Escaping to Telluride for a family weekend away was the perfect way to shed stress from a wild ride of a year. My family of three headed southwest and awed at the rugged, majestic peaks of the San Juan mountains. By the time we hit high altitude (10,540 feet), we were in high spirits and ready to head into a few days of “us time.”
We pulled up to Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection and valeted the car with an Adventure Guide, a member of an energetic team of local Telluride concierges who are happy to relay anything you might want to know about the area. Entering the lobby that’s both striking and playful, the ambiance envelopes guests in an amalgam of wood, stone, metal, fur, and textured velvet. Miami-based interior design team Rose Ink Workshop led the resort’s recent remastering, constructing a chic yet approachable blend of rustic chalet vibes meets modern sophistication and elegance.
First Impressions
The choice of complimentary beverages upon check-in (beer on tap for my husband, a glass of bubbly for myself, and Fuji water for my daughter) set the tone just right. The retail boutique near the front desk is in collaboration with Sacred Thistle out of Denver, showcases handcrafted home goods and unique earthy treasures. Ward off any ill altitude issues with a quick stop at the hydration bar to sip on three water choices: crystal, charcoal, or chlorophyll.
What to Expect
Nestled in the heart of Mountain Village, you may not find it necessary to leave the premises. (We didn’t.) With ample amenities at your fingertips like a mountain view pool with two hot tubs, gym, decadent spa treatments, and a kids club with an abundance of games and art supplies, it was hard to muster a reason to part. There are two on-site restaurants, Timber Room and Black Iron Kitchen + Bar, and the polished staff is exactly what you’d imagine from a luxurious resort. Pop in for daily movement classes each morning and experience the ceremonial Après Alphorn serenade mid-afternoon, signaling it’s time to gather and rejuvenate with friends and family.
Summer evenings offer open-air movie showings under the stars and campfires galore, perfect for the roasting marshmallows from the hotel’s s’mores kits. But if you must pull yourself away, head to the gondola for a free (and fun!) lift into town. Once a prosperous mining location, Telluride’s downtown is box canyon lined with Victorian homes, quaint shops, and delicious eateries.
Where to Dine
This ski-in/ski-out mountain retreat features a new social space called Timber Room, a vibrant après ski bar and lounge. The “come as you are” atmosphere is both inviting and welcoming. Among the list of creative cocktails includes Eve in Eden, which is presented with a striking bubble of trapped smoke. Next door is the Black Iron Kitchen + Bar where Chef Greenwood’s culinary offerings in the fully transformed menu include a hearty blend of modern mountain cuisine inspired by what’s in season on the Western Slope. Whether you’re in the Timber Room or Black Iron, you’ll relish the indoor-outdoor vibe and lavish fire pits.
Where to Stay
The Madeline is surrounded on three sides by the dramatic 14,000-foot mountaintops and the 84-room and 71-residence hotel beautifully fuses Auberge’s characteristic flair for heightened experiences with local flavor. Pet-friendly, high-end accommodations run the gamut from standard rooms to four-bedroom residences complete with multiple bathrooms, in-room laundry, full kitchens, gas fireplaces, living rooms, and more—all equipped with plush linens and deep soaking tubs. We felt well taken care of and thoroughly enjoyed watching the sunset each evening from the balcony.
What to Do
Adventure seekers can get their fix of adrenaline-pumping activates from cycling through the terrain to a helicopter tour of the San Sophia ridgeline to a private backcountry ride on horseback. Hiking trails are just steps outside out the hotel’s front door or utilize the gondola for a head start. Paddleboard on nearby alpine lakes or partake in restorative wellness experiences like mindfulness sessions or classes with visiting masters at the hotel. Guided activities and lessons are offered for guests of all ages and levels. Finishing remastering touches wrap up at the end of mud season, the last week of May.
