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A Winter Wonderland Birthday: My Epic Stay at the Grand Hyatt Vail



As I turned 29, I couldn't have imagined a more perfect birthday in Colorado than spending it in the snowy paradise of Vail, Colorado. My husband and I decided to celebrate our special day at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Vail, and boy, was it an experience to remember!



From the moment we arrived, the hotel's breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks left us in awe. The lobby's high ceilings, cozy fireplace, and chic decor made us feel right at home. We quickly checked in and we were thrilled to find out that we had been upgraded to a beautiful room with a stunning view of the mountains. We headed to our room, which was equally stunning.

The room was spacious, elegantly decorated, and had all the modern amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable and luxurious. Every detail had been carefully thought out to provide us with an unforgettable experience, and the balcony overlooking the snow-covered mountains provided the perfect backdrop for morning tea.


Our first day in Vail was spent enjoying the views of the snow-covered mountains. We enjoyed a quick lunch at the hotel's restaurant, Gessner, where Christopher and I split the steak & frites, followed by a glass of the Special Edition 46th Anniversary Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in the Fireside Lounge overlooking Gore Creek. We had originally planned some outdoor snowy fun for day one, but upon speaking to the concierge, tubing was no longer available unless we trekked all the way back to Copper Mountain, and I am certainly not coordinated enough for skiing or snowboarding. One of the unique features of Grand Hyatt Vail is it's hotel ski lift, which provides guests with direct access to Vail Mountain's ski slopes. The lift runs from the hotel's backyard making it convenient for guests who want to hit the slopes right away.






As for Chris and I, we decided to head into Vail Village via the hotel's shuttle service, where we indulged in some retail therapy, just a stone's throw away from the resort. The village had a wide array of shops, boutiques, and galleries, and we found some unique souvenirs to take back home.


As evening set in, we headed to Yama Sushi for a delicious birthday dinner. The sushi was so fresh and delicious, which made the night. It was the perfect way to end a day full of activities.


At Yama Sushi Vail, you can expect to find a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi. If you're a fan of sashimi, you won't be disappointed. The chefs at Yama Sushi Vail use only the freshest fish and seafood to create beautiful and delicious sashimi platters that are sure to impress.


Chris and I started with an order of the Fire Roasted Flounder, which was to die for, followed by oysters, and the Shisho Tuna. Chris and I both ordered Sashimi and Nigiri, and some of our favorites were Ocean Trout, Amberjack, and Unagi (Eel).

If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to try some of the restaurant's specialty rolls, like the Summer in Vail Roll, which features snow crab, tuna, yellowtail, and salmon, with masago, cilantro, and avocado wrapped in Cucumber and topped with Ponzu sauce, or you can try the Hammerhead Roll, which includes masago, snow crab, eel, avocado, and cream cheese, tempura fried and topped with tsume sauce. Whatever you decide to order, you can be sure that the chefs at Yama Sushi Vail will prepare your meal with the utmost care and attention to detail, making your dining experience a memorable one.







Day two was all about pampering ourselves at The Spa at Grand Hyatt Vail. We spent the morning indulging in a Luxury Couples Experience. The spa had an impressive array of treatments to choose from, and we were spoiled for choice. The spa at Grand Hyatt Vail is truly a hidden gem. Located in a serene and secluded part of the hotel, the spa offers a wide range of treatments and services that are designed to rejuvenate the body and soothe the soul. As soon as you walk into the spa, you will be greeted by a warm and welcoming staff who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience. The spa features multiple treatment rooms, including a couples' suite, where you can relax and unwind in a peaceful and luxurious environment. From massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs, there is something for everyone at the Grand Hyatt Vail spa. One of the highlights of the spa were the sauna and steam rooms, which you could follow up with a cold plunge shower. The spa also has a co-ed relaxation room which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you are looking for a quick pick-me-up or a full day of pampering, the spa at Grand Hyatt Vail is the perfect place to indulge and relax.






After the spa Chris had made a reservation at the hotel's on-site Top-golf Swing Suite.

If you're looking for a break from the snow or simply want to try something new, the Topgolf Swing Suite at Grand Hyatt Vail is a great option. This virtual golf experience brings together cutting-edge technology and luxury amenities to create a unique and exciting activity for guests. The private suite features a variety of games and experiences, including virtual golf, baseball, hockey, and more. You can even choose to play on some of the world's most famous golf courses without ever leaving the comfort of the hotel. The suite also includes comfortable seating, HDTVs, and a full bar, making it a great place to relax and hang out with friends or family. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to try something new, the Topgolf Swing Suite at Grand Hyatt Vail is an experience you won't forget.





After enjoying our own private virtual golf suite, we decided to take a dip in the heated infinity pool, surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, the heated pool and hot tubs offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere to soak and unwind.





We ended our second night in Vail by indulging in another round of sushi, this time at the hotel's pop-up restaurant Yoshimi at Grand Hyatt Vail. Yoshimi offers a unique culinary experience, featuring authentic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is known for its fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and other delicious Japanese dishes that are expertly crafted by the chefs. The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, with beautiful decor and a serene ambiance that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. We enjoyed our meal while sipping on some sake and taking in the beautiful views of the mountain. It was the perfect way to end another amazing day in Vail.


On our third and final day in Vail, since we hadn't indulged in their most popular offered winter sports, Chris and I threw on some Yaktrax and hiked around the snowy grounds, before deciding to explore more of Vail Village.





Vail Village is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of high-end stores and boutiques that offer everything from designer clothing and accessories to luxury home decor and unique souvenirs.

Here are just a couple of the boutique shops we stopped at in Vail Village.


Res Ipsa - The store is inspired by the beauty of the mountains and carries a carefully curated selection of artisanal goods and handmade accessories. From handmade leather shoes to unique accessories, you'll find something truly special at Res Ipsa Vail. The store also offers a variety of products that are made exclusively for the hotel, so you won't find them anywhere else.


Perch - Perch is a chic boutique located in Vail Village that offers a unique shopping experience for visitors. The store features a wide selection of high-end women's clothing, accessories, and jewelry from top designers. From stylish dresses to trendy handbags, you'll find everything you need to complete your mountain getaway wardrobe at Perch.


No matter what your style or budget, Vail Village has something for everyone. These high-end shops are just a few of the many options available, and each one offers a unique shopping experience that is sure to delight and inspire.





Unfortunately, our time in Vail had come to an end, as we packed our bags and prepared to leave Vail, we couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that we didn't have the chance to visit the Moet Chandon ski-in yurt. This unique pop-up champagne bar is located at the bottom of the Hyatt's private ski lift. Guests can ski right up to the yurt and enjoy a glass of Moet Chandon champagne while taking in the stunning views of the mountain. It's a perfect way to celebrate a day on the slopes or to simply enjoy a glass of bubbly with friends. We promised ourselves that if we ever return to Vail, we would make it a priority to visit the Moet Chandon ski-in yurt and add it to our list of unforgettable experiences in this beautiful mountain town.


Throughout our stay, we were amazed by the exceptional hospitality and service offered by the staff at Grand Hyatt Vail. We can't thank the staff at Grand Hyatt Vail enough for making our stay such a memorable one. The upgraded room added an extra touch of luxury to our already wonderful experience. Overall, my 29th birthday in Vail was a truly unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to come back again. We highly recommend the Grand Hyatt Vail to anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable stay in Vail, Colorado. Whether you're an adventure junkie or someone who prefers a relaxing getaway, Vail has something for everyone, and the Grand Hyatt Vail is the perfect place to experience it all.


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Have you ever visited Vail, Colorado?

What was your favorite experience in this beautiful mountain town?

Or, if you haven't been yet, what is the one thing you're most excited to see or do when you visit?


Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!






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