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Canoe Bay - Wisconsin's Hidden Luxury Retreat
Rest and Relax at Wisconsin's Secluded Stays

by Suzanne Carmel

Inn at Canoe Bay
The Inn at Canoe Bay

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.

Rattenbury Cottage
The bedroom of the ultra-luxe Rattenbury Cottage.

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.

Canoe Bay
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.

Water's Edge Picnic
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.