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By Madelyn Miller

STOWE, VERMONT…….If there was ever a resort and spa that had the right name—it’s Topnotch at Stowe Resort and Spa. Everything from the gorgeous grounds to the special spa treatments to the creative cuisine to the people who work there—is really top notch.

Located in the 200- year old village of Stowe that is reminiscent of a Currier and Ives print, the resort and spa takes its inspiration directly from its glorious surroundings. The natural setting balances New England’s timeless beauty with the exhilarating impact of Vermont’s spectacular landscapes.

Beautifully detailed wood and stone interiors echo the countryside. Walls of glass open onto mountain landscapes, creating gracious sun filled spaces.

Instead of a lobby, there’s a spacious living room, dominated by an inviting fireplace and a panoramic vista of Mount Mansfield. It’s a comfy, cozy place to relax, read a book, or chat. The most popular time to gather in the “living room” is between 4 and 5 each day when teas and heaping platters of cookies are served to the guests. (Warning: the white-chocolate chip cookies are habit-forming, and just another reason to try the spa facilities.)

And the spa became my second home at Stowe. I enjoyed the 60-foot indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna and steam. (And when I felt lazy, I had a great view of the outdoor pool from my room.) But my most lingering memory will be of the unique spa treatments I enjoyed at the Spa at Topnotch.

The spa’s philosophy is based on reinterpreting ancient traditions for modern times. Times that call us to reflect, re-evaluate and renew our sense of balance in our bodies, minds and spirits.

I always like to experience local treatments, so I chose the Vermont Woods Exfoliation. My therapist used a chunky oatmeal soap created by Vermont senior citizen Mary Rossier. (Each of Mary’s soaps are hand-made and wrapped in colorful plaid Vermont flannel) By gently rubbing this special soap into my skin, the top layer of dry skin was exfoliated.

Next I tried a Vermont Wildflower Herbal Wrap. Using herbs indigenous to the Vermont countryside, herbalist Louise Downey created a special treatment oil for Topnotch. She used base oils of grapeseed, sweet almond, and sunflower oils, adding herbs like lavender to relive stress and spearmint to soothe and calm nerves. Then she “topped” it off with essential oils of lavender, Rose Geranium, spearmint and more to purify, heal, and treat the skin. The scent is known to uplift, relieve headaches and enhance relaxation.

I had actually come to Vermont for the first International Food and Wine Expo at Stowe. And little did I expect that I would experience a “local brew” when I decided to stay on for a few extra days at Topnotch. But brew is exactly what herbalist Louise Downey does. Her blends of oils and herbs are “aged”( just like fine wines) for at least 6 months until they are perfectly melded. Thick cotton sheets are steeped in this special brew and then warmed and wrapped around the body.

As I relaxed and almost slipped off to sleep, the mixture worked at soothing my sore and tired muscles. After my therapist finished the treatment with a massage, I could barely stumble to my room. I dozed off so soundly I nearly missed lunch…and that would have been a shame with the wonderful freshly grown local food at Topnotch.

TOPNOTCH AT STOWE RESORT AND SPA
P.O. BOX 1458
MOUNTAIN ROAD, STOWE, VERMONT 05672
800-451-8686
  FAX 802-253-9263
http://www.topnotch-resort.com/spa
topnotch@sover.net

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