What better way to spend a few days than to indulge in looking after yourself and Topnotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, VT offers many amenities and activities to help you do that.

I took a few days off work the other week to go and spend some time at this wonderful hotel and spa with my friend Kady.  Well, I tried to take a few days off work.  It was a sort of working remotely type of deal!  I thought I was bad but I have to say Kady was even worse.  That said, we did our utmost to relax and even managed it on a number of occasions.

The drive down, about 3.5 hours, was glorious.  Beautiful fall ready trees with red, orange and yellow leaves lined the roads and highways as we made our way to the quaint little town of Stowe.  Fall is quite possibly one of the best seasons to escape the humdrum of life and visit Vermont – it’s the perfect getaway destination.

Topnotch is surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Green Mountains and a very short drive to the town center that offers a selection of charming restaurants, chocolatiers and gift shops.  The resort itself is steeped in Vermont rustic charm but with a contemporary edge.  For me it’s all about the spa and there is no better spa than Topnotch.

Sadly, for our few days the weather was against us for any outdoor activities.  I needed no other excuse than the weather to stay indoors and get pampered, enjoy the wonderful cuisine and indulge in a warming glass of Cabernet.

Our day started with a 90 minute massage.  It was fantastic!  Once we were both done and wrapped in our fluffy big robes we exchanged knowing glances and knew full well we were indoors for the rest of the evening.

Dinner at Norma’s at the resort offered us excellent cuisine with memorable dishes of quite possibly one of the best Beet Salads I have ever tasted in my life and a wonderful Tasman Salmon entrée, which was Asian inspired with maki roll and ginger sauce – outstanding!  It was shame we couldn’t sit outside near the open fireplace on the patio.

We were both tucked up in bed by 9.00pm in our delightful room with two queen-sized beds and a nice amount of space.

The next day we were up early and ready for breakfast.  Back to Norma’s for omelets and strong coffee.

The weather was gearing up to be even worse so I needed no convincing at all to have more spa treatments.  A head and neck massage and manicure for me and a facial for Kady.

The spa at Topnotch is truly “topnotch.”  30 spa treatment rooms, indoor and two outdoor pools, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.  Everything you need for a girl’s weekend, a romantic getaway or just to be alone for a few days.

We did decide to venture into Stowe in the evening and enjoyed a lovely, rustic atmosphere dinner at the very lovely Whip Bar & Grille.

Another early night and lots of sleep before we had to leave this wonderful, Stowe resort and head back to Boston.

I have been to Topnotch a number of times and I have to say it impresses me every single time.  Outstanding, friendly staff, warm rustic charm and everything you could want for a short getaway, whether it is for a spa weekend, biking through the hills, skiing in the winter months, weddings or work conferences (which I have done).  Oh, and for you dog lovers, Topnotch is also dog friendly!

And one final thing to share…  Laughing Moon Chocolates!  After (over)doing a tasting, I could not leave without buying a selection of milk and dark chocolate covered camarels with rock salt.  So utterly decadent
!

Its all a distant, wonderful memory now!

 

Tracey