Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle – especially with four children and two grandchildren, I admit I get caught up in the holiday festivities. I love the holiday lights, and hey I even love the crowds!  And yes, I am a Black Friday shopper! Not a bad thing until you factor in that Grandpa Flint would rather go to the dentist than celebrate the holidays. Why not the gift of travel?

Since I’m a lot about the holidays and my man is not so much, I thought I’d do something different for him this year and take him away from it all. In my opinion, a perfect way to wind down before the bustle of our three out-of-town daughters flying in from other parts of the country and the excitement of toddlers that Santa is coming is a two-night/three-day getaway, aka staycation. When The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs offered to host me and my hubby, how could I refuse?   

Surrounded by the mountains and framed by Cheyenne Lake, the historic Broadmoor is just 90 miles south of Denver, far enough away to be a getaway but close enough to avoid the holiday stress of airports and crowds. The resort sits on 3,000 beautifully sculpted acres with splashes of brightly-colored flora and manicured lawns. The lake’s glassy surface is a mini-ice rink with ducks waddling their way across the ice.

My goal was to give Flint down time before holidays with the family hit at full volume. The good news is that my need for the holidays is still fed as The Broadmoor is decked out with the full battalion of holiday lights and even a group of super-sized Gingerbread houses, really a village.

From warming our hands in front of the Hotel Bar’s outdoor “fireplace” to a couple’s massage followed by a pedicure and a glass of wine, we quite literally pampered ourselves.  No real schedule, other than the requisite appointments

and dinner reservations.  We stayed in an oversized king-suite in the Broadmoor Cottages with a view of the golf course and periodical glimpses of deer and raccoon. We lounged in our suite’s living room, watching random old movies. We ate at our two favorite Broadmoor restaurants, The Summit and Charles Court, splurging by taking the recommendations of the sommelier and our wait staff to try something different. We were never disappointed.

With the hustle and bustle in full speed, I’ve noticed that Grandpa Flint is more relaxed than usual. Maybe it’s because we’re very lucky to have all our children and grandchildren together this Christmas. I like to think it’s because we experienced three relaxing days of downtime.

It may be too late to add a pre-holiday getaway for you and your significant other, but it’s never too late to take them away from it all with a gift of travel. 

TIPS: In order to find the best deal, even last minute, pick your resort and then go to their website, and look for a “specials” or “packages” link. Even 5-star resorts offer holiday specials. For example, The Broadmoor offers a Winter Spectacular package starting at just $80 person.

What’s your favorite getaway with your significant other?

For holiday hotel ideas, check out TravelingMom article: “Try These Hotels for a Holiday Getaway” 

 From my snowy Colorado home to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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