Spa Bound:

A Vermont Spa Just for You

by Vermont Woman Staff

You do not have to travel great distances to Bali or Thailand or Hawaii or even Arizona, Utah or California to experience the luxury of resort spas or the expertise found at local day spas. As the fourth fastest growing segment of the hospitality industry, spas of all shapes and sizes have made Vermont home over the years, many of them just a short drive or even a walk away while others are well-worth the excursion.

Most spas are categorized as either resort/destination or day spas. The primary difference is that you generally (but not always) stay overnight at a resort spa to enjoy the total experience of the facility; the luxury of the room, the restaurant and surrounding area and all other amenities the resort offers including spa access and spa treatment. No spa is the same, from the physical design and layout to the expertise of the therapist to the treatments, each offers something unique. One thing is certain, however: they are both luxuries that greatly enhance your well being. Whether it’s for healing, aging remedies or for renewal purposes, spas are one of life’s lovely gifts to yourself.

Imagine a day just for you. An entire day. Or better yet a couple of days or even a week. Just for you alone. Or a getaway with your girlfriends, your daughter, your sister-in-law, your mother, your partner in life. Costs vary and can be expensive depending on the complexity of the treatments. However, fees as low as $20.00 a day typically include access to all spa facilities, and off-season rates or specials for Vermont residents are often available. So save your money for a treat just for you. However you get there Just do it. You deserve it.

Vermont Woman presents this select overview of just some of the spa facilities located throughout the Green Mountains; they represent a range in day or destination spa, price, and geographic location. To find more information on these and other relaxing retreats, visit www.spafinder.com.

Destination: Luxuriate with the Jet-Set

The Equinox Resort and Spa, Manchester

The entrance to the Equinox is grand. It was late in the afternoon and raining when we arrived, so several doormen with umbrellas greeted us. Awaiting our arrival they greeted us by name; we knew then we were in for a remarkable two-day experience.

The Equinox is one of the country’s premier historical inns dating back to 1769 when Manchester was barely ten years old. The Marsh Tavern and fireplace, which serves today as the dining room and pub was the original inn and centerpiece for the luxury hotel that was erected later. The Equinox was thrust into fame in 1863 and 1864, when Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and her sons visited. Restorations in 1985, and 1991 brought the Equinox to its status as one of the country’s “grand dames.”

Our room was spacious, warm, and cozy with very comfortable beds. I had expected a more elegant and updated décor, perhaps with a touch of Vermont memorabilia and art, constant with the opulence of the entrance and other common rooms throughout the hotel. I was pleased to hear that a complete room renovation as well as Spa renovation and expansion is tentatively scheduled for late fall 2007. However, our accommodations were perfectly fine and the service was excellent.

I quickly headed for the Spa, scheduled my treatments for the next day and then was off for a swim in the 75 foot NCAA-size indoor pool rarely found at any spa. The pool is exquisite; the water crystal clear treated with a very limited amount of chlorine because they use the ozone sterilization process. I followed this up with a soak in the fabulous outdoor hot tub with Mt. Equinox looming high above.

For dinner in the Marsh Tavern, we were treated to a delectable dinner prepared by newly hired Executive Chef Andreas Hartmann, most recently from the five-star restaurant at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado. The dining room is rustic and charming with a large fireplace and excellent service with entertainment on weekends.

In the Spa lounge, wrapped in a robe next to a crackling fire, I relaxed while waiting for my first treatment called Avanyu Legend. For 80 minutes I was scrubbed, neck to toes with an exotic selection of fragrance-infused sugars, salts and crushed wildflowers; then wrapped in a mask of seaweed for detoxing; showered with powerful overhead and side jets for 15 minutes; returning for essential blended oils and head and body massage. Ooo-la-la. Divine.

My friends raved about their manicure, pedicure, reflexology, Tension Tamer upper body massage, Rolling Thunder Custom massage and Flowing Water Swedish Massage and facials. The therapists are top of the line professionals. There are many treatment choices and prices are consistent with other spas.

The beautifully designed pool and spa facility is located a few steps outside of the Inn. It was somewhat disconcerting to share the lounge area with men, trying to sit back and relax while keeping your robe in place. Some of the fellas didn’t seem to be the least bit self-conscious, however!

The ambiance of the historical Equinox and Marsh Tavern combined with a spectacular pool and spa services is unbeatable. But one cannot overlook the seductiveness of Manchester Village home to the Northshire Bookstore, one of the country’s finest independently owned bookstores and to the 150 Designer Outlet Stores and many other fine area restaurants like the Perfect Wife where we dined on our second night. And if that’s not enough there is Stratton and Bromley Ski areas, cross country and snowshoeing trails. The Equinox also offers British Falconry, archery and wing shooting lessons, tennis lessons, fitness equipment, and world class golf courses. In the spring you can arrange canoeing and kayak trips down the Battenkill River.