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The
Inn at Canoe Bay
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There
is a secret gem in northwest Wisconsin that affords
guests the luxury of peace and quiet in beautiful
natural surroundings, plus a few other amenities
discerning travelers have come to appreciate.
Canoe Bay is the only Relais & Chateau property
in the Midwest; a very private, adults-only, pet-free,
smoke-free retreat. Accommodations are rooms in
the Lodge or Inn, and individual cottages, spread
around a serene lake and framed by the surrounding
woods. The nearest town is the small resort destination
of Chetek, but guests seldom stray far from the
property. After driving either six hours northwest
of Chicago or two hours east of Minneapolis, people
tend to hunker down and unwind.
Almost
everything guests need for a romantic getaway
is available on site. The check-in process at
the Reception & Shoppe goes through guest
preferences, amenities on site and anything else
the guests might need while staying at Canoe Bay.
Here guests can borrow from a wide assortment
of video movies, DVDs and music CDs for use in
the in-room entertainment centers. Guests can
also purchase merchandise including gifts, apparel
and sundries.
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The
bedroom of the ultra-luxe Rattenbury Cottage.
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Whether
guests elect to stay in one of the Lodge or Inn
rooms ranging from $270 to $320 depending on the
room and season; or in a cottage, ranging from
$310 to $475 depending on the cottage and season;
or a signature cottage, ranging from $700 to $775
per night depending on the season, all offer gas
fireplaces, private decks, whirlpools, and Continental
breakfast delivered to the door. There are no
in-room phones or Internet hook-ups, and no candles
(much of the material used is wood).
Most
of the buildings at Canoe Bay are the original
cedar wood structures built in the 1960s by the
Seventh Day Adventist Council of Wisconsin as
a retreat and campgrounds for area members. When
current owners Dan and Lisa Dobrowolski purchased
the land in 1992, buildings were renovated and
designed to incorporate the style of Frank Lloyd
Wright architecture and filled with comfortable
furnishings that encourage relaxation.
When
guests leave the romantic privacy of their accommodations,
they are still not likely to encounter other guests
except at dinner in the Inn, in the 24-hour fitness
center at the Lodge, or in the Lodge's Great Room/Library
where bookworms can lose themselves in any of
thousands of books and magazines in front of the
fireplace or out on the sunny deck overlooking
the lake. The general feeling here is of quiet
tranquility - respectful of guests and the natural
surroundings.
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It
just wouldn't be Canoe Bay without a chance
to canoe! |
Hiking
trails branch out on either side of the property,
moving away from the buildings and immediately
surrounding guests with the sights and sounds
of northern Wisconsin. Here and around the lake
(where guests can canoe, kayak and swim), wildlife
sightings can include deer, fox, mink, porcupines,
beaver, pheasant and even a rare glimpse of a
black bear. A sure place to see deer is at the
three-acre fenced area opposite Reception - a
licensed game farm. In addition to the animals,
wildflowers and prairie grasses have been planted
to enhance the natural beauty.
Of
course, in winter guests have even more of an
excuse to hibernate, or can venture out on snowshoes
or cross-country skis to explore the 280 acres
of snow-covered grounds. For the ultimate indulgence
in any season, guests can book an in-room massage.
Throughout the year, eating and relaxing are main
events. Guests can add to the complimentary Continental
breakfasts with a variety of breakfast entrées
and enjoy the spread in bed or on their decks.
Some
guests venture into Chetek for lunch, but many
prefer to order a lunch basket for two and a bottle
of wine for a gourmet picnic. Reserve a table
for dinner at the Inn. The chef's Prix Fixe Menu
changes daily, and is a sumptuous gourmet affair
- considered by many to be the best food for hours
in any direction. Proper attire is required in
order to preserve the special occasion ambiance
of the dining room. One couple a night can reserve
the Wine Cellar for an additional charge, to enjoy
a more extensive meal in complete privacy.
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Grab
a breakfast to go and relax by the water's
edge. |
It's
the little touches that mean the most here. Beach
towels are provided in each of the rooms, iron
and ironing boards are available on request. If
guests request ice at check-in it will be refilled
daily, and guests can even request the amount
of cleaning service they require in their rooms.
Before breakfast and through the afternoon, beverage
service is available in the Lodge's Library/Great
Room and in the Inglenook room at the Inn. For
those who must remain in touch with the outside
world, telephone and modem service are available
in the lobby of the Lodge, and faxes are received
in reception and delivered to rooms.
Guests
can spend just two or three nights at Canoe Bay
and it will seem as though they have been relaxing
on a weeklong vacation. Everything from the luxurious
accommodations, world-class amenities, delectable
cuisine and beautiful surroundings contributes
to a retreat that is well worth the money and
time spent to get here. |
