Studies show that when people have access to the beauty of nature, they are less stressed and have increased focus. With that in mind, it’s only logical for planners arranging Midwest meetings to seek out some of the region’s idyllic lakeside resorts. From spa treatments to activities such as sailing, kayaking, golfing and hiking, attendees can clear their minds and get physically reinvigorated through relaxation and wellness-oriented pursuits.
The Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Mo.
The Lodge of the Four Seasons, located on the shoreline of Lake Ozark, offers several activities to help guests release stress and rejuvenate their spirit.
The property is renowned as the only full-service golf resort in the state, and features an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The second course, the Ridge, is designed to showcase the surrounding beauty and geographical features, and also offers a driving range.
If playing a few holes under a blue sky doesn’t do the trick, groups can seek serenity at the Japanese-themed Spa Shiki, featuring the ancient arts of relaxation combined with the latest spa technology. Infrared Himalayan salt stone saunas ease toxins from the body, and other menu services treat tired muscles, from deep tissue massage to aromatherapy and reflexology.
Outdoor activities are popular with groups, according to Frederik Houben, director of sales and marketing at the property.
“The resort offers bicycle rentals, hiking trails, sand volleyball, disk golf, trap shooting and water activities,” he said. “Even for those who seek brain stimulation, we have a life-size chess board on site.”
He added that the lodge can also assist in setting up guided fishing tours and lake cruises.
“When it’s time to decompress or simply take a break at lunch time, or any time, we offer activities that allow attendees to shut off temporarily and return mentally fresh.”
The calming, soothing effects of nature are even incorporated into meeting room design.
“Several of our meeting rooms feature natural daylight as well as stunning views of the lake,” he said.
The Abbey Resort, Lake Geneva, Wis.
The Abbey Resort beckons with activities for any time of day and any season of the year. Set on 90 acres, the property offers plenty of room for outdoor pursuits or team events, along with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
The Avani Spa works with groups to incorporate wellness breaks into conference agendas, including chair massages and hand scrubs between breakout sessions. Planners can also utilize the spa for a reception, when attendees can try a number of mini-treatments sampled from the spa menu. To help release stress, staff at the Abbey Resort and Avani Spa can arrange private exercise classes in the on-site fitness studio or a stand-up paddleboard class in one of the property’s indoor pools.
PageBreakThe property has a full range of outdoor activities year-round. Groups can enjoy sailing and boating in the summer or try ice skating or ice boating in the winter. The lakeshore path is perfect for an evening stroll, or groups can rent a boat from the dock and explore the lake. To energize a group, planners can also arrange a hands-on Sailing Synergy experience with the Geneva Lake Sailing School or set up an Abbey Regatta, the resort’s most popular team-building exercise. Teams must build a boat from pre-selected, DIY materials and then race their boat against the other teams.
Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva Wis.
The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is another Lake Geneva gem with an emphasis on relaxation and wellness. The Grand Geneva has a rich history as a vacation destination, and knows what it takes to get attendees in a healthy state both physically and mentally. In addition to golf courses, a recently expanded fitness center, 62,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and even a private airport, the resort also has an Adventure Center.
“We have a 35-foot indoor rock climbing wall with 12 routes from beginner to advanced,” said Courtney Nobilio, director of marketing communications for the resort. “The Adventure Center also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, disc golf courses, hiking trails, volleyball courts and archery.”
She added that the resort features group yoga classes, and planners can schedule a pre-meeting class to help attendees boost their energy and maintain focus through the conference program. Yoga classes are held in the fitness center, along with Pilates and spin classes. The fitness center also offers basketball, tennis, pickle ball and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Meanwhile, refreshing spa treatments are available in the resort’s WELL Spa + Salon.
Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
The Osthoff Resort is elegantly perched along 500 feet of picturesque sand beach. The lake has a sand bottom, and the water is crystal clear at any time of the year.
The Osthoff Resort has an extensive menu of waterborne activity options, including hydro biking, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and pontoon boating
“We offer a full line of watersport and bicycle rentals so individuals and groups can enjoy the beauty of Elkhart Lake and the surrounding village,” said Chad Buros, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “We also work with groups to arrange outdoor yard game tournaments. For the more adventurous groups, we are only two miles from Road America’s Group Adventures Program, which features geocaching, paintball, off-roading, snowshoeing, disc golf, karting, ATVing and more.”
The Osthoff Resort is also home to Aspira Spa, which has a full menu of spa services, from Reiki and chakra balancing to massages, facials and detoxifying Balneotherapy baths.
For those who feel most relaxed in the kitchen, there’s also the L’ecole de la Maison cooking school onsite for fun events and teambuilding activities.
