It’s one of the most famous resorts in the U.S.– The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The palatial estate, whose doors opened in 1918, covers multiple grand buildings and towers and hearkens back to the Roaring 20s with many of its spaces. Before it was The Broadmoor, it was a dairy farm and a casino, but you’d never know it know by visiting the historic pinkish palace. Spencer Penrose was out to build the most grandiose U.S. resort and did just that.

There’s the main building, the South tower, which opened in 1961 and the West building, which opened in 1976 and was just completely renovated a year ago. But the jewel of The Broadmoor has to be its lake which provides a .8-mile walking/jogging path. Without this striking lake at its center, The Broadmoor would not be what it is today.

Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3-night stay:

SUNDAY

4 p.m.                       Check-In Time

The rooms in the West Tower are spacious and boast the classic look that The Broadmoor is known for, with its stately beds and furnishings.

But, what’s not so classic, but more modern, is the TV screen in the bathroom mirror.

7:30 p.m.                 Dinner at Ristorante del Lago

Inspired by a luxurious villa in Lake Como, Ristorante del Lago offers a welcoming and rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. Exposed wood beams, terra cotta tile, custom walnut millwork, leather banquettes, a communal dining table, and an indoor/outdoor fireplace add to the inviting ambiance.

Enjoy some hearty pasta dishes paired with robust wines. Prepare for a dinner that lasts several hours, but you will love every minute of it. Don’t leave without dessert.

MONDAY

8 a.m.           Breakfast at Lake Terrace Dining Room

Enjoy the breakfast buffet or order off the menu and enjoy a view of the lake while you’re at it. The buffet contains all types of typical breakfast foods and includes an omelette bar.

10 a.m.                     Arrive at The Broadmoor Spa

Colorado’s original Forbes Five-Star spa, the 43,000 square foot spa offers services in a harmonious contrast to Old World charm and European elegance. With amenities including a steam room, sauna, and lounge area as well as the Mountain View Room that overlooks the spectacular East Green, The Spa at The Broadmoor is the perfect way to start out your day. Try the Signature Massage ($155 for 50 min.) which soothes and calms your weary travels away.

12 p.m.                     Enjoy lunch by the Lake Terrace Pool

This is where the relaxing really takes hold. The expansive pool’s infinity edge leans towards the lake, for a serene setting. By the pool, you can order a variety of quick dishes, such as guacamole & chips, nachos, mahi mahi tacos, wraps and sandwiches. And, of course, beer to pair with those dishes.

2 p.m.                       Get hybrid bikes at Base Camp in the South Tower

Enjoy riding around the property and surrounding streets for a workout that is fun and interesting.

7 p.m.                       Dinner La Taverne

Since 1939, the expansive dinner menu of La Taverne sizzles with steaks, chops, prime rib and seafood. Delight in a variety of fresh caught seafood items, air freighted to The Broadmoor daily. Choose beef or fish with a beverage selection from the expanded wine and classic cocktail program. Sit in the Front Room while keeping time to the live music of La Taverne orchestra (Friday through Sunday evenings) or choose to dine in the airy Le Jardin among lush florals and the stunning 16-foot chandelier for an al fresco feel.

9:30 p.m.                 Beers at the Golden Bee

The Golden Bee originally came to The Broadmoor in 1961 as a collection of panels and fixtures that belonged to an original 19th-century English pub. In 2013, the Golden Bee was enlarged to double the seating capacity, as well as enhanced with a rooftop Garden Terrace and an authentic pub entry. The Golden Bee is famous for freshly prepared pub food, and yards of the finest ales from an extensive collection of English and Irish drafts. Guests are encouraged to participate in the cheerful atmosphere by joining the nightly Ragtime piano beginning at 7:30 PM and the singalong beginning at 9:30 PM nightly, proudly wearing their own “bee stickers” that change seasonally.

TUESDAY

8:30 a.m.                  Enjoy breakfast via Room Service

This is a great way to wake up gently after a late night at The Bee. Ease into the day by ordering a hearty breakfast, such as The Broadmoor Skillet (eggs, beef short ribs, hash browns and cheese, all layered on a buttery biscuit.)

9 a.m.                       Relax by the pool, workout in the fitness room, read a book in the library or explore the beautiful grounds, including the small sculpture garden

2 p.m.               Play golf on the East Course

The Broadmoor has three golf courses (East, West and Mountain) that have hosted major U.S. golf championships as recently as 2011 (also hosted two U.S. Women’s Opens in the last ten years). This Robert Trent Jones course has a reputation for being tough. From the tips, it’s 7,355 yards. Its narrow fairways lead to many elevated greens. You’re playing at 6,400 feet which means the ball travels farther. The greens represent an optical illusion because all puts break away from the mountain regardless of how they look on the green. They are fast with considerable undulation, or slope.

6 p.m.           Cocktails and bowling at PLAY

PLAY at The Broadmoor offers a “luxury retro” atmosphere, an international menu and family-friendly fun. PLAY features six lanes of bowling, shuffleboard and six wide-screen televisions equipped with a variety of gaming systems including Wii, Play Station and XBox. The menu of PLAY offers diners burgers to sushi. Adults can enjoy Colorado microbrews, wines and spirits. Reservations are required for bowling.

8 p.m.           Dinner at Summit Restaurant

A French Bistro, Summit’s stellar menu of year-round favorites includes Roasted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Spinach and Hanger Steak. The ever-evolving seasonal selections showcase top-shelf vendors that provide the kitchen with the highest quality ingredients and local produce available. An extensive bar highlights local microbrews, cocktails and wines from the finest regions of the world, adding to Summit’s unique selection.

Try the Angry Trout (presented with the tail through the mouth) or Happy Trout (without head or tail) and pair with wines along the dining journey.

WEDNESDAY

8 a.m.           Breakfast at Natural Epicurean

Offering a healthy array of dining choices, this café is ideal for anyone suffering from food allergies or going gluten-free. An ample selection of pastries for breakfast, soups for lunch and snacks throughout the day feed the soul.

9 a.m.           Enjoy more pool time with a good book

12 p.m.             Check out and departure

Visit http://www.broadmoor.com for more information.

By Marika Flatt