Annie Bloj's Staycation at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Annie Bloj escapes to the mountains for a family break and reports on her stay at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, Colorado.
Like so many of you, I had plans this summer! Real, actual plans that my whole family had been looking forward to. My mother had a big birthday this year, and my extended family spent some time planning a vacation together back at our favorite beach on the east coast to celebrate. Then... well, you know what happened. As the trip approached, it didn't seem like a smart decision to fly there for a week, stay with some higher-risk family members, and then return home. Thankfully, we live in a state with abundant opportunities for a fun staycation, so we began planning a different trip entirely.
The mountains were calling, so we packed up a few suitcases and headed to the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon. Several friends had raved about the resort, and with three hot tubs, a saltwater pool, and in proximity to so many fun things to do as a family, it seemed ideal. Honestly, even the car ride up to the mountains was a relief. After months and months of being home, doing the same things, and going to the same places, seeing something new was exciting. As the late, great, Diana Vreeland said, "The eye has to travel!" The sight of the mountains, the cooler air, it all felt like the change we needed as a family. As we drove through the mountain towns, I was relieved to see everyone wearing masks and socially distancing themselves.
Arriving at the Westin felt comfortable and new at the same time. Everyone was wearing masks, and signs detailing the latest guidelines of staying at a hotel in the time of COVID were placed throughout. Disinfecting wipe stations were everywhere, and spots were marked on the ground as to where to wait for the elevators. There were no questions about what to do, where to stand, or how to handle yourself. I was able to relax, knowing that everything had been thought out and taken care of so that we could have the best staycation possible. We went straight to our room, a gorgeous space with a huge deck facing the mountains. The room had a perfect little kitchenette, which is ideal when traveling with a family. We immediately changed and went to the pool. Pods of chairs were placed 6 feet apart all over the pool deck, and the staff was wearing masks, even in the blazing mountain sun! I ordered us some lunch using the QR codes offered and proceeded to chill. The pool was only 4 ½ feet deep, which meant I could enjoy myself knowing that the boys could stand in the pool and play on their own. Pure heaven! The pool area was a magnet for our family's entire stay. We headed to Maya by Robert Sandoval in the hotel for dinner that night. There was a live band playing, the big doors to the patio were open for a gentle breeze, and for the first time in a while, it all felt normal. We all slept well that night in our "heavenly" beds, happy to be somewhere new.
The next day, we enjoyed the itinerary that the hotel's fantastic concierge had put together for us. Before our trip, they had sent over a detailed list of fun things to do in the Vail Valley that adhered to the guidelines set for social distancing. I let them know what we wanted to do, and the first morning up in the mountains, we headed out for a rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River! It was terrific, and the perfect amount of excitement for us. Upon returning to the hotel, we headed straight for the pool to enjoy the afternoon. We spent that evening exploring Avon and Beaver Creek, and we all went to bed happy, tired, and relaxed.
However, I couldn't wait for the following morning. I was going to enjoy the ultimate in indulgence during these crazy times… a massage! I had decided that I deserved it, and I was going to enjoy it as much as possible. After seeing how the hotel and the hotel staff had been adhering to guidelines, I was confident that my experience at Spa Anjali would be no different. Wearing a mask during the massage would be no trouble to finally have my shoulders feel like they were in the same place they were back in February (aka not tensed up to my ears). When I arrived, I was asked detailed health questions and had my temperature scanned. I was good to go! I was then led back to the waiting area and locker room. Every step was thoughtfully set up so that I wouldn't have to touch any door handles. Each locker was stocked with bins layered with individually cleaned and prepared towels and necessities. I was utterly alone in the space and realized that the lockers available for use were specified for each guest and well separated. When I was ready, I headed to the waiting area and enjoyed the first truly peaceful, alone couple of moments I had experienced in weeks. I could have sat there by myself for hours, listening to the dripping water hit the rocks in the beautifully set up space.
When my massage therapist came to get me, she led me back to my treatment area and explained what they had done to set the space up for me, and the procedures they would follow for our safety. There was a handwashing ritual that had been implemented that involved me using warmed towels, a moisturizing scrub, and a disinfectant. I felt completely comfortable and just let myself relax and enjoy the experience. I think it's safe to say that we are all carrying the world's weight on our shoulders, and it was heaven to have someone lift that burden for a while. After she finished the hour-long full body massage, I floated off the table, to the locker room, and back up to my hotel room. I was a happier woman, a better mother, and felt rested and deeply relaxed for the first time in a long time. It was the perfect way to end our trip and re-enter back into the real world.
If you are looking for a staycation spot this summer with your family (and a little pampering), I would highly recommend the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa. I know the thought of getting away these days comes with trepidation and many questions. The team there is ready to welcome you and address any concerns you may have. We are so fortunate to live somewhere that is the perfect place to plan an easy getaway!
More details:
If you are interested in planning a staycation at the Westin, they are currently offering a new Summer 2020 discounted package that includes:
20% off overnight accommodations
20% off food from The Lookout Lobby Bar, the Lift Café and in-room dining
20% off a relaxing weekday massage at Spa Anjali
$20 off bike rentals at Venture Sports
The 20% Off Summer 2020 deal requires a three-night minimum stay. The $20 discount at nearby Venture Sports is valid for a 2-day bike rental. For more information on The Westin Riverfront or to book your getaway, please visit www.westinriverfront.com or call 1-866-949-1616.