Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa

What started out nearly 50 years ago as a modest family-owned motel has grown into a world-class resort, rated by Fodor's among the "Top 10 Destination Spas in the United States." The Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa has gained a AAA 4-diamond designation, too, attesting to Chuck Baraw's skill at hotel management.

The centerpiece here is the 50,000-square-foot Spa featuring a meditative Spa Garden, Aqua Solarium, and 4,000-square-foot Labyrinth. With more than 120 treatments available, its services include massages, facials, wraps, body masks, and energy work. Of the resort's 120 hotel rooms, suites, and townhouses, 23 have been set aside as "spa guestrooms" located on the first floor of the new West Wing. They offer two queens beds with fireplace. King rooms on the second floor also come with a fireplace plus a Jacuzzi bathtub. Units with up to three bedrooms can be booked as well.

Facilities on the 60-acre property include indoor and outdoor pools, sports facilities, manicured gardens, a 9-hole par-3 golf course, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Recreational activities range from biking and hiking to skiing and snowshoeing. There are also two award-winning restaurants on site: Charlie B's Pub & Restaurant and Winfield's Bistro.

Providing some 22,000 square feet of meeting space and 19 function rooms, the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa has become a conference destination, too. The resort is located at 1746 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont 05672. Free drive-up parking is available.