As the interior design editor of Belle Australia magazine, Lucy McCabe is constantly surrounded by beautiful objects and inspiring spaces. Given her well-trained eye for all things aesthetically pleasing, we asked her to share her top tips for getting the most out of the luxury ski resort town of Colarado's Aspen, in the United States. Given this was the setting for her recent engagement, we're sure Aspen will always hold a special place in Lucy's heart. Aspen in 5 words is... Decadent, sporty, scenic, convivial and cold! Must-pack 5 wardrobe items?
- An Isabel Marant cashmere knit from Parlour X
- A quilted down coat from Moncler
- Stylish carry-on luggage from Globe-Trotter
- Shearling-lined, leather après ski boots.
- A pair of B&O leather headphones for the long-haul flight
Top 3 beauty products to pack? High winds, biting temperatures and extreme levels of UV exposure can punish your skin and hair, so be sure to pack some high-performance essentials:
Where to stay? The Little Nell is the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Aspen, with concierges to help you with everything from carrying your skis to the snow to moving them around the mountains. The newly-renovated rooms are understated, yet totally luxurious.
Hotel Jerome is an iconic institution, too.
Where’s great to go for... Cocktails or drinks? Jimmy’s for cocktails…a whisky sour will warm the cockles!
A long lunch? On the slopes of Aspen Highlands
Cloud Nine is an Austrian-style alpine hut where raclette sizzles, the fondue boils and (after lunch) the Veuve sprays everywhere!
A quick bite? The Whitehouse Tavern for the kind of upscale sandwich that Americans do so well.
Favourite restaurant? La Creperie du Village is a cozy French bistro in a chalet-inspired setting, known for its cheese fondue, Swiss raclette and assortment of crêpes. The beef bourguignon crêpe is a serious indulgence.
The most Instagram-friendly spot in town? Hike to the top of the Aspen Highlands bowl (where my fiancé popped the question earlier this year!). If hiking up 13,000 feet in your ski boots with copious gear on your back sounds slightly daunting, remember that your effort will be rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree view of the mountain range and a terrific ski back down to civilisation.
The perfect 24 hours in Aspen looks like... Spend the morning skiing with friends and family. Slide in to
Bonnie’s Restaurant on the mountain for pancakes and the famous apple strudel made by local identity Muffin (you will burn it all off on the slopes, anyway). Assuage your sore muscles with a pampering experience at the
St. Regis Remède Spa – it’s worthy of an entire afternoon. They have Aspen-specific treatments, which include oxygen therapy for those adjusting to the mountain air. By late afternoon, you’ll be wanting to make a beeline for the
Hotel Jerome – whether you’re a guest or not – for a sundowner and a seriously decadent burger. Located in a fantastic 19
th-century building with a vibe that’s very old-school Ralph Lauren club lounge, the living room is an irresistible spot for imbibing by the open fire.
Top 3 must-visit cultural hot spots? Of course skiing is the main event in Aspen but if you’re taking a day off from the slopes, there are a number of excellent art galleries to visit. My picks would include the
Galerie Maximillian,
Aspen Art Museum and
Omnibus Gallery. You can find Lucy on Instagram at
@lucy.m.mccabe