Though the rooms are hard to leave (particularly the heaven-sent beds), there is plenty more hotel to check out. Spa at St Julien is 10,000 square feet of sumptuousness with an array of Zen-like treatments, like the new Mountain Mojito sugar scrub. Dining options are various at St Julien from the signature Jill’s Restaurant to the much-loved Saturday Afternoon Tea. For a pre-dinner drink, happy hour at T-Zero Lounge is a must—especially when enjoyed on the terrace, offering mountain views and a chance to mix and mingle with other guests.

Another thing St Julien has going for it is its prime position in downtown Boulder. The hotel is a minute or two walk or bike ride—which the hotel can lend you—from the city’s famed Pearl Street Mall, a multi-block strip of shops and restaurants (most of which you won’t find in Arizona) that range from casual to chichi. There are about 1,000 spots to visit along Pearl Street, but don’t forget to take a few moments to enjoy the street performers who delight regularly with their music, magic, dancing and more. For a bite to eat, Centro Latin American Kitchen is great spot to share a dish (think pork-and-lobster nachos) and sip some tequila, while The Kitchen boasts farm-fresh ingredients and one of the best breakfast spreads in town.

Before heading home to Arizona, be sure to take time to breathe in the mountain-fresh Boulder air and enjoy the snowflakes that might be making their way to the ground this time of year. While there’s a lot to love about home, it’s always nice to get a taste of what wintertime is really about. www.stjulien.com.