Blab Business
Sonnenalp Hotel Tops Colorado Resorts, Whole Foods, and New Gypsum Dental Clinic Open in Vail-Area Developments
Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail has been crowned the No. 1 resort in Colorado by the Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards, a title that also shines a spotlight on its Swiss Chalet restaurant, which landed a spot on OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants list. The accolade arrives as the hotel’s owners issue a press release celebrating a legacy of service and hospitality.
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are determined by votes from more than 661,000 readers who share their favorite travel experiences. Sonnenalp’s Swiss Chalet earned a place among America’s top hotel restaurants, becoming one of only six Colorado establishments to receive the distinction.
In the release, fifth‑generation owner Sebastian Faessler expressed gratitude, saying, “We are honored to receive this recognition from our guests and readers of Travel + Leisure.” He added that the award reflects the dedication of the staff and the resort’s commitment to “crafting unforgettable stays and building genuine connections with each guest.”
Meanwhile, The Ritz‑Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, is promoting a Fall Photography Package from September 25‑27. The three‑day, two‑night program offers luxury mountain accommodations and workshops led by National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport. Open to all skill levels, the event runs between September 23‑29, with a two‑night minimum stay.
The Vail Valley’s retail and residential landscape is also evolving. Traer Creek and Jasmine have completed the first phase of a reimagined commercial and residential core in the Village and Avon, adding a roughly 28,500‑square‑foot Whole Foods Market to Avon. The project will also include an additional 7,500 to 12,500 square feet of retail space and a 122‑unit high‑end condominium project called Skjól. Phase 1 of Skjól is slated for completion in fall 2028, with a second phase planned for spring 2029.
Whole Foods first approached Traer in 2020, and the project required extensive planning and entitlements work. Jasmine President Marcus Lindholm said in a press release that the team “went back to the drawing board on the master plan, working through the entitlements, and fitting Whole Foods into a well‑thought‑through master plan that we hope can bring a new synergy and buzz to the town and the Vail Valley.” Vice President Michael Lindholm added that the grocery anchor “creates a new center of gravity in the town of Avon, and really for the valley.” The release thanked town officials, including town manager Eric Heil, mayor Tamra Underwood, and the town council.
Dental care is expanding westward in Eagle County. Elevated Dental has opened a new location in Gypsum at 150 Cooley Mesa Road, extending from its longtime Vail office. The new office is now open and accepting new patients. The company said the expansion “represents more than simply opening another office” and is intended to make dental care more accessible for families who might otherwise travel farther up‑valley. The Gypsum team includes Dr. Justin Moses, Dr. Michael Morgan, and Dr. Todd Shainholtz.
These developments illustrate a broader trend of investment in Colorado’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors. The Sonnenalp award highlights the state’s appeal to travelers, while the Ritz‑Carlton package underscores the region’s cultural and creative offerings. The Whole Foods and Skjól project signals continued residential growth in Avon, and the new Gypsum dental office reflects the expanding demand for local health services.
At present, Sonnenalp remains open for reservations, and the Swiss Chalet restaurant continues to serve guests. The Ritz‑Carlton Fall Photography Package is available for booking through the hotel’s website. The Whole Foods and Skjól development is in the final stages of construction, with the first phase of the grocery store expected to open in late 2026. Elevated Dental’s Gypsum location is fully operational and welcoming new patients. No further announcements have been made regarding upcoming earnings reports or additional corporate actions at this time.
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are determined by votes from more than 661,000 readers who share their favorite travel experiences. Sonnenalp’s Swiss Chalet earned a place among America’s top hotel restaurants, becoming one of only six Colorado establishments to receive the distinction.
In the release, fifth‑generation owner Sebastian Faessler expressed gratitude, saying, “We are honored to receive this recognition from our guests and readers of Travel + Leisure.” He added that the award reflects the dedication of the staff and the resort’s commitment to “crafting unforgettable stays and building genuine connections with each guest.”
Meanwhile, The Ritz‑Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, is promoting a Fall Photography Package from September 25‑27. The three‑day, two‑night program offers luxury mountain accommodations and workshops led by National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport. Open to all skill levels, the event runs between September 23‑29, with a two‑night minimum stay.
The Vail Valley’s retail and residential landscape is also evolving. Traer Creek and Jasmine have completed the first phase of a reimagined commercial and residential core in the Village and Avon, adding a roughly 28,500‑square‑foot Whole Foods Market to Avon. The project will also include an additional 7,500 to 12,500 square feet of retail space and a 122‑unit high‑end condominium project called Skjól. Phase 1 of Skjól is slated for completion in fall 2028, with a second phase planned for spring 2029.
Whole Foods first approached Traer in 2020, and the project required extensive planning and entitlements work. Jasmine President Marcus Lindholm said in a press release that the team “went back to the drawing board on the master plan, working through the entitlements, and fitting Whole Foods into a well‑thought‑through master plan that we hope can bring a new synergy and buzz to the town and the Vail Valley.” Vice President Michael Lindholm added that the grocery anchor “creates a new center of gravity in the town of Avon, and really for the valley.” The release thanked town officials, including town manager Eric Heil, mayor Tamra Underwood, and the town council.
Dental care is expanding westward in Eagle County. Elevated Dental has opened a new location in Gypsum at 150 Cooley Mesa Road, extending from its longtime Vail office. The new office is now open and accepting new patients. The company said the expansion “represents more than simply opening another office” and is intended to make dental care more accessible for families who might otherwise travel farther up‑valley. The Gypsum team includes Dr. Justin Moses, Dr. Michael Morgan, and Dr. Todd Shainholtz.
These developments illustrate a broader trend of investment in Colorado’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors. The Sonnenalp award highlights the state’s appeal to travelers, while the Ritz‑Carlton package underscores the region’s cultural and creative offerings. The Whole Foods and Skjól project signals continued residential growth in Avon, and the new Gypsum dental office reflects the expanding demand for local health services.
At present, Sonnenalp remains open for reservations, and the Swiss Chalet restaurant continues to serve guests. The Ritz‑Carlton Fall Photography Package is available for booking through the hotel’s website. The Whole Foods and Skjól development is in the final stages of construction, with the first phase of the grocery store expected to open in late 2026. Elevated Dental’s Gypsum location is fully operational and welcoming new patients. No further announcements have been made regarding upcoming earnings reports or additional corporate actions at this time.
