Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of Gravity Haus Vail Hotel, Colorado

| Courtesy of Gravity Haus Vail Hotel

Whether you’re here to ski or skip through summer meadows, use this gilded Gravity Haus address as your spoiling base in the Centennial State.

Soaring snow-capped peaks, blistering blue skies, perfect-powder pistes – Colorado winters are skiing nirvana. Then, with the thaw, a new landscape of pine-scented trails, white-water rivers and wildflower meadows is revealed. In the heart of the Rocky Mountains sits Vail, gateway to one of North America’s most popular ski resorts. Fresh for the season with a prime creek-front position is Gravity Haus, the second from the eponymous hotel-cum-member’s club group after a debut in Breckenridge. With its snazzy grown-up vibe, super snug rooms and stellar wellness offering, there’s no better base for taking on Vail.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Gravity Haus Vail Hotel

Hotel, Apartment

A sprawling modern suite at Gravity Haus Vail Hotel, Colorado
Courtesy of Gravity Haus Vail Hotel

Housed in the former Vail Mountain Lodge, a major refurb has elevated this spired landmark hotel to loftier heights of style and sex appeal. At its heart is The Slope Room, where blue velvet banquettes and crystal chandeliers set the tone, enhanced by handcrafted cocktails and local drafts. The food here is Old West with a modern twist, placing a strong emphasis on local, seasonal produce. A cafe roasts small batches on a zero-emission roaster. Rooms crank up the cozy with gas fireplaces and bathrooms with deep tubs and heated stone floors. Topping it off is a superb recovery-focused spa complete with organic oils and outdoor hot tubs, perfect for après-ski soaking.

The Colorado Snowsports Museum

Museum

Ski-related memorabilia at the Colorado Snowsports Museum
© Dan Leeth / Alamy Stock Photo

Just a couple minutes’ stroll from the hotel, this free-to-enter museum takes you on a journey through the history of the mountains. Learn how Vail evolved from a remote area only accessed by the native Ute people as a summer retreat, to its role in the Gold Rush and to becoming America’s top ski resort. It also tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division – America’s elite WWII mountain soldiers – who trained here. You can jump on a guided tour for a small fee.

Pepi's Bar & Restaurant

Restaurant, American

Alpine style exterior of Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, Colorado
Courtesy of Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer / Expedia.com

For a full-on Austrian-Alpine experience, there’s only one place and that’s Pepi’s. Built in the style of a traditional European chalet by acclaimed ski racer Pepi Gramshammer, this has been a Vail landmark since its early days as a resort. Dining mixes American classics with hearty Austrian cuisine, the likes of schnitzels and bratwursts, which can be enjoyed on the popular covered and heated terrace. Inside, choose from a range of Austrian beers at Pepi’s Bar while you peruse the wall of fame and Pepi’s collection of racing medals.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Natural Feature

Flower garden with foreground sedums and stone path in Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vale, Colorado
© Dennis Frates / Alamy Stock Photo

For a wholesome stroll through nature without having to don your hiking boots, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens distills a wonderful array of mountain flora – both native and from around the world – into immaculately landscaped grounds. They’re the highest botanical gardens in North America and showcase more than 3,000 species of high-altitude plants. Even over winter, it’s a lovely place to while away an hour or two but return in summer to see the gardens explode into color.

Vail Brewing Company

Craft Ale Bar, Beer

Vail Brewing Company beers on show, Colorado
Courtesy of Vail Brewing Company

No self-respecting Colorado town is complete without a brewery and this veteran- and ski-bum-owned outfit is Vail’s best-known and multi-award-winning brewer. You can choose from around a dozen own-brews at the fun and friendly tap house, from their quaffable Hot Mess Blond Ale to the punchy, hoppy Gore Creek IPA. There’s a tasting flight if you want to try a selection, plus their excellent kombucha if you’d rather keep your mountain head clear.

Root & Flower

Wine Bar, American

Root & Flower interior with light woods and chic furniture, Vail, Colorado
Courtesy of Root & Flower, Vail

If you favor the grape over the grain, then this refined wine bar is just the spot to sample from over 50 labels in a sophisticated-yet-unpretentious ambiance. There’s a tightly curated wine-by-the-glass menu, or a more extensive choice by the bottle, with prices ranging from accessible to blow out. Pair with cheese or share a small plate or two while you quaff. Oysters are flown in daily from the West and East Coast, so you can’t get fresher in Vail.

Los Amigos

Restaurant, Mexican

Nachos with guacamole tortilla chips sombrero, Colorado
© Lunamarina / Depositphotos.com

A real locals’ favorite, this unfussy restaurant has been serving up a menu of Tex Mex and authentic Mexican flavors since the early Seventies. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a friendlier restaurant to chow down on sizzling fajitas or bulging burritos. It scores highly for location, too, with a terrace affording views over Pepi’s Face – a spectacularly steep ski run. If you’re still feeling chilly, you can pick from dozens of tequilas or their double-shot margarita, dubbed ‘The Troublemaker’.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Theater

A performance at The Amp, Vail Valley Foundation, Colorado
© Zach / Vail Valley Foundation

Known as ‘The Amp’, this fabulously intimate-yet-open amphitheater treats audiences to a packed program of summer shows, live music and dance. You can choose from reserved (and covered) seating or a spot on the sloping grass, surrounded by pine woods and dramatic mountain scenery. Food and snacks are available on-site, or pack yourself a picnic, blanket and umbrella (just in case) and really make an outdoor experience of it.

Vail Nature Center

Historical Landmark, Natural Feature

Wildflowers blooming in the Colorado Mountains near Vail
© Deberarr / Depositphotos.com

Keen to immerse yourself in mother nature, but don’t want to get lost in a forest? The Vail Nature Center is housed in a quaint, 1940s homestead, set in seven acres of picturesque scenery between mountain meadows and the forested bank of Gore Creek. Inside, you’ll find exhibits to help you swot up on local flora and fauna, plus you can arrange guided walking tours including wildflower hikes, beaver pond tours and stargazing excursions.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article