BY BONNIE SIEGLER
Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking natural scene with ice fishing, carriage rides or ice bowling or maybe, your own natural summer playground of golf or tennis, or maybe, you opt for fishing or horseback riding, then Destination Kohler could be just what you’re looking for.
Nestled amongst trees, water and untouched wilderness in Kohler, Wisconsin, just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee airport, the rustic—yet luxurious—resort and spa is more than a hotel with activities. It is a spirit that will long stay with you after your visit.
LODGING
The American Club
The American Club is operated and owned by Kohler. The Five Star and only AAA-5-Diamond resort in the entire Midwest was once a dormitory for immigrant employees, later complete then with a pub, bowling alley and barbershop. Currently, the Tudor style redbrick building has earned accolades for its gracious hospitality and beautiful surroundings.
Kohler Waters Spa
Adjacent to The American Club, it offers a variety of therapeutic water treatments.
Carriage House
Adjacent to The American Club, this property is home to the Kohler Waters Spa. It offers the same luxurious services in a more contemporary surrounding.
Inn On Woodlake
Operated by Kohler, this 121-room hotel located in the Village of Kohler gives beautiful views of the lake.
Sandhill Cabin
Named after a pair of Sandhill cranes that return each year to the property, the private cabin is surrounded by nature and overflowing with rustic charm. Nestled on 13,068,000 square feet in the wilderness of Mosel, it is still close enough to enjoy the amenities of The American Club.
GOLF
The resort includes four award-winning Championship golf courses at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Since 2004, they have hosted three PGA Championships, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open and many other championships, plus will host the 2020 Ryder Cup Matches. The courses have challenged the pros while providing the amateur golfer a fair and unforgettable test. All four courses between the two venues were chosen for 2013 to 2014 America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest.
ACTIVITIES
I must admit, I’m much more a pilates person than an outdoor adventurer, so when I was given the choice between canoeing/kayaking down about 11 kilometres of the Sheboygan River or horseback riding, I chose the latter. It was a beautiful way to explore the beauty of the river’s wildlife and view the vast valleys and meadows.
Afterwards, I engaged in some trapshooting. Not familiar with this competitive target-hurtling activity, I gave up after the first 10 minutes, walking away with a souvenir—a black-and-blue shoulder and a big smile. My husband took in the full hour. Activities at Destination Kohler are as varied as nature—everything from winter snowshoeing and ice fishing to summer garden tours and hiking.
GET YOUR ZEN ON
The Kohler Waters Spa is one of only 47 spas in the world to claim Forbes Five Star distinction. I thoroughly enjoyed my Bamboo Bliss that was a peaceful full body massage with warm bamboo while my husband’s first time spa experience was Rain man—a special Vichy shower experience that combined hot stones on the back and feet, body exfoliation and moisturizing. Believing water is essential to life, the spa has many innovative water treatments and facial, and body treatments that will bring back balance into your life.
At The Shops at Woodlake that provides casual shopping with free shuttle service from the resort, Yoga On The Lake offers more than 20 classes a week. While I was going through poses and postures, the serene view of the Wood Lake through floor-to-ceiling bay windows was unparalleled. “We keep the room at around 29 degrees,” says Ashley Kohler, manager and instructor. “Our classes help bring you back to conscious living and help you become aware of your own health and nature. What we hope is that after a class, you will have connected your body and mind.”
KOHLER DESIGN CENTER
The name “Kohler” immediately conjures up bathroom and kitchen products but Kohler Design Center is so much more. You can bring your sketches and ideas for designing a new and improved room and experts will consult you on how you can do it best.
New interactive and visual explorations—from custom showering to kitchen sinks, to custom interior and furniture—will help you find your comfort and personal style. VM
