Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva has been a favorite weekend getaway spot for North Shore families for decades.
Let’s not talk about the frigid/rainy/cold spring that never sprang or how fast this year has gone. Because here we are in June and that well-earned pedicure has barely seen the light of day.
But we have some excellent news for you, as we introduce this new occasional feature to The North Shore Weekend—one that offers expert advice on some of the latest and greatest escapes that are just a few hours away.
For our inaugural weekend excursion, we opted to see what was new up at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva. The AAA Four- Diamond family favorite is celebrating its 25-year anniversary this summer with a full lineup of ‘90s throwbacks, special discounts, and limited edition offerings.
When I traveled there with my own family to sample some new offerings at WELL Spa & Salon, it was everything I had heard about and more. It’s easy to see how the resort has thrived for a quarter century. Even with an infant in tow, Grand Geneva staff helped us balance the excitement of getting away with desperately needed relaxation and rejuvenation.
The expansive property boasts hundreds of suites and villas with views that include nature at its finest. The villas are the perfect space to gather family and friends, or just take in the scenery and relax with the doors wide-open in your personal oasis. We used the full kitchen one evening to cook a delicious meal as a family before watching the sun set over the signature ginkgo trees.
If you would rather leave the cooking at home, there are multiple restaurants on the property, or you can head downtown for some local favorites. After the concierge team graciously helped us book a babysitter for the evening, we headed over to Geneva ChopHouse in the main resort for dinner.
The cuisine did not disappoint. We started with the Coconut Shrimp and Tuna Tataki at our server’s suggestion and it was perfect. For the main course, we enjoyed the prime rib-eye steak with grilled broccolini and the Skuna Bay Farm Raised Salmon with bulgur wheat salad and cu- cumber yogurt. Our server hand selected our wine and her choice added the perfect touch to our already delicious meal.
After dinner, we stopped next door to Evolve Nightclub for a nightcap and headed out to the Embers Terrace to lounge by the fire pit and take in the peace of the night before heading back to our room. The cocktails were delicious and if you’re looking for a local brew, Grand Geneva has New Glarus’ Spotted Cow, only found in Wisconsin.
If you’re looking for an adventure while in Lake Geneva, there’s plenty to do around the lake or you can stay right on the resort property and try out the award-winning golf course, Adventure Center, zip lining, and two pools. You can even take the trolley down to Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark for a waterpark adventure.
However, for busy moms like myself, the real attraction is the WELL Spa + Salon. I tried the Lava Shell massage and it was divine. My masseuse worked her wonders and the tension in my back from carrying an infant around was finally soothed. I also sprung for the salon’s luxury anti-aging manicure and pedicure. It was fantastic and the specialty serum used left my skin looking firmer. Of course, the Deborah Lippmann polish helped as well. My day at the WELL Spa was exactly what this new mother needed.
On select dates throughout 2019, Grand Geneva will offer guests and neighbors a variety of specials and themed events that will take visitors back in time, including a ’90s trivia game, ’90s pricing on select offerings, 25th birthday discounts, and scavenger hunts throughout the resort. In addition, guests can enjoy 1994-themed pool and ski parties, and summer events that will have everyone reminiscing about iconic ’90s songs and style.
The best news of all is that this luxury getaway is just a short drive from the North Shore. And now that summer is (yay) finally here, keep reading this new section for more ideas for luxury escapes right in our own backyard.
To learn more about Grand Geneva’s history, visit grandgeneva.com/grand25th for staff stories, 1994 wedding memories, updates on offers and events, flash sales such as a $105 introductory rate for over- night stays, and more.
