Why Aspen Is The Perfect Place For Your Next Songwriting Retreat

Aspen – The Ultimate Destination for Your Next Songwriting Retreat

To write a song is to bear your soul. And if you’re writing solo, it’s not that hard to do because, well, you know you! But when you’re paired with someone you’ve never met–which is often in the songwriting world–it can be like going on a blind date. You have no idea if you’re going to click or have any chemistry or if you will even want to share your ideas with this person…until you get there. 

How do I know this? Well, I’ve been on dates–some really awkward ones–during the course of my life. And I’ve been through enough first-songwriting dates in both Los Angeles and Nashville to know they can be pretty similar to a blind date scenario.


The good news is there is a solution out there to avoid this, and the best song publishers are already doing it with their songwriters: writing retreats.

A musician engaged in playing an acoustic guitar, during Aspen songwriting retreat

Corporations do it all the time. They bring their companies together in one place to learn, to bond, to create unique relationships and memories that otherwise would not be made without the retreat. 

For songwriters this is no different. Regular day-to-day activities and stresses, family lives, and the fact that you separate from those you work with (or in this case, co-write with) at the end of each work day leave very little time to create a deep bond with someone, unless you just happened to have one before you started working together. And if you’ve never met your co-writer until the first time you write, it’s a potential crap-shoot.

I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced you that you need to take a songwriting retreat this summer. But where? 

A picturesque view of the Maroon Bells, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Maroon Bells right outside of Aspen proper

ASPEN, COLORADO of course. As a former Nashvillian and Californian who now lives in Aspen, I know this place is the breeding ground for your next hit song(s). Just take a look at the photos above, and tell me you don’t agree. And I know you’re thinking about the beach being a good spot–and it is–but if I may, a mountain retreat offers some things that the beach may not: privacy, seclusion, fewer distractions, and group activities that you might not have tried before to get the juices flowing and build those bonds. 

I personally recommend a villa in one of our more remote, rustic neighborhoods like Starwood or in the hills of Snowmass Village. With private bedrooms to recharge, common rooms to gather, and grounds to spread out on and create beautiful music together, what else could you ask for? And the clean Alpine air can’t hurt ya.

And for a change of pace your group can go into downtown Aspen or Snowmass and shop (I would suggest getting a customized hat or buckle at Kemosabe to commemorate the trip), celebrate, or take a ride up the gondola for the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen. Hikes, bike rides, fly fishing–they might be on your to-do list, too.

Just think of it. Breathe it in. And let us here at Aspen Luxury Concierge make your retreat one you and your writers will never forget. For more on how we can make this creator’s dream a reality, contact us here or visit our website for a list of our above and beyond services.

An expansive kitchen and dining space adorned with wooden beams, creating a warm atmosphere.
This room was meant to be written in.
Aspen Private Shopping Experiences Kemo Sabe Style

Aspen Private Shopping Experiences: Kemo Sabe Style

Even if you haven’t been to Aspen, you probably still know all the winter activities we have to offer here. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking the bowl, snowmobiling, and dog sledding–what’s not to love? 

But once you and your friends get off the mountain, what’s next? Sure, you can split up and go shopping (which you totally should while you’re here) and yes, you can meet back up to apres (an Aspen staple), but what if you just want to get down and party a little while you shop?

This is where I suggest a private shopping experience at Kemo Sabe

A variety of hats displayed on a wall in a store, showcasing diverse styles and colors.
And this is just ONE wall of hats.
A shelf in a store featuring an assortment of boots, each pair showcasing unique styles and colors in Aspen private shopping experiences
You need some boots in your life.

Whether you’re coming in with a group of your best friends, a bachelorette or bachelor party, or a corporate group, you will not be disappointed with a night spent in this western paradise. 

“A lot of times groups will rent out the bar upstairs, and we’ll whip up  a special cocktail to sip while they all shop for a buckle or a hat to commemorate their unforgettable stay in Aspen. Everyone loves it!” says Kemo Sabe’s Kate Valdmanis.

You can even rent out the entire place if you want, which, if you’ve ever been to Kemo Sabe, you know it is basically like being in a country western club with boots, buckles, hats, and some of the most unique jewelry you’ve ever seen. And the music! Country classics and the latest hits play all night long–it’s impossible not to sing along. 

An inviting bar scene with a polished wooden counter and a chic cowhide rug beneath.
This upstairs bar might be the best way to apres.

My personal experience: Anyone can buy a hat, but at Kemo Sabe, it’s an adventure personalized to you. I wasn’t there for five minutes and Kate already had some hat ideas just by looking at my face shape and my skin tone. Once we narrowed it down to size and color, it was onto the brim and the hat steamer. And then the best part: the hat band, the feathers and, the BRANDING! I put my initials on mine because I just got married and I’m super proud of my new last name. But you can brand your hat with whatever you want! They have pretty much anything you can think of.

A fashionable woman wearing a feathered and tassel hat, showcasing her unique style and sophistication.
My hat!

Just think if you all went home with a custom hat after your trip! The memories you’d make, the pictures in front of the boot wall you’d take’, the cocktails you’d sip while shopping! And I bet some of the ladies would dance if you asked! Actually, I know they would. They live for a good time.

Ok, I’ve said enough. I think you get my drift. You must go to Kemo Sabe when you’re here. You must. And Aspen Luxury Concierge can help you plan the experience of a lifetime. 

For more information on how to set up your private shopping experience, contact us today! 

how to pick the perfect luxury rental in aspen

Selecting the Ideal Luxury Rental in Aspen: A How-To Guide

Where should we stay? We guarantee this is the most commonly asked question when planning a vacation to Aspen.

And technically there’s no wrong answer to this question, but here at Aspen Luxury Concierge, we are big fans of luxury villas and chalets. Why? We’ll tell you. 

In a luxury Aspen villa or chalet rental,

  • You get total privacy for you and your family or group.
  • It feels like a home away from home (relax and get comfortable!).
  • You get to live like an Aspen local lives.
  • It’s the perfect place to entertain, celebrate, and gather.
  • You can choose your neighborhood (downtown in the heart of the action or the more secluded villas in Castle Creek and Starwood).

Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? We know. But here’s the thing, finding the right vacation rental can be a challenge. There are so many choices, which is great, but the marketplace isn’t the easiest to navigate. But don’t worry, we have got you covered here at Aspen Luxury Concierge.

At ALC, we work with all of the luxury rental brokerage firms here in Aspen to ensure that we shop every single opportunity available for you. We listen to your wants and needs and set out to find the perfect match for you. That said, we will never push our own inventory as some firms do. And the best part for you is that we do the work so you can just go ahead and get excited about your Aspen vacation!

A spacious kitchen featuring a large space and elegant wooden floors, the best option for selecting the ideal luxury rental in Aspen.
Enjoy the perfect place to entertain.

Once we identify the perfect luxury rental for you, your single point of contact at ALC will assist in negotiations to be absolutely sure you are paying a fair market price, and once documents are signed, he/she will work with the listing agency to coordinate all necessary payments.

Pre-Arrival is not only key to your stress-free planning process, but also where ALC shines. Our goal is to give you one job only – pack for your dream stay in Aspen.

  • From flights (commercial or private) to ground transportation to groceries stocked at your villa, we make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible. 
  • All activities (including lift tickets and ski lessons), restaurant reservations, nannies, spa appointments, and private shopping experiences will be set up and easily accessed (app or PDF) on your tailored itinerary.
  • If you want a private chef or additional staff at your luxury villa, we will make it happen for you.
A spacious living room featuring comfortable couches and large windows allowing natural light.
Total privacy and relaxation await.

So what are you waiting for? Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today to start planning your unforgettable Aspen getaway!