Mother’s Day usually starts with being woken up an hour earlier than usual by a small human holding a plate of blackened toast while an unsliced apple rolls off the plate and into the bed. The opening act tends to be followed by the presentation of a craft project involving a staggering amount of half-dried glue and a staggering lack of putting the supplies away.
All of these loving gestures are appreciated year after year… because it really is the effort that counts (and tiny hands shining an apple is the sweetest).
But maybe, just maybe, Mother’s Day can be more than just an “A for effort”.
To adequately thank the one who keeps the backpacks packed, the boo-boos bandaged, and the house feeling like a home, gift the thing they truly need: some time to relax.
Luckily, Colorado has some of the best spas in the country, compiled in our Elevated List: Colorado spas edition, so you can give mom the gift that will get a gold star for effort and effect.
*All spas featured in this list are locally owned.
The Elevated List: Colorado’s Best Spas
The Dragontree Sanctuary: Boulder
Google Rating: 4.8
Founded by Briana and Peter Borten, Dragontree was designed after Briana survived a life-altering accident. The focus on meaningful recovery is evident in their Ayurvedic treatments and Shirodhara therapy. It’s a quiet environment where the "Sangha" or community room allows for a slow transition back to reality.
Photo Credit: Dragon Tree Sanctuary
Oakwell Beer Spa: Denver and Highlands Ranch
Google Rating: 4.9
Oakwell has replaced the traditional spa blueprint with something distinctly Colorado. You get a private suite with an infrared sauna and a cedar tub filled with a blend of hops and barley. It is a high-impact way to recover after a weekend on the trails, and the atmosphere feels like a modern retreat rather than a hushed boutique. And there’s a taproom at the front, so enjoy.
Photo Credit: Oakwell Beer Spa
Strata Spa at Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs
Google Rating: 4.7
Owned by Brenda Smith and Judith Mackey, Strata sits on a bluff overlooking some of the most famous rock formations in the country. It’s an integrated wellness center where the treatments are designed to combat the effects of the mountain elements.
Photo Credit: Strata Spa at Garden of the Gods
Sesen Skin Body Wellness: Denver
Google Rating: 4.9
Sesen operates with the kind of focus usually reserved for laboratories. The team here skips the generic steam-and-cream facials in favor of an integrative approach. They use 3D skin imaging to see exactly what is happening beneath the surface, then build treatments around functional nutrition and clinical aesthetics. It is the move for the mom who wants visible, data-driven results for her skin.
The Vibe: Precision. Scientific. Clear.
Photo Credit: Sesen Skin Body Wellness
Splendor Mountain Spa: Glenwood Springs
Google Rating: 4.9
Tucked away in the Yampa Valley, Splendor Mountain is a boutique specializing in therapeutic massage and "mountain-ready" skincare. The atmosphere is serene and stripped of the corporate polish found at the larger resorts, focusing instead on the quality of the hands-on work and the immediate relief of tension.
The Mother’s Day Effort That Gets an “A for Enjoyment”
Last year’s macaroni necklace and at-home spa where playdough doubled as face cream were great, but a cedar soak is so much better. It goes without saying that she deserves the latter. (And, a relaxed mom is more fun for everyone.) So, you’re welcome.
If you’re looking for a more permanent way to stay in your element, our Colorado real estate experts can help you find the “mother lode” of all listings.
Laurel Cisneros
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