As the summer sun descended over the picturesque town of Vail, my best friend and I eagerly stepped out of our cozy suite at the Sonnenalp resort. Sonnenalp Hotel Vail embodies alpine luxury with Bavarian charm. Right in the heart of Vail Village, it offers elegant accommodations, world-class dining, a renowned spa, and exceptional service amidst stunning mountain views.
Excitement buzzed between us as we prepared for an evening of jazz at the Arrabelle at Vail Square. I’m a jazz enthusiast, so I couldn’t wait to experience “An Evening with Sullivan Fortner,” a performance by the renowned pianist and Vail Jazz Workshop alumnus. My friend, always up for new experiences, was eager to immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Vail Jazz Festival.
With transportation arranged through the Sonnenalp Bell Desk, we made our way to Arrabelle, ready to kick off our girls’ trip in style. Dinner was a delightful affair, with tantalizing dishes served amidst the elegant ambiance of the venue. Sullivan Fortner took to the stage, mesmerizing the audience with his soulful melodies and inspiring story. We found ourselves swept away by the music, losing ourselves in the moment’s magic.
The following morning, after a hearty breakfast at Ludwig’s, we embarked on a one-of-a-kind adventure: Goat Yoga at Vail Stables. With giggles and anticipation, we called the Bell Desk for transportation, eager to stretch our bodies and minds in the company of furry friends. Arriving at the stables, we were greeted by the sight of goats frolicking in the sunshine, adding a playful twist to our yoga session. Amidst laughter and bleats, we found a newfound sense of serenity, basking in the joy of the present moment. I didn’t think about anything outside the moment I was in for the hour we spent with the yoga. Note: This is more goat therapy with some yoga than a standard yoga class.
After an Instagram photo-worthy picnic lunch with Vail Picnic at Roger Staub Park, we spent the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Vail Village. From boutique shops to scenic nature trails, we relished every moment of our leisurely stroll, savouring the beauty of our surroundings. Note: Because of the high altitude, you may want to go light on any alcoholic beverages and definitely increase your water intake. It’s a good idea to bring some electrolytes with you. You can go to the oxygen bar at the Sonnenalp Hotel if needed like we did. Because of the high altitude, you may experience some altitude sickness.
After a walking tour of Vail, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the town, we went to dinner at Mountain Standard. It was a gastronomic delight, with delectable dishes served against the backdrop of the picturesque village. Mountain Standard specializes in “primal” cooking over an open wood fire, offering rustic, bold flavours with pure ingredients sourced from the Rocky Mountains and beyond.
We embarked on a llama lunch hike with Paragon Guides on our third day in Vail. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, we marvelled at the beauty of nature and the companionship of our furry hiking partners. And no, they did not spit at us. This was the #1 comment that I got when I said we were going on a llama hike. At the beginning of the experience, I kept my distance, but as I got more comfortable, I started to relax and have fun. One of the benefits of the llama is that they carry items like water, lunch, and other necessities that you may need so that you can have your hands free. As we went uphill for most of the hike, it felt harder at this elevation than other hikes. Our guide was great, and we went slowly and steadily until we reached the top. We had a wonderful picnic lunch at the top.
You’d think once we got back down, we wouldn’t want to walk anymore, but we still wanted to explore, so we visited the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: The world’s highest botanical garden, located in Ford Park at 8,200 feet above sea level.
After walking around the village and doing some shopping, we had dinner at Dinner at Swiss Chalet at Sonnenalp.
On our fourth day, it was all about relaxation. We knew we would have to be on full deck when we got back home, so we wanted to take the day to relax. We treated ourselves to a morning at the Sonnenalp Spa, indulging in luxurious treatments and then unwinding by the indoor-outdoor pool.
On our last evening in Vail, we dined at the enchanting Chasing Rabbits. From the whimsical ambiance to the delectable cuisine, every moment was infused with magic and laughter, creating memories that would last a lifetime. I expected the prices to be higher, but they were surprisingly reasonable. If you want to go to Chasing Rabbits, make sure that you book your reservations well in advance.
As we bid farewell to Vail with hearts full of gratitude and a promise to return, we boarded our shuttle to the airport, already dreaming of our next adventure together.
Tourism Vail supported this trip, but as always, all opinions are my own.
Drop Of Golden Sun 