66 South Bay Accent MATTHEW PALMER; OPPOSITE: JEFF DOW; COURTESY OF RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK From the Village, board the Aerial Tram to get to High Camp for photo opportunities. The front desk sells discount passes. Throughout August, free events include yoga classes, movies and concerts. When on vacation, one spa treatment never seems to be enough, so relax with friends at the Trilogy Day Spa. Among its specialty treatments are the macadamia nut body scrub and white ginger massage. With waterfall and steam showers, and the Lava Lounge for champagne and wine, this oasis is divine. Village at Squaw Valley Lodging may not have a catchy name, but the spa action, shopping, dining and outdoor activities are enjoyable enough to fill your Tahoe must-do bucket to the brim. VILLAGE AT SQUAW VALLEY 1750 Village East Rd., Olympic Valley, 855/899.0206; squawalpine.com. Rates: $99 and up. RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK It’s never too early to learn to fly fish, one of the most challenging and enjoyable of all outdoor sports. Catching that first fish is a childhood rite of passage, an iPhone-click moment that begs to be captured on camera. At Resort at Squaw Creek, kids have a chance to learn to fly fish under the tutelage of Matt Heron, better known by some as the Mick Jagger of fly fishermen. At Matt’s fly fishing camps guests learn and practice at the two stocked trout ponds right on the premises. Fishing lessons, pool volleyball, buffet breakfasts and adjoining suites target family visitors of all ages. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, the resort makes you feel light years away from everything while in reality, you’re a short drive from Lake Tahoe. Hotel manager Nick Sponaugle, father to two little girls, agrees that this destination is as kid-friendly as they come. Even his daughters can’t wait to sneak into work with him on occasion. “Families are our bread and butter here. After 25 years, now the children have grown up, and they are bringing the next generation.” A recent $7 million renovation swept out dark colors in favor of gold, purple and wheat hues, reflecting the region’s foliage. Its grand lobby with IMAX-size windows draws large gatherings for celebratory events, but also offers intimate settings. In one corner a family is sharing a pizza. In another, girlfriends meet and hug heartily. A couple snuggles by the fire. In sunny weather, the three swimming pools and three hot tubs teem with teens and youngsters. Have we mentioned the popular waterslide? One-of-a-kind activities excuse you from extra driving duties. New this summer is FootGolf. On the nine-hole golf course Join free yoga classes at The Village at Squaw Valley with a soccer ball, players aim for the fewest number of kicks to move a ball into a wide cup. After working up an appetite, guests can take their choice of six restaurants and eateries, each accommodating discerning budgets. Sweet Potatoes Deli touts reasonable prices with farm salads and sandwiches. For fine dining, look to Six Peaks Grille for New American cuisine like butter poached Maine lobster and wood grilled filet mignon. Deluxe rooms, fireplace suites and penthouses comprise all 405 guestrooms. Spoil your family with a fireplace suite with one to three bedrooms. More than 700 square feet gives you plenty of space to spread the Legos. Prop up your feet, flick on the fireplace, click on the LCD. Vacationing with the in-laws? Go for a bi-level penthouse measuring up to 1,398 square feet, and book an adjoining suite for additional family members. Impress them with a kitchen stadium that’s got gleaming granite countertops. In every penthouse, giant picture windows greet you with views of the Sierras. For body kneads, flee to The Spa at Squaw Creek. Its new Tranquility Room doubles as a couple’s spa room and a group spa treatment lounge where up to four guests can receive simultaneous massages. Sip champagne while nibbling on truffles. Children insist on a little pampering, too? No problem. A new program dubbed Kids Chillax Spa is a great spa intro. Kids ages 6 and up receive a hand and foot massage while chilled cucumber slices rest on their delicate eyelids. Autumn at the Resort translates to fewer crowds and lower prices. With 405 guestrooms to choose from, reservation choices abound: Bring the kids, the parents, the in-laws, the cousins, Uncle George, Aunt Emma and, heck, even the postman. Why not? RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK 400 Squaw Creek Road. Olympic Valley; 530/583.6300; squawcreek.com. Rates: Summer, starting at $300; fall, $159 and up.
South Bay Accent - AugSep 2016
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