By Shelby Deering | Photo courtesy Sundara Inn & Spa
The holidays are over. You might be growing weary of winter. And you definitely could use some relaxation. Where should you go? The answer is one of these top Wisconsin spas, or meander to Dubuque for a jaunt and spa day.
SUNDARA INN & SPA
Sundara Inn & Spa is nestled within an 80-acre pine forest in Wisconsin Dells. This adults-only spa is electronics- free (and even has conversation-free areas for ultimate relaxation) and features outdoor pools that are heated year-round. When you aren’t lounging in your spa-inspired suite or eating delicious farm-to-table eats at the restaurant, take advantage of the many spa treatments, like the Aemotio Spa Cabin, a structure outfitted with a heated water mattress, chromatherapy and a steam bath.
KOSA SPA
While Madison’s Garver Feed Mill is known for its slices of Ian’s Pizza and seasonal events, it’s become equally famed for one of its other tenants: Kosa Spa. With a special focus on Ayurvedic practices (a holistic system of health and beauty that originated in India), you don’t need to be a devout practitioner to enjoy the treatments. Complete with organic robes and a hot stone sauna, be sure to book its signature treatment, the Classic Abhyanga with Indian head massage, in which comforting, energy-balancing oils are poured onto the body.
ASPIRA SPA AT THE OSTHOFF RESORT
Located inside the AAA Four Diamond-rated Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Aspira Spa is encircled by ancient cedar trees, which lend themselves to the spa’s Signature Cedars Experience and Signature Sacred Waters Massage, both of which incorporate cedar gathered right from the grounds. In addition to the cedar-infused treatments, don’t miss the salt room, the meditation room complete with a soothing waterfall or the Spa Café, brimming with healthy offerings.
KOHLER WATERS SPA
To experience luxury on an epic level, book a stay at Kohler’s American Club, a AAA Five Diamond hotel steeped in lavishness and history, and book some time at the neighboring Kohler Waters Spa. Newly renovated with refreshed relaxation lounges and hydrotherapy amenities, the world-class spa also boasts a custom sauna and steam room. Apart from grounding treatments that include Reiki and reflexology, try the Citrus Reviver hydrotherapy service, an 80-minute citrus-focused treatment that wraps in full body exfoliation, a facial massage with stones and more.
kohlerwisconsin.com/wellness/kohler-water-spa
CALLADORA SPA AT LAKE LAWN RESORT
Sitting on over two miles of shoreline on Delavan Lake, Calladora Spa, found within the award-winning Lake Lawn Resort, is a full-service spa that’s repeatedly been voted as the best spa in Walworth County. And here’s a fun fact: It’s the only resort spa in the state that you can drive, boat and even fly to (it has an on-site airport). Using the lake and its waters as inspiration, water features abound throughout the spa and many treatments use hydrotherapy.
lakelawnresort.com/calladora-spa
THE EDGEWATER SPA
Overlooking Lake Mendota, The Edgewater Spa at The Edgewater hotel offers a wide variety of treatments to choose from. Book the Edgewater Signature Massage to really loosen up those tight muscles or go with the Signature Couples Massage to experience relaxation alongside your partner. Other treatments range from facials to pedicures to Himalayan Salt Stone Relaxation.
DAY TRIP SPA OPTION: POTOSA SPA
Looking for a change of scenery for your spa experience? Then head to Dubuque’s Potosa Spa, located in the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque. Just an hour and a half from Madison, you can make a day trip out of it or turn it into a weekend jaunt. Filled with treatment rooms and high-quality natural products, the spa is named in honor of Potosa, daughter of the chief of the Fox Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Book the spa’s latest and greatest treatment, the Bamboo Massage, in which warm bamboo sticks are used to melt the muscles into total relaxation.
