Home & Away with Stefanie Jones: Element 52, Telluride
Welcome to the first feature in our new series Home & Away with Columnist Stefanie Jones. Stefanie moved from London to be a co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show Daily Blast Live which films in Denver. Starting in 2012, Stefanie was the host of Fashion One Television, an international channel focusing on beauty, glamour, style, luxury, and viewed in more than 120 countries worldwide. A regular correspondent for international fashion weeks and at red carpet events around the world, Stefanie used her VIP access to report on some of the industry’s most exclusive parties. She has interviewed fashion’s most well-known insiders, including Anna Wintour.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC ANGUIANO // ACCOMMODATION: ELEMENT 52
I’d bet pretty much everything I own that I’m not the only person that has been suffering from a major case of cabin fever this summer. Quarantine and stay at home orders have been SO necessary to keep us all safe, but, I guarantee that I wasn’t the only one that was ready to make a bolt for the door when restrictions lifted in July.
Working on a daily national television show means exactly that - it’s daily, and days off are limited as a host. When it came to 4th July and I had my vacation time I wanted to escape, have a change of scenery, and to be honest - just get out of Denver!
Usually, I would be the first person to hop on a plane, pack my bikini and head straight for the beach however, despite flights being open again within the US, I just did not feel comfortable leaving the state of Colorado. With COVID numbers rising upon things re-opening I had pretty strict criteria as to where would make the ideal vacay cut :
1 - A destination that I could travel to in my own vehicle (Public transportation is a high no-no for me right now).
2 - Somewhere scenically beautiful and a totally different vibe to the city of Denver.
3 - A staycation that would truly allow me to be self-sufficient. Somewhere I could cocoon myself from the outside world, feel safe, and be at peace within.
4 - Luxurious. Really let my hair down, turn off and know for a few days I am getting totally pampered. I’m talking 5* luxury, I feel like I’m Julia Roberts in pretty woman, okay!?
I began my research. Where in Colorado has all of the above, a place I’ve never been to and will totally knock my socks off…? A few google searches later I come across Element 52 in Telluride.
I’d heard of this magical ‘Telluride’ from a couple of friends that had raved to me previously about it being the most beautiful place in Colorado. Big statement. HUGE. I’m a sucker for Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and to be fair all of the mountain towns I’ve visited, each of them quaint and charming in their own way - how could this little town that hardly anyone has mentioned to me top them all?
Google maps estimated journey time from Cherry Creek was approximately 6 hours. Not too bad…a bit of a road trip, but, after the most thrilling car journey for me this summer is a rendezvous to a Starbucks drive-through I was more than willing to take the scenic route… fast forward a couple of weeks and my stay at Element 52 began.
Upon arrival, I was whisked off to explore my abode by General Manager Alex. He gave me a tour of the luxury vacation home before leaving me in the very capable hands of Jennifer Lybrand and Angela Grufman - two of Element 52’s The Auberge Spa therapists that where ready set up in my homestay to help me unwind, relax from the car journey and even more importantly - adjust to the altitude. I’d known prior about the altitude change; it can happen to the best of us - even if you are fit and healthy you still may experience the headaches and dizziness that can go hand in hand naturally with being so high above sea level. The best way to tackle this, I heard… is with a custom massage, I mean, if it’s recommended who am I to question the professionals?!
I had the dreamiest 90 minutes of pampering known to mankind. No - I was NOT paid to write that, it’s 100% the truth. I zoned out whilst the therapists worked the tired muscles in my body leaving me feeling incredibly at peace. The aromatic blends of essential oils used were chosen specifically to increase respiration, circulation, and to aid better sleep it was the perfect way to welcome me to Telluride.
I settled into my accommodation - which I might add had no expense spared. Anything I could have desired or needed for the ultimate staycation was there, top of the range and immaculate. I clocked the wooden hot tub on the balcony with a view overlooking the town and promised myself a stargazing soak with bubbles - both kinds!
Before my indulgent self-care evening, I had to grab a bite to eat. Alex had previously recommended a restaurant just around the corner called ‘There’. I headed over with the advice of only having one or two cocktails as they are extremely delicious, but strong… Boy, Alex was not wrong! I sampled the apricot crisp, along with the Wagu and greens. Delicious doesn’t even come close - stiff, however, in regards the cocktail was extremely accurate! Feeling warm, full, and slightly fuzzy I headed back to enjoy the crisp mountain air, dark starry sky in a hot tub of dreams. Heaven.
Waking up the next day I felt excited, nervous, and almost totally bonkers as I’d signed up to experience what just might be the most Telluride experience one can possibly have. The Via Ferrata. I’d googled the hell out of the trail and to be quite frank, even that morning was in two minds as to whether or not I could actually do it. Let me explain - I’m all for a hike and experiencing the great outdoors but this, this, is something else. I’d looked at images and videos of what looked like the most unreal experience, seriously one of a kind but, I was scared. I’d be harnessed into the rock face meaning I would be totally safe but the route had some pretty sheer drops at various points along with ‘the main event’ a section of the activity where you scale the side of the mountain standing on what only can be described as iron bars. I’m not particularly afraid of heights but this would be a challenge.
I had an experienced guide with me to help me conquer my Via Ferrata feat. His name is Ken, from Telluride Mountain Guides. First of all, let me tell you that he was the most wonderful company, kind, helpful and to be honest very empowering. He talked me through every step, movement, and did it with such experience and knowledge that I felt unbelievably safe. I went from being nervous and apprehensive to having one of the best experiences of my life in a matter of hours thanks to that man. He filled me with confidence allowing me to really be present in the moment and take in my surroundings which were out of this world. Looking down on the town and admiring the breath-taking landscape is something I’ll never forget. I believe I used the word ‘Epic’ (something I NEVER say!) about a thousand times as I was lost for words. Simply incredible and Ken, well, he’s one of a kind.
After the rush of adrenaline had settled, I needed to clean up and get ready for dinner. I decided to try out the steam room in my shower (totally decadent) to give my muscles some love after hiking for hours… honestly, was there anything that hadn’t been thought of in this home?! Freshened up I strolled over to Sidework to refuel and have what I didn’t know at the time but what was about to be one of the best meals I’d had in 2020.
To say I was spoiled is an understatement. I began with a charcuterie board that had a sample of feta cheese with honeycomb that melted into my mouth (I sit here typing literally drooling at the thought) along with all I can say some kind of gin cocktail. I was asked a few simple questions, what base alcohol do I like, sweet or bitter, fruity or dry and I was in the bartenders beyond capable hands. I had a fruity gin concoction which was incredibly more-ish… so more-ish that I did indeed have another. I was feeling in need of something pretty hearty after my physically demanding morning so opted for rabbit pie with puff pastry. Could I eat it all, absolutely not! The thing was bloody massive! Was it everything I needed and more, however - oh yes. The service was so wonderful, I felt really looked after and thoroughly enjoyed my evening. Weeks later I’m still dreaming at the thought of the cheeses, pate, fresh bread, and that scrumptious pie. The restaurant is only open for parts of the season, so do check in advance and do not hesitate to book in… believe me, this is a taste-sensation to not be missed.
When arriving back to Element 52 there was yet another treat that I could not say no to… S’mores by the fire! I didn’t think I could have eaten one more bite but I was there, ready, marshmallow in hand ready for a foodie's nightcap… I guess I had earned it… right?!
I slumped into my huge, fluffy bed that evening feeling exhausted yet exhilarated. I think I might just have had one of the best days of my life. If anyone would have said to me that I would have laughed, rather loudly to be honest at the prospect of me saying that over a rock climb, rabbit pie and a homestay. How wrong I was. Staying at Element 52 was a breath of fresh air. The town felt like I was in a living chocolate box scene, the people where unbelievably kind and my vacation home made me totally relax. I had the luxury of never leaving the house if I didn’t want to, isolated in a 5* luxury cocoon with every need met. With the world being quite a scary place right now I was able to feel at peace and totally comfortable in a place I’d never visited before. I had everything I needed in one place, and for a city girl that rarely leaves the big smoke… well, I didn’t want to leave. 398 S Davis St, Telluride, Colorado, 81435
