Winter is just around the corner in Colorado where Aspen’s premier hotel offers one-of-a-kind programming all ski season long. Set at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell offers the ultimate in refined wine and culinary experiences with the recent recognition by The World of Fine Wine for “Best Hotel Wine List in the World,” and Element 47’s distinction as a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant. Be our guest for the best ski-in/ski-out spa and fitness center and enjoy the anticipatory service for which the hotel is globally known.
The Spa at The Little Nell will debut in December of 2023, having undergone a thorough renovation helmed by the acclaimed firm Luis Bustamante Interior Design. Bustamante most recently renovated the hotel’s living room and lobby in 2020, and the ASPENX Mountain Club atop Aspen Mountain in 2021. The Spa at The Little Nell will feature three treatment suites, each containing a private changing room with a steam shower; two of which will also feature fireplaces and hybrid infrared / halotherapy saunas. Weaving timeless healing modalities with the latest advances in recovery and performance, The Spa’s menu features a variety of integrated rituals, bodywork, and skincare solutions in partnership with premier experts such as aesthetics and anti-inflammatory pioneer Dr. Barbara Sturm. Rounding out the space is the new, state-of-the-art fitness center featuring the finest in cardio and strength equipment, including Woodway treadmills, Peloton cycles, Technogym machinery, and a TRX training station for functional training. There is also ample space for free movement such as self-directed workouts or personal training sessions.
Bryte BalanceTM Smart Beds
As part of The Little Nell’s commitment to wellness, the hotel now features beds with Bryte BalanceTM smart mattresses in 25 of our 92 guest rooms and suites. The Little Nell General Manager Henning Rahm brought on Bryte as a leading innovator in sleep technology with its AI-powered smart mattress that harnesses the power of technology to optimize sleep. The Little Nell is the only hotel in Colorado to feature the Bryte Balance Smart Mattress, which was introduced to market just this year. The Bryte Restorative Sleep Platform includes features that actively sense and remove pressure imbalances, allow for personalized firmness on each side of the mattress, and provides a library of sleep content that combines heat-to-toe motion in the mattress with curated audio to help you destress during the day or unwind at night for deeply restorative sleep. Bryte CEO Luke Kelly noted, “We are thrilled that The Little Nell, a longtime leader in luxury, is an exclusive hospitality partner of ours to offer these transformative mattresses that will redefine your night’s journey. This extraordinary amenity will allow for longer periods of uninterrupted sleep and new, spa-like relaxation experiences that you can enjoy right from your bed.”
Wining + Dining
Element 47, recently recognized by Michelin as a Recommended Restaurant, has several new programs this ski season such as a Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. offering live music and an array of breakfast and lunch favorites on the menu, as well as bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Culinary Director Matt Zubrod has created a “Starry Nights” series, welcoming award-winning chefs and wine experts for stages this season in the Gallery, Element 47’s private dining room. Dates and talent are soon to be announced. Executive Chef Keith Theodore has developed an “En Bloc Dining” menu for winter to enjoy Element 47’s elevated Alpine Contemporary Cuisine in an interactive manner with shared plates. Wine Director Chris Dunaway has selected signature champagnes from the award-winning wine list to serve with caviar offerings in Element 47’s restaurant, bar and the living room.
The Wine Bar will be open for two daily experiences this ski season. In the mornings, visit The Wine Bar Café for casual counter service from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with savory and sweet pastry options and made-to-order coffee drinks. Open to hotel guests who are welcome to visit the café in slippers, as well as the public who are welcome to enjoy orders onsite or to go. In the afternoon and evening, join us at The Wine Bar Après-Lounge from 3 – 10 p.m. for cozy seating, a roaring fire, a DJ spinning vinyl, a full bar menu including large format wines and wines by the glass, plus enticing bites. To kick off winter, save the date for The Wine Bar Opening Party on Saturday, December 16, from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., with specials on cocktails, large format wines by the glass, and other après-ski delights. A DJ will be spinning vinyl for the duration. Entry is complimentary.
The Nest at The Nell is an outdoor seating area set on the outdoor patio in the hotel courtyard with service from The Wine Bar. The Nest is a cozy nook with sectional couches, Adirondack chairs, plush throws, area rugs and firepits. Suspended from above are decorative branches that create a nest-like cocoon with strands of lights that add to the atmosphere. Opening in December for ski season, operations are weather permitting.
Ajax Tavern’s Chef de Cuisine Oscar Ibarra is adding new menu items this ski season such as a Colorado lamb sandwich on a rye roll, house made charcuterie, chicken liver mousse and duck rillettes with Ajax Tavern’s traditional country pâté. Discover five dinner specials that rotate nightly. Also, this winter from Thursday to Sundays, weather permitting, the patio at Ajax Tavern will feature a “Clicquot in the Snow” accented outdoor patio including a bar cabin, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and more, along with a DJ and drink specials from Veuve Clicquot yellow label and La Grande Dame.
Holidays
Festive season at The Little Nell begins on Thursday, November 23, with Thanksgiving Dinner offerings at both Element 47 and Ajax Tavern, as well as Thanksgiving To-Go for those who prefer to host at home. On Sunday, December 10, from 5 – 6 p.m., come one, come all, as locals and visitors alike are welcome to commence the holiday season with us. Join us under starry skies, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, to count down to the tree lighting in the courtyard and enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, caroling, and photos with Santa Claus. Element 47 and Ajax Tavern will present Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinners with wine pairings available for each. Our New Year’s Eve Dinners, Dom Perignon Party, and New Year’s Day Boozy Brunch will be announced later this month.
About The Little Nell
The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel offers luxury services and unparalleled access to America’s most famous mountain town. Guests of The Little Nell – a Relais & Châteaux resort – enjoy a cosmopolitan yet intimate ambiance, haute cuisine, and exclusive adventures and amenities designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. The Nell is frequently recognized for its award-winning wine and culinary programs. including receiving a restaurant recommendation from Michelin. Weddings and events are a hallmark of the hotel, many of which are set atop Aspen Mountain in the private ASPENX Mountain Club and/or Sundeck restaurant. The property boasts a variety of amenities, including two restaurants, three bars and a wine cellar, and a speakeasy. Enjoy ski concierge service and exclusive adventures in winter; lush gardens in summer along with off-road, fly fishing, and mountaintop yoga adventures; plus, an outdoor pool, and hot tub, with a renovated spa and fitness center coming this ski season.
