- Jenn Boyd

After a sun-drenched season in Tahoe South full of my favorite recreational activities – mountain biking, hiking/running, competitions, wakeboarding, boating and golfing – massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are much needed. A day (okay, days) of pampering and spa treatment is my idea of heaven.

Here are a few favorite spots to give my mind, body and soul the recharge it needs:

Reflections at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (15 U.S. 50 Stateline, NV 89449) The name says it all. I use my time at the full-service spa to reflect on any of life’s stresses and dismiss all negative thoughts. I suggest arriving well before your treatment time to swim in the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub and unplug in the sauna. My go-to treatment option is the 80-minute Zen Body Wrap for $200. This is a full body scrub containing Napa Valley Grape Seeds high in antioxidants and a body wrap with Green Tea, Ginger Root and Seaweed Algae.

BioSpirit Day Spa (1116 Ski Run Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150) A local’s favorite, this hotspot offers massages, body treatments, facials or a combination of treatment options. Arrive early to enjoy the eucalyptus steam room, which is included with all services, then relax and unwind as you’re pampered. Here my treatment of choice is the 50-minute Warm River Rock Massage for $85 (80 minutes for $120). Smooth stones have been gathered and heated to bring a deep relaxation that is unmatched.

Elements at Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa (930 Bal Bijou Road South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150) Enjoying a pedicure or massage in South Shore’s only treatment room with a lake view is a great way to admire the beauty of the “Best Lake in America.” The 60-minute Foot Rejuvenation for $75 is a must. Your overworked, tired feet will be soaked, scrubbed, dipped in wax, wrapped in hot booties and massaged with botanical lotions.

Onsen at MontBleu (55 Hwy 50 Stateline, NV 89449) MontBleu's full-service Onsen Salon and Spa has a fitness center, saunas, massage rooms, whirlpool baths and perhaps my favorite aspect, the eucalyptus steam rooms. Plus, the 10,000 sq. ft. pool and 10 ft. waterfall transform into Onsen Beach & Nightclub with a dance floor, DJ, poolside aerialists, contests and drink specials during holiday weekends and momentous occasions. My favorite treatment at Onsen is the 50-minute Deep Tissue Massage for $145 (80 minutes for $195).

Perfectly Polished Nail Spa (1001 Heavenly Village Way Ste. 32, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150) My girlfriends and I love to share a bottle of wine at Red Poets and Skyhawk Lanes tasting room in the Heavenly Village before we head over to Perfectly Polished for the spa manicure/pedicure combo for $45.

Jenn Boyd works for Weidinger Public Relations and oversees public relations efforts for Tahoe South.