Kelsey C.
Yelp
Stillwell Spa is such a hidden gem! I have been a loyalist at another ski resort spa for so long, but Stillwell Spa really hits it out of the park with its luxury touches and updated nods to history.
This hotel is a lot smaller than some ski resorts but it gjves it a boutique and upscale feel. The furnishings and decor all feel freshened up but still appropriately mountain-lodge. I love the mix of modern/contemporary and rustic stone and wood. The original stone walls are an amazing touch.
Access to the spa includes the relaxation room, sauna, locker rooms, and outdoor pool and two hot tubs. You have to reserve a private time in the indoor grotto hot tub but it's nice because you don't have to share with anyone. Robes and slippers while in the spa are included. They also have a great selection of complimentary sunscreen to use which came in very handy before we went to the outdoor pool (even if you don't normally burn, remember the elevation! Sun hits in a different way up there and lots of ladies came into the locker room lobster-red.)
The pool view is ridiculous, and all the floors have great balconies to further enjoy the views. The relaxation room has these wonderful chaises to nap on and enjoy some organic loose-leaf tea, which they have a lovely selection of.
Everything is very snug and cozy, including the locker rooms, so when we were there it swung from being just us wandering around to a packed ladies room when guests were getting ready for a wedding which was pretty tight. There is only one vanity and it's in the same area as the lockers so it can get crowded. The vanity does include complimentary hair products, blow dryer, and straightener, and that was so nice for getting ready after our treatments. The showers all have their amazing aromatherapy spray which makes your shower amazing (though my shower stall wouldn't get warmer than lukewarm for some reason). My only wish is that they'd made the locker rooms more spacious.
The indoor grotto is just as amazing as it looks in photos - but it is HOT in there so be ready for that if you come in the summer like we did (we took some ice water from the relaxation room with us). They do have iced towels inside the grotto which is a very helpful touch.
My facial was perfection. There are lots of options for add-ons and I ordered a foot massage during the time the serums were setting on my face. The staff is very professional and polite, but they were out of some complimentary items they said they had at the front desk (makeup wipes).
It is a little awkward to have to take the elevator to the pool and have to be walking around the hotel in your robe. The pool is open to the entire hotel and we had a lot of splashy kids when we were laying out by the pool, which was not the most relaxing experience. I do like when they have a private pool for spa guests only. They told us we could order food at the restaurant and then bring it to the pool, but everyone stared at us and we didn't feel very welcome in the nice restaurant. Next time I'd do this before I change into my swim suit. The food was very good and it was nice to enjoy it poolside.
I can't wait to return and get another amazing facial (though I'd probably skip the outdoor pool if there are kids around). This is such a relaxing spa experience!