When the upscale Viceroy Snowmass property opened its slopeside doors in November 2009, it wowed guests with its brilliant location at the side of the mountain (a stone’s throw from a chairlift) at the Snowmass ski area, plus its sleek rooms, top-notch service, awesome outdoor pool and hot tubs and out-of-this-world Eight K restaurant. It’s no surprise then that this Colorado luxury hotel’s spa is quite divine, as well.
Spa at Viceroy Snowmass Facility
The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass is located down a dim corridor that is lined with huge candles (I’d love to see them lit, but they weren’t when I was there). In fact, candles are found everywhere in the locker room and relaxation lounge, but they are the battery-operated fake flickering ones — fooled me! I actually had to look at one close up to realize a real flame wasn’t in there. I loved the mood lighting — faux or real.
The women’s locker room is small, just 12 lockers with a couple pedestals and one bench for setting your things while getting dressed. (I think they should take out the two pedestals and replace with a longer bench, or otherwise figure out how to put a little more seating in the small room.) There’s no steam room here, but I soaked in an awesome, piping-hot mosaic-tiled Jacuzzi with waterfall.
Surprisingly, there is just one private shower in the women’s locker room, albeit one with an awesome rain showerhead. During peak times, such as when the spa is booked with apres-ski afternoon appointments, I’d anticipate their being a line for the shower.
A small fitness center adjacent to the spa features top-of-the-line cardio and resistance equipment — although it’s in a corner with no windows, it provides a perfectly adequate place to get in a good workout (though I, personally, much prefer exercising in the Colorado mountains right outside the spa’s doorstep).
More Highlights at the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass
It’s the small touches that endear a spa to me. Like the hot lavender-infused towel I was offered when I check in at the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass. And the “extras” readily available in containers in its locker room: hair-ties, Q-tips, tampons. But it’s the relaxation lounge — where guests wait for their treatments — that is absolutely phenomenal at this spa.
Eight chaise lounges with chenille throws surround a cylindrical water feature over which a massive antler chandelier hangs. Water cascades down one wall, and flowy drapes cover the others. In the relaxation lounge, a friendly spa attendant brings you a glass of bubbly and raspberry dark chocolate, then proceeds to pour hot water over your feet and then rub them dry with warm, flufffy towels. I was nearly put to sleep just at the attendants loving and caressing touch.
Return to the relaxation lounge after your treatment just to chill out before returning to real life, or sip green apple infused ice water, cranberry juice with orange slices or hot tea. Nibble on dried fruit or nuts.
Spa at Viceroy Snowmass Treatments
Signature treatments at the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass are inspired by Nordic, Ute Indian and Asian cultures. Combo-treatment “rituals” might combine exfoliation with an herbal soak and hot-stone massage; these rituals may be expensive (upwards of $300 or more), but would certainly make for a wonderfully decadent half-day experience at the spa.
A wide variety of herbal baths, thermal wraps, and exfoliation “journeys” are available, as well as facials, manicures and pedicures — all with fancy names and vivid descriptions that make me want to sign up for each one.
I had a marvelous 90-minute Sacred Stone Massage, with a therapist who clearly read my intake form (I like it deep). Muscles turned to limp noodles after being rubbed down with hot oil and heated basalt stones (indigenous to Colorado). At the end of the treatment, while seated in the relaxation lounge, my massage therapist handed me a gift — a smooth stone with the imprint “gratitude.” It expressed my feelings to a T.
Viceroy Snowmass Accommodations
The rooms at Viceroy Snowmass are stellar. One-, two- and three-bedroom residences (they are individually owned) have full modern kitchens, while the studios have smaller kitchenettes. The decor is contemporary and sleek, with plenty of light wood and tasteful browns and beiges.
My family stayed in a super spacious “one bedroom with den” which is ideal for families: a master suite (featuring a large bathroom with soaking tub and shower), plus the galley kitchen, dining area, living room with sofa bed, small den with sofa bed and bathroom with shower. Three TVs and one Wii ensured everyone was entertained during late-afternoon downtime.
Bottom Line: The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass is a welcome addition to the Roaring Fork Valley. Any spa aficionados staying in Snowmass, or down the road in Aspen, should absolutely book a treatment here. For locals, check out the off-season specials; you may find discounts offered in the spring and the fall. I hope to return as often as my pocketbook allows.
Learn More: Spa at Viceroy Snowass website, (970) 923-8000; main Viceroy Snowmass website.
– Review and photos by Kara Williams, who visited February 2010
As is common in the travel industry the writer received a complimentary spa treatment and hotel accommodations.
