This Colorado Resort Is Perfect for a Summer Getaway in the Rockies

Image: The resort is located right on the banks of the Eagle River in Avon (Photo Credit: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa)

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Fri May 23, 2025

The snow is melting, the birds are returning and wildflowers are starting to bloom. Before you know it, summer will officially arrive in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

For a getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and adventurous, check into The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon. This gorgeous property is fresh off a renovation of its 230 guest residences, which range from spacious studio suites to expansive 3-bedroom condos. The neighboring One Riverfront development, meanwhile, is also home to the new Lookout Bar, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.?

Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains from the newly opened Lookout Bar

Explore The Westin’s Recent Makeover

Nestled along the banks of the meandering Eagle River, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa offers a serene retreat in the heart of the Vail Valley. The property recently revamped all of its guest rooms, swapping in new Western artwork, mountain modern furniture, lighting, flooring, bathroom vanities and more. Designers also added next generation Westin Heavenly Beds, so you can get all the beauty rest you need on vacation—and then some.?

The Westin recently refreshed its 230 guest rooms

The renovations are part of the larger “The Next Chapter” initiative the Westin has undertaken in recent years, which also includes the addition of the Osprey Suite and Talon Suite event spaces and a new entrance lounge in the lobby.?

The lobby lounge is one of the many upgrades the Westin has made during its "The Next Chapter” initiative

Whichever guest accommodation you choose, you’ll find massive windows that let in lots of natural light and a warm, inviting design. Many rooms offer views of the surrounding mountains and have balconies that are perfect for sipping your morning coffee. And, at night, you can cozy up in front of your private fireplace while reliving the day’s memories.

With large windows, the rooms are filled with natural light

The Westin’s suite and condos offer plenty of room to spread out, which makes them perfect for families with children or groups traveling together. And, since the hotel is also dog-friendly, you can bring your beloved four-legged friends along for vacation.?

Take Advantage of the Spa, Pool and Fitness Facilities

There’s plenty of summer fun to be had in the Vail Valley, from hiking and mountain biking to fly-fishing and scenic chairlift rides at neighboring Beaver Creek Resort. But, the Westin has so many amenities that, once you check in, you may not want to leave.

Between Spa Anjali and the Athletic Club, you’ll be able to take advantage of 27,000 square feet of spa, fitness and wellness facilities. The Westin has an outdoor 25-yard saltwater pool, plus three large infinity hot tubs overlooking the Eagle River—so you can splash and lounge in the sun to your heart’s content.?

Splash in the outdoor 25-yard saltwater pool or soak in the three large infinity hot tubs

It also has a massive 24-hour fitness center, complete with state-of-the-art cardio and weightlifting equipment and daily group classes like yoga and Pilates. It’s also home to Howard Head Sports Medicine, which offers world-class physical therapy from some of the best practitioners in the business. And it even has resident athletes—including Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin and world champion triathlete Josiah Middaugh—who host exclusive events.

The spacious Athletic Club offers state-of-the-art cardio and fitness equipment

If you don’t feel like packing your fitness apparel in your suitcase, that’s OK—the Westin has a gear lending program in partnership with brands like Hyperice and Bala. And if you do decide to head out for an adventure, the hotel also has equipment like fly fishing rods, snowshoes and sleds that you can borrow.

Spa Anjali offers a variety of relaxing treatments

Do yourself a favor and book a treatment at Spa Anjali, the Westin’s award-winning full-service spa and salon. I recommend the Honey Dream, a luxurious massage that includes a beeswax thermal pack and honey ginger oil, or the Ponderosa Pine Therapy, a deep-tissue massage that incorporates a warm handmade poultice made of local sage, pine and lavender. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to unwind in the spa relaxation lounge and enjoy the steam room and sauna before or after your treatment.?

Enjoy Delicious Food and Drink

Another reason you may never want to leave? The Westin’s food and beverage offerings.?

If you’re feeling snacky while soaking in the hot tub, order from Laps Pool Bar, which offers satisfying bites like shrimp tacos, Caesar salads, nachos and roasted red pepper hummus. Or, take a break and grab lunch at the Lobby Bar & Lounge, which looks out over the pool area and the mountains.

Enjoy drinks with a view on the terrace of the Lobby Bar & Lounge

For dinner, freshen up and visit Stoke & Rye, where chef Richard Sandoval dreams up decadent dishes like cast iron chicken (served atop creamy grits with glazed cipollini onions, broccolini and heirloom carrots) and wild mushroom ravioli (with wilted spinach, watercress, garlic confit and trumpet mushroom). And be sure to save room for desserts like the smoke mason chocolate jar, which gives serious campfire vibes with its smoke-kissed blend of chocolate ganache, brownie crumbs, raspberry sauce, cacao nibs and salted caramel.

On-site restaurant Stoke & Rye is a modern American grill helmed by Chef Richard Sandoval

After dinner, head to the neighboring One Riverfront development for drinks at the Lookout Bar, a new venue that opened last summer. When the weather’s nice, the team can fold open the two massive walls of accordion-style windows, letting in cool breezes and offering unobstructed views of the mountains and the valley.

The Lookout Bar opened last summer on the fifth floor of the One Riverfront development

If you’re a martini fan, go for the Leav the Beav, an herbal spin on this classic drink featuring dill, birch, basil and lemon. If tequila is your drink of choice, order the Bunny Hill, a bright orange riff on a margarita made with dehydrated lemon, parsley and carrot juice.

Craft cocktails are on the menu at Lookout Bar

Activities Abound at Beaver Creek Resort

Neighboring Beaver Creek Resort is a hub for summer activity, with more than 110 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, 4x4 tours, summer wine excursions, horseback riding, fly-fishing, golfing, tennis, live music, fine dining, family-friendly festivals and more. The Westin offers guest shuttle service to Beaver Creek Village during the summer season, making it easy and seamless to take advantage of all that’s on offer.

Beaver Creek Resort is a hub for summer activities

This summer, Beaver Creek is unveiling a newly redesigned Creekside Park featuring a themed nest playground with habitat-inspired pods, a multi-use lawn, accessible pathways and more. Also, the resort’s beloved mountaintop Candy Cabin will have a new, central location in the heart of the village; Minturn Whiskey and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Gift Shop will also both have pop-ups this summer. Hawk’s Nest Cabin, a custom-designed retreat for teenagers, is also returning for a summer of fun, while Beaver Creek Kids Day Camp offers outdoor adventures for children ages 5-12.?

Take in the views at Beaver Creek Resort

Other exciting offerings include The Alpine Table - A Cabin Chef Series, a five-course dining experience on August 22 and 23 crafted by the executive chefs of Beaver Creek’s famed cabins, as well as decadent wine and cheese excursions, Lift & Lunch packages and weekend brunch at Citrea. Beaver Creek also has a jam-packed line-up of events and festivals, including multiple chances to catch free live music. Jam out every Thursday with the BC Unplugged program and enjoy free outdoor concerts every Saturday during the Colorado Showcase.

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