Turns out, though, that Stacy had never seen snow in the mountains — or hairpin turns. So she was alternately concerned about sliding off the mountain as we drove up Colorado 72 and awed by the way the snow was sticking to the trees. (She kept making Cat pull off to take photos of big rocks.)
The spa itself was lovely and staffed by thoughtful and attentive aestheticians and masseuses. The brunch was a happy organic feast, with smoked salmon, quiche, fresh breads, chicken salad. You know, typical spa food, except that everything tastes better the higher the elevation. And the four private hot pools were a stress-reducing 104 degrees and looked right over the lake — almost like rustic infinity pools.
Gold Lake is normally pretty pricey for a weekend getaway, but the Day Retreat is a perfect escape: $144 for full access to the grounds (perfect in the summer with canoeing, hiking, hammocks, croquet, Bocce Ball, etc.), pools, brunch and a spa treatment.
Cat and Stacy were pretty blissed by the time they left for the drive back down the hill.