Travel Wisconsin: Aspira Spa at Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake
Travel Wisconsin: Aspira Spa at Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake
Travel Wisconsin: Aspira Spa at Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake
By Hazel Freeman
If you’re looking for a wellness getaway with a quaint, small-town vibe but with classic elegance and first-class amenities that make for a perfect escape, then the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin should be on your radar. The village of Elkhart Lake, in Sheboygan County, is about an hour northwest of Milwaukee in eastern Wisconsin. Although the local number of permanent residents is small, only around 1,000, this charming and friendly little small-town hideaway is a hidden gem that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
For over a century it has been enjoyed by those in the know who tend to return over and over, generation after generation, and season after season. Which season is the best? That would be a hard one to answer as I’m told all the seasons have something special going for them. If fewer people are what you’re looking for, the shoulder seasons are a fantastic time to visit.
The Osthoff Resort, with 500 feet of pristine shoreline on the lake, has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Resort rating for nineteen consecutive years. Only properties that deliver premier guest experiences, with superior personal service, first-class amenities, and impressive surroundings are given this prestigious award. Only three percent of AAA-rated lodging and restaurant properties in the nation receive the Four Diamond Award if that tells you just how special the Osthoff is.
“We are very honored that over the past nineteen years The Osthoff Resort has consistently been named a AAA Four Diamond property,” said Lola Roeh, general manager of The Osthoff Resort. “We take pride in offering our guests a superior product and are constantly striving to meet and exceed their expectations.
Spas of America, the No. 1 spa and wellness travel website unveils an annual ranking of the Top 100 Spas, based on consumer feedback on their website. Of those 100 spas in 2017, 70 were in the United States. The Aspira Spa, located in The Osthoff, was ranked #3 Spa in America, #1 Midwest Spa and #1 Lake Spa in North America by Spas of America in its annual ranking.
“The Aspira Spa has been consistently one of our most popular Midwest spa destinations and one of the most sought-after Lake & Country spa experiences in the country,” said Craig Oliver, president of Spas of America. “A beautiful location, set on the shores of Lake Elkhart, combined with The Osthoff’s warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and delicious dining experiences make the Aspira Spa an ideal wellness getaway.”
Located on the sacred shores of Elkhart Lake, 292 acres and 120 feet deep of gin-clear, sandy-bottomed, spring-fed water, it is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Wisconsin. The lake is believed to have healing properties by the indigenous peoples of the area. This healing energy is an important part of the holistic and organic approach utilized in the spa treatments that infuses spa guests with a natural energy intended to feed the mind, body, and spirit. At the Aspira Spa, you can find yourself pampered by a Moroccan hot oil massage, an elderberry facial, or a Reiki healing treatment, just to name a few of the many services offered. Aspira-meaning ‘infused with spirit,’ aptly describes the feeling with which one leaves the spa.
Aspira’s architectural design embraces the wisdom of feng shui and the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The centerpiece of the spa is the tranquil Meditation Sanctuary, where water gently flows over a wall of sculpted stone into a massive hand-tooled copper vessel. Effervescent whirlpools inside and out; SpaSuites with private baths, fireplaces and side-by-side massage tables; a Finnish sauna; and a spa studio for tai chi, yoga, and pilates. There is a Spa Café, full-service salon, and spa boutique stocked with Aspira’s signature product line as well as spa apparel and artisan jewelry.
The spa offers a variety of package deals that go along with a stay at the resort. All packages include unlimited use of spa facilities on the day of your spa service(s), including meditation sanctuary, learning center, indoor and outdoor hydro massage whirlpools, warming fireplace area, sauna, and luxurious changing rooms with cascading showers.
IF YOU GO
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful and tranquil setting than the quaint little village of Elkhart Lake which is situated along the lakeshore. The lake, rich in natural beauty, offers up a wide range of water sports and recreational opportunities for visitors such as; boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and of course swimming and sunbathing.
There are plenty of other things to do while in Sheboygan County as well. You can get your speed-on with motorsports galore at Road America. Play golf at Quit Qui OC Golf Club. Tour Henning’s Cheese Factory famous for its award-winning cheeses. Stroll through art galleries and gift shops. Stop in for wine and beer tastings. There are many delicious dining opportunities. Take a hike on the Ice Age Trail or in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, or visit Henchel’s Indian Museum and Trout Farm, to mention a few other reasons to visit the area. Special events and activities are planned throughout the year by Elkhart Lake Tourism, so there’s always something going on around town. I’m told winter, and Christmas especially is a magical time in Elkhart Lake where they host the annual Old-World Christmas Market.
Along with the spa, the Osthoff Resort features spacious all-suite accommodations, two restaurants, a cooking school, grand ballroom, year-round recreation and events, and premier amenities. For more information on the Aspira Spa you can visit: https://www.osthoff.com/aspira-spa.
NOTE: My opportunity to enjoy the award-winning Aspira Spa at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake was compliments of Elkhart Lake Tourism.
BIO
Hazel Freeman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer from Ohio. She is an award winning member of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. Hazel loves travel and outdoor adventure, and enjoys sharing those experiences with others through her writing. Take a look at her website: www.hazelfreeman.com.
