This post was written in partnership with Hotels.com
Tahoe – what does one think of when you hear that word? For many years, I thought it was only for those that ski (not just on the bunny trails, but real deep snow downhill treks). Finally this past year I was able to venture to Tahoe to check off my luxury travel bucket list, which I call my goblet list. I traveled to Tahoe in what I thought would be the spring and free of snow. Well Mother Nature decided that winter was not yet over in Tahoe and delivered a record breaking late snowfall that extended all the remarkable luxury travel winter activities that only Lake Tahoe, NV can deliver with such breathtaking views.
First our adventure took us from the Sacramento airport through Donner Pass (where the snow was higher than the road signs on the interstate) to our first luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Tahoe. This luxury ski-in/ski-out resort had been on my bucket list for a while. It is located in the mid-mountain ski area of Northstar California. The snow made the entire village area seem like a winter wonderland. This hotel also offers a lift down to the village that had amazing views of the snow-covered mountain area. You can find a bunch of amazing resorts and hotels in Tahoe, all with incredible views. Skiers here have world-class ski valet facilities. When one returns from a day on the slopes, you have the choice a decadent Après Ski Experience. When I was there the choice was an outdoor champagne bar or a s’mores fire pit. Which one would you choose? I would pick bubbles by the firepit myself.
After a day on the slopes muscles are tired and need the lavish spa treatments only a Ritz-Carlton Spa Suite can deliver.
You can see that the spa experience there made it to my Bucket List Experiences for Spa Lovers. The soaking experience in the cooper tub is a once in a lifetime treat, that all spa lovers must do once in their lives. They are offering many seasonal spa treatments currently and this one caught my eye – “High-Altitude Fire & Ice Therapy Body Wrap”. This spa treatment is rich in red copper and treats painful joints and muscles. While cocooned, the therapist performs a soothing cold stone facial massage with nourishing benefits. This service concludes with a luxurious Tahoe Hot Stone Massage. Be sure to ask for a spa suite with floor to ceiling windows. I was able to watch it snow and a few random skiers from my spa suite while it was snowing new white blankets of snow. No worries – the windows are one way only and no one can see you inside cocooned in warmth and relaxation.
New this year, the resort is debuting its “Twelve Days of Magic” – a daily lineup consisting of elaborate feasts, interactive family activities and vibrant celebrations from December 21st to January 1st which includes a Winter Solstice Party, Caviar and Champagne Under the Stars event, Christmas and New Year’s events, and more. I am going to a Winter Solstice Party in my neighborhood this week! I hope they have caviar and champagne. Oh yeah – I can take it myself!
As you can see this year’s winter and holiday amenities are very extensive – see this link of holiday activities – Full Twelve Days of Magic Schedule. My top pick is the Yuletide Yoga. I wonder what all will be involved with that type of yoga? Instead of balancing goats on our backs possibly hot toddies? Sounds promising!
After my luxury spa day, we ventured off road for a bit of snowmobiling. This was my first time and I fell in love with the crisp air on my face and the virgin snow covered areas we discovered. Fresh snow makes one feel like they have discovered a snow-covered mountain no one else has ever explored before. I highly recommend this adventure travel activity for all ages.
After snowmobiling we ventured to The Landing Resort and Spa in South Lake Tahoe. Here I sought solace for my wind burned face at their luxury spa. Their therapist balanced my skin with a warming Eminence facial and I was back to new again. Also at The Landing Resort and Spa, one will find some of the best dining in this area. Jimmy’s lakeside dining creates memories with both food and decor.
Next up I will let you in on an amazing resort just down the road from the Lake Tahoe area in Reno, NV. Peppermill here I come!
