Aspen, Colorado (January 9, 2023) – Aspen Meadows Resort has officially launched its partnership with the top-rated Salamander Collection brand, marking the occasion and new year with the opening of a vibrant restaurant, West End Social, and a striking arrival experience. Recently rated as the top luxury hotel brand by readers of USA TODAY, Salamander has been managing the property since 2022 and collaboratively oversaw the latest renovation work alongside the resort’s owner, the Aspen Institute.

Open in time for ski season, the re-designed and re-concepted West End Social features 270-degree views of Aspen’s mountains and an approachable menu, designed by Chef de Cuisine Rachel Saxton, which highlights shareable plates that encourage conversation. There is both an openness and warmth to the redesign which plays off the stunning scenery of Aspen’s ski mountains. With an unobstructed, stunning view, the large outdoor deck is a perfect place for après drinks and dining. And, to appeal to all types of dining experiences, the same menu will be served in the dining room, at the bar, and outdoors. Seasonal, live entertainment will also be a staple on the expansive patio.

The resort’s reception area and bar have also been renovated to create a brighter and more welcoming environment. Aspen Meadows engaged restaurant design powerhouse Bentel & Bentel to reimagine each space while honoring the deep legacy of Herbert Bayer, the influential artist, sculptor, and architect who designed the iconic campus in the Bauhaus style between 1953 and 1973.

“It is my goal to connect with people on a personal level and for each Salamander property to feel like a home,” said Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson. “The conclusion of the latest enhancements marks the perfect time to launch this iconic property with Salamander Collection.  We have enjoyed working collaboratively with the Aspen Institute to elevate what’s special about Aspen Meadows, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to enjoy the improvements.” 

Blending art and authenticity on 40 acres of rolling meadows and beautiful groves in the West End of Aspen, the 98-room property has always been renowned for its nature-inspired design and spacious all-suite accommodations. Owned by the Aspen Institute, the resort was created to allow visitors to escape their hurried lives and reflect upon their values and role in society and culture. Aspen Meadows continues to host the Institute’s famed array of programming, including the Aspen Ideas Festival, and earlier this year completed a striking renovation of its guest suites, which followed the opening of the newly constructed Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies and the restoration of the historic Boettcher Building.

As part of the launch, Aspen Meadows is offering a special Stay More Save More package, which offers savings of up to 25% on stays of four nights or more. After savings, rates begin at $599 per night, include shuttle service to and from Aspen, and are based upon availability. Stays must be completed by April 30. For more information, visit www.AspenMeadows.com/specials.

Culinary Inspiration

Working with Resort Executive Chef J.D. Baldridge, West End Social’s Chef de Cuisine Rachel Saxton draws inspiration from Colorado ingredients, and she has created a locally sourced, yet wide-ranging menu that will change seasonally. Saxton is joined by new Executive Pastry Chef Sara Figueiredo, who recently joined the restaurant from Gravity Haus in Vail, CO, and collectively they have developed a menu into by Nibbles, Water, Flour & Love, Earth & Sun, and Land.

“Our brunch, après and dinner menus have been designed to be not just interesting, but also interactive,” says Saxton. “Each dish is approachable and shines a light on our local farmers and Colorado products.”

Some of Saxton’s new menu items include:

• House-Made Ricotta with Wild Mushrooms and Roots
• Wagyu Tartare with Gochujang, Kumquat and Sesame
• Pumpkin Tortellini with Chestnut, Delicata Squash, Sage and Almond
• The Bison Burger: Double Bison Patty with Pretzel Bun, Feta, Caramelized Onion, Bitter Greens and House-made Chips

Additionally, Figueiredo has created several new pastries and desserts to complement Saxton’s menu, including:

• Pastry Basket with Pumpkin Date Muffin, Gingerbread Scone and Chocolate Financier
• Mont Blanc Pavlova
• Chicory Persimmon Sticky Toffee Pudding

Design

The redesign maximizes West End Social’s expansive views and yet also creates a cozier space that still feels gracious and private. The environment allows guests to share thoughts and ideas, be inspired, and walk away renewed and refreshed. A new double-sided glass wine rack provides a view from the bar area to the dining room – allowing each space to share energy, but not noise – while stunning new restaurant lighting fixtures, inspired by Bayer’s own paintings and sculptures, will be installed this spring.

In the bar, the focal design element centers on a brick wall and fireplace, with the hearth as the natural, warm draw for guests to gather. The stone in both the restaurant and bar is Colorado marble sourced from the Roaring Fork Valley. Locally inspired cocktails and spirits, and a well-rounded wine list with unique selections from around the world, form the basis of the drinks menu.

Peter Bentel and his team approached the redesign as a research project on Bayer himself, noting that Bayer was not just an architect but also a graphic designer and an artist whose work spanned decades. Taking inspiration from a photo of Bayer at ease in his home, Bentel observed Bayer surrounded by his architecture and art in a way that wasn’t strict or modernist – wood was heavily featured, along with chairs playfully inspired by snowshoes.  

As a result, Aspen wood plays a significant role in the redesign, giving life to the walls as it brings a sense of flickering movement. Color has been introduced, with Bayer’s 1949 painting Untitled (Formation) serving as the palate source, both in the furniture as well as on the ceiling in the form of colored panels. These panels are tucked under concrete T-beams as an homage to Bayer’s belief that art was not something to just hang on the walls – he thought of art as the entire space – giving Bentel license to apply color directly to the architecture itself.

For more information about Aspen Meadows and West End Social, visit www.AspenMeadows.com.

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About Salamander Collection

Salamander Collection is privately owned and operated, and based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, Salamander has a unique hospitality approach that is welcoming, personal, and treats guests as if they are returning home. The collection features the Forbes Five-Star Salamander Middleburg, an equestrian-inspired property in the Virginia countryside; Salamander Washington DC, an elegant hotel located along the capital’s vibrant Southwest waterfront; Half Moon, the storied resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, featuring three distinct experiences including the acclaimed Eclipse; the newly renovated and reimagined Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, located along two miles of pristine beach on Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla; Aspen Meadows Resort, which features newly renovated Herbert Bayer-inspired accommodations and sweeping views on 40 beautiful acres in Aspen, CO.; Hotel Bennett, a spectacular grand hotel in Charleston, SC, overlooking the city’s historic Marion Square; and Innisbrook Resort in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship each year on its famed Copperhead Course. www.SalamanderHotels.com.