The Spa at Top Notch

Located on a 120-acre wooded estate in Stowe, VT, Topnotch Resort and Spa is an ideal New England getaway in the midst of the Green Mountains. With a host of outdoor activities, it appeals to adventure-minded urbanites who want to take advantage of its natural setting. According to spa director Samantha Cooper Brex, many guests hail from metropolitan areas, such as Boston, Montreal, and New York City. Since Jet Blue began offering service between New York City and Burlington, VT, Topnotch has experienced a substantial increase in the number of visiting New Yorkers.

Nestled in the Green Mountains, Topnotch Resort and Spa is located in the picturesque New England setting of Stowe, VT.
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Topnotch Resort and Spa is located in the picturesque New England setting of Stowe, VT.

Having outgrown its original spa, which opened 15 years earlier, the resort recently added a new wing to the existing space and renovated the old facility to match the new. The multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation added 10 additional treatment rooms and a new full-service salon. Increasing the square footage from 23,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet, The Spa at Topnotch now has 30 treatment rooms and an expanded spa boutique, which retails signature Topnotch spa products, yoga wear, and a variety of gifts.

The relaxation area was designed to be spacious yet warm and cozy.
The relaxation area was designed to be spacious yet warm and cozy.

Even before the expansion, the spa was able to boast a repeat-guest rate of 70 percent. According to Brex, much of that success can be attributed to the spa's staff. "We pride ourselves on our level of service," says Brex. According to her, returning guests enjoy seeing the same faces year after year.

The front desk is often the first point of contact where guests experience the spa's top-caliber customer service.
The front desk is often the first point of contact where guests experience the spa's top-caliber customer service.

With the expansion came a host of changes. The menu, for example, was updated to include teen treatments. Designed to accommodate the resort's growing family market, the new teen menu includes such offerings as the Total Teen Facial ($95, 50 minutes); the Teen Tune-Up ($55, 50 minutes), which is a one-on-one session with a certified personal trainer; and Teen Time Out ($265), a package that includes the Super Sugar Scrub, Total Teen Facial, Citrus Massage, use of the spa facilities, fitness classes for the day, and a gourmet lunch. "We want to maintain the tranquility and calmness of the spa, but we also want our guests to feel free to bring their fourteen-year-olds," says Brex.

Retail plays an important role in the spa's operations, making up approximately 30 percent of the business.
Retail plays an important role in the spa's operations, making up approximately 30 percent of the business.

The spa also recently brought on board local dermatologist Mitchell Schwartz, M.D., to perform medically based procedures, such as Botox Therapy ($15 per unit), Capillary Removal ($150), Chemical Peels ($150 and up), Restylane Therapy ($450 per 1 cc syringe), and more. According to Brex, Botox is especially popular. "Guests started asking for it last year," she says.

THE SPA AT TOPNOTCH
THE SPA AT TOPNOTCH

Despite all the menu additions, the spa continues to offer its Vermont Wildflower Treatment ($150, 80 minutes), which has been a reigning favorite for 15 years. Made up of a wrap, body scrub, and full-body massage, the treatment uses organic oils created by a local herbalogist. For those craving other New England-inspired services, there are the Vermont Woodspice Treatment ($150, 80 minutes) and the Vermont River Rocks Treatment ($130, 70 minutes).

With 80 employees on staff, the spa is able to treat approximately 300 clients a day. In addition to resort guests, the spa also caters to locals. The resort sells Club Topnotch memberships, which offer access to the spa and fitness facilities. Accessible for various durations, memberships are available to young adults, individuals, and families. Prices range from $330 for a one-month individual membership to $3,300 for a one-year family membership. Club Topnotch currently has approximately 200 members. The spa also offers a day fee of $40 for those interested in taking advantage of the spa's hot tubs, saunas, and pool. Thanks to the new state-of-the-art spa, this year's members and returning guests will find even more to draw them back time and time again.