring the onsite automobile museum.
However, if rest and relaxation are your goals, a day at the resort spa or lounging by the pool is an option as well. Gateway’s gorgeous, cylindrical Palisade Pools are open year round.
The Little Nell, Photo: Jeremy Swanson
THE LITTLE NELL
Aspen, Colorado
It doesn’t get much more grand than the rooftop pool at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. This five-star property has welcomed visitors since 1989, and since then has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and others seeking a five-star hotel experience in one of the west’s most pretty little towns.
The Residences at The Little Nell features 26 exquisite residences with ski-in/ski-out access. The Residences were renovated in 2016, and the pool is a glittering rooftop gem offering 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. It includes curving architecture, seating areas and a garden.
THE WESTIN RIVERSIDE RESORT & SPA BEAVER CREEK MOUNTAIN
Avon, Colorado
This is one of my favorite resorts in Colorado. With an incredible spa, several great restaurants and suite-style rooms, a stay here is calm and carefree.
In addition to their luxurious spa, Anjali, one of the best aspects of The Westin is the pool area. The mountain view from the outdoor heated 25-yard lap pool is magnificent. Should you tire of swimming, take a dip in one of the resort’s three saltwater infinity hot tubs.
Dining is available in the pool area during the summer, and the menu includes salads, panini, snacks and of course, cocktails.
Peaks Resort, Photo: Kristofer Noel
THE PEAKS RESORT & SPA
Telluride, CO
Let’s face it: Telluride, Colorado, is one of the most lovely spots in the world, and of all the pools highlighted in this roundup, the views from The Peaks’ pool are, without a doubt, the most spectacular. One of my best-loved travel memories is floating in this pool after a fun day spent at Telluride Blues & Brews.
The Peaks is a well-appointed resort with a top-notch restaurant and Colorado’s largest spa. The 42,000-square-foot facility includes a fitness center, tennis courts, and Roman-style soaking tubs. It’s true sanctuary after a day skiing or hiking the nearby slopes.
The indoor/outdoor pool is the perfect place to enjoy Telluride’s sunshiny summer. Order food and drinks from the Deep End Pool Bar, and take it from me, you’ll never want to leave.
