If there is ever the right time to pamper yourself, it would have to be now. Whether it’s the winter doldrums of holiday credit card bills rolling in, post-holiday weight gain, weather-related dry skin, or barely-kept New Year resolutions, do something to make yourself feel better. Here is a sample of some wonderful spa excursions to make the rest of winter feel as good as a new cashmere sweater.

TOPNOTCH AT STOWE

Top Notch Resort and Spa in Vermont N.E

It takes just a little over four hours to drive into northern Vermont to the wonderful town of Stowe. On entering Topnotch, at Stowe, the warm New England ambience begins with crackling fire in the lobby of this world class, four-star resort. Although Stowe is recognized as one of the great ski areas in the northeast, Topnotch is quickly becoming known as one of the finest spas in the region. With a recent renovation that almost doubled its original size to 35,000 square feet, the Spa at Topnotch is, in a word, heaven. Since the three below temperature outside felt more like twenty-one below with the wind, we were delighted to remain indoors and make the most of the spa services, where it was warm and invigorating. To get to the spa, you pass through a spectacular solarium complete with pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a hot tub with a magnificent waterfall. Sitting in the hot tub, beneath the waterfall, and gazing out the window at the icicle-covered branches and snow-filled woods produced absolute serenity. But then, wait until you actually enter the spa. The workout facilities are state of the art and a wide variety of exercise classes are available at no extra charge. The lounge and shower areas ooze comfort, cleanliness, and service. The therapists are knowledgeable and professional. Choose from a wide variety of facials, massages, hair, make-up, rubs and wraps. Assistant Spa Manager Alex Robinson insisted on the Vermont Maple Sugar scrub for me and she was right—it kept me sweet and glowing for days. After an invigorating workout and pamper at the Spa, head back through the lobby to elegant Maxwell’s for dinner. The cuisine is diverse and delicious and much of the menu is designed for health-conscious diners offering fat grams and calories. Although many people go just for the day, Topnotch makes a great getaway with overnight accommodations available in one of the newly refurbished rooms or nearby condominiums. (info@topnotch resort.com)

MOHEGAN SUN

You can bet on having a great time at the Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. It opens early and closes late (10pm on weeknights, 11pm on weekends) so there is plenty of time to take advantage of the full range of spa, salon, and fitness services as well as playing the slot machines, poker, or whatever your betting pleasure may be. The recently renovated Mohegan Sun is like a trip to an adult Disney World--it is magical and energized with non-stop activity from great shows in the Wolf’s Den, casual (think Food Court) to fine dining, (try Todd English’ Tuscany), and shopping ‘til you drop. But when you do feel ready to drop, or at least to rejuvenate, don’t miss The Elemis Spa. It is a unique experience because it incorporates the signature Elemis style of spa indulgences with authentic Mohegan themes and designs, such as Mother Earth and Father Sky treatment suites. Sales and marketing manager Jennifer Chiappone, says, “It’s the products that sets us apart.” The relaxation may be heavenly but there is a sense of the good earth below. Plunge into a ten thousand square foot indoor pool and be on a deck that stays open until 10pm. For warmer weather, the outdoor sun terrace spans more than 17,000 square feet, and the aerobic and cardiovascular workout facilities are first rate. (www.mohegansun.com).

NOELLE DAY SPA

Enter the Noelle Spa for Beauty and Wellness in Stamford, Connecticut and you’ll hear the gentle snipping of scissors as customers get transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. Hair, plus a broad array of spa services have been standard fare at Noelle, where the day spa concept was invented many years ago. The Health and Healing Center at Noelle has been a welcome addition for the past year and is proving to be immensely popular, according to JoAnn Wolff, co-director of the HHC. Ms. Wolff, and her co-director Dr. Tim Frank, a former masseur who is now a naturopathic practioner, are “dedicated to helping people live their lives,” by combining mind, body, and spirit to bring about a sense of balance and healing. The Health and Healing Center promotes Noelle’s philosophy, “Beauty is from the inside out.” Although priced similar to spa services, the treatments are very different with masters, as they refer to them, brought in for Reiki, Tarot card readings, memory techniques, yoga classes, nutrition, cranial sacral, spinal and neck alignments, and therapeutic body massage—all involving more introspection and greater awareness than the more indulging spa treatments. Many of the customers are people with specific issues as both Ms. Wolff and Dr. Frank apply their healing techniques to cancer patients, women with fertility issues, abused women… Workshops and treatments take place in a separate residence, which creates an intimate and less-trafficked setting, creating the comforts of home rather than a trip to the spa. (www.noelle.com).

THE SPA AT LITCHFIELD HILLS

From the moment Pat, the receptionist, answered the phone, I knew this was going to be a special place. She was so genuinely warm and friendly that I couldn’t wait to go to the Spa at Litchfield Hills. When I arrived, my feelings were confirmed. Under the new mother-daughter ownership team, the Spa at Litchfield Hills is the real thing in terms of spa, personal service, and cleanliness.

Megan Harpin worked in the spa for two previous owners. Last year, it was up for sale and Megan, a junior at Babson College in Boston with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, called her mother and said, “Let’s buy it.” Debbie, a retired nurse, thought one day she might open a drapery business. Instead she now focuses on “the little things” to make sure every client has a great experience at the Spa. After remodeling the entire facility, Megan and Debbie changed the product line, marketing and advertising. They are now searching for the perfect line of cosmetics. Over the past year, this dynamo mother-daughter team have increased sales by 150%. Both women agree the spa industry is no longer just for the rich and famous—everyone is looking to take better care of themselves. The Spa at Litchfield Hills does great packages with the nearby Litchfield Inn, plus offers a wide range of spa packages for holidays and special occasions. I loved everything about this place— the attitude, the most fabulous facial, the heated tables, and especially, the people. (860) 567-8575#