Lake Tahoe spas set for royal treatments

There's an undeniable level of grandeur and intensity at Lake Tahoe, with nature's bounteous gifts heightening the senses. And we're not even talking about the slopes, sledding or skating. When it comes to the spa scene in Tahoe, the experts are every bit as ambitious as their athletic counterparts, creating an impressive array of options inspired by the surroundings.

"Because Tahoe is a resort destination, there's an expectation people have to be able to relax and restore," said Steven Holt, regional director of public relations for the Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Northern California. "There's something inherently soothing about the environment. There is something absolutely calming about that body of water."

In the winter months, the Ritz-Carlton and other resorts and spas also offer seasonal treats that make a visit all the more luxurious. So whether you've been shredding the slopes or building snowmen with the kids, there's no better way to take away the chill than to indulge in a little pampering. Here are a few places to pamper you might want to consider:

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

The 17,000-square-foot spa at the Ritz, which will celebrate its first anniversary next month, is located slope side in the Northstar resort ski area. It offers a bounty of deluxe treatments, including the signature Pinyon Pine Nut Organic Warm Stone Massage that incorporates arnica essential oil to help relieve aching muscles (50 minutes, $155; or 80 minutes, $210). During the holidays, the spa is introducing an organic cranberry-pomegranate facial with products from the Hungarian Eminence line (50 minutes, $155). Also new this winter: a package that includes snowshoeing or cross country skiing, an apres-ski yoga session and massage. Not to be overlooked by the romantics: Couple's Journey, comprising a soak and Champagne in a copper tub where the majestic, snow-capped mountains can be viewed through enormous panel windows on three sides.

Vitals: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee. (530) 562-3030. RitzCarlton.com/laketahoe.

Stillwater Spa

You'll feel heavenly after the Snow Angel facial, a treatment to help exfoliate and illuminate dull skin with bearberry extract, crushed pearls and licorice (50 minutes, $150). Or try the Alpine Body Glow, a full body exfoliation with a juniper mandarin polish and moisturizers to help keep skin hydrated (50 minutes, $130). Also festive: the Arctic Berry treatment, which includes an all-over exfoliation; an anti-aging body wrap with juniper and walnut oils, an anti-oxidant facial mask and a luxurious application of avocado oil, arctic berry and black currant-infused body cream (50 minutes, $175; 80 minutes, $225). For even deeper relaxation, there's the Lake Tahoe Stones massage, in which a therapist uses heated, smooth granite stones from the lake and natural oils to target deep muscles (75 minutes, $195). If you're after a truly decadent treat, the new Double Tranquility treatment may be for you. Two therapists give a four-handed massage in fluid, simultaneous motions using organic oil infused with butterfly bush extract, distilled orange water and Buriti Oil from the Brazilian tree of life - an experience not soon forgotten (50 minutes, $190).

Vitals: Stillwater Spa at the Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nev. (775) 832-1234. laketahoe.hyatt.com.

Trilogy Spa

Instead of munching on gingerbread, you can get all the treats minus the calories with the Awapuhi White Ginger Massage. You'll be exfoliated with a dry brush and slathered with white ginger body butter (Full $145, Deluxe $220)

Vitals: Trilogy Spa, located in the Village at Squaw Valley, 1850 Village South Road, Olympic Valley. (530) 584-6125. trilogyspa.com.

Resort at Squaw Creek

If you overdo it on the slopes, the Olympic Sports Massage will help return you to gold medal dreams. Specialized techniques are used to relax tight, fatigued muscles - including compression, cross fiber and friction. (50 minutes, $135; 75 minutes, $180). The seasonal Salt Glow (50 minutes, $125) uses salt from the Dead Sea to exfoliate, while the Java Wrap (75 minutes, $180) uses ground organic espresso beans to invigorate and restore circulation. Afterward, a blend of organic cocoa and shea butters melt into your newly transformed, soft as silk self.

Vitals: Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley. (530) 583-6300. squawcreek.com.

Blue Lotus Spa

If you find yourself on the south side of the lake, Blue Lotus offers a free peppermint scalp treatment with any massage booking of an hour or longer. (Any aroma therapeutic massage oil can be substituted).

Vitals: Blue Lotus Spa, 1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. (530) 318-1923. Bluelotusspatahoe.com.

This article appeared on page N - 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle