If you’ve spent any time in Estes Park, you already know the town is bursting with mountain scenery, access to Rocky Mountain National Park, and a steady pulse of outdoor adventure. But those in the know also understand that Estes Park is making waves with its food and wellness scene, especially at the Estes Park Resort, home to Ember Restaurant and Bar in Estes Park and the Qi Lounge wellness spa. Whether you’re a foodie, a relaxation-seeker, or just want to enjoy a vacation with a little of everything, these two spots offer a perfect blend of mountain luxury, local flavor, and laid-back fun.
A Destination at Lake Estes
The Estes Park Resort sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Estes, and with its easy access to downtown and the national park, it’s a favorite for travelers who want more than just a room. It’s also where you’ll find Ember and The Qi Lounge. What makes this place special isn’t just the address, it’s how food, wellness, and local hospitality come together. Here, every guest feels like they’re in the know, with a front-row seat to the best of Estes.
Ember Restaurant & Bar
Walking into Ember, you get a hit of warmth, both from the sun streaming in through lakefront windows and the open, modern-mountain design. There’s a hint of the West in the wood and stone, but nothing about Ember feels rustic or stuck in the past. It’s an energetic, stylish spot, where locals gather for a special night and out-of-towners feel instantly welcomed.
The brainchild of Chef Sean Gafner, Ember draws on his farm and ranch upbringing as well as years of culinary training in California and Colorado. Chef Gafner is known for his hands-on approach, attention to detail, and a true respect for the ingredients. His motto? Use the best, treat it well, and always aim for a little delight in every dish.
Fresh, Inventive, and Locally Inspired
Ember’s kitchen is fearless about flavor. The menu is Modern American at heart, but always with a twist, whether it’s a French technique on a Colorado steak, a Southeast Asian accent on the house pork belly, or a Mediterranean touch in the roasted veggie plates.
Start with their house-made burrata, creamy and fresh, paired with blistered tomatoes and crusty local bread. Or try a Colorado spin on tapas: bison meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce, or the wildly popular crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a spicy honey glaze.
Seafood is always a hit here. Depending on the season, you might find seared scallops with sweet corn puree and chive oil or salmon served with Colorado potatoes and local greens. On chillier nights, the elk and venison entrees offer a hearty, game-forward option you’d expect in the Rockies – yet elevated, never heavy.
Vegetarians are not an afterthought. You’ll see wild mushroom risotto, creative salads with local goat cheese and beets, or roasted cauliflower steaks with vibrant, herbaceous sauces. Even the side dishes, think truffle mac and cheese, crispy smashed potatoes, or glazed root vegetables, are plated with a chef’s touch.
Sweet Endings and Crafted Cocktails
Don’t skip dessert. Ember’s pastry chef puts out crowd-pleasers like the flourless chocolate cake (a favorite for gluten-free guests), seasonal fruit crisps, or a tangy lemon panna cotta that feels like summer in a bowl. House-made ice creams, often featuring flavors like lavender or bourbon-pecan, cap off the meal.
At the bar, you’ll find a cocktail menu that changes with the season. Signature drinks like the smoked old fashioned and lavender lemonade are local legends. The bartenders use fresh herbs, local spirits, and house-made syrups, with a focus on balanced, creative flavors. Prefer wine or beer? The list leans Colorado-heavy, with some well-chosen West Coast and global bottles for good measure. The rotating craft taps spotlight the best of Colorado’s booming beer scene.
More Than a Meal
Dining at Ember is about more than just food. Service is warm and personal, servers genuinely know the menu and are eager to help, not just upsell. The dining room buzzes with energy, but there are plenty of cozy nooks for quiet conversation, and larger tables for groups. Ask for a window seat if you want sunset views over Lake Estes, or head to the patio for fresh air and firepit vibes on summer nights.
Ember is a local favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, and big group celebrations. The team goes the extra mile with special menus, creative dessert presentations, or custom cocktails if you let them know you’re celebrating. They love seeing familiar faces and welcome visitors as new friends.
In winter, the fireplace and mountain views make Ember a perfect spot to warm up after a day on the trails or slopes. In summer, the doors swing open to the lake breeze, and the restaurant hums with people winding down after hikes or just soaking up Estes Park’s golden hour.
Events and Community Connections
Ember doesn’t just serve food; it’s part of the Estes Park scene. From wine tastings and cocktail classes to chef’s table dinners and live music nights, there’s always something happening. The bar is a magnet for locals and visitors, hosting everything from brewery tap takeovers to New Year’s parties and themed dinners for special occasions.
Chef Gafner and his team are committed to supporting local charities, using local purveyors, and participating in community events year-round. This keeps the vibe authentic—never touristy or corporate. You’ll often see staff and regulars swapping tips about the best local hikes or what’s new around town.
The Qi Lounge in Estes Park
Directly upstairs, The Qi Lounge offers a different but equally memorable experience. This is Estes Park’s most acclaimed wellness spa, and it’s dedicated to holistic health, relaxation, and transformation.
From the moment you enter, the Qi Lounge feels peaceful – soft music, herbal aromas, natural materials, and stunning views of Lake Estes and the mountains. Staff welcome you with tea, calm energy, and a genuine interest in your well-being.
Spa Treatments for Every Need
Qi Lounge offers a full menu of massage and bodywork, from classic Swedish and deep tissue to more specialized options like hot stone therapy, prenatal massage, and sports recovery. Their signature Qi Massage is customized to your needs, blending several techniques for a deeply personal and restorative experience.
If you’ve been hiking or skiing, book a sports massage to work out sore muscles. If you’re looking to truly unwind, try a CBD-infused treatment or a sound bath session, where crystal bowls and guided meditation help quiet your mind and restore your balance.
Energy work is a big part of the spa’s philosophy. Reiki, craniosacral therapy, and integrative healing sessions are offered by highly trained therapists. If you’re new to holistic wellness, the staff are happy to explain options and make you feel comfortable.
Wellness for Couples and Groups
The Qi Lounge is perfect for solo travelers or couples. Book side-by-side massages in a private room or plan a spa day as part of a wedding, anniversary, or friends’ getaway. Group bookings can include a mix of treatments, plus time to relax in the lounge or on the outdoor deck with mountain and lake views.
Throughout the year, the spa hosts wellness workshops and events—yoga classes, guided meditations, nutrition seminars, and even private wellness retreats for groups. Locals return regularly for maintenance and stress relief; travelers love the ability to truly relax between adventures.
Amenities and Atmosphere
The spa’s relaxation lounge, herbal tea bar, and serene changing rooms make it easy to linger before or after your treatment. You’re encouraged to take your time—there’s no rush. The Qi Lounge aims to be a sanctuary in every sense, and the experience is tailored to how you want to feel, not just a menu of services.
Many guests book both Ember and Qi Lounge for the same day. Maybe a spa treatment in the morning, then dinner and drinks by the lake in the evening. This “day at the resort” approach is one reason so many people return each year, making it their go-to for anniversaries, girls’ weekends, or special occasions.
The Perfect Setting
The location of Ember and The Qi Lounge can’t be beat. The Estes Park Resort sits on a peninsula with panoramic views of the lake, the peaks, and the surrounding meadows. It’s an unbeatable place to watch the sunrise with a coffee or sunset with a cocktail. In warmer months, the resort offers bike and boat rentals, walking trails, and easy access to fishing and wildlife watching.
Winter brings its own magic, with snow-capped peaks, a peaceful frozen lake, and cozy fireside lounging. Being just a mile from the heart of downtown Estes Park means you’re close to shopping, art galleries, and the famous Riverwalk, but far enough for total peace and quiet at night.
Stay with Voyago
To truly make the most of Ember, Qi Lounge, and everything Estes has to offer, book a vacation rental with Voyago. Our handpicked Lake Estes homes and condos are designed for every type of guest. Want lake views and a private hot tub? Pet-friendly space with a fireplace and open kitchen? A multi-bedroom family retreat or a romantic getaway for two? We’ve got you covered.
Every Voyago rental comes fully furnished, featuring high-end linens, stocked kitchens, spacious living areas, and resort-style amenities. Unwind in a private hot tub after a long day, cook up local finds from the farmers market, or just relax on the deck with a glass of wine from Ember’s list.
Booking direct with Voyago gives you access to local experts, who can recommend not just where to eat and relax, but what to see and do in Estes Park. Our guests love the personalized service and the peace of mind that comes with staying with a reputable, experienced team.
Start Planning Your Lake Estes Escape
Ready to taste, sip, relax, and recharge in the Rockies? Make Ember Restaurant & Bar and The Qi Lounge a priority for your next visit to Estes Park. And don’t forget to book your stay with Voyago for a Lake Estes home base that’s as comfortable and special as your destination. Between the mountain air, the lake views, and the perfect pairing of food and wellness, you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave.
As we enter the big holiday season that takes place every end of the year like clockwork (and yet still manages to surprise us when it arrives again!) our already busy lives move into chaos zones as we try to cram shopping, cleaning, and celebrating into our busy days! We spend weeks cleaning and organizing our homes, we spend big bucks shopping for gifts, food, and other holiday necessities, and we spend days garnering blisters and backaches as we stand over hot stoves, decorate homes, and wrap presents.
Don’t get us wrong, we at Voyago Vacation Rentals love the holidays, especially in our Estes Park hometown where snow and cold weather adds an extra charm, but we also find ourselves scheduling in spa days before the season officially begins, understanding that our physical and mental wellbeing must be paid attention to if we want to complete all that needs to be done in the waning months of the year!
We are fortunate, because we are located just minutes away from one of the best wellness spas in the country, the Qi Lounge Wellness Spa (pronounced chee, not key!) but if you have decided to spoil yourself with a little pre-holiday stay in our fall and winter sanctuaries, you too can experience all this famous spa has to offer! This guide to experiencing the Qi Lounge Wellness Spa will perhaps encourage you to schedule a Colorado getaway if you haven’t already, including a comfortable and luxurious stay in our Voyago Vacation Rentals Estes Park cabins for a little extra spoiling and pampering!
Located at 1700 Colorado Peaks Drive in Estes Park
This part of Colorado is known for its snow covered mountains, and its endless opportunities for fun and excitement, but Estes Park, specifically, is known for being the home to Qi Lounge Wellness Spa, also located inside the Estes Park Resort. Providing a spa escape unlike any other you have ever experienced, the staff is dedicated to making you feel whole, complete, and better than you did when you walk in the door, offering an extensive list of spa services that caters to mind, body, AND spirit.
The services provided, which we will get into more a bit further down the page, include access to extra amenities including locker rooms where you will shed your outdoor clothes and slip into warm and fluffy robes, a dry sauna to enhance your relaxation and prepare you for the wonders that await, a Zen Den, because, well, you know, you can never be TOO relaxed, and a beverage station that will ensure you stay hydrated as you enjoy a day of pampering! After checking in 30 minutes early for your day of wondrously relaxing experiences, you will be able to participate in the above amenities before and during your stay.
The Services you Seek
Appealing to bridal parties, couples, and everyone seeking relaxation and spoiling, the service list of Qi is a long and marvelous one! Their bridal services include services for the bride, the groom, and everyone in the bridal party, featuring hydrafacials that will accentuate the brides already glowing features (they also offer makeup services) and add an extra shine to the groom’s handsome visage.
Acupuncture and massage, manscaping, and a special gift for the bride are amongst some of the services provided for the soon to be newlyweds and their entourages. For couples, Qi offers duet experiences that take place in private suites for two, and include mineral salt soaks, massages, and facials, creating a romantic experience that will enhance your Estes Park vacation. And finally, you don’t need to be a part of a large group to enjoy all the pampering services found at Qi, you hardworking traveler you.
Everything we have listed can be enjoyed as a solo spa-goer and so much more! There just aren’t enough words to list everything they provide, but, trust us, if it is good for mind, body, and soul, they will probably offer it! Their Wellness and Integrative Services include a B12 shot and a 45-minute herbal consultation that will give you the tools to a healthy future outside of Estes Park and their Spa Medley Services mix and match skin and body services like facials and wraps with massages and soaks.
Add-ons can include mimosas, brunches, and tapas, and heir express services can spoil quickly, getting the spa-goer in and out in an hour or less, letting them get back to their very important work of Colorado vacationing! Waxes, lashes and brows, and stunningly relaxing feet services are also a part of the very long list of services that can be experienced at Qi Lounge Wellness Spa!
Come Home to Voyago Vacation Rentals
Because we feel you can never be too spoiled or too relaxed, coming home after a glorious spa day to our Estes Park vacation sanctuaries will continue the theme! Contact us and reserve your favorite today!