|
 My next venture to Aspira Spa will definitely include the Moroccan Hot Oil Massage, the Hammam treatment and the Chromatub treatment (this deluxe hydrotherapy tub, with over two-hundred and fifty micro-jets, also incorporates color sequencing to each Chakra, and an underwater hand-held massage by the technician, and additional hot and cold needle-pointed jet action stimulation). With so many treatments to choose from, it’s tough making a selection.
Spa Miscellany: Opened November 2005. Approximately 20k s.f. Twenty-five staff. Twenty-two treatment rooms, including two wet-rooms; five junior spa suites and two royal spa suites. All toweling, robes and slippers are a blend of organic cotton (60%) and organic bamboo (40%) (inherently anti-bacterial). All hair and nail treatments are done in the salon, a separate area within the spa. The co-ed wet area includes an amply sized whirlpool. There are separate women’s and men’s locker/changing areas, each equipped with its own sauna and steam rooms. The spa’s beautiful multi-purpose exercise room is appropriate for Yoga, mat-Pilates and other low-impact routines. And, the separate spa Café offers healthy and inventive organic cuisine (following are a few flavorful recipes), which incorporates homemade or locally grown commodities. The retail boutique offers its treatment and salon products, as well as the Aromafloria brand, candles, bath salts, oils, and soaps; artisan-crafted jewelry, made of natural and organic materials, round out the product offerings. Fitness area, indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpool.
Unique: The Aspira Spa concept and design. Global therapies. Spa suites, with expansive views and French doors opening onto private patios.
Futures: With this area’s rich heritage of indigenous Native American Indians (the Potowotomi Tribe), Aspira Spa is working on incorporating various tribal-based rituals, which honor related aspects of spirituality, while nurturing and healing its guests. Themed spa packages, including special events and speakers, are also slated for the near future.
Etcetera: Spa consultants, Aspen Management. To obtain additional scholarly content on Greek, Indian and Chinese elements, their origins and relational significances, including philosophical variances, go to http://www.friesian.com/elements.html.
 Overall Favs: In addition to my experience at Aspira Spa, wonderful accommodations, including my tippy-toe-access-only bed (beyond comfortable), and the exhilarating shower head (one of the better ones I’ve experienced in sometime). Dining experiences at both Otto’s and Lola’s, with the latter being extraordinary. And, the staff guest-care was exemplary.
What to Do: Activities for singles, couples or families will vary, depending on the season. The draw in spring is “Jazz on the Vine”, a series of live jazz concerts, featuring some of this musical genre’s best. Summer fun translates to swimming, fishing, canoeing and picnicking, with golf courses and tennis courts nearby. During the summer into early fall, there’s also natural-track auto racing, Road America, which is part of the pro-am international racing circuit (often referred to as the Heartland’s equivalent to the Monte-Carlo races). In the fall at the resort, it’s the annual Harvest Moon Ball; the spectacular fall colors of the area’s deciduous trees is another “must-see”. Year-round antiquing is also an area draw. In December, there’s an “Old World Christmas Market”, reminiscent of the traditional Austrian and German Christkindlmarkt at the resort. Traditional dining celebrations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, etc. are a huge draw to the resort. Special themed all-inclusive packages celebrating traditional holidays are also offered, as are weddings, engagements, graduations, etc. And weather permitting, the season of winter brings to the area cross-country skiing, sledding, skating and hockey on the frozen lake, and snowshoeing. And, regardless of the season, the Osthoff Resort’s beautiful landscaping changes to reflect nature’s seasonal best.
Accolades: For seven consecutive years, receiving the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Luxury Resort rating. Chosen by “Meetings MidAmerica” magazine as one of the top forty-five meeting destinations in the Midwest.
Resources: Elkhart Lake is one-hour north of Milwaukee, WI (flying into Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, the resort offers shuttle service); total travel time to the resort from downtown Chicago is less than three-hours.
This is an exceptional experience and highly recommended.
Five Loofah Rating!.
© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - APRIL 2006
|
|
|