Once dubbed “the little town nestled between the mountains and reality,” Boulder, Colorado retains a 1970S hippie ambience. With a current population of about 98,000, this lofty city (perched at 1,655 metres) combines a contemporary artistic sensibility with popular eco-sustainable initiatives.
In keeping with the keen, green Boulder vibe is the St Julien Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the city. It’s an oasis in the Rockies, offering guests luxury accommodations and service, melded with Boulder’s relaxed, yet sophisticated style. “Don’t be surprised to be guided on a mountain hike in the Boulder foothills by our beverage director or an avid biker,” says Peter T. Walstra, the hotel’s general manager.
Having opened its doors in 2005 with 201 guest rooms, the St Julien practices energy and water conservation along with recycling and waste reduction. The hotel achieved 86 per cent reduction of waste to landfills through its green practices, and also hosts the local Boulder community for year-’round events designed to raise awareness about global climate change and resource conservation.
More happy people than any other town
Boulder is constantly ranked as one of the most outdoorsy, healthy cities in the U.S. Additionally, it’s known to have more happy people than any other town in American history, which can be credited to its scenery and lifestyle. During my visit, I was amazed by the more than 200 miles of public hiking and biking trails, the numerous breweries, distilleries and wineries.
Just one block from the St Julien is the lively, historic Pearl Street shopping area. A local gathering spot for young and old alike, its multi-block pedestrian stone street plays host to numerous annual festivals, including Shakespeare, jazz and much more.
Just a short walk up Pearl Street is a fantastic view of the Boulder foothills, while a quick jaunt east are the famous Flatirons: steep, jagged, snow-covered mountain peaks that seem to rise almost straight up. Contrast that with the modern, wide streets full of urban hustle and bustle, plus the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado, and the magnetic pull of the city becomes apparent.
Magnetic pull
After putting in a full day of dining and shopping at the Pearl Street Mall on a cold, snowy day, I went back to my comfortable St Julien room and visited the spa. I was faced with deciding between signature treatments such as the Mountain Mojito, a sugar scrub used to exfoliate dead skin and replenish with oils, and Boulder Re-Builder, geared toward athletes, using arnica gel and oil to heal sore muscles.
My feet and legs ached. Could five hours of shopping be considered an Olympic sport? I opted for the Mojito treatment, made with mint from the hotel’s on-site herbal garden. It was a perfect end to a lovely day in America’s happiest city.
