Though the raison d’etre for mountain resorts are their outdoor activities, pampering spas have become attractions all their own. Many spas offer group rates and some even provide specialized programs for groups.
California
A day at Trilogy Spa in the Village of Squaw Valley USA near Lake Tahoe is often one of the options for group outings in the same vein as a day of white-water rafting or golf.
‘It’s not just for women, you see more men taking advantage of a day at the spa,” says Damian Ferris, director of operations for Trilogy Spa.
One feature of the spa is the Barefoot Bar Lava Lounge.
“We have a champagne/wine bar area around the fire pit that can be used as a meet-and-greet area for larger groups,” Ferris says. “We offer mini treatments there as well.”
Other perks from Trilogy Spa include chair massages in conference spaces as well as in-room massages.
According to Ferris, the Lehua Honey Drenched Steam Wrap is one of the most popular options at Trilogy Spa. The treatment starts with a sea salt exfoliation, followed by a body massage with honey, and then a scalp treatment and soothing wrap with warm coconut milk and macadamia nut oil.
Colorado
In Colorado Springs, The Spa at Broadmoor caters to groups with its Spa on the Go program.
“A lot of groups have expos and a lot of meetings, but no time to incorporate the spa,” says Julie Oliff, spa sales manager at the Broadmoor. “To make the meeting standout we offer chair massages on the side, stretch breaks and lifestyle classes.”
Classes can vary in length and range from how to eat healthy to the popular golf conditioning class.
Other programs include metabolic testing, which measures each person’s heart rate variability and teaches attendees how to relax and breathe more healthfully, as well as how to get their heart rate to a healthy point. Another feature coming in April is a 20-minute non-surgical facelift that can be arranged for groups or spouses.
Cliff Spa sits atop the Cliff Lodge & Spa in Snowbird and offers a wide range of treatments, including aromatherapy, hot stone massages and body scrubs. The spa’s custom high-altitude massage caters to the individual’s needs.
“If someone was out skiing all day, they will work on legs and calf areas,” says Marlen Stewart, director of the Cliff Spa.
For groups, Cliff Spa provides presentations to explain the various treatments and discuss the spa’s amenities, including yoga classes, which can be arranged specially for groups.
The spa also features a solarium, dry saunas, a eucalyptus steam room, and a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub.
Snowbird offers 50,000 square feet of meeting space and over 500 guest rooms.
The Remede Spa at the St. Regis Resort, Aspen offers chair massages to accompany group functions.
“It reminds them they are here to relax,” says Simon Dogbe, group sales and VIP manager for the spa.
In the spa’s pre-treatment lounge, small groups can set up functions with complementary snacks and champagne, while groups can also block out private use of the on-property Oxygen Lounge, where they can re-oxygenate their blood and eliminate feelings of lethargy. The Oxygen Lounge can fit four.
Customized services are also a Remede Spa specialty. Guests pick the amount of time for the treatments, either 30, 60 or 90 minutes, and they receive whatever is best for skin and body as determined by the esthetician or masseuse.
“A lot of group guests do not have a clue as to what they want,” Dogbe says. “This way they are not confused by a long menu. They go to the treatment room and tell the therapist they have a stiff back or whatever.”
Groups can also book the movement studio and set up a private class for yoga, dance or other classes.
Montana
To take advantage of the summer weather, Spa Town at the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough sets up its treatment areas in 11 tents at the edge of a stand of pine trees.
Catering to incentive groups and corporate retreats, attendees can choose from a number of treatments, including the River Rocks hot stone massage, Cowboy Classic, using a blend of warm avocado, lime and ginger extracts, or the Moisture Drench hydrating treatment.
New Mexico
In Taos, the Living Spa at El Monte Sagrado also offers lectures and workshops for groups. Unique spa menu options include spiritual cleansings by Grandmother Jean, a 10th-generation Navaho, who performs a ritual customized for each guest’s needs utilizing sacred animal skins, rattles, traditional song and prayer, and the use of crystal healing. Sound and vibration therapies as well as personalized yoga classes are also open to groups.
The Living Spa’s expansive list of treatments includes Reiki, the deep-sea oxygen facial and the signature high desert body treatment, which entails using a blend of wild-crafted, indigenous plants, flowers and aromatic skin nourishing oils from Taos and the surrounding area.
Wyoming
The 17,000-square-foot Avanyu Spa at Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village features hot tubs and a sauna as well as treatment rooms.
One of the signature options is the Avanyu Spa Mountain Adventure, which starts the day with a private yoga class, 50-minute morning facial or massage, and includes an afternoon outdoor adventure, such as horseback riding or white-water rafting.
Another option is the Lifestyle Retreat, which includes either the Lazy Man’s Yoga-ssage or a private yoga session and 50-minute massages followed by the Spirit of Wyoming, Indian Head Massage and High Altitude Repair Facial. One glass of house wine is included.
For More Info
Avanyu Spa 307.732.6004
www.rockresorts.com
Cliff Spa 801.933.2225
www.snowbird.com
Living Spa 575.758.3502
www.elmontesagrado.com
Remede Spa 970.920.3300
www.stregisaspen.com
Spa at Broadmoor 719.577.5777
www.broadmoor.com
Spa Town 406.244.5242
www.pawsup.com
Trilogy Spa 530.584,6227
www.villageatsquaw.com
