It is always exciting to discover a hidden paradise two hours from Chicago that has been one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets. When Hurricane Irma hit Orlando at the same time our airplane was scheduled to land there, travel plans had to change. What was to be a week-long Florida vacation was replaced by a trip to Wisconsin to visit spa resorts there. With many spa resort hotels aleady booked, a Google search popped up a place I never heard of before–The Osthoff Resort and Aspira Spa in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, near Sheboygan. It must have been the Aspira Spa that caught my eye. A search of their website wowed me. Here I was travelling all over the country and the best-kept secret resort hotel spa was only a few hours from my own backyard. I hesitate to even share the information about this spectacular spa resort hotel lest it become so popular, that it would be hard to get a room there anymore! But I will share the secret anyway….
The resort with its three-wings embraces Elkhart Lake. The setting is spectacular. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are peaceful and tranquil. Between the hotel and the lake are beautifully landscaped gardens and trees surrounding a smaller lake. Along the hotel’s lake are many peaceful areas to relax, meditate, and take in the scenery. One can enjoy sitting in a gazebo, park benches, on chaise lounges and picnic tables on the beach by the lake. My favorite bench sat in a small alcove overlooking a pool feeding a waterfall that bubbles into a gently flowing stream. A white walking bridge is perched over the stream where one can enjoy the bubbling water.
The hotel renovation included the addition of Aspira Spa, Lola’s Restaurant, new guest rooms, and a conference center. Aspira Spa is incredible. It is beautifully appointed, peaceful, and relaxing. There is both an indoor and outdoor adults-only coed relaxation area with indoor and outdoor hot tubs. It has a special meditation sanctuary designed with the elements of nature. Treatment rooms offer specialties that honor the sacred traditions of the local Native Americans who held the land sacred. A spa cafe offers a menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options.
Even more peaceful, stress-free and relaxing, though, was the superior great customer service of the staff. Our visit was like coming home to a warm, caring family. From the general manager, Lola Roeh, to the guest services manager, April Human, to the front desk staff, spa director Shannon Roeh, gardener who also manages the resort’s private organic farm, and Chef Benjamin, each one treats each guest as family. Their philosophy is to make each person’s experience the best it can be. They take the time to get to know each guest, find out what he or she needs, and delight in providing that experience for each. Their goal is to provide memories for each to take home to cherish.
Lola and Mark took me on a personal tour of the organic garden and farm pointing out the different vegetables, berries, and herbs that they use for their restaurants. What a delight to taste fresh picked strawberries and yellow squash. It was fun to watch the day’s pickings put on a truck and brought to the restaurants, where that same night they were part of the dinner I ate. The freshness of the tomatoes, basil, peppers, and eggplant that had just been picked from the garden a few hours before to be used in the eggplant parmesian, salad, and sauces was mouth watering and bursting with flavor. Not to mention the special chocolate coconut eggless mousse that the baker prepared honoring our vegetarian eggless diet.
Even the gift shop manager, Kimberly, was a special person who goes out of her way to help local and distant artists by showcasing their unique hand-made gifts.
What places The Osthoff Resort high up on Ricki’s list of the best stress-free health and wellness travel vacations is not only the beauty of the place, but its heart and soul, the warmth, loving, and caring nature of its entire staff, inspired by Lola Roeh and her dedication to making each person and their time here special and memorable.
Stay tuned for more about The Osthoff Resort and Aspira Spa as there is so much more to share about the spa, the food, and the relaxing experiences!
