Water Slides at the Broadmoor

Water Slides at the Broadmoor

DAY 2, Colorado Springs — I love it when vacation days are perfect.

Most often they’re not—especially with kids part of the equation—so when everything goes as planned and the sun is shining and everyone is happy, it is like a gift from the gods.

That’s how our Sunday shaped up at the Broadmoor the historic 3,000 acre resort at the base of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs.  A month ago, Colorado Springs was topping every national newscast with the Waldo Canyon fires that destroyed more than 350 homes.  This weekend, the state is consumed with the senseless shootings in Aurora, a suburb to the north.  Still, people are afraid to come to the Springs, locals tell me, saying they think the entire city has burned, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

But the Broadmoor, which has been welcoming families for 19 years, is tranquil and at it should be. So is downtown Colorado Springs, where an outdoor festival is underway.  Locals are back hiking at the famous Garden of the Gods and heading up to Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway.

 When I leave my room at 8 a.m. for a spa appointment—a little me time!—I see a graceful swan on Cheyenne Lake that is so clear that  I also see a reflection of the mountain in the water.

This is one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever seen with a relaxation room overlooking the mountains. It’s also huge with an outdoor lap pool, indoor pool and fitness center.  There is one relaxation room overlooking the mountains and another with a fireplace that would be cozy in fall and winter.  I try not to feel guilty grabbing an hour for myself. It is quiet and peaceful.  I take some time to enjoy the steam and aromatherapy rooms.  I’d asked my daughter Mel to join me but she’s training for a half marathon and had to get in an early morning run. We’ll manage some mom and daughter spa time later in the week at the St Regis in Aspen, I promised her.  We are heading to Crested Butte later today to hike from Crested Butte to As\pen—a famous CO hike.

So I relax, thinking I’ll be getting a good workout hiking 12 miles tomorrow  enjoying one of the best facials I’ve ever had.  Then I join my husband, Mel and her roommate Hollis Moore around the Broadmoor Pool where they come around offering complimentary Arnold Palmers (iced tea mixed with lemonade).  We love the water slides built in to the mountain and so do the gaggle of kids that are here this weekend.  There is a kid’s pool too.  It’s very mellow.  Given what happened in Aurora two days ago, I think it’s even more important to grab the happy times while we can.

We probably wouldn’t move from the pool all day except we have a reservation for the Broadmoor’s famous Sunday brunch which at $39 (plus tax and gratuity) seems a bargain.  Where to start?  Eggs Benedict and corned beef hash, waffles with berries and cream or chocolate sauce? Oysters, shrimp and smoked CO Trout? Omelets to order or roast beef and ham, hanger steak, red snapper, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy….varieties of salads and cheeses and vegetable salads.

I’m so glad we’ve come hungry.  I’m also glad we’re eating indoors because the temperature is hot

This is one of the best hotel brunches I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot of them….We finish with chocolate covered strawberries (did I mention the chocolate fountain?)  Banana Fosters anyone?