“Please remove your belt and shoes.”
“You’ve been randomly selected for a bag search.”
“Your flight is delayed.”
If those phrases make your eye twitch, you’re not alone. These are the hallmarks of modern travel—a series of mildly traumatizing events sandwiched between moments of actual vacation. This year, my wife, Sarah, and I did something revolutionary: we skipped the airport altogether.
Instead, we drove a whopping fifteen minutes to the Omni Interlocken Resort—and discovered that luxury doesn’t require a boarding pass.
Our itinerary included a two-night stay in a luxury suite, dining at Shep’s and The Camper, ample poolside leisure time, and a comprehensive spa package featuring an infrared sauna and a 100-minute massage. Our goal was relaxation, but for those seeking a more active getaway, we encourage you to consider booking a tee time for 18 holes of world-class golf or a tour with Colorado Wilderness Guides and Rides.
A Warm Welcome and Zero Jet Lag
We had barely finished waving goodbye to our daughters (left in the loving care of friends—thank you, Kristen and Rob) when we were greeted at the Omni Interlocken Resort by staff who were not only expecting us but seemed genuinely happy to see us. The kind of five-star attentiveness where you feel less like a guest and more like a VIP member of a calm, very well-run club.
Our suite? A serene, spacious haven with a majestic view of the Flatirons and—what’s that? Silence? No slime on the counters? No “Mom, she took my stuffie!” Just peace, comfort, and relaxation. We exhaled.
Dinner with a Local Legend
That evening, we dined at Shep’s, named after a Broomfield icon.
Shep was a beloved dog and faithful companion who greeted travelers and tollbooth workers on the Boulder Turnpike for 14 years starting in 1950. Shep’s unwavering loyalty and friendly demeanor made him a cherished part of the turnpike.
“Shep’s pays homage to a four-legged legend,” said Gerry McFarland, Director of Sales & Marketing at the resort. “A local author wrote a book about him, Shep the Turnpike Dog, a few years ago.” After talking with her, we just had to name the restaurant after Shep.”
An international hotel brand embracing a slice of Broomfield history? That’s the kind of local flavor we can get behind.
Speaking of flavor, the Bison Birria Tacos were so good that we ordered them again the next day by the pool. To drink, our server suggested the Mountain Mule—Tito’s Vodka, real apple, lime, and Owen’s Ginger Beer—which Sarah declared “dangerously refreshing.”
For the main course, I enjoyed the Potato-Crusted Salmon, while Sarah had the Dry-Aged Bone-In Strip Steak. We both agreed that the menu includes a nice balance of options for people with a variety of tastes. From soup and salad to sandwiches, pizza, and entrees, there's something here for everyone.
As dinner came to a close and we paid our tab, the only regret I had was not leaving room to try the S’mores Pop Tart.
The next morning, I hit the gym—clean, modern, and stocked with all the gear I needed to convince myself I’d earned breakfast. Meanwhile, Sarah stayed in bed and enjoyed the rarest luxury of all: uninterrupted morning coffee.
Breakfast at The Camper
This was just what I needed to refuel and get ready for the pool. The Camper ambiance blends an upscale vibe with a classic, old-school feel. There are deer heads on the wall, but they look more like they came from an art gallery than a hunting camp. Decorated with vintage rafting decor, Stanley thermoses, backpacks, and a slew of other knick-knacks, you can almost smell the campfire.
The delicious aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air. And the bacon is something to write home about. We opted for a traditional breakfast of bacon, eggs, fruit, and toast, and it was delicious. We all know that the quality of service can make or break a dining experience, and from the moment we walked in to the time we left, we felt welcomed. It was like being at Grandma’s house for breakfast.
Poolside Bliss
Sitting by the pool on a warm spring day was really where the “vacation-feel” hit home.
“Poolside paradise meant a handcrafted cocktail in one hand, a page-turner in the other, and not a single interruption—until the Bison Birria Tacos arrived for lunch, delivered with a smile. That’s the kind of disruption I’ll take any day,” smiled Sarah, as she reminisced on the experience.
By this time, the cares and concerns of daily life felt like a distant memory, and we still had a session at Mokara Spa to look forward to.
Mokara Spa: The Grand Finale
That afternoon, we slipped into a state of complete Zen at Mokara Spa.
While there are many benefits to an infrared sauna, relaxation was at the top of our list. The effects of the penetrating infrared light and the intense yet soothing heat were the perfect combination to set the tone for a full-body massage. After 15 minutes in the sauna, we were greeted by our massage therapists, who guided us to a private room and walked us through a few simple questions to create a personalized experience. Enhancements included aroma therapy, CBD treatment, pain relief, and more.
“Mokara means ‘free’ in Marathi,” Gerry had told us earlier. “And that’s really what we want people to feel here—unrestrained, unwound, and totally relaxed.”
Mission accomplished. We finished our spa experience sipping champagne in plush robes, already scheming about when we could come back.
Omni Interlocken: Broomfield’s Best-Kept Secret (Until Now)
For those who prefer action to relaxation, the Omni offers world-class golf, fitness classes with Rocky Mountain Sports Club, and guided outdoor adventures through Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides.
“This place has been reimagined,” said Gerry. “We’re so much more than just this big hotel off of 36. We want to be top-of-mind for Broomfielders looking for an escape—whether it’s Sunday brunch, golf, a wedding, a business retreat, an outdoor adventure, or just a much-needed staycation.”
Escape is exactly what we found. No TSA lines. No sketchy and awkward rideshare experiences. Just luxury, comfort, and convenience with a distinct local twist. It was everything we needed—and then some.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. Although next time, we may consider hiring a car service. Because when you’re fifteen minutes from paradise, why not arrive in style?