(BIG thanks to them and Visit Estes Park for comping our visit–the universe knew I would seriously lose my mind if I didn’t decompress very soon).

How I ended up in Estes Park is a whole other story. A while back I spotted an article about a Tablescape Competition happening in Estes Park, CO.

I know that Tatanisha, my “always up for an adventure” travel partner, rocks at the tablescapes so I dropped the link her way with an off hand “we should consider flying in for this.”

That led to us watching for tickets to Denver (We flew Spirit Airline round trip for $50–yes, this trip was a while ago) and planning a quick girlfriend getaway.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ELEMENTS OF TOUCH SPA

I have to say, a visit to Elements of Touch Spa & Resort is an absolute MUST.  I debated over their various packages and finally settled on the Glacier Meltdown package that includes:

• Elements collagen eye treatment
• hydrating hair treatment revitalizing scalp massage
• Full Body Massage ( approx. 90 min)
• Seated Foot Soak and Scrub
• Paraffin Hand Polish Dip and Wrap
• Exfoliating  Back Scrub

I spent two hours in complete BLISS. I may have walked in feeling like a train wreck, but after my treatments I left feeling more refreshed and relaxed then I had in months, maybe the entire year.

STAY AT ESTES RIVER RETREAT

If you want to spend the night or the weekend in Estes Park (highly recommend!), Elements of Touch can set you up. The Estes River Retreat is located upstairs from the spa and is your home away from home. 

Three bedrooms, one bath/shower, living room with fireplace, Galley kitchen, dining room, and two patio decks; one patio with BBQ.  They offer a variety of girlfriend getaway packages.

My favorite package, the Effortless Escape, includes the following:

• 2 nights accommodations at our Luxury Retreat
• Fabulous welcome platter of gourmet cheeses, wine, meats, fruit, crackers or breads.
• Robe & slippers.
• Our fabulous signature Wind and Mountain Package that includes a heavenly eyes, scalp & Hair restorative treatment, a lavish full body massage and a salt scrub on the back, 90 minutes of hands on care you need- or our Tension Tamer facial or $125 spa credit to use as you like
• NAMA-STAY IN BED BREAKFAST: this is what we are all about  delivered early in the AM ( don’t worry we dont wake you up or come upstairs) Includes freshly baked goods, fresh fruit, butters and jellies, juice, and organic coffee. (one breakfast per stay) Please let us know if you have food allergies- Gluten/ Lactose free foods available ($5 extra charge)

WAIT until you see the prices! Gather up three of your closest friends and make a reservation because it is worth every penny.

If you’d rather escape to Estes River Retreat with your significant other they offer packages for that as well. The Rest, Relax and Rejuvinate Retreat is the perfect romantic getaway.

• Start with a delicious gourmet platter of cheese, fruit, crackers and a bottle of wine on your arrival
• Enjoy a long lavish soak in an herbal bath to prepare your body for detox and healing.  Then put on a robe and slippers and drift downstairs to the Spa to enjoy our popular Wind & Mountain Treatment.
• Side by side, by candlelight in our couples room you both will enjoy a full body massage, facial and back salt scrub.
• Early the next morning wake up to fresh locally baked goods, fresh fruit, organic coffee and juice delivered to your door.
• Early check in and late check out are avialable, season permitting.
• Two-nights stay

Again, the prices are so reasonable you are going to find it hard to say no.

Regardless of what takes you to Estes Park, be it a tablescape competition or hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll be so glad you booked a visit to Elements of Touch Spa.

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We all know that anywhere you go in Colorado is going to give you breathtaking views because of the stunning scenery.

Estes Park is no different.

While you’re in the area be sure to swing by Garden of the Gods, you won’t regret it.

Here are 5 reasons to choose Estes Park as your next girls getaway destination

Tablescape Competition

Come support the Estes Park Museum by admiring the amazing tablescapes set up for the competition held in October.

Numerous tablescapes adorned with everything from books to fine china are on display.

I picked up so many great table decorating tips and left ready to rush home and start planning and strategizing my next perfect tablescape.

This is a small, yet charming competition for those who love all things home decor and entertainment.

Elements of Touch Spa & Resort

What is a girls weekend without a trip to the spa? Elements of Touch Spa & Resort is an absolute MUST.

You can get whatever your body needs for relaxation, from massages to pilates classes to body treatments.

This place has it all. They even have a girlfriends package! Even the room decor and the outside views promote relaxation. You’ll never want to leave.  I love my visit to Elements of Touch Spa so much that I wrote about it here.

Boutique Shopping

Downtown Estes Park offers a wide array of charming shops and boutiques, all of which are independently owned. Shopping in Estes Park is an experience in itself.

While surrounded by the incredible Colorado views, you’ll likely spot an elk strolling the streets. You’ll see local artists set up all over, inspired by the beauty of this place.

You’ll find within each of these shops items that are from all over the world and from right here in the village.

Glasswork, jewelry, antiques, art collections, signature sweets, books, and of course souvenirs are just a few of the many treasures you’ll find in downtown.

Great Hiking

Since Estes Park is the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, there is unlimited hiking and outdoor recreational activities.

You can head off on a nice and easy hike around crystal clear mountain lakes, or you can go a little crazy and climb to the top of a waterfall.

The highest visitor’s center in the entire National Park System is located here atop Trail Ridge Road. Campsites are available if you’re up for that kind of adventure.

And whether you’re looking for it or not, you’ll find wildlife in plenty.

Stanley Hotel Night Spirit Tour

Take a walk on the dark side and tour the 100+-year-old Stanley Hotel which is famous for being Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining.

This particular tour is only offered at night, will take you where the regular guests don’t go, in search of active phenomena and spirit folklore. You know I loved this tour!

Bonus

The YMCA of the Rockies is definitely worth mentioning. It offers many recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.

The more adventurous activities offered include whitewater rafting, hiking, and a high ropes course.

Don’t forget one of Colorado’s main attractions, snowboarding and skiing on some of the best peaks in the country. Make sure to grab the best freeride board because Colorado mountains are full of terrain parks.

You could scale it back a little and visit the craft center, go for a swim, or enjoy a round of disc golf. A yoga class surrounded by the Rockies? I’m in.

Where to Stay in Estes Park

Rams Horn Village Resort

If you want to get even closer to the mountains, the Rams Horn Village Resort is located right near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

It includes 46 beautiful cabins scattered around its over seven acres of landscaped grounds. Besides amazing views, you’ll enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, and a fitness center.

We stayed in a tw0 bedroom cabin and adored it. An upstairs balcony bedroom and the main floor bedroom meant that we each had our own bedroom and bathroom.

It was spacious and a lovely place to stay.

Estes River Retreat

This retreat center is perfectly located only 2 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. The Big Thompson River is literally only 30 feet away.

Oh, and the incredible Elements of Touch spa is right under the same roof! Beautiful, rustic decor, a full kitchen, rooms to comfortably fit 6, and super affordable packages make this ideal for a girls getaway.

Where to Eat In Estes Park

Ed’s Cantina

Find some delicious Mexican fare here. They also offer extensive gluten-free and vegan menus. The murals inside are pretty awesome as well. This is Mexican food done right and is delicious.

Bird & Jim

It’s definitely worth visiting this new place in town. Its modern mountain dining is so very good, not to mention the welcoming and comfortable decor.

This was my favorite place to eat in Estes Park. I would go back just for this butternut squash soup…simply divine!

Gather all your girlfriends because Estes Park is calling your name!

It’ll be a girls getaway to remember.

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