Hi fodorites - We are planning our first trip to Colorado for this July. We are first visiting some family in Denver for a couple of days but then we want to head somewhere else for a few days - 2-3 hours away from Denver at the most. We're looking for something relaxing and romantic - perhaps a hot springs location and/or spa. We love small towns, shopping, good eats and scenic drives.

Any ideas???

thank you!!!

I would suggest Vail or Breckenridge. Both are adorable little towns that are an easy drive from Denver. I don't have any advice on the spas or springs in the area, but I'm sure you'll be able to find something in either location.

Have a great time--it's beautiful there

Thank you!

For hot springs... make the 3 hour drive to Glenwood Springs.

If you don't want to go that far, stop in Vail and check out the Aria spa at the Vail Cascade resort.

Hot Sulphur Springs and Spa fits into your timeframe. It is situated along the Colorado River about 10 minutes west of Granby. None of it's 20+ pools are in the river but they overlook the river from a hillside.

Drawback is that they are very strict about limiting kids under 16 years of age to the lower 3 pools. Benefit is .....they are very strict about limiting kids under 16 years of age to the lower 3 pools!

I wouldn't suggest staying at the spa overnight in that the accomodations are very bare bones albeit clean (no TV or radios). It also sits near a busy railroad track with 3-5 freight trains noisily rumbling through each night. Dinner at the Riverside Hotel in Hot Sulphur Springs is an experience I would also suggest.
Stay in Grand Lake and take the trip to Hot Sulphur - it's much more of a scenic town and quieter at night.

Other options within a 2 hr drive besides Hot Sulphur Springs and Glenwood Springs (advantage to Glenwood--close to Aspen with all its wonderful restaurants). Three others to consider are in the Buena Vista area--Mt Princeton Hot Springs http://www.mtprinceton.com/
Antero Hot Springs http://www.anterohotsprings.com/ and Cottonwood Hot Springs http://www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com/. The level of accommodations and prices of same vary greatly. There are some nice restaurants in Salida and Buena Vista. http://www.coloradoheadwaters.com/dining/index.cfm