The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

I sincerely wish I could maintain a more consistent posting schedule on this travel blog, but with all of the projects I juggle, this one seems to be destined to remain at the bottom of the "To Do" list. I actually LOVE to write about travel, but I also love to write about writing and post far more frequently to http://www.maryannebenedetto.blogspot.com, where I often feature other authors and their works, provide updates on my endeavors, interview interesting and inspiring characters that I meet along this writing journey, and just mention whatever is on my scattered mind.

In the interest of keeping this blog alive, however, I'm posting today about one of my favorite locations: The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.  I have stayed there multiple times in the past few years, and each visit was beyond relaxing and peaceful. I previously wrote about this lovely property a couple of years ago on my writing blog, and I'll share that information (slightly revised) with you today.

We recently had the privilege of spending a few days at the fabulous Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I can't begin to describe the beauty, relaxation, and accommodation that this location provides. From the yummy dining, the fabulous spa, the picturesque outdoor lakeside pool, charming paddle boats, hidden flower and sculpture gardens, the blue Colorado sky with the cottony white puffy clouds, and charming boutiques to the meticulously manicured 54 holes of golf, this place is amazing. The staff members were incredibly helpful and friendly. Rumor has it that one of the three golf courses is far more challenging than the others, but I won't reveal which one is the toughest. 

A visit to the spa is a MUST, where one will find all tension eliminated by the experts in facials and massage. It features a special relaxation room, where one can lean back in a comfortable, cushiony lounge, sip lemon flavored water and nibble on fruit, and read a book or magazine while occasionally gazing out a gigantic picture window that exposes a background of spectacular blue sky and mountain scenery. A visit to this spa isn't complete without a brief stop in one of the restrooms--even if you don't really have the urge to go. The restrooms were the talk of the dinner table, as the ladies were astounded at the unique experience of sitting on a heated toilet seat at the spa. That wasn't all, however. The bidet has nothing on these toilets. They were fitted with some type of contraption with a control panel on the right hand wall where one could choose a front light spray, front heavy spray, rear light spray, rear heavy spray, and the best----a dryer. I must say that I have never seen anything like this in my entire life--the toilet seat of all toilet seats. I could have stayed in there for half an hour just to experiment with the various sprays and dryer. I pushed every button just to see what it would happen next! I wish I had taken a photo of it, but it simply didn't occur to me at the time.

Essential to a trip to Colorado Springs is the cog railway trip to the top of Pike's Peak. The Broadmoor is at an elevation just above 6,000 feet, and Pike's Peak boasts an elevation of approximately 14,100 feet. Let me assure you that at that height, it definitely impacts your body. I felt light headed, queasy, woozy, and almost disoriented; however, it is something that everyone in good health should experience once. I've been there twice, so I've exceeded the requisite one visit. Next time, I think I'll try out the golf course or the heated toilet seat instead. You will notice in the photo that I am not smiling, and yes, that is snow on which I'm reluctantly standing. I was turning green at the time, and stayed outside just long enough for the photos.

On a prior visit to the Broadmoor, I was fortunate enough to be included in an historical tour of the property, hosted by a knowledgeable, affable guide. Learning the history of this magnificent location was fascinating.

I highly recommend the Broadmoor for a well deserved getaway!