Living in Ski Country Colorado we log a good number of ski days per year, they are all great, but some are more memorable than others. Even in these crazy times of Covid, wanderlust is real and the urge to travel must be fulfilled. Thankfully, Aspen, CO. is only a beautiful 4 1/2 hour drive from our residence in Telluride, CO. Aspen is different then any other USA ski town, the luxury aesthetic mixed with rugged mountains reminds me of favorite 5-star resorts I’ve visited overseas ~ specifically St. Moritz & Courchevel.
Europe is way too tricky to book during these unpredictable times, thankfully Aspen is accessible and opening the doors to guests. First choice accomodations (and pet friendly) is always a stay at The Little Nell. This Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel is perched right at the edge of snowy ski slopes and always welcomes us with open arms. I feel like a queen from the moment we book our visit and throughout our entire stay, The Nell always hits that five-star mark.
The Little Nell approaches everything they touch with style and grace…making every effort to provide the ultimate getaway while ensuring Covid safety protocols. They find very creative ways to keep the true Nell experience over-the-top while staying within New Normal guidelines. A few stand out experiences were the regularly refilled in-room goodie bags with treats galore, the Aprés Ski bar cart (listen for the jingle bells outside your door) and the Veuve Cliquot In the Snow backpack with all the works to safely enjoy cheese, charcuterie & Champagne in the great outdoors.
If you have a pet then you know that bringing your pooch along can add so much fun & an extra dimension to a vacation. Before we hit the road I had set up a contest for my four dogs. Whomever behaved the best over the course of a month was to be awarded with a luxurious trip to Aspen! We kept a calendar filled with gold stars and indiscretions. The overall winner was our new rescue Pippin. She proved over the course of a month that she was worthy of mountain girl status, her home just a few months before was in Charleston, South Carolina. While at The Nell, Pippin was spoiled with chef made treats, a beautiful doggie bed and plentiful walks by handsome bell staff. She felt very welcome!
A few experiences on the horizon after our trip were the opening of the brand new Wine Bar, The Krug Lounge and for private events, the well hidden speakeasy The Board Room. With The Nell’s award winning food & wine no matter which venue you experience, mouthwatering adventures await. We always enjoy a hearty pre-ski, In-Room Dining breakfast, there’s nothing more luxurious and delicious then this. I look forward to the House Cured Smoked Salmon throughout the year, it’s such a treat and protein packed for a busy day on skis. For evening elegance and the finest dining, we love to get dressed up and stay in the cozy comfort of the hotel. We look forward to cocktails in the Living Room, dinner at Element 47 and a sultry visit to the Wine Cellar. The Nell’s wine program is taken very seriously, 20,000+ wines are in their collection from the best most renowned names in the biz.
Always a morning and Aprés Ski favorite (add a little liquor to the Aprés version) is the Nell’s Signature Hot Chocolate. Watch my video where I share the coveted recipe….yes you can recreate it in the comfort of your own home!
When in Aspen, always leave a lot of extra time for shopping. The Little Nell has has a not to missed boutique conveniently located near check-in. The Boutique is an expertly curated selection of wearables, jewelry, artwork and housewares. I found my way to Dior and purchased a long coveted saddle bag and a few other goodies. There are tasteful adventures around every corner in Aspen, until next time!
