LEAF of ABSENCE

Stowe is the place to go for a breath of fresh air in any season

Written by John Robinson

With 40% of its 75 square-miles designated as conservation land open to the public for recreation, a thriving 19th century village at the heart of town, dramatic mountain scenery, an emphasis on all things produced locally, a full and diverse yearly calendar of special events well attended by the community’s 5,000 friendly residents as well visitors (close to one million annually), the rural two-stoplight town of Stowe, Vermont embodies the definition of idyllic.

Tops among the 50-odd lodging options found at this desirable destination, the 300-room Stowe Mountain Lodge, unveiled by Destination Hotels in 2008 as part of a $400,000,000 expansion of the Stowe Mountain Resort, is the ideal match for travelers looking for an upscale, yet relaxed environment to experience the best the region has to offer in all four seasons. Accommodations range in size from a 450-square- foot classic room to a two-floor, 2,875-square-foot “Front Four” residence.

One thing is for certain: you will never find yourself at a loss for things to do. A sampling of the world-class activities available to guests encompasses an exclusive 18-hole Bob Cupp-designed mountain golf course that reaches elevations in excess of 1,800 feet, and was ranked as the #1 Golf Resort in the northern United States in a Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Poll; slope side access to 100 trails that comprise what is arguably the most legendary ski terrain in the East; a state-of-the-art 21,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; casual and upscale dining options focused on innovative farm-to-table techniques; and, an in-house recreation team leading personalized activities that vary in scope and intensity from a furniture building workshop with local artisans to kayaking and mountain biking.

Fall alfresco breakfast

As one would expect given the picturesque mountain setting, the lodge embodies a familiar alpine aesthetic, but with distinctive and locally inspired touches that underscore a thoughtful property-wide commitment to infusing the guest experience with an immersion in the local culture. The woven Western Red Cedar used for the façade is complemented by stone veneer created from the Champlain Quarries in the Adirondacks. A wealth of windows ensures near constant visual access to the area’s abundant natural beauty.

The lobby of the Stowe Mountain Lodge was designed as a reflection of the local environment.

Inside, the color palette is reflective of the leaves on proliferate trees as they morph from season-to-season. Comforting and earthy shades of red, orange, yellow, and green serve as a fitting foil to artwork created by some of Vermont’s most renowned artists: glassblower Simon Pearce, furniture maker Charles Shackleton, potter Miranda Thomas, artistic woodworker Parker Nichols, Hubbardton Forge blacksmiths, and several local painters, all of which enjoy a global following.

Locally sourced products are a centerpiece of the dining program.

A private fireside breakfast presentation in the outdoor pavilion.

Partnering with the Vermont Fresh Network and Chefs Collaborative, Solstice, the resort’s upscale dining option, as well as the more casual Hourglass Lounge, serves up contemporary American rustic cuisine and craft cocktails that take full advantage of world-renowned local artisan cheeses, fresh produce, heirloom grains and meats. Executive Chef Ronnie Sanchez emphasizes simplicity and seasonal flavors with great aplomb.

Living room in a studio room

Following in the same vein as the dining program, the spa utilizes a farm-to-treatment philosophy with products such as their Stowe Cider Scrub, one of several “Live Like a Local” experiences on the spa menu. A unique healing lodge allows for a DIY ritual that includes an herbal steam chamber, Jacuzzi soaking pool, dry sauna, cooling rain shower and soothing body scrubs. A pair of harmony rooms equipped with SO Sound Loungers allow you to “feel” the music you hear throughout your entire body, with the result being an expedient transition into a deep state of relaxation.

Healing Lodge in the spa

“The Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge has such an advantage in providing a truly authentic spa experience for our guests,” says Maggy Dunphy, Spa Director. “The natural surroundings, the mountains, the vast expanse of activities and outings that are outside our door allow for my team to create very unique and transformative experiences for our guests.”

A prime example is the property’s signature yoga class: Mountain Yoga. Held in the woods, each session incorporates Earthing techniques, where participants learn how to be more connected to the Earth through grounding poses. In the winter, Mountain Yoga involves on-snow yoga classes as a warmup to and après skiing on the ski hill.

As the centerpiece of Stowe Mountain Resort, the Stowe Mountain Lodge is surrounded by an alpine village that has been painstakingly planned and developed over the course of 16 years. High-end boutiques and restaurants, 34 fractionally-owned condominiums, the Stowe Mountain Club and 18 luxurious village townhomes are literally steps from the resort and alpine amenities. Also nearby, the sprawling Spruce Peak Adventure Center serves as the home base for year-round activities such as indoor rock climbing, the children’s ski school, kid’s camp and zip line tours, among others.

Though it is certainly tempting to pack the itinerary with as many activities as possible, in such a pristine setting it can be as wholly satisfying to take a moment to simply relax on the balcony of your room, local cider in hand, taking in the fresh air and admiring nature’s handiwork. For more information or reservations visit destinationhotels.com/stowe-mountain-lodge.