Forty-five minutes from Boulder nestled in the mountains near Ward is the Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa. This resort offers a truly blissful mountain escape from your everyday routine. No need to drive to Vail or Aspen for a romantic getaway or a fabulous “girls’ weekend” when a beautiful drive up Left Hand Canyon yields a truly decadent spot.

I have ridden my bike to Ward many times, but it was a new experience to be in a car driving up the canyon. Similar to the ride, the drive is gorgeous, but this time it was different. There was a positive anticipation in the air of my upcoming spa treatment, dining experience, and the opportunity to be free of my computer and cell phone. These items are discouraged at Gold Lake (not to worry—if you must log on they do have a computer available to guests). Personally, I was thrilled with the idea of knowing that no one could reach me! I was about to experience something I did not even know I needed.

As I took the first right after Ward onto the dirt road toward my Nirvana, I was immediately plunged into the forest and reality was instantly left behind. As the three-mile dirt road drive slowly brought me to my final destination, I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed at the sight of Gold Lake itself majestically sitting there and greeting my arrival. I knew I was about to be treated to more than I had anticipated.

At first glance, the cabins and main lodge at Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa are rustic and simple, yet romantic, warm, and inviting. I walked from my car to the lodge. It was one of those fabulous Colorado weather days with uninterrupted blue sky, about 80 degrees on the Front Range, a pleasant 75 up in Ward. I noticed hammocks near the lake, a large wooden swing dangling from a large tree, and several clusters of wood chairs huddling around various fire pits.

The front desk staff was genuinely kind. They all wanted to help maximize my visit—whatever that entailed: spa treatment, horseback riding, trails map, dinner reservations, or simply to tell me which swing had the best view. Slowly, I strolled to the cabin that would be my residence for the night, and I was overtaken with its elegant simplicity. A small wood-burning stove flickered in the corner of the living room. The bed was dressed with an over-stuffed comforter and several fluffy pillows that invited plunging directly on top. This mini-log cabin contained exposed beams and a wonderful woodsy scent. As I entered the large bathroom I noticed the beautiful tile and wood accents. I felt wrapped in comfort—Gold Lake Mountain Resort was beginning to place its tranquil trance upon me.

It was soon time for my Fire and Ice Massage at the spa. I took a beautiful path by the lake from my cabin to the spa. I simply could not help but walk slowly and speak softly in this environment.

The spa itself enjoys an amazing view of Gold Lake. My previous massage experience has been limited to deep tissue and specific body work so I decided to treat myself to something different. The spa at Gold Lake offers an assortment of relaxation and rejuvenation opportunities: Swedish and deep tissue massage, Ancient Healing Arts Massage, Energy-Based Bodywork, and the Gold Lake Mountain“signature treatments” that include Spirit (hot) Stones, Fire and Ice (hot and cold stones), Sole Revival (herbal foot scrub), Heart and Soul Couple’s Massage, and the Goddess Garden Body Drench using the Goddess Garden organic skin care line. This summer they will be adding a new Gemstone Facial that utilizes Anchi master crystals, which sounds truly decadent. (For more details about these rejuvenating treatments, please visit the Web site at www.goldlake.com.)

Following my incredibly relaxing yet revitalizing massage, I enjoyed the sunset from a swing by the lake, a glass of wine in hand. Truly peaceful. I pinched myself to remind me that this was reality. The sunset was followed by a delicious three-course meal prepared by executive chef, Ted Mathesius, who focuses on a mostly local and organic menu, and creates a tasty, elegant dining experience. The dining room is romantically rustic and highlighted by a large fireplace that was consistently maintained throughout the meal. As I enjoyed my freshly baked organic bread, I began to speak with the couple next to me and discovered they were visiting from Lakewood to see about having their upcoming wedding on-site at Gold Lake Resort. What a perfect destination wedding location!

No trip to Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa is complete without a soak in one of the natural hot pools strategically located above the lake, with phenomenal views of the Continental Divide and Gold Lake itself. As I silently soaked in one of the pools beneath a star-filled sky and almost-full moon, I simply could not believe that this was my life at that moment. The only sound was an occasional breeze and the lullaby of nighttime critters. Needless to say, I slept well that night after drifting to the sound of ocean waves on the bedside sound machine.

Before departing the next morning, I had to experience a hike around the lake—again, pure bliss. The sun had just risen and the lake was glistening with brilliant flecks of yellow. Bunnies were scurrying about, and, again, the only sound was the breeze blowing through the trees. I found the ice skating pond and an abundant number of different trails. Not ready to leave the lake’s beauty, I paused at a vantage point to stretch and enjoy my final tranquil moments.

I drove back to Boulder later that morning, maintaining a speed consistently five miles under the speed limit. My brief time spent at Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa was simple yet incredibly indulgent and left me with such an amazing spirit of bliss. I truly did not expect to experience such a wonderful gift this close to home, or one that would feed my soul so richly. From romantic getaway to a girls’ (or guys’) weekend, wedding, or business meeting, Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa is too close not to enjoy, and yet it takes you so far.