With sweeping Rocky Mountain views, superb dining, chalet-chic accommodations and a luxurious spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Avon, Colorado, offers year-round appeal. But after the storied property’s multi-million-dollar remodel, a visit now is even more enticing.
Simon Hamui of Simon Hamui Design Studio oversaw the renovation. During the summer of 2022, the Beaver Creek hotel closed for 100 days to redo the guest rooms and other spots, a culmination of the three-year project. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch emerged from the makeover with refreshed community areas, added outdoor space, many new art pieces throughout the property and a new restaurant.
Suite Updates
The guest rooms bring a modern spin to mountainside luxury. The suites got lightened up with softer tones and new, multi-toned wood furnishings. The refurbishment included new carpet, updated wallpaper, art depicting local animals and landscapes, and spruced-up marble bathrooms. And in larger suites and apartments, appliances were updated as well.
Overall, the ski-in, ski-out getaway channels a chic mountain chateau, with the refinement of an upscale resort. It’s comfortable, cozy and elegant.
A Restaurant Debuts
Sakaba opened in 2020 as one of the first parts of the renovation. Under the guidance of chef Jasper Schneider, who oversees the food program at the Colorado resort, the menu aims to bring high-end Japanese fare to the mountain restaurant. There’s an emphasis on fresh, seasonal fish, which gets flown in a few times a week from Japan.
Sushi chef Adolfo Martinez takes it from there, adding an array of spices and enhancements to the seafood. Think buttery Japanese uni with fresh wasabi, gold leaf on top of toro and caviar, and foie gras “snow” over unagi. The restaurant also serves non-sushi bites, such as A5 wagyu beef seared tableside over a hot rock, miso black cod and rich ramen, the perfect bowl after a day of skiing.
Enjoy the food in the simple yet refined dining room. Or sit by the fire in the indoor-outdoor space and watch the snow fall as you sip sake and dive into a lobster sushi roll and dip it in shiso garlic and butter ponzu.
Expanded Outdoor Dining
Even in the middle of ski season, the patio remains packed with people eating and drinking at Buffalos, WYLD and Mountainside Terrace. The property also added another covered stone bar to Buffalos, complete with heaters. The bar runs adjacent to Mountainside Terrace, a barbecue restaurant that’s great for après-ski snacks or, when the weather is right, poolside dining.
Buffalos is still getting the finishing touches, but the resort plans to open it November 20. When it does, you can warm up with elevated gastropub fare, local craft beers and barrel-aged cocktails. Until then, visit WYLD and dine on Schneider’s seasonal new American fare that’s plated so nicely, it’s almost too pretty to eat.
The Market Opens
A new addition at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is The Market. Formerly a high-end resort-wear store, The Market provides a one-stop shop for grab-and-go meals and snacks, beverages and gifts. Take the goods up to your room and enjoy them by the fireplace or sip a beverage while indulging in the deep soaking bathtub. Pro tip: pick up a bath bomb from the spa first to make the experience extra extravagant.
Public Spaces Get a New Look
The lobby and great room at the luxury resort had an overhaul. The new furniture features rich blue upholstery, dark woods and accents of cream and tan. The design team worked to incorporate organic elements from Avon’s natural surroundings, such as raw wood, tree patterns and woodsy hues. The large three-story stone fireplace, already in the great room pre-renovation, feels even cozier now. It’s an inviting place for après-ski or lounging anytime.
An Upgraded Club Lounge
Reserving a Club access suite means having the ability to visit the new and improved Club Lounge. Like the guest rooms, the Club also received a mountain-chic makeover, new furnishings and pops of color and dark wood touches. Enjoy the bright setting during a light breakfast, lunch and dinner; happy hour; and a lovely dessert spread. You can always find coffee, tea, wine and beer available, along with a tempting candy bar.
