Spa at Topnotch Resort — Local services in Stowe

This was my first time at the Spa at Topnotch, and my experience was so different from what I envisioned that it feels important to leave a review in the hopes that it helps others. My partner and I were expecting the spa to be a tranquil place to relax and destress. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at the Spa at Topnotch is quite social, and it was hard to find a quiet place, even though we were there on a day that wasn't crowded.

The indoor pool, waterfall hot tub, and all-gender saunas are open to hotel guests. There were many children playing in and around the pool and hot tubs with pool noodles and other toys. There were also adults drinking beer and socializing in the hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, and lounge chairs. It felt like a pool party, which would have been fine if that was what we were looking for, but we were there because we wanted a peaceful spa environment.

We asked the staff if there were any adults-only hours or quiet hours and they said that in the summer, there are two outdoor pools and the smaller one is supposed to be reserved for the spa. In the winter, the large outdoor pool is closed, so the outdoor spa pool is open to everyone. Even if the other pool had been open, I don't think it would have made a difference. The pools are right next to each other, so anyone relaxing in the spa pool would still hear the festivities from the larger pool. The staff also weren't enforcing the rules, so I think the spa pool would probably end up being an extension of the family pool.

We told the staff we were having trouble finding a quiet place to rest, and they suggested we use the women's lounge, which contains a relaxation room with a fireplace, and a locker room with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna.

Unfortunately, the hot tub in the women's locker room needs maintenance. Most of the jets didn't work, and the ones that did were so light that they didn't produce any bubbles. We asked several staff members for help, and they suggested we turn the nozzles, which we did, but their highest power was weak and they would randomly turn off, even when the hot tub was still on.

This left us with just the steam room and sauna to use, but most of the people using this area were also socializing, and it was hard to relax in a small space with people having full conversations.

Unfortunately, the spa atmosphere we were hoping for was also lacking in the women's lounge. For most of the day, there were groups of people in the fireplace lounge talking, and some were even working on computers, despite signs that say electronics are not allowed.

This was a big investment for us, and it was disappointing that it wasn't a spa experience. While the staff were all pleasant, we didn't see any attempt to curate a peaceful environment or to meaningfully address our concerns. We will not visit again.

If you are looking for a relaxing, quiet, serene spa environment, this isn't the place for you. If you are looking for a lovely place for your kids to play, or a place for a friends' weekend where you can chat and catch-up over some drinks, the Spa at Topnotch would be a good fit for you. It is a nice place that has spa services, but it isn't a...

I am going to preface this with the fact that it was really their off season. That is ... after winter and before summer activities. The positive is that there are no crowds at all, you can park next to the entrance and you wait for nothing. The negative is that its not quite warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities like pool and garden areas surrounding activities like zip line and such don't open till June 22nd or so. As for the resort our experience from the staff has been exceptional. They get flustered if they miss opening a door for you when you enter/exit. Everyone has had great personality. The food at the bar was above average and the beer selection was very good. Very clean and manicured lawns and gardens. Clean inside and out. Pool was "heated" but not like in the winter. It was too cool to swim for most people. Outdoor hot tub under repair. Great trail ride from their equestrian center. Quality bikes either mountain or cruising right across the street. Great bike paths that are paved and without steep hills make it fun and a great way to enjoy the day. Search for hikes in the area and we found a trail 1.8 miles away which was a beautiful morning hike next to a river leading to a waterfall that almost anyone can do. Hike was about 2 miles all in. (Mill trail hike) The only negative was the spa service. 2 of 5 stars but this might be the time of year. Felt rushed at the start as I wasn't even in a robe before they wanted me in for treatment. Never asked what type of massage I wanted. The information had several types at the same price. When I asked for more pressure the response was "that will be $12 more for deep tissue ". After the massage she stood with pen in hand for me to sign for the extra charge. Also you had to pre pay the gratuity. Which I thought was poor. The spa aside I would stay here again. Close to tons of dinner options, minutes from the mountain and when you need more action only 30 to 40 minutes...

I've had many spa experiences now and this one i would not give a 5 star service award. This is more of a fitness club spa...this is not a relaxation spa in my book. The "resting" area was constantly interrupted by people talking and walking in and out from the locker room area and the fitness area...people laying in the chairs with their laptops and whatever other electronics. Very distracting.

My 80 min massage was truly 80mins...the lady did an AMAZING job chef's kiss

The outdoor pool is beautiful and heated with a snowy mountain backround. Hottub outside also. Hottub inside is very nice all working jets and indoor pool very relaxing nice swim. This area is the hotel pool, kids may be there. The womens lounge hottub jets are very weak or hardly working. Nice to sit in the hot water without kids though! The shower area i did not like as the doors for your personal shower have a huge crack down the middle. There is a curtain past the doors but still i felt very exposed. There were no pressed cold towels ready at 8am when they opened or towels set out in the womens lounge easy grab basket area...it felt like they werent ready to be open. There is a resturant located in the building also which is nice if you wanna grab breakfast, lunch or dinner after your visit . If i wasnt there for the massage i probably would go back. Need more seperation of spa from fitness area or public area. An asthetic upgrade would be nice as well but not ness...unsure if i would go back. Maybe. Still...