If you have not heard by now, a Total Solar Eclipse is taking place this summer on Monday, August 21; astronomically, it is an extremely rare occurrence (the first visible in the United States in 99 years) and it is predicted to be one of “the most photographed, most shared, most tweeted event in human history.”
The “Great American Eclipse” will begin at approximately 10:18 a.m. PST near Lincoln City, Oregon and will end near Charleston, South Carolina at 2:47 p.m. EST. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, located in Avon, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains is going to be in the 90 percent path of totality for the eclipse. With such a prime observation opportunity, the 180-room resort is planning a number of special events to commemorate the occasion:
Recreation Programs
Beyond the daily guided hike offered as part of the resort’s Naturalist Program, there will also be unique activities arranged for both before and during the celestial event. Guests going on the daily hike will be led to a Rocky Mountain vista ideal for seeing the eclipse. There will be a panel where guests can learn facts about the skies, outer space and the eclipse as well as the local Colorado flora and fauna. The resort will also be providing special viewing glasses to view the eclipse from its Great Lawn and Mountainside Terrace.
Solar Eclipse Massage
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Bachelor Gulch is also joining in on the festivities. Guests 18-years and above can receive a free five-minute chair massage during the the eclipse.
Specialty Cocktails & Mocktails
In addition, all of the resort’s dining outlets are commemorating the historic natural phenomenon with a one-time-only menu of specialty cocktails. The Total Eclipse is a coconut rum-based drink, shaken with Jägermeister and pineapple juice; the Blue Moon has Grey Goose Oranj mixed with blue curacao and Contreau; meanwhile the Solar Flare is made of a homemade blueberry vodka and simple syrup. These drinks can also be modified into non-alcoholic mocktails for younger guests.
Once the eclipse passed, that evening guests are invited on sunset strolls as well as stargazing down paths used for snowshoeing in the winter. An expert resident naturalist will be guiding adventure-seekers as they teach them (most appropriately) about celestial navigation, point out key stars, planets and constellations. During their stay, guests can also enjoy the resort's Red Sky Golf Club, six different restaurants, spa, wellness center and pools.
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