You can almost feel the stress melt away as you drive up the winding road to this award-winning AAA Four Diamond all-season resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Just 80 miles from Chicago, Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is like a million miles from Michigan Avenue. After all, this was once home to the Playboy Club Resort and they knew how to cater to guests’ every whim.
This Frank Lloyd Wright inspired-property features 355 guest rooms and suites, all which include private balcony or patio with gorgeous views of the resort’s lake and golf courses. Grand Geneva boasts a state-of-the-art WELL Spa + Salon; three-chair/18 run ski hills and snowboard facility; award-winning restaurants, two championship golf courses, tennis, horseback riding and an indoor water park.
Pampering and heart pumping at WELL
There is literally so much to do at WELL Spa and Salon, well, you could, literally, spend the entire day here. Get pampered from head to toe with a variety of relaxing and therapeutic treatments for body, hair and nails. I recommend the WELL Spa Facial to leave your skin feeling nourished and smooth. Or, try a Farmhouse Fresh massage or Aromatic Back Treatment. New is their Toes on Tap Pedicure, which puts your hands on a Wisconsin Spotted Cow Beer, while your feet soak in a bath of citrus and hops. Play tennis, take a spinning class and then head to the workout area. Are you game for the 35 ft. climbing wall? Enjoy yoga or Pilates? Keep up your routine on the latest fitness equipment or do laps in the indoor pool.
Exquisite dining overlooking the rolling hills
The resort offers several dining venues from a quick bite to an exquisite meal. Ristorante Brissago is like a slice of Italy in the Midwest, named one of the top five romantic restaurants in Wisconsin by Open Table. Start your meal with imported Bufalo Mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes or Truffle Sachetti. The Handmade Guitar String Pasta (Tagalitelli com L’Aragosta Lemirandi), was the most unique pasta dish I’ve ever enjoyed. Also recommended is the Beef Tenderloin (Filletto Di Manzo). A grand way to experience the best of Brissago is their Chef Selected Four Courses for $44.
Geneva Chop House is their signature steak and seafood restaurant which serves dinner and Champagne Sunday Brunch. Feast on prime cuts of steak or veal with sumptuous sides. Recommended is the Roasted Beet Salad, Linz Heritage Reserve Rib Eye or Salmon with Red Quinoa and Crispy Kale.
Grand Geneva ChopHouse Dining
Grand Experiences make memorable escape
The resort has developed a series of Grand Experiences throughout the day and night that vary with the seasons to make your stay that much richer. I tried the DYI Spa Souvenirs and came home with facial scrubs and bath bombs! Paint and Sip, Playboy History with a Twist, Tasty Pastry, Lawn Scrabble and Mixology are just a few of the good times awaiting you.
Adventure Center has it all
No matter what the season, there’s always something fun going on at the Adventure Center. Winter brings 18 hills of skiing, or cross country or hiking the winding trails. Come summer, enjoy a guided hike, mountain biking, play disc golf, sand volleyball or try your arm at archery.
Splash!
Bring the family to Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark on the grounds of the Grand Geneva and take off down the Moose Mountain Falls. Or float down the lazy river. Large accommodations are perfect for families, complete with kitchen and one or two bedrooms. Swim out to the outdoor pool, soak up the sun or hang out in the arcade room. Then enjoy all the other amenities of the resort.
Cruise the lake
Walk downtown Lake Geneva and grab an ice cream cone or shop in one of the many boutiques. Take a ride on Lady on the Lake or hire a private boat from Lake Geneva Cruise Line to show you around. Hop on the U.S. Mailboat Tour and see how mail is delivered to the homes on the lake. Ooh and ahh over the mansions that line the shore and learn about the famous millionaires like the Wrigley’s and Pritzker’s who’ve made Lake Geneva their summer home for generations. (CruiseLakeGeneva.com)
Embers Terrace under the stars
At night, hang out at the Embers Terrace with its outdoor fireplace and comfy lounges. It’s the perfect place for dessert like Make Your Own S’mores as you gaze up to the starlit skies and plan your next escape to the Grand Geneva!
For reservations and packages, call 800.558.3417. www.grandgeneva.com, www.timberridgelodge.com
(Sidebar)
I made my own Sangria, now you try it!
Moscato Sangria Recipe:
12 oz. Pineapple Juice
12 oz. Orange Juice
375 ml. (Half a fifth) Southern Comfort
2 750 ml. Bottles Colle Dei Venti (or similar) Moscato
2 oranges sliced and squeezed
2 limes sliced and squeezed
2 lemons sliced and squeezed
1 green apple sliced
Cover in plastic wrap and set in refrigerator. Let sit for 72 hours. Remove aged fruit slices from Sangria mix to avoid turning bitter.
To serve:
Fill red wine glass with ice, fill glass 2/3 full with sangria mix, top with Sierra Mist (or similar lemon-lime soda), garnish with fresh slice of lemon, lime, orange, and green apple. Serve with straw.
Serves 15-20 people, depending on glass size.
