Cheese and the Packers may come to mind when you mention Wisconsin, but its selection of romantic resorts may be the Dairy State's best-kept secret. Whether you prefer to enjoy a getaway immersed in nature or indulging in spa treatments, a resort in Wisconsin can fulfill your desires.
Canoe Bay
Canoe Bay appears on "Leisure" magazine's list of 50 romantic hotels in the world. The Zagat survey rated it the No. 1 hotel in the Midwest in romance, design and water views. Canoe Bay's owners designed the property especially for couples, and they do not allow children or pets. You can choose from rooms, cottages or villas, each featuring a two-person whirlpool tub, stone fireplace and private deck. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, row boating and the fitness center. The hotel delivers complimentary breakfast, and you can arrange delivery of lunch and enjoy dinner in the dining room or wine cellar. In 2010, accommodations range from $350 to $1,800 per night, per couple.
Canoe Bay
Chetek, Wisconsin 54728
715-924-4594
canoebay.com
Heidel House Resort and Spa
In 2010, "Wisconsin Bride" magazine called Heidel House the best wedding night hotel. Heidel House sits on Green Lake, northwest of Milwaukee. The property features three restaurants, a lounge and activities including water sports, skiing, snow shoeing, sledding and ice skating. If you have an upcoming wedding, consider booking the ballroom, tent or patio. Heidel House offers a "Romantic Escape" package, which includes accommodations, champagne and chocolate, dinner for two and a 20 percent discount on services in the Evensong Spa. Nightly accommodations in the main lodge range from $199 to $609. You also can rent a vacation home for $1,199 to $2,189 (as of August 2010).
Heidel House Resort and Spa
643 Illinois Ave.
Green Lake, Wisconsin 54941
(920) 294-3344
heidelhouse.com
Sundara Inn and Spa
Sundara won Spa Finder's Reader's Choice Best for Romance Award three years in a row, from 2007 to 2009. The property features 26 suites and eight private villas, each with a fireplace. A visit to Sundara includes access to the relaxation lounge, fitness studio, and the heated outdoor infinity pool. You also can experience a purifying bath ritual in the bathhouse sanctuary that includes a self-guided exfoliation treatment followed by a rainfall shower, body mist, steam treatment and soaks in the hot and cool pools. In 2010, accommodations at Sundara range from $199 to $404 nightly.
Sundara Inn and Spa
920 Canyon Road
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
888-735-8181
sundaraspa.com
Hemlock Hide-A-Way
If your idea of romance is hunkering down with your loved one in a private cabin in the woods, then Hemlock Hide-A-Way may be the Wisconsin resort for you. The resort is in northwest Wisconsin on Lake Hemlock. Accommodations and activities are geared toward couples. You can choose from three fully furnished cabins that sleep two and have an indoor whirlpool tub. Two of the cabins have fireplaces. While at the resort, enjoy fishing and water sports on 2,500 acres of lakes or enjoy nature while you hike, bike and bird watch. In 2010, Hemlock Hide-A-Way offers a weekly rate of $625 to $725 or a weekday rate starting at $90 per night with a two-night minimum.
Hemlock Hide-A-Way
2772 25th Ave.
Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868
715-234-1841
hemlockhideawayresort.com
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