FINDING YOUR WAY TO A MIDWESTERN SPA RETREAT
By Suzanne Carmel
Since March of 2020, most non-essential travel has ground to a halt and social distancing has left many of us navigating working from home, managing kids, and attempting to stave off cabin fever while trying not to become one with our family room sofas. It’s daunting no matter how many things you’re juggling at once and a temporary reprieve is all the more welcome when it’s a short drive away.
Sundara Spa, located on 80 acres of pine forest woodlands in the Wisconsin Dells, draws guests from throughout the Midwest, though primarily from Minnesota and Illinois. The adults-only retreat (ages 18 and up) couldn’t be more different from the surrounding landscape of water parks and fudge shops. You won’t find loud noise, touristy attractions, or frenetic activity here. Just the soothing sounds of water and a forested landscape that feels a lifetime away from the daily grind.
Sundara opened in early 2003 as a boutique spa with a limited number of rooms and no restaurant on property. A recent, 40,000-square-foot expansion doubled their space, adding a full-service restaurant, fitness center, second pool area, additional accommodations and spaces for relaxation and wellness activities. Even the number of spa treatment rooms and men’s and women’s lockers increased.
The spa is handling the pandemic by requiring those guests and staff who are not exempt due to medical conditions to wear masks in all public spaces except by the pools and while receiving spa treatments. There is also hand sanitizer throughout the property and rooms are extensively cleaned between guests. Daily housekeeping service is on hold for now (you can request additional room amenities by phone and they’ll be delivered to the door).
While on property, you’ll find guests (many of whom are in Sundara-issued robes and sandals) relaxing by the pools, in Radiance and Relaxation - the pre-spa-treatment waiting rooms, in the Suvela Room for silent meditation and reading, or around the fire pits outside of Nava Restaurant.
Relaxation and pampering are a central focus at Sundara; the on-site fitness studio is fully appointed with all manner of cardio and weight equipment, yet remains empty through much of the day. Wellness classes are available throughout the week, with different offerings each day. They are best booked several weeks in advance of your arrival as they fill up quickly.
Sessions range from a guided hike to aqua yoga, mixology to a boat ride on Lake Delton. They’re included in your daily resort fee, as is time spent in the Purifying Bath Ritual – a pre- or post-cursor to spa treatments or a stand-alone experience. Here guests rotate between an exfoliating shower, a steam room, hot tub and cold plunge pool.
Spa treatments should also be booked well in advance of your stay. At Sundara, you can enjoy everything from facials and body wraps to nail and bath treatments or massages. There is even a Salt Treatment Room where you can lounge for 45 minutes of therapeutic salt particle inhalation, surrounded by a salt crystal coated floor and salt tile lined wall. Though benefits may be disputed, there is no denying the relaxing effects felt here and in many other niches on property.
Even the accommodations will leave you languid and serene. You’ll be hard pressed to venture outside, regardless of spa amenities. Newer Woodland Retreats and Suites are near the Woodland Reflection Room where guests can unwind when yoga and mediation sessions are not taking place. The luxurious Retreats boast a living room, master bedroom and a bathroom with a large walk-in shower. A private balcony includes a large sitting area and a private hot tub with a gas fireplace.
In the original section of the property, there are Premier and Exclusive rooms, and Plush and Luxury suites, the latter of which offers a second floor lofted sleeping space and bathroom above the master bedroom and bath, as well as a screened in sunroom and a large, indoor jetted tub.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be ordered directly in your room, at Nava Restaurant, or poolside (in season). Many guests dine at the restaurant in robes, though others opt to put on street clothes. After self isolating in sweats and PJs for months, who can blame them?
Though most guests opt to remain on property, golfers can book a round at the adjacent Wild Rock golf course, and there is complimentary chauffer service to three nearby restaurants – Sarento’s Italian Restaurant, Fields at the Wilderness and Monk’s Bar & Grill.
On a hot summer day, step across the road from the main entrance to the Hammock Retreat or the adjacent Meditation Trail and let the sounds of the wind in the trees and the chirping birds envelop you. Reconnect with family and friends or find your inner peace here. No need to use the pandemic as an excuse to escape close to your own backyard. This Midwestern gem is worth a visit any time at all. Write yourself a prescription to pamper, relax and repeat.
For more information on Sundara Spa visit www.sundaraspa.com or call 888-735-8181.
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