Sustainable Luxury: Embracing Nature’s Embrace at St Julien Hotel & Spa
Luxury Meets Sustainability My Surprising Experience at a 4-star Hotel in Colorado
I stayed at a luxurious 4-star hotel in Colorado that also had a focus on sustainability.
Monica Humphries/Insider
Imagine a hotel where luxury and sustainability merge seamlessly, like a vision of eco-conscious beauty stepping out of the ground like Colorado’s jagged Flatirons. Welcome to the St Julien Hotel & Spa, a four-star paradise nestled in Boulder, Colorado. This haven not only offers breathtaking views of the famous rock formations but also boasts sustainable practices that will make your heart skip a beat.
At St Julien, they believe being green doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury; in fact, they’ve made it their mission to show guests that being eco-conscious can be just as convenient as luxury itself. “Luxury is convenience,” says Aaron Coburn, the hotel’s charismatic general manager. And boy, does St Julien deliver on that promise!
Emily Robb
As I wandered into the spacious lobby, I was engulfed in a sea of tan marble, and the large windows beckoned me with a glimpse of the hotel’s lush lawn. To my right, the reception desk and spa awaited, while to my left, the hotel’s bar and restaurant set the stage for a culinary adventure.
But the adventure didn’t end there. My heart raced with excitement as I discovered the hotel’s commitment to vegetarian and vegan cuisine at Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro. The menu boasted tantalizing dishes such as a vegetarian pesto Caesar salad, wild-mushroom orecchiette, and wood-stone pizza. “There’s a heavy focus on vegan influence,” Coburn gleefully shared. And as VoiceAngel has previously reported, vegetarian and vegan options have a lower carbon footprint than meat-focused meals—talk about guilt-free indulgence!
Monica Humphries/Insider
But St Julien didn’t just stop at the table. They took it a step further by cultivating a garden bursting with life, offering fresh produce for their vegan buffet and harvest meals. I could almost taste the crisp cucumbers, juicy peaches, and fiery jalapeños on my plate. And let’s not forget the buzz of excitement in the air—the hotel expects to harvest 200 pounds of honey this year, thanks to their adorable bee boxes. Not only do they help pollinate crops, but some of that sweet nectar finds its way into the hotel’s cocktails and dishes. Can you say buzz-worthy?
As if my senses weren’t already tingling with delight, I ventured into the hotel’s spa—a sanctuary of tranquility and sustainability. Here, I surrendered to a body scrub that used organic and sustainably sourced products. The aroma of mint and eucalyptus filled the air as I emerged with baby-soft skin, feeling like a pampered environmental queen.
Monica Humphries/Insider
After my spa experience, I finally retreated to my suite—a haven of serenity that effortlessly blended luxury with sustainability. The living room basked in natural light, offering a breathtaking view of the sunrise. And oh, the balcony! It brought me one step closer to the majestic mountains, making me feel like I could almost touch them.
Even the little details in the room left me awestruck. A plush prairie dog sat on the bed, reminding me of the hotel’s partnership with the Prairie Dog Coalition and their incredible efforts to restore habitats. The bathroom, though featuring single-use products, surprised me with their commitment to giving back. Partially used products were donated to a local homeless center, and the bars of soap were sent to Clean the World for those in need. Talk about luxury that leaves a lasting impact!
As I bid farewell to St Julien, I couldn’t help but applaud their authentic commitment to sustainability. There is still progress to be made, they admit, like swapping plastic water bottles for infinitely recyclable aluminum and expanding their green initiatives. But their green team, led by the passionate Julia Martinez, ensures that St Julien is constantly pushing boundaries.
So, dear fashion enthusiasts, if you crave a luxurious escape that won’t compromise your eco-conscious values, St Julien Hotel & Spa is your ultimate destination. Immerse yourself in the lap of sustainable luxury, where nature and indulgence intertwine harmoniously. Your journey awaits!
What are your thoughts on sustainable luxury? Have you experienced any eco-conscious hotels that left you in awe? Share your stories and let’s celebrate fashion-forward sustainability together!
