Lake Tahoe Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Lake Tahoe
[Photo by Fabian Quintero]
“The fairest picture the whole earth affords,” are the wonderstruck words of Mark Twain as he gazes upon the majesty of Lake Tahoe. It’s fair to say that to this day, no one has contradicted his observation or argued otherwise.
Straddling across California and Nevada, the crystal-clear freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains is the largest alpine lake in North America and trails behind only the Great Lakes in terms of volume. With approximately 15 million visitors per year, Lake Tahoe tourism is vital to the California and Nevada economies and identity.
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A year-round destination, Lake Tahoe is best known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. World-renowned ski slopes can be found on the north and south ends, and all manner of winter sports for all levels and ages can be found. The village and shopping areas are transformed into winter fantasy lands with twinkling lights and holiday festivities.
Far from a one season town, spring and summer are bursting with activity. Cycling, marathons, sailing, camping, and paddle-boarding, are just the tip of the iceberg of warm weather prospects. Outdoor festivals abound in the summer, including the legendary Concours d’Elegance and the very popular Shakespeare festival. Concerts and live music from rock to country are heard almost daily, as well as art and food fairs, extreme sports, and nightly fireworks.
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If all this potential activity is causing some serious muscle ache already, there is no shortage of world-class spas to iron out the kinks and get you ready for the next ski run. Check out our Lake Tahoe spa guide to discover the best spa hideaways in this most enchanting area.
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Spa Edgewood at Edgewood Tahoe Resort & Spa
180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449; (855) 681-0119
Located in Stateline, Nevada, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is undoubtedly the most elegant hotel in Lake Tahoe, if not the entire region. It’s an exercise in superlatively artful design, craftsmanship, and gracious hospitality in every detail. The Edgewood features acclaimed dining options and lively lounges, all with uninterrupted vistas of pristine lake waters. Edgewood is LEED-certified for its commitment to sustainability.
All 154 guest rooms are pure luxury with premium amenities. The resort features a championship golf course, upscale shopping, and a complimentary shuttle to Heavenly Mountain. Early risers can take advantage of the Aprés Sleep Cart in the Lodge Great Room. Enjoy teas and antioxidant green juice while you sample the wellness products and create your own elixir from the Naturopathica Vitality Bar. Complimentary yoga classes are offered year-round.
With a deep commitment to mind and body wellness, Spa Edgewood is an 8,500-square-foot haven of balance and relaxation. The natural surrounding serve to compliment and enhance the sleek design of soft, neutral colors against a backdrop of natural textures and breathtaking views. In addition to a full-service salon, the spa features eight treatment cabins with full views of nature’s glory. You will find gender-specific lockers rooms and saunas to unwind before or after your service.
The spa is now proud to offer Gemstone Rituals, inspired by the region’s natural elements and connection to nature. The Earth Connection Ritual incorporates local smokey quartz, magnesite, and adventurine gemstones. An aromatherapy journey and invigorating dry brush exfoliation commence the experience, and continues with a detoxifying foot treatment leading into a warm basalt stone and gemstone massage. This treatment concludes with a blissful scalp therapy, grounding and connecting you to your purest intentions.
Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village, NV 89451; (775) 832-1234
Nestled in the mountains of Incline Village, Nevada, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort is one of the only luxury properties with onsite gaming. With the feel of a boutique ski lodge, the lakeside Hyatt Regency is resplendent with high ceilings and dramatic lighting fixtures. Warm wood panels, smoldering fireplaces, and plush leather sofas dot the expansive entry lounge and reception. The award-winning Lone Eagle Restaurant is where guests can gaze onto one of the world’s most magnificent lakes and share their tales of day’s adventures.
The property offers a complimentary shuttle to its private beach with lounge chairs, towel service, and an above water bar and café. In addition to spacious hotel rooms, guest may choose to rent a lakeside cottage for a more intimate experience. The large outdoor swimming pool features an inside entrance so you can experience the unique wonder of outdoor swimming in winter without catching a chill. Gather around the fire pits after sundown for some toasted marshmallows and s’mores, paired with a cocktail or cup of hot cocoa.
Stillwater Spa is where guests can escape the whirlwind of an active day of sports, hiking, or sightseeing and reconnect via a menu of holistic treatments. The spa services are a true ode to the elements—air, water, earth, and fire—each one thoughtfully integrated into the experience. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe imbue skin with hydration and moisture, while the pure alpine air aids in detoxification. Sip libations by the fireplace in the relaxation lounge as you awaken your mind and senses to the balancing elements of nature.
Start your indulgent journey with a plush robe, slippers, and a private locker. Vanity areas are equipped with all the amenities you need. The treatment menu integrates aromatherapy, holistic healing, and Ayurveda practice for a spa experience based on intention and results.
To fully appreciate the Zen approach to wellness, we recommend the Peace Massage. Your journey begins with a stress-relieving massage on the neck, shoulders, scalp, and feet whilst wrapped in warm linens steeped in an herbal detox infusion. A full-body massage follows, using soothing aromatherapy oils with a combination of deep tissue and relaxing Swedish techniques to de-stress, reduce muscular tension, improve blood circulation, and promote overall relaxation.
Complete your health journey at the fully-equipped fitness center featuring Peloton bikes so you never lose a day of your fitness regimen.
Tahoe Forest Baths
209 NV-207 Suite 3E, Stateline, NV 89449; (530) 208-8997
You have likely never thought of bathing in cedar. This Japanese tradition is only available at two locations in the United States and Tahoe Forest Baths is one of them. The natural living enzymes contain a host of health benefits, including improved circulation, muscle and joint pain relief, and a glowing complexion.
An oxygen bar is available to further enhance your results. Immerse yourself in this mixture of soft, dry, fermented cedar and enzymes cultured and imported from the organic farm-lands of Hokkaido, Japan. It’s a trusted remedy for detoxification, stress, exfoliation, and recovery.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161; (530) 562-3000
Where there is a Ritz-Carlton, an unmatched spa experience awaits. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is no exception. Situated on the California side in Truckee, the slopside locale boasts stunning vistas from every angle and the area’s only ski-in and ski-out access. Don’t forget to spend an afternoon in downtown Truckee for antique hunting, boutique browsing, or sipping coffee or cocoa at one of the charming cafes.
Featuring exceptional dining, in-room amenities, and guest experiences, the hotel combines the intimacy of a rustic lodge with the luxury and service expected from the Ritz-Carlton brand. The signature Lake Club is where guests can relax lakefront among crackling fireplaces, an al fresco whirlpool, showers, changing facilities, private beach access, and pier. Complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddles boards are available to guests.
Augmented by an outdoor lap pool and 24-hour fitness center, the glorious Ritz-Carlton Spa is a haven of comfort and renewal. Bathed in rich wood walls and cozy fireplaces, the spa offers guests an uninterrupted connection to nature and healing. Enhance your treatment with healing CBD oil, a reviving collagen mask, or a much-needed foot decompression ritual.
Stimulate your mind and relax your body with the Journey Through the Forest treatment. Enjoy an inspiring dose of forest air with a blend of native essential oils designed to release deep stress and tension while stimulating your immune system. It’s also available as a couples treatment. Add a conditioning scalp treatment, muscle and joint relief, or a 40-minute bath in a copper tub for the ultimate relaxation ritual.
The Spa at The Landing Resort & Spa
4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; (530) 541-5263
The Landing Resort & Spa is a premium resort lodge in South Lake Tahoe. Each of the 82 deluxe rooms features a breathtaking view of the crystalline lake and magnificent mountains. The legendary Jimmy’s Restaurant serves locally sourced, fresh cuisine along with craft cocktails and a premium wine vault in a warm and intimate setting.
Take a dip in the outdoor heated pool or hot tub surrounded by flickering fire pits. Savor craft cocktails on the rooftop bar while the fire pits keeps you warm and toasty. During the warmer months, enjoy passes to the hotel’s private beach and spend the day with non-stop sporting options, then head to Heavenly Village for some live music, food, and a rollicking pub scene.
When you are ready to wind down, The Spa at The Landing has a treatment for whatever ails you or just the right dose of pampering to complete a perfect vacation. You will be greeted with soothing libations to calm an adrenaline filled day, and steam rooms to loosen and relax sore joints.
Brisk winter wind and snow can do a real number on our skin. Get your glow back with the Illuminate Arctic Berry Facial. This results-driven facial features an innovative professional peel and peptide that treats signs of aging and hyperpigmentation, while calming inflammation. Transformation begins with manual and active enzyme exfoliation, followed by a naturally derived, multi-acid activating peel. Skin is then infused with a soothing and cooling moisturizer containing powerful peptides to relax facial muscles. It also includes a relaxing arm, hand, and foot massage.
[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]
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Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.