A vacation getaway for the whole family is closer than you might think—and no plane tickets required. Since opening its doors in 2018, Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center has become the staycation destination for the Front Range. There is something for everyone who walks through the revolving doors into the lodge-inspired lobby of Gaylord Rockies. With so much to offer leisure travelers, Gaylord Rockies is making sure its staycation crown stays right where it is with its plans for the future.
The sheer size of Gaylord Rockies is indicative of the multitude of activities and surprises that await at this resort, like no other in Colorado. Located near Denver International Airport, the sprawling property has much to offer every guest.
Summertime is always a popular time for families to get away and take a vacation, but it doesn’t have to be summertime for the family to get pool time in. The heated outdoor pools are open year-round, much to the delight of every child who comes to the resort. There are waterslides, a lazy river, whirlpools, and hot tubs, so everyone can play or relax, even when the weather is acting like, well, Colorado weather.
The award-winning spa, Relâche, is the perfect way to achieve full body relaxation. Using the latest cutting-edge technologies in skincare, like the Hydrafacial, as well as a variety of massages and other treatments, there is no better way to relax and be pampered. Combined with a stroll through the botanical gardens creates the perfect relaxation experience.
No resort experience is complete without talking about the delectable and mouth watering cuisine. Gaylord Rockies doesn’t just have unique culinary experiences the whole family can enjoy, but with the addition of pastry chef, Brielle Fratellone, the desserts are an experience in themselves.
When Chef Fratellone first came to Gaylord Rockies, she had a vision to make the pastry department a memorable experience. With a pastry kitchen reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory (chocolate waterfall and all), every tasty morsel created in the kitchen is made with incredible precision and expertise.
In the Rockies Marketplace, the front table is adorned with offerings from Chef Fratellone’s pastry kitchen. Above the world-famous Gaylord Rockies bonbons and the splits of wine perfectly paired with unique chocolate concoctions made in-house is an exquisite sculpture, which changes seasonally. Made entirely from chocolate, the attention to detail is absolutely stunning.
Chef Fratellone’s first large purchase request when she began working at Gaylord Rockies was a chocolate tempering machine, aka chocolate waterfall, which enables her and her dedicated team to make not only the desserts and pastries for every restaurant and occasion on-premises, but incredible chocolate decorations. The time that goes into each delectable bite is impressive. “We’re not a quickfire challenge kitchen,” says Chef Fratellone. Everything takes hours, if not days to make, ensuring guests get only the most delectable treats around.
“Pastry is a science in itself,” says Chef Fratellone, which is entirely evident in her kitchen. She describes the kitchen as a “learning kitchen” with her team constantly learning new techniques and mastering the art of pastry. With high-tech tools, in combination with her team's passion for all things pastry and dessert, their expertise in the science of pastry turns everything they make into edible magic. From croissants with dough and butter meticulously layered through the sheeter, to the bonbons filled with flavors ranging from a smoky mezcal pastry cream to Palisade Peach, everything coming out of Fratellone’s kitchen is exquisite.
The most wonderful time of year for Gaylord Rockies is right around the corner. Every year the Holiday Spectacular comes to the resort, leaving all who see it in absolute awe. This year, more than 6,000 massive ice blocks are going to be carved into scenes from the beloved holiday classic movie, “A Christmas Story”. ICE! is just one part of the holiday fun at Gaylord Rockies. The line-up of events and activities happening at the resort this holiday season is even longer than Santa’s naughty list.
Looking beyond the holidays is where things get really exciting at the resort. Currently under construction is an irresistibly alluring wedding venue and new restaurant concepts, including Garden and Grain, bringing a local and health-conscious focus with dishes for every kind of diet, including vegan and gluten-free.
The perfect ending to every day at Gaylord Rockies, no matter how you spend the day, is watching the beauty of Colorado in full force, as the sun sets over the Rocky Mountains. With the expansive view, Gaylord Rockies is the perfect place to get away and still experience and appreciate all of what our breathtaking state has to offer.
"With so much to offer leisure travelers, Gaylord Rockies is making sure its staycation crown stays right where it is with its plans for the future."
