Best Spas in Wisconsin

Who knew that Wisconsin is a great spa destination? The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a world-class resort drawing golfers from all over the world in summer, but Kohler Waters Spa is a year-round draw. Aspira, The Spa, at The Osthoff Resort in nearby Elkhart Lake has made a name for itself with top-notch healing services. Both are well worth a trip, and within easy reach of Milwaukee. North of Madison is an intimate, adult-only spa called Sundara - the perfect retreat for couples, singles and best friends.

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Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club

Destination Kohler in Wisconsin has everything you expect from a luxury resort -- elegant rooms, a beautiful spa, world-class golf courses and fine dining. But what makes Destination Kohler special, and worth the trip, are all the things you can't find at other resorts. This includes a fascinating tour of a Kohler factory, a Kohler Design Center and River Wild, a 500-acre wilderness preserve with more than 18 miles of trails. wilderness. This is the ultimate company town.

Because Kohler owns a tile company, the spa is unbelievably gorgeous. Its specialty is hydrotherapy treatments, including baths and Vichy showers designed by Kohler engineers. If you want a spa-focused stay, book a room at the Carriage House, which is just an elevator ride away from the spa. If you want to exercise, step outside into the historic village of Kohler for a jog, or take a Kohler bus to a huge complex called Sports Core, with fitness equipment, group exercise classes, swimming pools and tennis courts, even a small beach.

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Aspira, The Spa, at The Osthoff Resort

The Osthoff Resort is an affordable destination set right on beautiful Elkhart Lake, with activities like swimming, boating and fishing. The lake was considered sacred by the Native Americans who once lived on its shores, inspiring Aspira's mission to offer a true healing experience This is unusual for a resort spa, where treatments tend to more about helping guests relax. The spa has a strong emphasis on energy work, such as Reiki and a signature service called the Mind, Body and Sprit Alignment. Many of the treatments, including the Elderberry Facial and the Wild Chamomile/Ancient Cedar Body Treatment, are based on herbs and plants native to the area.

Nice features of Aspira Spa include an excellent yoga studio with classes almost every day, a beautiful spa cafe with delicious food, and a light-filled nail studio with a fireplace and "pedithrones" with a view. The village of Elkhart Lake is an historic summer resort town and has charming shops and museums to while away any extra time.

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Sundara Inn & Spa

people relaxing and reading in the Sundara spa — Courtesy of Sundara Inn & Spa

With just 26 suites equipped with fireplaces, Sundara Inn and Spa in Wisconsin Dells is a quiet retreat for adults only. Sundara's organic-style architecture blends seamlessly with sky-high pines, peaceful waterfalls and an infinity edge pool. The spa itself has 16 treatment rooms, with a full range of massages, facials, body treatments and Ayurvedic treatments called The Chakra Series.

Sundara guests can take group guided yoga classes or one-on-one instruction or golf at the Wild Rock Golf Club next door. In addition there are three interesting state parks. Visitors to Devil's Lake State Park can swim in the spring-fed lake or hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Rocky Arbor State Park offers scenic and secluded hiking among the pine trees and sandstone bluffs, while Mirror Lake State Park is the perfect destination for people who enjoy canoeing and hiking.