Waldorf Astoria Residences Cherry Creek will rise as Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria-branded property, setting a standard for world-class luxury in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
Evoking the pioneering spirit and natural beauty of its captivating mountain backdrop, the boutique property’s 37 luxury residences will deliver a timeless landmark in the heart of Denver.
1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom luxury residences starting from $2.3M
Penthouse pricing available upon request
NOT BORING.
“As I met each week with the Haley Custom Home Team, I always walk away confident that not only am I getting a very high quality home, but one that every detail is discussed and analyzed, as if it was a home that they were building for themselves. As I reviewed other builders’ commitments, one attraction to Haley was their trademarked “Accelerated Precision Build” system (APB). We were in the house a month early.
This is my third time building a custome home and I have never been more satisfied.”
Michael and Jane McDonald
A Happy New Year
Happy New Year from the Cherry Creek Lifestyle Team!
As we settle back into reality, that sense of normalcy and routine come crashing back. As the year resets, we crave a bit of that ourselves, as well as kickstarting some new healthy habits. But how many years do you make resolutions that don’t quite stick? This year we are taking those resolutions down to the studs and keeping the goal an overarching “slow down”.
Slow down after holiday travel and enjoy the comfort of home.
Slow down after all of the holiday sweet treats. Get your hands in the flour and bake some bread at home.
Slow down in the start of the year fitness goals. Drop that marathon training that won’t quite stick, join a community and check out Ape Co.
Slow down and go for a walk, take in the little beauties.
Slow down and be in awe with the good before immediately jumping back into the grind the in the year.
Emily O'Brien, Willow King, Tony Firestine, Cynthia Barnes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Rae Scott
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Month of Modern 2024 highlights included the Architecture After AI exhibition, Cocktails & Conversations on sustainable design, an Artist Studio Tour, a screening of The Infinite Happiness, and a vibing Wrap Party. (Robert Bean & Lila Morency) 2: Will Day’s Studio 3: Matthew Tenzin & Joe McGuire 4: Melonie Sebastian, Jen Miller, Alex Griffin 5: Jared Moran, Manny Al-Amin Dyer & Ryan Kogan 6: Leah Alexis, Matthew Tenzin, Stephanie Holmes, Bailey Katherine, Cally Dalton, Laura Boyd-Chapman, David Chapman, Saul Vargas, Maya Crowne, Stephanie Bingham, Jay Ferracane
Photography by Lisa Doane
1-7: Thank you to our clients, friends, and local vendors for making our 6th annual Sip N Shop once again a huge success! Happy Holidays and New Year! Libby, Pam, and Patti from Helm Weaver Helm
Photography by Amanda Proudfit
in it for the
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Jax Fish House & Big Red F Restaurant Group Celebrate 30 Years
Colorado’s original destination for fresh seafood, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, and its independently owned operating group, Big Red F, are celebrating three decades in business! Big Red F continues its long legacy of giving back to the community, most notably by hosting Imagine!
business monthly
OpenSnow: Your Pocket Mountain Meteorologist
Chasing snow from Denver up to the mountains can be a pain if you wait until the last minute (thanks, I-70!). So plan your powder days in advance with OpenSnow. The custom alerts keep you ahead of the storm, and the local forecasters provide insight tailored just for skiers and riders like you. Download the OpenSnow app or visit OpenSnow.com to get started.
COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technology and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes, every time. For more than forty years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.
FOOD WRITER ALLYSON REEDY’S NEW BOOK CELEBRATES THE ART AND JOY OF BREAD-BAKING
BREAD, BAKING, AND COMMUNITY
In her latest book, 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die: The World's Best Sourdough, Croissants, Focaccia, Bagels, Pita, and More from Your Favorite Bakers (Including Dominique Ansel, Duff Goldman, and Deb Perelman), local food writer and bread enthusiast Allyson Reedy blends her passion for carbs with her knack for storytelling. She brings a sense of joy and approachability to the art of baking, honoring the craft behind the perfect loaf. For over a decade, Allyson’s been a beloved presence in the local food scene and a valued member of our magazine’s family through many roles. Her career spans writing and editing, covering the region’s vibrant culinary landscape.
ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
“The best part of any writing is the connection. Not just with the people around you and subjects of the stories, but with the readers. I love connecting with people through my words, and community magazines are such a wonderful way to do that. Our communities of people around us are everything.”
“Obviously eating is pretty great! I cover the Denver and Boulder dining scenes for 5280 magazine, The Denver Post, The Infatuation , and others, so that keeps me busy trying out new restaurants,” she says. “The best part is when a bite of a dish really turns my head. I love discovering those head-turners.”
Her talent as a food writer is complemented by her authentic warmth and knack for forging meaningful connections with readers.
“The best part of any writing is the connection,” Allyson says. “Not just with the people around you and subjects of the stories, but with the readers. I love connecting with people through my words, and community magazines are such a wonderful way to do that. Our communities of people around us are everything.”
“Writing the cookbooks really upped my game in the kitchen,” Allyson says. “I had never been much of a cook, so baking my way through the desserts and breads gave me some amazing new skills.”
Her book is a must-have for anyone eager to master the art of baking. If the aroma of freshly baked bread excites you, 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die will spark your culinary creativity. Dust off your apron, fire up the oven, and dive into a rewarding bread-baking journey. With this book, Allyson brings her culinary enthusiasm full circle, inviting readers to share in the joy of creating something truly delicious.
With her newest book, Allyson has taken her passion for baking to the next level. 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die is more than a recipe collection—it’s a love letter to the artistry of bread-making. Brimming with recipes from master bakers, the book demystifies the process of creating everything from rustic sourdough to pillowy focaccia. It provides tips and tricks for bakers of all skill levels, making it easy for anyone to turn their kitchen into a bakery-inspired haven.
For more of Allyson’s delightful exploration of food and baking, check out these two other titles:
• 50 Things to Bake Before You Die: The World’s Best Cakes, Pies, Brownies, Cookies, and More from Your Favorite Bakers, Including Christina Tosi, Joanne Chang, and Dominique Ansel
• The Phone Eats First Cookbook: 50 of Social Media’s Best Recipes to Feed Your Feed . . . and Then Yourself (Soon to be released March 25, 2025)
$950 | ALL INCLUSIVE
PRIVATE CONSULT WITH ALEJANDRO GAETA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SKETCH | IMPORTED SILK FABRIC FROM ITALY ALL FITTINGS AND ALTERATIONS
A Unique Retreat
Factor Design Build and Affect Architecture's Stunning Design and Construction Integrates with Nature
ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAE SCOTT
Created by Factor Design Build in collaboration with Affect Architecture, this modern and elegant new construction home is a masterpiece of design, minimalism, and harmony with nature, nestled in the Boulder Hills.
The guiding principle for the project was clear from the outset. "Our core focus is 'Create spaces that improve people's lives,'" explains David Bell, director of business development at Factor Design Build, the firm behind the project’s build and interior design. "That was the goal for the space in this home: to design and create a space that added function and value to not only the owner but also the surrounding community."
“That was the goal for the space in this home: to design and create a space that added function and value to not only the owner but also the surrounding community.”
The concept began with a deep appreciation for natural materials and the interplay of light and space. According to David, "Natural materials are really at the forefront of this project. The clean lines of Modern and Japanese, balancing with the symmetry found in the wood grain in the kitchen and inconsistencies and variations in stone and Shou Sugi Ban exterior [a Japanese wood preserving technique of charring the wood and finishing it with oil to create a charcoal-like finish]."
The homeowners sought a serene yet modern retreat that harmonized with its surroundings, so for Factor Design Build and Affect Architecture, designing a home that felt integrated was paramount. This vision informed every design choice, from materials to spatial flow. The design’s connection to the environment is evident in these choices. "Most finishes are geared towards natural elements and trying to blend in with the surrounding environment rather than sticking out like a sore thumb," shares David.
Lighting was another critical consideration. "The quality of the natural lighting within the house is incredible," shares the architecture team, Brian Martin and Kevin Sietmann, co-founders of Affect Architecture and the masterminds behind the project’s architectural design. "The tall ceilings, vaulted upper floors, and ability to create some unique sectional qualities within different spaces allow a unique connection between the upper and lower floors." The design also centers around
maximizing the site's depth, a rare feature in many urban areas. This enabled the creation of two striking courtyards: a main entry courtyard and a rear entertaining space.
Other key goals included delineating public and private spaces and creating intentional experiential qualities within the open-concept design, culminating in the home’s guest wing which was once completely detached from the residence.
"While an open-concept idea was important, we wanted to create the feeling of intentional space delineation and experiential qualities within the larger volumes,” states the Affect team. “For example, while the great room and kitchen are adjacent to one another, the ceiling is raised by several feet within the great room to create a different experience than the lower ceilings of the kitchen and dining room.”
Several standout elements showcase the care and craftsmanship that went into the construction. The Affect team highlights the steelwork as a defining feature. "All of the metalwork on the site was really well crafted. The exposed structural steel connections on the exterior of the house, as well as the steel screen between the kitchen and staircase, are our favorite examples of this."
What also sets this home apart within the Front Range area is its balance of subtlety and sophistication. "Each of its exterior design elements would be standout things on their own, but the way they are blended together almost hides them," reflects David. "The way the house is oriented on the lot within the existing foliage to make it subtle, and the more you look at it, the more you notice."
The final design offers a harmonious blend of intentional and intimate gathering spaces in a serene and refined setting. This thoughtful, nature-inspired sanctuary stands as proof of Factor Design Build and Affect Architecture's shared vision of creating spaces that enrich lives.
“While an open-concept idea was important, we wanted to create the feeling of intentional space delineation and experiential qualities within the larger volumes.”
The final design offers a harmonious blend of intentional and intimate gathering spaces in a serene and refined setting.
Project Credits:
Design & Build: Factor Design Build
BOUTIQUE
Tulum’s original boutique hotel group turns 20
ARTICLE BY CYNTHIA BARNES
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COLIBRI BOUTIQUE
HOTELS
BEACH LIFE
All hotels are not created equal—and that goes for the boutique set as well. Colibri is one hotel group that has figured out the secret: invest meaningfully in all members of your team, surprise and delight your guests at every turn, and keep your eyes on sustainability measures both large and small. This formula, while seemingly straightforward, is no easy feat. Mercurial weather patterns, numerous environmental challenges, and the rigors of small-town operations can be daunting. Yet their dedication has resulted in Tulum’s original boutique hotel group celebrating its 20th anniversary. Take a look, property by property, to see just how they create vacation magic.
Colibri Boutique Hotels CEO Brendon Leach explains the guests-first focus that makes each visit unique and memorable:
“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, from a small beachfront restaurant with just a few rooms to a group of boutique hotels. One thing that has remained constant since the beginning is the genuine care we have for our guests, making them feel at home. This commitment shines through in our Tripadvisor reviews, where our guests frequently highlight the quality of their experience. It’s our incredible team that makes it all possible, and I’m truly grateful for each of them.”
The magic begins when you open your eyes, either to discreetly delivered coffee service at your door (or make your own with freshly ground beans and your own ensuite French press) and continues through nightfall when you’ll find a pot of herbal tea and a perfect chocolate waiting at the foot of your bed. Throughout the day, the staff at each property ensure that visitors feel like honored guests ... but also like friends who’ve dropped in for the area’s coolest house parties. And all of the Tulum properties have reciprocal privileges, so you can mix and match, depending on the vibe du jour.
Mezzanine
Serene and luxurious, adults-only Mezzanine—which opened in 2004—exemplifies Tulum’s boho-chic vibes. Perched on a dramatic rise with a panoramic view of the beach, Mezzanine’s Thai restaurant draws acclaim for its meticulously crafted Land of Smiles specialties crafted from locally grown ingredients. (The two-hour Thai cooking class will equip you to recreate these delicacies at home.) For ultimate indulgence, book one of the two Master Suites, which have private hot tubs and their own terraces overlooking the Caribbean.
IG: @Mezzaninetulum MezzanineTulum.com
La Zebra
La Zebra is the second jewel in the collection. ¡Viva México! Every detail celebrates the culture of the country, from the design and decor to the stunning chef-driven cuisine. Suites—many with private plunge pools—are scattered throughout a picturesque setting right on the water, making it ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends. Chef Eleazar Bonilla takes diners on a culinary journey throughout Mexico, focusing on authentic flavors and time-honored cooking techniques. Art also feeds the spirit, and the works of Mexican artist Enrique Diaz infuse La Zebra with color and magic.
IG: @lazebratulum LaZebraTulum.com
Lula
Wellness is the word at Lula, the latest sister in the Colibri portfolio. Start the day with yoga at the glass beachfront fitness studio—the only one of its kind in Tulum. Therapeutic sound baths, restorative ice plunges, and energetic dance classes are also on the menu. But you can also just bliss out during a massage or simply soak up the sound of the surf from your ocean-facing sunbed. Rooms and suites, some with clawfoot tubs, all offer immaculate vibes. Dine on the best of Baja Med cuisine in Lula’s Kitchen, where the shrimp tacos are succulent, and the wood-fired pizza is perfectly on point.
IG: @LulaTulum LulaHotelTulum.com
Drink, swim, kiss, repeat: Those seeking peak Liz Taylor/Richard Burton-style Mexican romance should look no further than Mi Amor, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A throwback to the glamor days of 1950s Acapulco, Mi Amor dazzles with adults-only clifftop rooms inside a protected park just five minutes from the Mayan ruins. Relax in the spa—couple’s treatments are a specialty—or just while away the hours, sipping custom-created cocktails and gently swinging in a hammock chair over the infinity pool.
IG: @MiAmorTulum TulumHotelMiAmor.com
Mi Amor Yemaya Reefs
Tulum’s newly opened international airport is now welcoming nonstop flights from the United States, eliminating the need for a long trek from Cancun. But those who like their getaways a little farther away will want to venture to Yemaya Reefs. Nestled on Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island and kissed by the Caribbean, all the rustic-chic casitas (some with private plunge pools) are only steps from the sea. All this natural beauty can’t protect itself, and Colibri has been committed to sustaining its surroundings for the past 20 years. The “We Care” program triumphs environmental, social, and governance responsibility, conserving and protecting the natural environment while working to support the wider community who call these special places home.
IG: @YemayaLittleCorn YemayaLittleCorn.com
Jan Around Town
Throughout Jan
SNOWPACK(ED) AND READY TO SKI STAYCATION
Turn your ski day into a mini getaway! The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block invites winter adventurers to enjoy a cozy staycation paired with slopeside fun. Start your day with a hearty breakfast from Morning Jones and hit the mountains with your ski pass in hand! Cap the day off in the heart of Denver with Dairy Block’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene.
GAME DAY AT THE MOOSE
Experience game day in RiNo’s newest sports bar, The Moose! With its cozy mountain lodge vibe, plenty of TVs, and a massive projector, it’s the ultimate spot to watch your favorite teams. Enjoy Colorado-inspired eats like burgers and wings, sip local craft beers, and try the signature Shotski for a fun twist. Whether it’s a casual night out or a big game, The Moose is the place to be this winter!
Throughout Jan Jan 3rd
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN™ – IN CONCERT
Relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ like never
before! Watch the film on the big screen while the Colorado Symphony performs John Williams’ iconic score live. From the soaring notes of Buckbeak flight to the haunting beauty of the Dementors theme, this cinematic concert experience is perfect for fans of all ages. Get tickets at Tickets.ColoradoSymphony.org.
Jan 11th-26th
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW
Saddle up for one of Denver’s most iconic events! The National Western Stock Show is back with 16 days of rodeos, livestock competitions, horse shows, and family-friendly fun. Browse the trade show, cheer on thrilling bull riding events, and celebrate the best of Western heritage and culture. For more information go to NationalWestern.com
Jan 25th
2025 DENVER WINTER WHISKEY TASTING FESTIVAL
Warm up this winter with a celebration of all things whiskey! Sample an incredible variety of whiskeys, bourbons, and craft spirits at the Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival. With live music, great food, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to toast the season.
BY KELSEY HUFFER
As another year rolls around our minds will inevitably dig into that old archive of things we have meaning to do, things we could do better. I am all for self-efficacy, but I have come to question this tradition as it so often focuses on fixing what is wrong instead of celebrating all that is right. In the introduction to her wonderful book, Start Where You Are, Pema Chodron says, “We already have everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement. All these trips that we lay on ourselves—the heavy-duty fearing that we’re bad and hoping that we are good, the identities that we so dearly cling to, the rage, the jealousy, and the addictions of all kinds—never touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.”
For 2025 I recommend embracing Kärt Besvär. This Swedish phrase blends kärt, meaning “dear or cherished,” and besvär, which means “pain." While this might sound like going in the opposite direction of what we want, in some ways, it diffuses the whole New Year’s madness and asks us to be present with the daily tasks of our lives and, in so doing, infuse the quotidian with meaning. Bills, dentist appointments, packing school lunch, and jury duty aren’t going anywhere this year, so instead of feeling like we have to change things to be our best selves, how about knowing we are bringing our best selves to our life, as it is, mess and all?
A FEW KÄRT BESVÄR-INSPIRED
NON-RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONS:
Shift all paper bills to paperless. Save trees, have access to all your payments in one place, and receive notifications if those kinds of things slip your mind.
Volunteer! Giving our time and energy makes us happier and more connected to our communities. If you need a place to start: BoulderColorado.gov/Volunteer
Re-read an old favorite. If Anna Karenina is gathering dust by your bedside, give up! Go back to something you loved as a kid or young adult and revisit it. It’s a low-pressure way to time travel and visit your former self.
Take an awe walk. Dacher Keltner (DacherKeltner.com), a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center explains that finding awe and wonder on a walk (or anywhere else) can be as simple as pausing and noticing the world around us—from something as seemingly small as a flower bud to something as big as a mountain sunset stretched across the entire sky. Other sources of awe include what he refers to as “moral beauty”: witnessing the kindness or goodness or generosity of other people—or listening to music, seeing art, and contemplating big ideas, all of which can happen during an “awe walk.”
Keltner said that they found “three really cool things” when comparing the results of the control group to the “awe walk” group.
“Over the eight weeks of the study, the ‘awe walk’ group started to feel more and more awe. So, as we search for awe, we find more of it, which I think is really important. These people—75 years old or older—over time felt less pain and distress. Chronic pain and pain when you’re old is serious. It just rattles your consciousness, and here was a little technique that gave them some peace.”
