Lakeside Luxury

Boasting a prime waterfront location in South Lake Tahoe, The Landing Resort & Spa (CA) certainly makes good on the coined real estate phrase: location, location, location. The Spa at The Landing Resort, the property’s cozy retreat, also benefits from the sublime setting. “We are a luxury boutique spa, so what we lack in grandiose square footage, we make up for in highly customized treatments that provide an unforgettable sensory journey through deep relaxation and healing,” says spa manager Laura Mate. “Many were created from the ground up with local, organic ingredients that reflect our breathtaking high Sierra surroundings.”

The pristine area, home to the largest Alpine lake in North America and the Sierra Nevada’s stunning peaks, entices visitors from all corners of the globe. “Not only do South Lake Tahoe’s mountains, water, and wildlife lend themselves to an immediate sense of serenity but they also stoke a flame in the thousands of adventurers and athletes they attract year-round,” says Mate. “What this meant for our spa was creating a well-rounded treatment menu that would speak to the guest who comes to escape a faster-paced daily routine but also to the guest who comes to chase a thrill.” According to her, the menu’s genesis involved developing unique, geographically inspired services that speak to true wellness while also pampering guests in a decadent style. Relying on Epicuren Discovery and Éminence Organic Skin Care, the spa’s treatments range from the Hydrating Emerald Bay Facial ($220, 80 minutes), which incorporates a Crystalline Gemstone Masque with a blend of more than 45 micronized crystals, to the Peak Recovery Massage ($185, 80 minutes), a customized result-driven massage designed to treat overworked muscles with a mix of essential oils and healing herbs.The Spa at The Landing Resort (South Lake Tahoe, CA)

Not surprisingly, the spa’s most popular treatment is its Therapeutic Swedish Massage ($120, 50 minutes; $155, 80 minutes). “When a guest hears the word spa, I believe the natural place the mind goes to first is massage, so we see the most demand for massage therapies,” says Mate. “However, we have seen exponential growth in the interest of facials. Once our guests expand their horizons to facial treatments, they are able to see how this perceived clinical treatment is supremely relaxing and therapeutic.” For guests who don’t want to choose between one or the other, there is the Express Facial & Massage Combo ($145, 50 minutes). It is part of the spa’s Express Retreat Menu, which also includes Foot Reflexology ($75, 25 minutes) and Scalp, Neck & Shoulders ($75, 25 minutes), a revitalizing massage intended to reduce stress-related tension. On the horizon are plans to add ashiatsu, microdermabrasion, oncology massage, and a series of facial peels to the spa’s selection of offerings.

With 12 full-time and four part-time staff members, the spa is able to provide up to 40 treatments each day. “Our biggest challenge is talking our most modest guests into spending more time addressing their personal wellbeing,” says Mate. “Many guests feel they don’t deserve or have time to enjoy longer or repeat treatments. Although we are in the business of the luxury spa experience, at our core, we are here to promote health and wellness.” The Express Retreat Menu is one way the spa is able to address the issue and accommodate those who are short on time. “Spa treatments, though seemingly indulgent, are extraordinarily beneficial to our health,” says Mate. “Stress is a major component to a number of mental and physical health issues. In fact, studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa directly correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced absenteeism from work, and fewer hospitalizations.” With that in mind, Mate and her staff want guests to view spa treatments as another part of their regular health routine. In addition, the spa offers a variety of yoga classes, which can take place on the rooftop, in the ballroom, or on the beach. Says Mate, “What we can say about every one of our guests is that each of them has the desire to take the time to have a deeper awareness of their personal wellness, to rejuvenate their bodies and relax their minds, and it is our absolute honor to guide them through their journey.” 

Owners: Jim and Nancy Demetriades

Spa Manager: Laura Mate

Opened: December 2013

Client Base

60% female

40% male

Space

1,254 square feet;

4 treatment rooms

Product Lines

Chadsworth & Haig, Cirépil Wax, Éminence Organic Skin Care, Epicuren Discovery, Nature’s Note Organics, Satin Smooth

Equipment

Ikonna, Booker