If you love to ski, snowboard, bike, hike, or just explore while taking in the most spectacular mountain views, Stowe, Vermont, is the perfect spot for you.
For the adventurous couple:
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe VT,
800-253-2232, www.stoweflake.com
Just a three-hour trip from the North Shore, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, with a four-diamond rating, has much to offer those seeking adventure (and romance!) with great recreation, dining, and a world-class spa that will, simply put, pamper the daylights out of both of you.
During a recent stay, my husband and I relaxed by the fireplace in our spa-wing suite and took in the views of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. We visited in January but quickly discovered that Stowe isn’t just about skiing. With year-round activities including festivals (Stoweflake has a balloon festival in July), cultural and art exhibitions, concerts, swimming, golf, shopping, and much, more. Stoweflake is actually busiest in summer!
If you visit, don’t leave without a visit to the Spa at Stoweflake! I enjoyed a facial while my better half opted for the “Mountain Man Mud Massage.” We were most impressed by the spa facilities, which include spacious sanctuary/locker rooms, saunas and steam rooms, private and co-ed hot tubs, even two massaging waterfalls! The treatments were superb; we returned to our room relaxed and invigorated.
We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Winfield’s Bistro, well known for its gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. The restaurant has won numerous accolades and awards, no surprise since our steaks were melt-in-your-mouth good. Winfield’s also has one of the most extensive wine selections in the area, with a 25-page wine list. The adjacent Charlie B’s Pub is a Stowe favorite with its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Do yourself and your spouse a favor, book a weekend at Stoweflake, including some time at the spa, and watch how fast you forget about work and that nagging “to-do” list. Remember that time alone is an investment in your relationship and this locale is worth the trip.
For the hopeless romantics:
Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, Meredith N.H.,
800-622-6455, www.millfalls.com
This place is the complete package; and you can get there in under two hours. Trust me when I say you will be lulled into a state of complete relaxation (and be reminded of why you like each other so much) when you discover the charm of this quaint but upscale New England resort complex, which is nestled along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and includes four inns, seven restaurants, a spa and a marketplace.
Understated elegance is how I’d describe Church Landing, the newest of the four Inns. You’ll fall for it, regardless of the season you plan to visit; we were sold from the moment we arrived. The common spaces are so incredibly cozy and welcoming, each nook offering a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and window seats with serene lakeside vistas. We were further impressed with our accommodations, the luxurious “Tree House Suite” which included a lakefront balcony with views through the treetops, a fireplace and privacy galore!
Now comes the best part: the Cascade Spa, also located at Church Landing. We decided to treat ourselves to a romantic couples massage and enjoyed 50 minutes of deep but connected relaxation
that was soothing to the body and mind. We then took advantage of the indoor pool and outdoor hot tub. We were practically pickled before returning to our room to change for dinner!
We dined at Lago, an Italian eatery located a short walk away along the Inn’s lakeside boardwalk and housed in the Bay Point facility, also on the water. The food was incredible. I had the most amazing butternut squash ravioli appetizer, and the atmosphere was intimate and relaxed with the restaurant aglow in candlelight. Brunch the next morning at the Lakehouse Grille included everything from a champagne and chocolate fountain to a raw bar and carving station.
The Inns & Spa at Mills Falls offer a romantic getaway that is perfect for couples who just want to kick back and relax or take advantage of the many attractions that await visitors in the Lakes Region
and White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Indulge. This trip is worth every penny.
For couples who want to stay close to home:
Maison Esthetique Christiane Bourque Spa, Danvers,Mass.,
978-777-7278, www.cbourquespa.com
No overnight baby-sitter? No problem. This is Newbury Street comes to the North Shore. The spa, owned by Ray Bourque’s wife, Christiane, and her partner, Jayne Patrikas, offers a no-travel-required escape that can help you reenergize and reconnect with that special someone with a his-and-her spa treatment.
The building is an incredible state-of-the-art wellness facility, offering the most elegant surroundings to soothe the body and soul. You will feel immediately pampered the moment you walk into the lounge and sink into the oversized furniture, enjoying the serene candlelight and calming sounds as you prepare for some deep relaxation.
We chose the couples massage and thoroughly enjoyed our “grotto-like” surroundings and the top-notch service. The massages also include use of the steam room, sauna, and hot tub. So if you want some together time without the hassle of coordinating a trip (and minus the payback of having your kids stay at your in-laws) book a treatment, or better yet a full day of pampering, and be home before dark!