Christmas at the Ritz
by Logan Johnson | December 27, 2021
This holiday season, we were originally going to head to the sunny beaches of Cancun for a Christmas spent in paradise. After plans changed, we found ourselves heading to the snowy mountains for a trip of a lifetime at The Ritz-Carlton in Beaver Creek, CO.
Colorado was hit with a strong winter storm on Christmas Eve, bringing at least two feet of snow to the earth and bringing the most dreamy winter wonderland. If you are driving in the snow in Colorado, be sure to have the proper snow tires, 4-wheeled drive vehicle, and extra supplies in your trunk, including: blanket, flashlight, healthy snacks, small snow shovel, portable chargers, and water. You always want to be prepared for the worst when the weather is so unpredictable.
The Ritz-Carlton in Beaver Creek is set up on a hill, overlooking the valley and tucked away in it’s own hiding place. When you walk into the lobby, you are welcomed with smiling faces and helpful service as you check into your room. The fireplace brings a cozy, warm feeling that makes you feel right at home. The wood beams and leather furniture welcome you to sit back, relax, and just take in all that the Ritz has to offer.
Guest Room
The room we stayed in had two queen beds, a full closet that included hangers and robes, a full size marble bathroom with an oversized soaking tub, a walk out balcony overlooking the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Beaver Creek, gourmet in-room coffee and tea bar, and it was decorated with the most elegant looking wood furnishings. The room had “cozy and warm”, written all over it. It felt like we were staying at the most elegant cabin in a winter wonderland, set with little macaroons and water bottles when we walked in. The sheets were so soft and the bed was so comfy, we had “sweet dreams without care” on Christmas Eve.
Food & Drink
There are multiple restaurants in the resort and some small cafe options for the mornings you need to grab something quick before heading to the slopes. We can’t say enough about the food. We were treated to the most immaculate, delicious, and beautiful dinner at the Japanese sushi restaurant Sakaba, located in the resort. We sat out on the patio where we could see the fallen snow sticking to branches of Aspen and Pine trees surrounding us. The above-head heaters made the temperature just perfect for enjoying a meal outside in the beautiful atmosphere. The cocktails were scrumptious, the Wagyu was mouth-watering, the assortment of raw, fresh fish was so delicious, and the desserts were light and airy, helping us finish off our meal feeling just perfect. When you go, do not forget to look on the menu for the Toro Caviar, a sushi roll that comes in six pieces with flakes of 14k gold and, if you are brave to try it, you’ll walk out of the restaurant worth more than when you walked in.
Amenities & Activities
The Ritz-Carlton is fully-equipped for your next mountain adventure, including a luxury spa, fun game room (who remembers Skee-Ball), hot tubs that stay open until 10:00 pm with complimentary towels, and, the best yet, Bachelor’s Gulch ski lift is right at the base of the resort.
Everyone during the day is walking around the resort decked out in their ski or snowboard gear, getting ready to hit the slopes. Out on the patio behind the resort, there are plenty of comfy benches, tables and chairs, and a full bar to sit at and relax while watching people hit runs down the slopes. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a winter wonderland movie.
We left the Ritz-Carlton feeling inspired, refreshed, and definitely in the holiday spirit. Something about being in a luxury, beautiful rustic resort in the middle of snowy mountains will do that to you.