Pure nirvana does exist. But you may have to travel to Elkhart Lake, a tiny Wisconsin village of roughly a thousand people, to experience it.
That place is the warmly serene Aspira Spa at Osthoff Resort standing sentry over Elkhart Lake. Over the centuries, the glacially-formed lake either intentionally or mystically settled into the shape of an elk’s heart. The spirits seem alive here, as this is where stately elk once roamed these happy hunting grounds of the Native American tribes of the Ojibwa, Potawatomi, and Menominee, their near-mythical lake with its sacred and healing powers the epicenter of their existence.
My indulgence of Aspira Spa was the Sacred Water Massage, probably the best and most relaxing massage of my life. During the last few minutes of the massage, I had no thoughts except that the therapist was a true goddess of the healing arts. For long moments, her expert fingers massaged my scalp, and I drifted through of sea of blissful nothingness, except for perhaps a whimsical moment when I was certain I had reached nirvana.
The Resort
Osthoff, a 222-room all-suite resort resting on 40 acres, dates to 1886 when it was first opened by Otto Osthoff, a German entrepreneur from Milwaukee. He chose verdant land near Elkhart Lake because of its reputation as a healing community, resulting partly because of the crystal clear lake that, depending on the time of year, shimmers with jewel tones of emerald, turquoise and sapphire, and partly because of Native Americans who practiced a harmonious blend of peacefulness and wellness.
Why You Will Love the Spa
The word Aspira means “infused with spirit.” As you move through the labyrinth of the spa, it pulsates with tranquility and an unseen radiance that calms and soothes the soul. It is a place that, says Lola Roeh, general manager of the resort, “captivates the natural flow of energy.”
Favorite Quote
“We don’t just offer spa services,” says Roeh. “We offer a truly remarkable spa experience.”
Signature Treatments
Try the ultra-relaxing, amazing Sacred Waters massage for the ultimate Aspira experience. Bags of warm water drawn from Elkhart Lake are placed on chakra points, complementing the warmth of the massage. The Elderberry Facial incorporates macerated elderberries gathered from hills around the lake. After your skin is gently cleaned and exfoliated, a mask blended with fragrant elder flowers is applied. Your skin will glow with luminosity and youthfulness for days afterward. And the Balneotherapy Bath in Chromatub, a detoxifying, therapeutic bath that blends minerals and oils with colored lights, flowing jets, and gentle vibrations, is quite simply a stress-buster in a tub.
Signature Products
Aspira embraces an organic, holistic approach in each of its treatments and therapies, and a variety of spa and skin essentials are available, including Sprayology Body Balance, Aspira Spa product line, Phytobiodermie product line, and Jane Iredale Skin Care Makeup.
Spa Secrets
Aspira features ultra-private SpaSuite™ Experiences ideal for couples seeking to rekindle their romance with a spa getaway, but also works well for siblings, best friends, or even an individual who needs a solitary respite from daily distractions. The SpaSuite features sumptuous extras such as fireplaces (imagine the romance of that on a cold and snowy Wisconsin day), candles, private showers, and whirlpools. Hint: Have lunch brought in so that you don’t have to leave the suite. Another secret is the renowned Meditation Room, which combines natural elements of earth, water, fire, metal, and wood with concentric circles to form a serene Feng Shui-like setting that’s perfect for a post-massage nap.
Dining at the Resort
Dining at Osthoff includes Lola’s on the Lake, featuring fresh regional fare and sweeping views of the lake. It is a favorite dining spot for both resort guests and locals. The sumptuous caramelized scallops and lobster bisque were personal appetizer favorites, followed by an entrée of seared rushing waters trout highlighted by smoked almond brown butter. Otto’s Restaurant is well-known for its pizza (try the Wisconsin 3-cheese with mozzarella, provolone and parmesan). The Spa Café features lighter fare such as salads and soups. The Elk Room offers heavy appetizers with creative cocktails, wines, and craft beers. Or for a true culinary experience, try your hand at classic French cooking techniques at the L’ecole de la Maison cookery school that’s onsite at the resort.
Accolades
Osthoff’s list of accolades is long. Among myriad others, it has been honored as an AAA Four Diamond property for the 21st year in a row. It has also earned the no. 2 slot in Spas of America’s Top100 Spas of America. And it has also earned a Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award.
The Last Word
Aspira Spa has something to keep you busy all day, from massages and facials to yoga to lymphatic treatments. The pampering continues with salon services of makeup, hair sessions, and manicures and pedicures. The menu of services may seem girly, but it’s not just for women. “Men are sometimes dragged here,” smiles Roeh, “but just the first time. After that, they come back on their own.”
