TOPNOTCH SPA, STOWE, VERMONT
Topnotch is a Resort Spa and a Medi-Spa
SPA OVERVIEW: Located near Stowe and the ski hills of Mount Mansfield the 30-plus treatment room Spa at Topnotch is among a growing list of such facilities that finds itself offering treatments and programs more often associated with a “destination spa.” Things, for instance, such as fitness programs, nutrition counselling, acupuncture and medi-spa services.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR: Medical Director Randy Stoloff, M.D. is board certified in internal medicine, allergy and immunology. He completed a preceptorship in Esthetic Dermatology at Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center in Salt Lake City under the direction of Dr. Mark Taylor, a renowned esthetic dermatologist.
WHAT'S ON THE MENU: You'll find the usual medi-spa treatments available here including Botox injections, fillers and laser treatments. The Lumalite Teeth Whitening System is also on the menu. Also on the medi-spa menu is a space-aged facial called the VI Peel that promises results with “no down time.” It’s not something Dr. Stoloff would recommend just before an important dinner or big event. “No down time” generally means you can go about your regular business but, in the case of chemical peels, you may look as if you’ve had a snooze under a sunlamp.
Along with these enhancement esthetics, plus massages, facials, body treatments and mani/pedi, spa offerings also include acupuncture for weight loss or facial rejuvenation. Also on the menu are Thai massage and Shiatsu treatments. While these are listed on many spa menus, it’s rare in North America to find a therapist who has spent 12 years in Japan devoting himself to the practice.
WHAT MAKES THIS SPA DISTINCTIVE: Scheduled fitness classes guests can partake of seven days a week is one of the big draws of this mountain-side resort. Kick-boxing, Hip Hop, Zoomba, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi and a sophisticated tennis program are a few of the options. Along with regular, expert-led classes, the resort also has a great gym with personal trainers who can be booked for one-on-one sessions.
WHAT IMPRESSED US MOST: The food at Norma's (the resort's main dining room) is healthy and tasty and most of the dishes are prepared with fresh local ingredients.
The calibre of fitness instructors and the number and variety of classes offered seven days a week.
The service and welcoming attention from all the staff.
The outdoor pools where you can enjoy a little retail therapy against a backdrop of the Mount Mansfield foothills.
WORDS TO THE WISE: The indoor spa pool is large and beautiful but it is also the resort's only indoor pool so keep in mind that during family time getaways such as March Break, Christmas and the summer months - you may find the area a bit noisy.
For more info please go to Topnotch Resort.