New Owners of Vapor Caves Preserve Timeless Tradition of Relaxation

Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves has been a sanctuary for relaxation and wellness for over 130 years. This historic establishment, now owned by the Delmonico family stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the commitment to stewardship.

Unexpected Business Plan: An Enterprise Rooted in Family Tradition

The Delmonicos’ history with Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves runs deep, reaching back to Alex’s parents, Scott and Melinda, who made annual pilgrimages with their young son to Glenwood Springs as part of their family vacation. “The tradition of soaking in the hot springs and visiting the caves at night with my dad became a bonding experience that fostered a deep love of this place,” Alex said. At the time, the Delmonicos had no idea they would one day be the future owners of the historic property.

Renovations: Modernizing a Historic Property

Through a series of synchronicities, the trio purchased the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves in July 2022; since then, they’ve been remodeling and re-visioning every area from the lobby and solarium to the locker rooms and massage rooms. “Our goal was to refresh and brighten the existing space,” Alex explained. When visitors enter, they’ll notice lighter walls that bounce the natural light off surfaces and accent colors that add to the clean, uncluttered and calming environment. The only areas left untouched by the new upgrades are the caves themselves!

The Heartbeat of Yampah Spa: The Caves

At the core of Yampah Spa’s allure are the vapor caves. For the Delmonico family, preserving the historic caves—the only natural vapor caves in the country—is a paramount priority. “The caves are truly what set us apart. They are sacred, and we are honored to be the stewards of such a treasured resource,” said Alex. The use of the caves goes back to the indigenous people who once populated the region, specifically the Ute tribe, which considers the caves holy ground to this day. “The sacredness of the cave draws people from all over the world. Many people return over and over again because of their connection with the cave,” Melinda added.

Alex explained that the previous owners had several offers to purchase the Yampah Spa, which were always rejected because the investors had visions of tearing down the 130-year-old spa and replacing it with an upscale hotel. “That’s never going to happen as long as we own it,” he said.

The Yampah Experience: Presentation, Packages & Personalized Service

The Yampah experience begins the moment guests walk through the entrance. Upon entering, guests are warmly greeted by the front desk staff, setting the tone for an exemplary experience. Recognizing the potential for confusion in the layout of the 130-year-old facility, the staff provides guided tours of the facility, empowering guests to both feel at home and navigate the space seamlessly.

“When people come here for a treatment, our goal is that they leave deeply relaxed with what I like to call ‘spa brain,’ a state of being that’s so tranquil the rest of the world melts away,” Alex explained.

Packages that bundle multiple services are a great way to achieve total relaxation. “Packages feature treatments that work well together; you can also choose one based on the amount of time you have. Most of all, our packages, which include the caves, offer guests an experience that you can only have here,” Alex said. One of the most popular packages is the monthly indulgence which in addition to the caves includes a 30-minute mineral bath and a custom body wrap that’s not offered on the main spa menu. Other highlights include a couple’s spa package and bridal packages.

Fresh Face: Revolutionizing Facial Services

Yampah Spa has also revamped its facial lineup with a focus on quality and customization. Transitioning to the Epicuren skincare line, a company founded in Colorado, and using customized Epicuren protocols, the spa offers facials specifically designed for the dry Colorado environment. The Fire and Ice Facial, for example, is tailored to enhance the skin’s health, providing anti-aging benefits and a refreshing, rejuvenating experience. “Our facials have really taken off, especially among locals who are coming back regularly after seeing the amazing results,” Alex said.

Looking Forward: Modernization and Holistic Wellness

Under the direction of the new owners, Yampah Spa will continue to evolve with a commitment to updating its offerings. Melinda, in particular, is focused on enhancing spa treatment formulations to make them more potent and effective for guests, as well as organizing holistic retreats at the spa. The family is also looking forward to implementing a new online booking service in the coming months that will overhaul and modernize the reservation system. “The goal from start to finish is to bring holistic wellness to the forefront, providing guests with a truly transformative experience they can’t get anywhere else,” said Alex.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned guest, Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves welcomes you to embark on a journey of relaxation, tradition and wellness. Make an appointment, steam in the caves, and indulge in the spa’s diverse offerings. Reservations are required for spa treatments. Walk-ins are welcome to use the caves Monday through Thursday, but reservations are required Friday through Sunday.
Learn more about Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves and all that Glenwood Springs has to offer. Make plans to visit today!