Stepping into The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado, just outside of Vail, feels like entering a cozy alpine oasis. This year-round resort destination is tucked into the mountain up on a perch among the majestic Rocky Mountains, peering down to showcase the scenic beauty of the Vail Valley. The property, with rooms from around $1,000 during ski season and far less during shoulder seasons, looks – and feels – like something straight out of a sophisticated Swiss postcard, albeit with Colorado’s rugged Wild West spirit.
Photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch Strikes an Ideal Balance of Secluded, Social, and Spirited
The property just finished a multi-million dollar refresh in 2022 in honor of its 20th anniversary, encompassing a complete transformation of the rooms, dining outposts, and more, on-site.
We hope you love the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
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Dining and drinking at the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Photo courtesy Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The Ritz, as you’ll hear staff and regulars call it, is the kind of property you’d never have to leave if you don’t want to (and it sure is hard to leave, when it’s time to check out). There are more than a half dozen dining outlets on-site to try, ranging from world-class sushi to Michelin-recommended flavors, an adorable coffee shop and market space, and The Great Room, which is right off the lobby, and gives off those luxe Wild West mountain cabin vibes that Avon and adjacent Beaver Creek are known for. Here, I admired the snug feeling of the wood and leather furnishings, the three-story wood-burning fireplace, and the abundance of tasty drinks and appetizers that were served around me.
No guest should miss dining at WYLD, the property’s signature restaurant, which serves a sophisticated menu of dishes and craft cocktails—including steak, fish, and fresh garden fare, using the “bold cooking techniques” that have drawn critics and connoisseurs from around the world to this property. The menu focuses on showcasing seasonal flavors and sourcing as locally as possible which, during Colorado’s high-altitude growing season of summer and autumn, means a lot of veggies and meats sourced from along the I-70 corridor.
On-site amenities
Photo courtesy Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The ski-in, ski-out access in winter is unparalleled – the Bachelor Gulch Express high-speed quad chairlift is located in this property’s backyard, just steps from the lobby lounge area. The access to hiking and biking trails surrounding the property make it feel like an outdoor playground in every other season. There’s even a Ski Concierge service in the winter for guests to arrange rentals, boot fittings, ski storage, and anything else they need to get on the slopes.
In the summer, guests can access multiple tennis courts and golf courses. The resort is surrounded by several celebrated Vail Valley golf courses (and although I’m not a golfer, I’ve been told that during the warmer months, the hotel offers fabulous Beaver Creek golf packages). A year-round heated pool and multiple outdoor jacuzzis are next to the quaint patio area, dotted with an abundant number of heaters and a fire pit to gather around on a brisk evening.
There was a sort of backyard space right behind the property adjacent to the pool and Fireside Bar with lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, and archery. My dog loved exploring this outdoor space and meeting the other Fido friends spending time with their human families.
And even though it was August when I spent the night, I could feel the echoes of merriment in winter’s past, knowing the resort’s backyard space with its “Fireside Bar” dining area can be a very boisterous place to gather and relax after a day of snow sports.
Healing on-site wellness amenities at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa
Photo courtesy Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The 21,000-square-foot spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch feels like a comfy refuge tucked into the mountain. It’s on the third floor and boasts 19 different treatment rooms. Visitors can explore a range of signature treatments aimed at healing the soreness that can come from an active day of outdoor adventures like hiking or skiing. Each offering uses locally sourced herbs, plants, and minerals—even activated charcoal obtained from Colorado mines.
The spacious and clean fitness center is open 24 hours a day, with an inspiring view of the mountains. There’s a wide range of cardio machines and weights, so visitors will never have to worry about waiting on specific equipment. Guests can also sign up for one of the property’s personalized wellness programs, including personal training and group exercise classes like yoga and mat Pilates classes.
Guest rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch feel comfortable and welcoming, with traditional mountain lodge elements such as working stone fireplaces, plenty of mirrors that create a larger-feeling space, and sliding glass doors that may lead to a balcony with clean, fresh mountain air.
Guest room design aims to “bring the feeling of the earth indoors,” with touches like natural wooden tones and naturally inspired art that evokes the same sense of wonder you get from staring out onto a mountain landscape. The large, marble-accented bathroom features a separate shower area and an oversized soaking tub to soothe sore muscles after a day on the mountain. I spent the night in a standard king room that was dog-friendly (and bringing my pup added eons of joy to the experience I had at the hotel — but more on that later).
Special events
Every visit to this hotel will be a different experience due to the extensive programming that rotates depending on the season. During the holidays, a festive mood and activities like visits with Santa and s’mores add a touch of magic.
For example, from October 4 to 6 this year, photography fans can sign up for a special program led by acclaimed National Geographic nature photographer Jad Davenport. This annual Fall Photography Workshop goes beyond teaching basic photography skills and focuses on visual storytelling set against the backdrop of Colorado’s stunning fall foliage.
Getting around town
Photo: Kristi Blokhin /Shutterstock
Having a personal vehicle definitely makes it easier to get around this sprawling mountain village and Avon, the nearby town center, but for those who’d rather not drive, the public transportation is solid. Complimentary transportation to Beaver Creek Village is available through the Village Connect app and hotel staff can also assist guests in arranging private transportation to and from Denver International Airport or Eagle County Regional Airport or around the Vail Valley.
Overall ambiance
From my travels, I’ve learned that it’s the little details about the decor on-site and the welcoming attitude of the staff that make a visit to a hotel special, and the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch excels in this regard. I could tell how family-friendly the property was, too (even though I only brought my pup), seeing plenty of kiddos having the time of their lives exploring the complex and the adjacent trails.
From the ability to order a locally made microbrew at the bar, to the beauty of the enormous flower arrangement I encountered in the lobby on-site (it was seriously the largest, most boisterous collection of sunflowers I’ve ever seen—almost like there was a garden right inside the lobby), these little touches enhanced the experience.
Pet friendliness
I brought my dog with me on this trip—and after our first hour on-site it felt like each employee seemed to remember us (and even remembered my pup’s name). Pets are welcome here with a limit of two dogs per room for $150 per stay cleaning fee plus a $30 per night pet fee. And with the way my Shiba Inu fur baby sheds all over every room, I’m not surprised the hotel implements this cleaning fee.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulchl is a great place to stay if you’re seeking somewhere quiet and secluded—but still close to adventure. This hotel is just a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Vail, and a few minutes away from downtown Avon. Bus service is frequent and reliable throughout the valley.
I felt isolated enough that it was a very relaxing stay, but we were still close enough to the local mountain adventures (hiking trails beginning right out of the property’s “backyard”) that I wouldn’t have needed to leave the property if I didn’t want to. Whether you’re coming in summer, winter fall, or in the spring—it’s bound to be a luxurious and comfortable visit. 