The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

We just finished a week long stay (from 3-28 to 4-4-08) at this spectacular resort and it could not have been more enjoyable. It snowed every day but two and we received a total of over two feet so skiing was fabulous. This resort is one of the few truly ski in and ski out resorts in the Vail-Beaver Creek area with the Bachelor Gulch chair lift only a 100 foot downhill ski from where you put on your skis. We spent half our days skiing the Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead mountain and the other half at Vail, which is only fifteen minutes away. Both areas are great but the back bowls at Vail are hard to beat, particularly with fresh snow. You do not need a car as the Ritz has a free shuttle back and forth to Vail and Beaver Creek.

The two and three bedroom villas are large and luxurious and everything at the resort has a rustic log and rock decor. There is a fireplace in the living area, washer, dryer, fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, a jacuzzi tub with seperate shower and two sinks in each master bath. Two bedrooms in each unit are identical master suites with walk in closets and king size beds as comfortable as any I have ever slept on. There are large flat screen TVs in each bedroom with DVDs and the living area has a great sound system as well as a TV. The service and twice daily maid service is like a 5 Star hotel. There is a ski valet for all guests and an on site ski rental shop. The concierge service (with two on duty at all times) is very helpful in arranging all activities and there are about ten free computers with high speed internet access. There is a large selection of free DVDs and books. Everyday after skiing we enjoyed the large hot tubs with great views of the mountains. It is also very convenient to have the Ritz-Carlton Hotel only steps away with its world class spa, large swimming pool, fitness center and incomparable Spago, the reknowned Wolfgang Puck restaurant. Guests have full privileges at the hotel and we enjoyed roasting marshmellows in the large fire pit that burns each afternoon and night. The ambiance is unmatched and there is live afternoon entertainment with outdoor bar and grill on the weekends. Undoubtedly the best perk is the free lift tickets you get everday - six daily with a two bedroom and eight with a three bedroom. Since lift tickets are currently $92 per day this is a huge value. I have vacationed at dozens of the best resorts in the world but have never experienced a more enjoyable stay with such high quality and luxury.