In Colorado Springs, the idea of wellness has long been rooted in aspiration rather than necessity. Since the late 19th century, visitors have traveled west in search of clean air, sunshine, and restorative landscapes. The region has historically drawn those seeking not just to recover, but to thrive. It is a city shaped by intention, where health has historically been something people pursued proactively, drawn by the promise of vitality found in both climate and terrain.
That legacy is inseparable from the land itself.
Few places embody this connection more fully than Garden of the Gods, where towering red rock formations and sweeping vistas have long been regarded as both geologically extraordinary and spiritually grounding. For generations, the area has been known as a place of energy and reflection, with deep significance to the Ute people. The setting inspires; it also invites stillness, perspective and connection.
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Perched above this landscape, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has evolved alongside the city’s wellness identity. Originally envisioned in the mid-20th century by the Hill family, the property opened in 1951 as an exclusive, invitation-only club catering to a highly select membership. It quickly became a gathering place for prominent figures across industries from entertainment to politics, reflecting both prestige and privacy.
Ownership shifted in 2007, marking a transitional period for the property. Its most defining modern chapter began in 2013, when local business leaders Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey acquired the resort. Longtime members themselves, they saw not just a business opportunity, but a responsibility to return the property to local stewardship and reimagine its role within the community.
Preservation + Evolution
“When we stepped in, the bones were strong,” stated Mackey, “but it needed care, vision and reinvestment.”
The early years focused heavily on renovations, beginning with guest rooms and expanding into residential and shared spaces. Their approach balanced preservation with evolution: honoring the original architecture, built with locally quarried stone, while introducing a distinctly Colorado contemporary aesthetic. Metal roofs with natural patina echo the sky above, while interior palettes mirror the reds, blues and earth tones visible just beyond the windows.
Design, for Mackey in particular, became a personal expression. Though her early interest in interior design once took a backseat to a career in healthcare consulting, it now informs every detail, from the layered textures of the Grand View dining room to the carefully curated artwork throughout the property. Each space was reimagined with intention; familiar enough to honor longtime members, yet refreshed to welcome a broader, more diverse community.
That sense of expansion marks one of the most significant philosophical shifts under Smith and Mackey’s leadership. What was once a private enclave has gradually opened its doors. Families, younger members, and the wider Colorado Springs community are now part of the experience. Public access to dining, wellness services and event spaces reflects a deliberate move toward inclusivity, while still preserving the club’s sense of identity.
Strata Wellness
Central to this transformation is the integration of Strata Wellness, which represents the owners’ broader vision—a model of proactive, holistic health. Drawing from both Eastern and Western practices, Strata blends medical care, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness into a unified approach.
It wasn’t an overnight success. Early on, the concept, particularly as a private-pay model, required patience and education. But over time, engagement grew, beginning internally with employees and expanding outward.
The results were tangible. Improved employee health, fewer emergency visits and a growing acceptance of integrative care validated the concept. Today, Strata has expanded its reach, working with major insurers and extending its footprint beyond the resort itself. Yet, the mission remains consistent: to meet people where they are and guide them toward a more connected sense of well-being—physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Honoring Members
Through these changes, one priority has remained constant: the members. From the outset, Smith and Mackey recognized that trust would be earned over time.
“Our members are pivotal to this space… we’ve always respected and honored them in every decision, so it still feels like their club,” Smith states.
Renovations were handled with care, even construction zones were thoughtfully designed to minimize disruption. There’s a story still shared among members about a temporarily closed-off space rumored to be the owners’ private office, an idea that, while untrue, became part of the club’s evolving folklore.
Community, in every sense, is now at the heart of the resort’s identity. Events are curated not just for entertainment, but for connection. Spaces are designed to feel both elevated and welcoming. The goal is simple but ambitious: to create a place where people feel known, where they return not out of habit, but because it feels like their space.
On the Right Path
As the resort marks its 75th anniversary, it stands as more than a luxury destination. It is a reflection of Colorado Springs itself. The history, the landscape, and its enduring relationship with wellness. Smith and Mackey describe themselves not as owners, but as stewards. During early renovations, they discovered archival materials from the original founders—documents that, in many ways, mirrored their own vision. It was, they’ve said, a quiet affirmation that they were on the right path.
Looking ahead, their focus remains forward-thinking yet grounded.
“We still feel so blessed to own the property; it is a community within a community,” Smith says.
They speak of the next 75 years not in terms of expansion alone, but of deepening impact for members, guests, employees and the broader community. The land, they believe, already holds the essence of what makes the place special. Their role is simply to honor it, nurture it, and invite others to experience it.
In a city built on the pursuit of well-being, the resort continues to serve as both anchor and evolution. It is a place where history, health and human connection converge.
Address + Phone: 3320 Mesa Rd | 719-632-5541
Website: https://www.gardenofthegodsresort.com/
Facebook: @GardenoftheGodsResortandClub
Instagram: @GGResortAndClub