Colorado has a bevy of exciting openings to anticipate in 2026; from luxurious hotels to buzzy restaurants to wellness studios, there are plenty of options to look forward to this winter.
Dive Into The Dining Scene
The Centennial State already has an impressive dining scene, with 17 James Beard semifinalists recently announced and several new restaurant openings over the winter months. Many more are on the way across both the Front Range and resort communities early this year.
Chef Johnny Curiel, who has earned two Michelin stars at Denver restaurants Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma, and his wife Kasie, plan to open the eight-seat Maize this spring in Denver, with a tasting menu influenced by traditional Mexican cuisine.
Photo Courtesy of Mezcaleria Alma, Photo By Shawn CAmpbell
Another award-winning chef has a new restaurant in the works. Chef Theo Adley was nominated for a James Beard award (Best Chef in the Mountain Region) at Marigold in Lyons. His new outpost in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, Heretík, will feature “cou-nou” rotisserie chicken as well as a raw bar and small plates.
Paperboy, which launched as a food truck in Austin in 2015 before opening two brick-and-mortar venues, is coming to West Highlands for their first Colorado location. Executive Chef Pat Jackson will bring brunch favorites to the new locale, which has seating for over 70 diners indoors or on the patio.
Newly opened in Mountain Village, Dolce Telluride is serving up lovely desserts, including tiramisu, petit fours, chocolate mousse, and other sweet treats. Order a breakfast box for an upcoming meeting or gathering, and ask about their catering options as well.
Photo Courtesy of Dolce Telluride
Carrying on the legacy of the space with new ownership, the new Crested Butte Deli offers sandwiches such as The Vic with smoked turkey, bacon, avocado, and provolone, and the Animal, including roast beef, pickle brine pimento cheese, and horseradish sauce. While you’re there, pick up some southwest bean salad, curry chicken salad, and other favorites to go.
Zuma Vail is planning to open this spring in the Sebastian Hotel. With locations in Hong Kong, London, Dubai, and Ibiza, this Japanese restaurant favorite will include a dining area, bar, and DJ booth, making it an ideal spot for apres-ski dining and drinks.
El Perro Negro is a new option in Breckenridge with street tacos, margaritas, cantaritas, and a lively atmosphere. And coming soon to Main Street, Forage will focus on local nature, local history, and local art. Dishes will showcase a commitment to sustainability and seasonality, with locally sourced ingredients.
Namaste: New Wellness Experiences
Karma Yoga Center, a long-standing Denver community yoga space, is moving into a new, larger studio at 1760 S. Broadway. The new studio will have a meditation room, a tea house, a yoga and movement studio, a classroom, and a wellness center for massage and other treatments. The grand opening is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Perspire Sauna Studio will be opening more locations soon as well. Already operating in Castle Rock, Cherry Hills, Highlands Ranch, and Parker, Perspire has plans to bring its infrared saunas to Centennial and the Orchard Town Center. Sauna has long been touted for health benefits, including detoxification and increased circulation.
Luxe New Lodging Options
The Limelight Boulder opened recently in the University Hill neighborhood, making it convenient to the CU Boulder campus and all that downtown Boulder has to offer. With stunning views of the iconic Flatirons, the heated pool and hot tub are open throughout the year.
The fitness center offers Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, a Tonal machine, and free weights. Based on availability, the hotel’s car service can drive guests to destinations within two miles of the hotel.
Photo Courtesy of Limelight Boulder
Kindred Resort and Residences will bring a new level of luxury to Keystone, with a 107-room hotel and 95 residences that boast ski-in, ski-out access from its premier location near the River Run gondola.
Photo Courtesy of Kindred Resort
Kindred’s luxurious amenities include a private signature club with valet parking, ski valet service, a spa, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and new restaurants, scheduled to open in early 2026.
Whether you’re searching for a restaurant with delicious dishes, an upscale hotel, or a place to hone your fitness or simply relax, Colorado has some fantastic new places to explore this year.