feb2015 mountain escapes b&bs

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CULTURE | ADVENTURE | STYLE

Jet Set AcceSSorIeSrOMaNtIC MOUNtaINGetaWaYSheALthY eAtING oN hoLIDAY fIjI’S prIvate beaCheS & heaveNlY hOtelSchIc reSort WeAr

COlOraDO’S healING hOt SprINGSPlunge into the indulgent offerings at Dunton Hot Springs on page 75

february 2015 / DenverLifeMagazine.coM

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Dinner and a movie is not always enough. Quality time may require more than a couple stolen hours outside the home. Take date night to the next level with a staycation on the Front Range. One night away at a not-so-far destination gives couples

a much-needed chance to hit the reset button and recharge together in a serene, if not steamy, setting.

The Cliff house aT Pike’s PeakManitou Springs is a curious yet captivating place, built on legends from the 1800s as well as its current offerings, such as an old-school penny arcade, incline hike and stunning views of Pike’s Peak. The Cliff House at Pike’s Peak endures through the years; originally a stagecoach stop for gold-miners, gamblers and outlaws, now a fully-restored, romantic B&B ranked as one of the world’s top 100 hotels by Travel + Leisure.

This stately spot dates back 150 years, with an award-winning culinary experience set in a Victorian environment. With AAA Four Diamond status, The Cliff House exudes Old World sophistication throughout its 54 guestrooms and suites. One wouldn’t expect this level of service and quality accommodations in a tiny town outside Colorado Springs, but here it is, a place often cited as one of the most romantic experiences many Colorado couples have encountered.

If you enjoy breakfast or lunch at the on-site Dining Room, then dinner needs to be savored at The Mona Lisa, a fondue restaurant in downtown Manitou Springs within walking distance of the hotel. Depending on the establishment, fondue can be awkward and odd,

or the most decadent, so-phisticated meal one could experience. This is the latter. The atmosphere and service is nearly flawless, and the four-course menus are deliciously crafted, a highlight being the Wild Game course of Colorado Rainbow Trout, Buffalo, Rocky Mountain Elk, Mal-lard Duck and Wild Boar Bratwurst, prepared at the table and served with six

dipping sauces. However, your chance to experience living wildlife in person may come if you visit Garden of the Gods, a short drive from The Cliff House. The breathtaking red rock park can be hiked or driven through, both with the chance of encountering bighorn sheep, mule deer and more. thecliffhouse.com

Front Range ForaysQuality couple time is equal parts passion, privacy and new places.By ALI HARRISOn

mountain escapes

celebrity suites, including the buffalo bill suite (pictured left), are invidually decorated to honor famous guests of the past.


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Golden leaf innA stay in Estes Park may be just what’s needed to celebrate Rocky Mountain national Park’s (RMnP) centennial year. The newest addi-tion to local accommodations is the Golden Leaf Inn, an elegant B&B set in an original founding family home of Estes Park. The owner purchased this historic property and completely restored it to its original style, but with the essential amenities of a successful, modern B&B. Each of its four guest rooms has beautiful views of the Rockies, as well as high-quality linens and bedding that tempt guests to rest for days.

Tranquil common areas and three patios give couples the chance to explore at their lei-sure, watching for elk, deer and eagles. Guests cuddle up in the library, home theater and living room with a wood-burning fireplace. A full gourmet, organically sourced breakfast is served each morning. Innkeeper, Monica, makes delicious signature dishes including an Egg Omelet Roll with roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, an Artichoke Egg Souffle and warm scones served with sweet homemade marmalade and fresh lemon curd.

Couples can hike and snowshoe in RMnP—only a 10-minute drive from the B&B—before easing into the hot tub back

With views of Long’s peak to the south, golden Leaf inn is a cozy home away from home.

Our flowers make a really nice gift. Particularly for someone who’s been a little naughty.

1•800•825•6768 www.bouquets.org 303•333•5500

Extraordinary flowErs for ordinary lifE


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at Golden Leaf Inn. Even better, a short walk along Big Thompson River lands guests in Estes Park. The downtown area hosts Dancing Pines Distillery’s tasting room, which serves samples and cocktails involving their award-winning spirits, such as Chai Liqueur and Spiced Rum. A romantic rendezvous calls for an alluring dining atmosphere. Twin Owls Steakhouse is housed in a 1920s log cabin with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. By candlelight, diners enjoy live classical guitar music and Colorado-inspired dishes, such as Almond Crusted Venison Chops and Buffalo Ribeye (both created to commemorate RMnP’s 100-year anniversary. goldenleafinn.com

hiGhland haven Creekside innA half hour west of Denver, the quaint town of Evergreen boasts a winery, delicious dining, expansive hiking trails, art galleries, a picturesque lake and, most importantly, an award-winning bed and breakfast just off Main St. This charming property along Bear Creek is known for its romantic atmosphere, superb staff and homemade breakfast.

Highland Haven has walking paths and seating along the creek, surrounded by ever-greens. Couples who seek the ultimate offering should book the Treehouse Suite. Tucked on the far side of the property, this three-level, fairy tale cottage is the ultimate, secluded hideaway. Literally built into a towering tree, the Treehouse’s main level centers around an aspen king bed set under a glittering chan-delier. Guests can toast to a night away in the sitting area next to a warm fire. A climb to the top floor of the Treehouse lands couples in a windowed spa room with a gigantic, bubbling Jacuzzi.

Couples can walk to the seasonal farmers’ market, mere yards from Highland Haven, and then continue downtown to wine taste and shop lo-cal boutiques. Willow Creek Restau-rant receives top honors for its dining experience along Evergreen Lake. Their famous brunches include Caviar Omelets and intense Bloody Marys. For party-ready couples, Little Bear Saloon on Main St. is one of Colorado’s hidden gems; you can dance to live music on weekend nights. This speedy getaway is truly an experience couples cherish for a lifetime. highlandhaven.com DLm

Close enCounTersWhether couples’ cite parent-child separation anxiety or next-day com-mitments, some people can’t conveniently leave Denver overnight. check out these options for closer quality time.

PaTTerson hisToriC inn: originally built in 1891, this stately national Landmark property is set in the heart of capitol hill. With nine themed bedrooms, exquisite gardens and beauti-fully restored floors and accents, patterson inn’s elegant atmosphere and delicious breakfast is our pick. pattersoninn.com

The Queen anne Bed & BreakfasT: This eco-friendly b&b has 14 rooms and suites decorated by local art-ists and accented with organic cotton bedding, eco mattresses, Jason organics amenities and more. The b&b’s gardens supply fresh ingredients for the breakfasts, and happy hour is a daily highlight. queenannebnb.com

Briar rose Bed & BreakfasT: in the heart of downtown boulder, briar rose is a comfort-ing, amorous retreat within miles of renowned hiking trails. With 10 guest rooms, this b&b in-cludes an organic break-fast. briarrosebb.com

highland haven’s luxury suites, cottages and guest rooms in-clude king beds, Jacuzzis or hot tubs, fireplaces, flat-screen Tvs and warm, refined mountain decor.

feb2015 mountain escapes b&bs

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