You’ve seen the photos. Those jagged, burnt-orange sandstone fins jutting out of the earth against a backdrop of Pikes Peak. It looks like a postcard, or maybe a movie set for a western that hasn't been filmed yet. But honestly, staying at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club—formerly known more specifically for its spa and wellness focus—is a weirdly different experience than just hiking the public trails across the street. It’s private. It’s quiet.
It's also surprisingly clinical, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Most people book a room here because they want a balcony where they can drink coffee and stare at the Kissing Camels rock formation. That’s fair. The views are basically unmatched in Colorado Springs. But if you just go for the scenery, you’re missing the actual point of what’s happening inside those walls. This place has evolved into a high-end medical wellness retreat that happens to have a really nice infinity pool.
The STRATA Evolution: Not Your Average Cucumber-Water Spa
Let’s get one thing straight. Calling the wellness center here a "spa" is sort of an understatement. While you can definitely get a massage that smells like lavender and makes you fall asleep, the core of the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is now something called STRATA.
It’s an integrated wellness center. They have actual doctors on staff. I’m talking about MDs, naturopaths, and cardiologists.
I talked to a traveler last year who went there for a "vacation" and ended up getting a full BOD POD body composition analysis and a customized IV drip. It’s a bit intense if you’re just looking for a place to crash after a day at the North Pole - Santa’s Workshop, but for the biohacking crowd, it’s heaven. They do everything from acupuncture to executive health physicals. It’s a far cry from the days when "resort spa" just meant a steam room and a generic facial.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the History
People tend to think this place is brand new because of the modern renovations, but it’s actually been a private club since 1951. Al and Margaret Hill founded it. They wanted a spot where the elite could hide away. For decades, you couldn't even get through the gate unless you were a member or a guest of one.
That "exclusive" vibe still lingers.
It’s not snobby, exactly, but it is hushed. You won't find loud pool parties or kids screaming in the hallways. The layout is sprawling, which means you’re doing a lot of walking between the lodge, the casitas, and the wellness center. If you have mobility issues, you’ll want to call ahead and make sure you’re booked in a room near the main hub. The casitas are gorgeous and offer way more privacy, but they feel like they’re in a different zip code if you’re trying to catch breakfast at The Grand View Restaurant in a hurry.
The Room Situation: Lodge vs. Casitas vs. Cottages
Deciding where to sleep here is actually a big deal. The Lodge rooms are the classic choice. Every single one of them faces the rock formations. You wake up, hit the button for the motorized curtains, and bam—nature is screaming in your face.
But the Casitas?
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That’s where the real money is. They’re residential-style. We’re talking 1-to-3 bedroom units with fireplaces and kitchens. If you’re traveling with a family or you’re a "lifestyle" traveler who wants to feel like you live in Colorado Springs for a week, go for the Casita. The Cottages are even more tucked away. They’re great for privacy, but honestly, you lose some of that immediate "I’m looking at the Garden of the Gods" impact that the Lodge rooms provide.
Dining Without the Pretense
The Grand View Restaurant is the heavy hitter here. The name isn't creative, but it is accurate. The floor-to-ceiling windows make it feel like you’re eating dinner on a cloud overlooking the red rocks.
The food is... interesting.
They try to balance "wellness" with "resort indulgence." You can get a grass-fed Colorado rack of lamb that’s incredible, or you can go the healthy route with something from the STRATA-inspired menu items. The Rocks Lounge is more my speed. It’s darker, cozy, and has a great patio. They do a solid old fashioned. It’s where you go after a long hike in the actual park when your legs are shaking and you just want a burger and a view of the sunset.
Just a heads up: prices are what you’d expect for a high-end resort. It’s not a budget-friendly dinner. You’re paying for the real estate and the fact that the service is generally top-tier.
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The Real Value: What You Actually Get
Is it worth the price tag?
If you just want a bed in Colorado Springs, no. Go stay at a Marriott. If you want a transformational health weekend where you can get blood work done in the morning and go for a guided meditation in the afternoon, then yes.
The infinity pool is arguably the best in the state. Even in the winter, sitting in that heated water while the snow falls on the red rocks is a core memory kind of moment. They also have a pretty serious tennis and pickleball program. It’s not just an afterthought; they have full-time pros and very well-maintained courts.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning a stay at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, don’t just wing it. This isn't a "show up and see" kind of place if you want the full experience.
- Book STRATA appointments weeks in advance. The medical and spa services fill up faster than the rooms do. If you want a specific clinician or a specific time for a massage, do it when you book the room.
- Request a second-floor Lodge room. The views are slightly better because you're above the walking paths and landscaping.
- Check the membership calendar. Since it’s a private club, there are often member-only events. Ask the concierge if any sections of the resort will be closed for private parties during your stay.
- Skip the park traffic. Use the resort’s private access or recommendations for less-crowded trailheads. The main entrance to the public Garden of the Gods park is a nightmare on weekends.
- Pack for the "Colorado Layers." The temperature drops 20 degrees the second the sun goes behind the mountains. Even if you're there in July, you’ll want a jacket for dinner on the patio.
The resort is a strange, beautiful hybrid of a 1950s social club and a 2026 medical clinic. It works because the scenery is so powerful that it grounds all that high-tech wellness stuff. You don't feel like you're in a hospital; you feel like you're at the edge of the world.