06.20.16

GolfAdvisor.com

With Erin Hills, Grand Geneva, The Bog and more, Milwaukee-area golf is a winner

By: David R. Holland

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Sure it was beer that made Milwaukee famous and rockabilly singer Jerry Lee Lewis a loser, but it has a golf history, and its future seems unlimited. Milwaukee-area golf is a winner.
The 2017 U.S. Open is scheduled at nearby Erin Hills, a brawny, 7,800-yard minimalist beast designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten.
Make the 55-mile drive to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for The Brute and The Highlands, 36 holes of beautiful golf, and relive the days of Hugh Hefner when in 1968 this resort opened as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel.
Daily-fee beauty The Bog — in nearby Saukville — is a 7,221-yard par 72 that is home to the Marquette University golf team.
Tee it up at Brown Deer Golf Course, home of the Greater Milwaukee Open from 1994-2009. Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut here in 1996 as a 21-year-old and aced no. 14. He finished 60th and won $2,544.
And some time next year Wisconsin will open another much-anticipated golf experience named Sand Valley Golf Resort, certain to be another award-winner. The minimalist Bill Coore-and-Ben Crenshaw course is set on 1,700 acres of tumbling sand dunes, 167 miles from Milwaukee near Nekoosa. A second 18 is planned to be designed by David McLay Kidd of Bandon Dunes fame.
So, a travel golf trip to Milwaukee? You bet.
Combine it with a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game, a visit to the world-famous Harley-Davidson museum, a tour of the Lakefront Brewery and countless superb dining options and you have a great Midwest vacation.
Here’s a look at the golf options:

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel is an easy drive from Milwaukee or Chicago and even includes a ski area chalet that Hefner designed in the shape of two interlocking snowflakes. Two prominent lakes on the golf courses were built in the shape of a heart and a bunny head.
The Brute Golf Course lives up to its name with 7,085 yards, par 72 and huge greens (they average 8,000 square feet) and 68 bunkers. The rolling woodlands of southern Wisconsin are beautifully displayed on this 1968 Robert Bruce Harris design with elevation changes and lots of water and woods. The finale, 17 and 18, are tough with demanding tee shots. Even par on these holes should be celebrated.
Grand Geneva’s Highlands Golf Course, a 6,659-yard par 71, was originally designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. This Scottish-style Wisconsin golf course was transformed in 1996 by Bob Cupp and was recently updated in 2006 by Bob Lohmann, with major renovations completed on holes 9, 12 and 15. It is beautiful and more playable than The Brute.

See more here.

06.17.16

Midwest Meetings: Let’s Take You on a Culinary Adventure

06.10.16

Chicago-SunTimes.com

Summer road trips great way to explore the Midwest

By: Miriam Di Nunzio

Two world-class golf courses await at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisc. | SUPPLIED PHOTO

It’s summer and that means it’s time to explore grand destinations both near and far.

The Chicago Reader this week highlights several Midwest treks worth taking in the next few months in their special “2016 Road Trips” issue. These include a bicycling trek through Indiana’s serene Amish country, and Hoosier comedy clubs sure to make you laugh out loud; a look at the reboot of the iconic Gobbler supper club in Wisconsin (sans the supper); a visit to the Illinois state capitol and all things Abraham Lincoln thereabouts; a visit to Superman’s “official home” in Metropolis, Illinois; an overview of minor league baseball seasons far from Wrigley Field and The Cell.

Here are several other suggestions for a Midwest getaway this summer:

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | SUPPLIED PHOTO

A great day-trip or extended stay that’s just over 90 minutes or so from Chicago can be found at theGrand Geneva Resort and Spa, a 1,300-acre, nestled-in-the-woods escape from the daily grind. Located just minutes away from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the resort has plenty of summer activities for grown-ups and kids. Once the site of the Lake Geneva Playboy club, the lavish resort boasts a 22-acre man-made lake, 355 guest rooms and suites, two PGA-caliber golf courses, a ski hill, world-class dining and a spa/fitness center. Your getaway is tailor-made to fit your needs. Select from family stay packages, golf packages, ski packages (for those winter escapes), hiking trails, a Grand Kids Program (with daily children’s activities) and the adjacent Timber Ridge Lodge & Water Park featuring a 30,000-square-foot indoor water park and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor water area are some of what awaits.

See more here.

06.09.16

The Resorter

Get Fit at Grand Geneva Resort’s WELL Spa + Salon

This summer, Well Spa + Salon at Grand Geneva is offering several membership specials. Pay in full for a one-year membership and receive one month free as a sign-up bonus; or pay in full for a six-month membership to receive two complimentary day guest passes as a sign-up bonus. Summer membership deals are valid through Aug. 31, 2016.
Well Spa + Salon will also be offering a unique deal for new moms. Any new moms who sign up for a six-month membership within three months of giving birth will be offered the membership at 50% off. The child’s birth certificate must be shown upon signing up, valid through Dec. 31, 2016. Learn more at grandgenvea.com

06.09.16

Chicago-Woman.com

2016 Summer Getaway Guide: 8 Things to do in Lake Geneva

By: Christine Bachman

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who has not been to Lake Geneva. Many of us make at least one trip every year to the area, so hop in your car and drive about 80 miles from Chicago to find an all-fun, no-stress perfect getaway. Here are 8 things to do on your visit:

Stay at a luxurious resort.

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is an award-winning AAA Four-Diamond all-seasons resort set on 1,300 acres. Here you can enjoy several of outdoor activities including two award-winning golf courses.grandgeneva.com

Tour The Town.

Explore downtown Lake Geneva on a trolley and enjoy a refreshing lunch and stroll through the unique shops and boutiques.

Tea Time.

At the Baker House, a historic lakefront mansion, you’ll find activities such as Victorian Tea, Musical Murder Mystery, or historic brunch every weekend. You and your girlfriends will love the wide array of hats meant to be worn while in the home and they have a historic sunset toast with a traditional cocktail from the 1800’s. bakerhouse1885.com

Get Active.

If you want to explore the surrounding woods and prairie views go for a horseback tour. If biking, or hiking are more your speed this is an option at the chalet at the Grand Geneva. They also have special events and tours so you can get out and enjoy the fresh summer air.

Get out on the water.

Gage Lake Geneva Cruise Line has eight boats in the fleet to choose the perfect cruise for you and your gal pals.  Tour Black Point Estate after nibbling on lunch while cruising to the estate. Once you arrive you’ll get a guided tour by a docent. Or go for a tour while watching all the locals receive mail on the US Mail Boat which is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year. cruiselakegeneva.com

Spa Day.

Enjoy a massage or rejuvenating facial at the Well Spa & Salon. If you are looking for a new and unique pedicure try the Toes on Tap. Sip on an Exclusive Wisconsin Spotted Cow beer, while you soak your feet in a bath of citrus and hops. They’ll brighten your skin’s appearance with a burst of pink grapefruit and warm amber scrub. You’ll Tap off your pedicure with a knee to toe massage with honey kaffir lime lotion.grandgeneva.com/wellspa

Eat.

Geneva ChopHouse is a delicious steak and seafood restaurant that has breathtaking views of the scenic rolling terrain. Enjoy a bone in fillet, a wide variety of seafood and mouth watering lobster. If Italian is what you’re craving be sure to stop by Grand Geneva Ristorante Brissago where the Wild Cherry Old Fashioned remains a favorite drink and the homemade pasta with lemon and Lobster and Pecorino are unique to the dining experience itself. Much of the menu is locally sourced and the wine is divine!grandgeneva.com/ChopHouse

An Evening Toast.

Keep the good times going over a nightcap and s’mores by the fire at Embers Terrace at Grand Geneva.grandgeneva.com

See more here.

06.08.16

Daily Herald: Midwest travel: Smoky bones mean Ribfest Chicago June 10-12

AC Hotel Chicago Downtown was included in the Daily Herald’s list of summer packages. The hotel is offering a package that invites you to shop at the Magnificent Mile and eat and drink your way through Eataly this summer.

To view the entire article click here

06.08.16

SkinInc.com

Spa Snapshot: The WELL Spa + Salon at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

By: Jo El Grossman

Relaxation…is it possible or permissible for a working mom of two on a girls-only getaway? Sure, you might be able to grab a minute in between the kids going to bed and catching up on Game of Thrones while answering work e-mails, but we’re talking about worries-free, deeply-satisfied, mind-and-body-as-one total relaxation.

All of this and more buzzed in my thoughts as I drove through the rolling hills of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa property in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin heading toward The WELL Spa + Salon. Pulling up to a Frank Lloyd Wright-like building tucked into the hillside, I walked swiftly to the front door, pushed it open and discovered why this spa is a Midwest paradise for both mind and body.

“With today’s technology, we’re always connected,” said John Morris. “People need to unwind, and they need downtime.”

Skin Inc. (SI): With “Well” in all caps in the spa’s name, how is well-being tied into the spa?
John Morris (JM): Today, spas are very much tied into well-being, and we offer a well-rounded package. Clients can strength train on our rock climbing wall or take an aerobics class, destress with yoga, eat a delicious healthy meal and of course, have a relaxing spa treatment.

SI: It sounds like someone could spend all day here.
JM: Our clients are encouraged to do so. Whether they go for a swim or have a facial, you might see them afterward curled up in the corner napping. No one is rushed out just because a treatment is finished.

SI: How does customer service tie into relaxation?
JM: Although we have different roles, we all have the same job—making the client happy. It begins when she walks through the door. Imagine someone who might be late to her appointment because of a flat. She walks into the spa—obviously frustrated—and she’s instantly greeted with smiles. Her tension begins to melts.
We also empower our team members to do what’s right for our clients. There’s no need to always check with a manager if someone is not satisfied—they know what to do.

SI: How do you train your team on great customer service?
JM: It begins during our interview process. We look to hire someone who has helping people in her DNA. Being in the spa industry, we don’t have a 9-to-5 job, so potential team members should understand that they might work weekends and holidays.
We also have a good staff orientation program.

SI: How important is staff retention?
JM: Happy associates mean happy customers, which results in a better top and bottom line. We have about 80% repeat clients, and many come back to the same team member. We’ve been fortunate to have a long-tenure staff with many here 10-plus years. Our No. 1 goal when it comes to the team is being good listeners. As a manager, I don’t always have the correct answers. By getting ideas from them, we have a collective input.

SI: What do you look for in a product line?
JM: There are several points we take into consideration when we partner with a company. First, we look at the company’s history and their products’ efficacy. If it doesn’t work or wow our clients, forget it.
Next would be education and training—does the vendor provide proper training and follow protocol on their products. In addition, do they police the products: If it’s not exclusively sold at a spa, why would our clients want to buy from us? Most important, do the products fit into our price scale? We are part of a family resort, so the pricing needs to fit into our demographics.

SI: How often do you offer new treatments?
JM: Because we’re partnered with Farmhouse Fresh, they offer a wonderful menu of seasonal treatments that fit perfectly.

SI: Share the ideal customer experience someone will have at the WELL Spa + Salon.
JM: Met by a warm, friendly team member who will escort you back to our locker room area where you’ll receive a warm robe. Before your treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy the sauna, steam room or whirlpool. Your esthetician will greet you, perform your service that will put you at ease. Afterward, you can cocoon and nestle into one of our lounge chairs and relax.

Sounds like a wonderful way to relax away a stressful day!

Skin Inc. Experiences the Magic Hand

Upon entering the spa, I was greeted by a friendly team member who escorted me to the softly lit locker room. I was given a fluffy robe and slippers. She encouraged me to partake in the steam room, whirlpool or sauna before leaving to greet other guests.

I slipped into the robe and made myself comfortable in one of the earth-toned wicker lounge chairs. Nearby were two water dispensers flavored with either lemon wedges or cucumber slices and a bowl of crisp red apples. I decided to nibble on the salted caramel (just a little indulgence) that was tucked into my personal client profile.

A warm, soft voice called my name. My esthetician introduced herself as Odeta Hand, which instantly made me smile.

“I have magic hands,” said the esthetics supervisor, as she held up her hands and wiggled her fingers.

With 20-plus years at the WELL Spa + Salon, Odeta has many responsi­bilities, but the one she loves most is giving treatments. “Although I’m only with my client once or maybe even twice a month, I want to help educate her to have the best skin that she can,” she said.

Odeta led me down a quiet hallway to the treatment room. Once inside, she asked if I had any concerns. I pointed out my red cheeks and dry skin, a result from spending most of the previous day outside in chilly weather. She shared that the Firming Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Treatment Facial—using products from Sothys—that I would be receiving would help with the redness.

“When some clients hear ‘acid,’ they might immediately think ‘pain’ or ‘stinging,’” said Odeta. “I quickly reassure them that nothing will be uncomfor­table. Even clients with sensitive skin can take advantage of this service.”

Once my treatment began, Odeta concentrated on the treatment and spoke very little. My facial began with exfoliation of my dead skin. True to her word, there wasn’t even a “stingle.”

Next was a deep pore cleanser with a soothing pore massage, which melted any tension I might have had. Hot towels were applied to open the pores and make the skin ready to absorb the two wrinkle-filling serums.

A facial massage with an elasticity revealer followed, proceeded by a collagen lifting mask. The skin care products went on light and rubberized over time to an air-tight seal. When lifted, I was amazed at how thick the mask had become, but I didn’t feel its weight. The session ended with a pressure point scalp massage.

Odeta gave me enough time to slip back into the robe—no easy task since I felt like my legs were as rubbery as the mask I had. Handing me a cool glass of water, she led me back into the locker room and tucked me into a chair.

“Stay as long as you’d like,” said the magic hands. I stayed awhile, basking in peace-like relaxation.

Spa Snapshot:

The WELL Spa + Salon at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI

Established: 1994
Size: 42,000 ft2 with 19 treatment rooms (two designated for couples)
Team: 115, including 26 massage therapists, 17 estheticians, 13 cosmetol­ogists/salon technicians and support staff
Spa and Salon Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fitness Center Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. to
8 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Product Lines: Sothys, Farmhouse Fresh and Glow Minerals
Most Popular Treatments: Farmhouse Fresh Facial, Firming Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Treatment Facial and Lava Shell Massage
Spa belief: Devoted to synching your mind and body…not your iPod.

See more here.

06.05.16

MyAJC.com

Five Vacation Options if You Want to Pass on Disney World

By: Amy Tara Koch

I have never understood the hoopla over Disney World.

To me, teaching moments and travel go hand in hand. So our family vacations are designed to incorporate elements of enrichment: exposure to foreign culture, a brush with history, interaction with nature, discovery of new foods, engaging in activities that make us step outside our comfort zones. Sure, Disney is fun. But school breaks are few and handled with extreme care.

Spending precious vacation time in a manufactured kingdom bent on bringing fantasy story lines to life through relentless entertainment feels like a waste of time. And money. So it’s not surprising that I have avoided the Mousetrap for decades, opting instead for getaways that inspire me and ignite curiosity in my two daughters, ages 10 and 14. Have I denied them some sacred rite of passage? Hardly. They have never even asked to go.

So, why do I diss Disney? Foremost, I can’t stand princess culture. The implicit message to young girls that beauty equals a busty blonde in a gown is a stereotype that I refuse to perpetuate. Case in point: the Frozen Makeover, a $164.95 package involving a fairy godmother transforming your daughter (with makeup and a braided hairpiece) into a princess that feels more Honey Boo Boo than royal. Ditto for the myth that a prince will sweep deserving girls off to a life of happiness. The theme park environment with its endless lines, awful food (mammoth turkey leg, anyone?) and stimulation overload inevitably invites tantrums in children and anxiety in parents.

And then you have the financial element. Disney is expensive. Between flights, food, hotel, souvenirs and four-day passes to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and water parks, a family of four (with two children under 10) will easily spend $5,000 (base park entry price plus a “park hopper” add-on to visit another park is $436.13 for adults and $414.83 for children 3 to 9 per person; water park entry is a one-time fee).The all-inclusive four-day package I put together came in at $4,271, for the park passes, water park and dining plan including popular character experiences and other perks, in one room at a moderately priced Disney Resort hotel.

With that in mind, here are five vacation alternatives that deliver hefty doses of fun while broadening your child’s cultural playbook through real-world experiences. Even better, all are based on a budget similar to a four-night stay at Disney World.

Lake Geneva, Wis.

If the Midwest had a version of the Hamptons, it would be the coastal resort town of Lake Geneva. Celebrity sightings are nil. But sun-drenched afternoons lazing on the water are guaranteed. Another attraction is estate ogling. For over a century, the rich and famous (Wrigley, Schwinn, Maytag, Rockefeller and Sears) have been vacationing in Lake Geneva.

Tourists can get ridiculously close to these mansions by simply hiking and biking around the lake. Thanks to an Indian treaty signed in 1833, the 26.2-mile Shore Path (originally used by the indigenous Potawatomi tribe) provides public access in perpetuity. Translation? You can meander through the grounds of historic estates without the risk of a stalking violation.

You should stay at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (deluxe rooms start at $159). The property has its own 50,000-square-foot water park, stables (riding lessons, carriage rides) and a new adventure center equipped with mountain bikes, six slack lines (tightrope walking a few feet off the ground between trees) and archery. Canopy zip-lining is also available nearby. But whizzing across the lake is what families really want out of this type of vacation. The concierge can arrange all water sport rentals and book an organized cruise. There are two standout nonwater-related outings. Yerkes Observatory (now a branch of the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy) is deemed the birthplace of modern astrophysics. It houses what’s billed as the world’s largest refracting telescope and 170,000 photographic plates. A tour of the lavish 13-bedroom Victorian Black Point Estate, with the original plumbing and furniture, is a thrill.

See more here.

06.05.16

The New York Times

5 Real-Life Options vs. the World of Make-Believe

By: Amy Tara Koch

I have never understood the hoopla over Disney World.

To me, teaching moments and travel go hand in hand. So our family vacations are designed to incorporate elements of enrichment: exposure to foreign culture, a brush with history, interaction with nature, discovery of new foods, engaging in activities that make us step outside our comfort zones. Sure, Disney is fun. But school breaks are few and handled with extreme care.

Spending precious vacation time in a manufactured kingdom bent on bringing fantasy story lines to life through relentless entertainment feels like a waste of time. And money. So it’s not surprising that I have avoided the Mousetrap for decades, opting instead for getaways that inspire me and ignite curiosity in my two daughters, ages 10 and 14. Have I denied them some sacred rite of passage? Hardly. They have never even asked to go.

So, why do I diss Disney? Foremost, I can’t stand princess culture. The implicit message to young girls that beauty equals a busty blonde in a gown is a stereotype that I refuse to perpetuate. Case in point: the Frozen Makeover, a $164.95 package involving a fairy godmother transforming your daughter (with makeup and a braided hairpiece) into a princess that feels more Honey Boo Boo than royal. Ditto for the myth that a prince will sweep deserving girls off to a life of happiness. The theme park environment with its endless lines, awful food (mammoth turkey leg, anyone?) and stimulation overload inevitably invites tantrums in children and anxiety in parents.

And then you have the financial element. Disney is expensive. Between flights, food, hotel, souvenirs and four-day passes to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and water parks, a family of four (with two children under 10) will easily spend $5,000 (base park entry price plus a “park hopper” add-on to visit another park is $436.13 for adults and $414.83 for children 3 to 9 per person; water park entry is a one-time fee).The all-inclusive four-day package I put together came in at $4,271, for the park passes, water park and dining plan including popular character experiences and other perks, in one room at a moderately priced Disney Resort hotel.

With that in mind, here are five vacation alternatives that deliver hefty doses of fun while broadening your child’s cultural playbook through real-world experiences. Even better, all are based on a budget similar to a four-night stay at Disney World.

Lake Geneva, Wis.

If the Midwest had a version of the Hamptons, it would be the coastal resort town of Lake Geneva. Celebrity sightings are nil. But sun-drenched afternoons lazing on the water are guaranteed. Another attraction is estate ogling. For over a century, the rich and famous (Wrigley, Schwinn, Maytag, Rockefeller and Sears) have been vacationing in Lake Geneva.

Tourists can get ridiculously close to these mansions by simply hiking and biking around the lake. Thanks to an Indian treaty signed in 1833, the 26.2-mile Shore Path (originally used by the indigenous Potawatomi tribe) provides public access in perpetuity. Translation? You can meander through the grounds of historic estates without the risk of a stalking violation.

You should stay at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (deluxe rooms start at $159). The property has its own 50,000-square-foot water park, stables (riding lessons, carriage rides) and a new adventure center equipped with mountain bikes, six slack lines (tightrope walking a few feet off the ground between trees) and archery. Canopy zip-lining is also available nearby. But whizzing across the lake is what families really want out of this type of vacation. The concierge can arrange all water sport rentals and book an organized cruise. There are two standout nonwater-related outings. Yerkes Observatory (now a branch of the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy) is deemed the birthplace of modern astrophysics. It houses what’s billed as the world’s largest refracting telescope and 170,000 photographic plates. A tour of the lavish 13-bedroom Victorian Black Point Estate, with the original plumbing and furniture, is a thrill.

06.02.16

Omaha World Herald: Marriott, Which will Give Downtown Another Full-Service Hotel When it Opens Next Year, Is On Schedule

The skyline-changing Marriott in downtown Omaha has risen three floors so far, and the 12-story hotel is on target to open in 2017. Already, a few events for the 333-guest-room property have been booked for later next year, said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, which is managing the property. “All is well on the home front,” Khairallah said Wednesday. “We’re moving along accordingly.”

To view the entire article click here