- Ascot Luxury Travel Agents (07) 3849 5268
Cancun – Aspen – Steamboat – Park City
Lilly had quite an adventure early this year, managing to squeeze her annual getaway right at the last minute before Corona took over the world.
I was stoked when I learned my cousin was going to get married and decided to have the wedding in Cancun. My first time in Cancun was 10 years ago for Spring Break and I fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the incredible flavours. This time my family and I stayed at the Hotel Riu Cancun, five stars all-inclusive situated in the heart of one of Cancun’s most popular areas for tourists, in a prime location looking over a white sandy beach with turquoise water. The following three days were filled with family time, Fajitas, and Mojitos – just the perfect little beach escape before heading to the slopes in Aspen!
With a mix of nostalgia and excitement, I left the sunny Cancun behind heading to Colorado to one of the world-famous ski destinations, Aspen and Snowmass. The week ahead was all about Après, snowboarding, and exploring all that the location had to offer. When I am on holiday I always take the opportunity to explore what the location has to offer so that I can make sure I can give some great tips to my clients. In 8 days I inspected 27 hotels and tried a few restaurants – what wouldn’t I do for my clients!
What I loved about Aspen and Snowmass:
- There are 4 mountains on 1 lift ticket. Something to suit every traveller and level
- The Shuttles run exceptionally well to the mountains and you can walk everywhere when staying in Aspen town
- Shopping, from Ralph Lauren to Christian Louboutin and Kemo Sabe. Again something for everyone and a good way to spot celebs
- Accommodation for every budget without being miles away
- 150+ restaurants and bars to choose from
- Champagne spray at Cloud 9. Need I say more?
Favourite Accommodation Aspen: The Residences at The Little Nell and the Limelight Hotel
Favourite Restaurant Aspen: Element 47
Favourite hotel Snowmass: The Viceroy
Favourite restaurant Snowmass: Toro Kitchen and Lounge
After an amazing time in Aspen, it was time for a 3 hour drive to Steamboat Springs. Steamboat is so different from Aspen, it doesn’t have luxury accommodation options, fancy restaurants and upmarket stores. Instead, it has a cowboy charm and an indie flair with Whiskey Bars and craft breweries.
Steamboat is known for its ‘Champagne Powder’ with 46 powder days last season. As a newbie on the snow, I carried on having lessons with an instructor. A typical day here involves breakfast, a few hours on the slopes, lunch and a few drinks on the mountain before Après.
What I loved about Steamboat Highlights:
- Hot Springs (The name came from French trappers who were in the area in the early 1800s: They heard a chugging noise, similar to the sound of a steamboat, which turned out to be a hot spring)
- Live Music – Every Saturday in March and April there’s an apres-ski concert at the base of Steamboat Mountain
- Western Town- Steamboat Springs has a long history of working ranches, Western activities, shopping and events to suit everyone
Favourite hotel Steamboat: Steamboat Grand, quirky and middle of the road in a good location
Favourite bar: Mountain tap brewery
Steamboat stole a piece of my heart but the show much go on – Next stop, Park City, Utah! Park City is an old miners town and feels like a charming village on Main street which is full of bars, restaurants, and shopping and at night time it comes alive. For the film lovers, the city is famous for holding one most prestigious annual festivals ‘Sundance film festival’. Park City is interconnected with the Former Canyons Resort by a gondola to form one huge resort.
What I loved about Park City
- Salt Lake City is only 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City. Only a short flight away from LA, your connection with your international flight is incredibly convenient.
- Cozy pubs and friendly people
- A stroll down Main Street is amazing; it is full of shops selling everything from cheap souvenirs to high-quality jewellery and you can enjoy some of Utah’s best art galleries.
Favourite hotel Park City: Waldorf Astoria
Favourite Restaurant: The Farm
This was a holiday I will certainly remember, now it’s time to travel back to Australia and sit still for two long weeks in isolation with a very sore tail bone!
Ask Lilly about the IKON pass which covers all of these ski resorts and more.
About Lilly……
Lilly Rutherford
Elite Advisor and Membership Rewards Manager
Lilly has seven years experience in corporate travel.
Hailing from the mother country, she has worked with worldwide law firms, Prada and BP Oil, all managing their travel requirements.
