Palatial Bauhaus-Style Hotel Surrounded by Four Mountain Peaks

A photograph seems to automatically transform into high art simply by capturing the Rocky Mountains. The peaks' hypnotic beauty wasn't lost on the designers of Aspen Meadows Resort: each junior suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, and each pane has a bordered edge that resembles that of a museum frame, centering the vast landscape outside like it's a living masterpiece. And the room's simple Bauhaus style helps to put the focus on the snowy peaks, and the loft-like layout seems to immerse the rooms in the open-air wilderness.

A vast entertainment center acts as the dividing line of each junior suite, giving the distinct feel that the space has two rooms, but the swiveling flat-screen TV still manages to face both the comfortable seating area and dining table as well as the beds. To extend the relaxation, guests can unwind in the steam room, hot tub, or outdoor pool open year round.

The hotel—located in Aspen’s historical west end—is less than a mile from the world-class shopping and dining in the city center, but there’s no need to travel far for great eats. Executive chef Todd Slossberg mans the kitchen of onsite restaurant Plato's, an upscale dining den that pairs panoramic views of the mountains with contemporary comfort cuisine crafted from local and regional ingredients, including some produce sourced from Plato’s very own backyard garden. After dinner, the Hefner Lounge presents a chic lounge atmosphere, serving wine from an extensive list of international flavors.

Aspen, Colorado: Winter Wonderland with Upscale Shopping and Dining

A few hours west of Denver reside the red-bricked buildings of Aspen’s historical downtown area, which barricades itself from the cares of the world thanks to a border of four world-famous mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Known internationally for having light, fresh powder, these mountains lay out mile of runs for skiing and snowboarding. Treasured winter pastimes beyond just those key sports include dogsled rides, ice-skating, and hunting snowmen for their buttons. Aside from the riches of the land, there's also a wealth of upscale retail in Aspen: fine-dining restaurants, boutique shopping, and galleries add a rarefied air to some areas, but friendly pubs and unpretentious quick-eat joints also populate the city.