Located in the most charming town of Stowe, Vermont is the majestic Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. Originally founded by Beatrice and Stuart Baraw in 1963, Stoweflake has grown from a modest Inn into a premier 4-diamond luxury resort. It was under the direction of Chuck Baraw, Beatrice and Stu’s son, that the family property has also become known as one of America’s best spa destinations—voted a Top Spa by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
Your stay at Stoweflake offers so much to do. As a guest, you have full use of the fully equipped fitness center, squash/racquetball court, spinning and yoga studio, children’s playground, indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness trail, sauna and steam rooms.
The main lobby of the hotel connects you to the circle that is Stoweflake Resort. Offering afternoon tea and cookies each day, stop in to speak with their beloved concierge, who, as I was told, knows Vermont better than anyone!
Dining options on the property are numerous. Visit the main dining room for breakfast each morning where I highly recommend the whole wheat French toast, which is soaked in vanilla egg batter, grilled and served with fruit sauce. A Stowe tradition featuring a festive atmosphere, American cuisine and traditional pub fare is Charlie B’s pub and restaurant. Serving over 50 wines by the glass as well as a large selection of beers, I highly recommend trying the cabbage soup and classic poutine. If you desire something lighter, stop by the spa poolside cafe, which offers a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Definitely give the strawberry fruit smoothie a try!
A visit to the resort would not be complete without a visit to the spa. Specializing in Ayurvedic treatments, which is the ancient Indian science of life and wellness, there is something for everyone to try. I took part in the Shirodhara, where I was massaged from toe to head, then a stream of warm oil was continuously poured onto my third eye to soothe my mind and senses. My husband was treated to a mountain man mud massage, where his soreness and tension were relieved through the use of mineral-rich mud applied to his back, combined with a muscle-soothing, full body massage. Your spa treatment also affords you full use of the spa facility, which includes a salt pool, plunge pool, hot tub, and motion-detector waterfall pool.
Some other wonderful features of the resort include:
- pet-friendly
- luxury rooms available
- conference/wedding facilities
- golf outings scheduled daily
- tennis courts
- heated walkway to outdoor pool
- bike rentals
- 5.3 mile recreation path
- village/shopping area located near the recreation path
- over 150 treatments at the spa and salon
- labyrinth path located outside the spa for walking/meditation
- herbs and fruits/vegetables grown on site for use in the resort’s restaurants
Honestly, this was the best mini-vacation my family and I have ever had. The resort was breathtakingly beautiful, the staff were very welcoming and accommodating, the food was fresh and delicious, we never lacked for anything to do, and our every need was taken care of at the spa.
Don’t think Vermont is just for winter ski trips! As you can see from my review, Stoweflake Resort offers so much to do and see year-round. Don’t delay in booking your stay… you won’t be disappointed!
What would you do first when you arrive at Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa?
*DISCLAIMER: Any opinions stated are strictly my own. I was sent the above item by CM Communications to help facilitate my review. All photos used in this post are courtesy of Kathy Zagorski.*