Hotels with pools usually attract kids, but at this romantic, luxurious place, you'll get a private water oasis like none other. There are no worries about getting splashed or swimming in a stranger's urine when you have a swimming pool all to yourself. This hotel makes it happen.
advertisement
Love flourishes and adventure abounds at this amazing Illinois hotel. Keep scrolling for all the details.
Sybaris is Illinois' top upscale hotel, and there are locations in Northbrook, Frankfort, and Downer's Grove. It is named for a Greek town in Southern Italy that was known for its wealth and luxury.
The Northbrook location is the oldest and largest Sybaris hotel with 38 private cabins.
The owners of this fine establishment aim to elevate romantic relationships. Couples can choose to add getaway enhancements such as roses, petals, balloons, chocolate-covered strawberries, massage oil, bubble bath, and more.
Room are fairly expensive, so start saving. Overnight rates run about $110 to $580 per night, but for just an afternoon stay, couples can pay between $70 and $200.
The hotel also offers special room rates for its members during birthday and anniversary months. Discounts are available for seniors, government employees, and those with a valid military ID as well.
Guests may choose from several room options, each with its own custom-designed bed, such as Country Whirlpool Suite, Majestic Swimming Pool Suite, and Chalet Swimming Pool Suite. Some come with a whirlpool tub and some with both a tub and a pool.
Amenities include spa robes and a fireplace in each room. Most also have a massage chair and some have a steam room, waterfall, or slide, in addition to the personal, indoor pool.
The hotel allows couples of at least 21 years of age to stay the night, though those as young as 19 may be allowed to reserve a room under some circumstances. Children, pets, or additional guests are not allowed.
Though it does wonders for both your stress and romance levels, it is impossible to keep a room like this in your home. That's why the owners created this gorgeous destination for lovers to get away and focus on themselves.
My husband and I recently celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary, and though travel can be a challenge with our pets, we decided to try and make a weekend away work. Though there are so many incredible accommodation options in Illinois, especially living just outside Chicago, we wanted to get out of the hustle-and-bustle of the city and collar suburbs. So where do Chicago-area folks go to escape the crowds for a leisurely adventure? It seemed a romantic getaway in Lake Forest, Illinois was calling our name from one of the state's — and country's — top resorts: the award-winning Deer Path Inn.
advertisement
Named the #1 Resort Hotel in the Midwest five times by "Travel + Leisure," the publication has also ranked this Illinois resort among the top resorts in the US and best hotels in the world. The Deer Path Inn certainly lived up to its stellar reputation, and if our experience has you inspired to book a stay at this award-winning resort, be sure to check out our exclusive offer below.
For our weekend escape, we visited the historic Deer Path Inn, located at 255 E. Illinois Road, in the lush North Shore suburb of Lake Forest. The inn was designed by noted architect William C. Jones to showcase a half-timbered and stucco manor house inspired by 15th-century homes in one of the oldest villages in England, Chiddingstone in Kent.
The inn is less than an hour north of Chicago, and just under an hour from our home in suburban Berwyn.
Because the quaint hotel offers only 57 rooms, it can offer highly personalized experiences and excels in attention to detail. Amenities, like cookies, candies, and water — staples in English hospitality culture — are offered generously throughout the lobby, and there are complimentary bikes and beach passes available for visitors so they can take advantage of nearby Lake Michigan, which is only a mile away.
The common areas are warm and inviting, with fireplaces, paintings outlined with thick gold frames, candlelit chandeliers, luxurious leathers, and tones of honey, caramel, chocolate, and butterscotch throughout the decor.
An addition to the lobby in 2015 was this stunning lounge, where morning coffee and muffins are served, and where locals regularly congregate while waiting for a table at The Bar downstairs.
advertisement
advertisement
Our room was a Manor House King Suite with a wet bar, which had cream and tan furniture complimenting bright white walls and linens against a black stone countertop and dark brown wood.
Our wet bar was also stocked with complimentary miniature liquor bottles such as Grey Goose Vodka, Maker's Mark, and Bailey's Irish Cream, as well as mixers, snacks, wine, and water.
We were greeted with a handwritten note, as well as a chilling bottle of champagne and a beautiful display of fresh fruit sushi with chocolate sauce and chocolate shavings, in celebration of our anniversary. This was an unexpected treat, and spoke to the customizable experience potential the hotel could offer.
Our bedroom featured a spacious King bed, as well as another fireplace and TV. With a walk-in closet, full-size dresser, and two nightstands, there was more than enough storage space for all our belongings.
I quickly learned that no trip to the Deer Path Inn is complete without an afternoon tea session in the spectacular garden room, which showcases a full wall of windows that look out into the private courtyard. Its black-and-white decor is accented by fresh tabletop bouquets, mosaic floor tiles, and an abundance of healthy green plants.
This was absolutely my favorite room in the hotel.
Our tea experience included a large, but not overwhelming, menu of tea offerings — I opted for the very pink Raspberry Floss and my husband ordered the house 1929 Blend — two fresh scones, and a three-tier tray filled with finger sandwiches, mini-quiches, and an assortment of small pastries. I loved the roast beef sandwich, the fruit tarts, and the Queen Anne cakes.
After a lovely tea lunch, I had to get to the other side of the windows to see the courtyard for myself. Surrounded on all sides by ivy-covered walls, trees, and the European-style hotel exterior, the space feels insular and truly transports you to another place.
Adding to its tranquility is a statue of a relaxing deer with a small waterfall underneath.
In the evening, we headed to the inn's basement level, where the White Hart Pub and The Bar are located. Two different, but complimentary rooms, both places exude a sense of British sensibility. The White Hart Pub embodies a classic English pub, while The Bar offers a slightly more upscale experience with spot-lit framed paintings of hunting dogs, deep navy walls, and warm lighting.
Though everything on the menu looked good, we went for a sharable plate of meatballs, an heirloom tomato salad, and signature gin and tonics (one alcoholic, one alcohol-free). The meatballs were exceptional with the complimentary herbal bread, and the salad was bright and tasty. Both drinks were thoroughly garnished, and several diners asked what we had ordered so they could follow suit.
We also learned that The Bar is not only a place for visitors to eat, but it's also one of the most popular restaurants and gathering spots in town for locals. Almost everyone in the dining room appeared to know each other and would freely get up to speak with friends at another table. It was lively, and refreshing to see how the inn was incorporated into the fabric of the community.
The Bar is also known for its sushi — a surprising but delightful quirk. Though I'm not usually a sushi fan, we decided to order the Negitoro maki, which featured Toro tuna and scallions. To my amazement, I absolutely loved it and ate several pieces.
The next day, we spent the early afternoon back at The Bar for a private cocktail demonstration and tasting with Chief Spirits Officer and bartender extraordinaire Jorge. Although my husband doesn't drink alcohol, it was no problem for Jorge, who was able to create stunning alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of drinks that both tasted incredible.
With a background in arts, engineering, and mixology, Jorge's creative mind and skill are evident behind the bar — his creations and presentations were as delicious as they were gorgeous.
From an Old Fashioned with gold-covered cherries to the watermelon sushi and cocktail above, his skill was beyond impressive, and there wasn't one drink we didn't like. Jorge is also the talent behind the inn's Christmas dollhouse-style gingerbread house, wherein he makes an amazingly detailed recreation of the hotel, complete with little guests inside.
After that, I was ready for some fresh air! So, we began to embark on our scavenger hunt — part of the Locals Only Package. The adventure consists of exploring the charming Market Square shopping area, which is just a short walk from the hotel.
There, we used a provided list to find our target stores — clothing boutiques, a book store, a coffee shop, a confectionary, and more — where we would spend time perusing the shop before receiving a small gift from the counter. The package includes $250 worth of goodies from local vendors, plus an afternoon of exploring the gorgeous neighborhood.
My favorite stop was Amidei Mercatino, an alleyway market at 235 Southgate that specializes in fresh produce, flowers, and canned goods like pickles, sauces, and jams. Our scavenger hunt yielded us a jar of golden Lake Forest Honey, while we also decided to buy a jar of apple butter and a jar of peach salsa to make sure we fully took advantage of the local flavors.
An array of dazzling flavors and locally sourced ingredients are also on full display on the menu at The English Room, the inn's fine dining option. Just steps away from the hotel's front entrance, the main room is an impressive demonstration of an English manor-inspired dining hall that felt both regal and comfortable without being pretentious.
In the evening, dinner service for The English Room is available on the patio, and with idyllic fall weather, a star-lit sky, and plenty of ambiance, we couldn't resist. Our meal of Caesar salad, steak, and beef tenderloin with mouthwatering potatoes, demi-glaze, and succulent vegetables in the courtyard was a filling and picturesque way to finish the day.
In the morning, we enjoyed a proper English breakfast in our room with eggs Benedict, bacon rashers, beans, sausages, and hashbrowns. With the light filtering in through the windows, and with a hot cup of coffee always within reach, it truly was the perfect way to wrap up our weekend before heading back into the real world.
While the Deer Path Inn also regularly hosts weddings, reunions, and business gatherings, our romantic getaway in Lake Forest, Illinois was a highly personalized and special way to celebrate a decade together. It's obvious why families, couples, and locals continue to incorporate it into their memories and traditions. Even the manager told me her experiences coming to the inn with family as a little girl shaped her desire to want to work there today.
As a thank you to guests to mark this milestone, the Inn is offering a complimentary welcome gift and bottle of sparkling wine when guests book the “Travel + Leisure World’s Best Winner 2024” package July 10 through September 30.Travel can take place any time through December 30, 2024. Start making your own plans by visiting the Deer Path Inn website, and keep up-to-date on all things at the inn by following their Facebook page.
And if you want the scavenger hunt, afternoon tea, and English Room dinner experience we had, make sure to book the Locals Only Package.
Don't you feel you need some time away? How about an escape to one of the coolest remote getaways in Illinois? If that sounds like a wonderful idea to you, then read on to find out more about Chestnut Mountain Resort and all it has to offer throughout the year.
advertisement
Sitting with a bird's eye view above the Mississippi River, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities as well as many ways to relax and unwind.
Located close to downtown Galena, this scenic resort is a winter destination that's situated on 220 acres. Here you'll find 19 ski trails with a 475-foot vertical drop and a 7-acre terrain park known as "The Farside."
While popular during the winter, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers plenty of outdoor recreation during the other seasons as well. Test your bravery on the Soaring Eagle Zipline, cruise along the river on the relaxing Mississippi Explorer, or go for a hike or bike ride.
The resort is also home to a 2,050-foot alpine slide and an 18-hole mini golf course. You can also take a Segway tour! While there are plenty of activities, there are plenty of ways to relax here as well.
If you plan on spending the night, there are 100 slopeside rooms. No matter which room you stay in, you are guaranteed gorgeous views. You can also enjoy relaxing amenities like an indoor pool, sauna, and jacuzzi.
You don't have to leave Chestnut Mountain Resort to enjoy drinks and a good meal. At the Summit Bar & Grille, take in the stunning scenery as you dine on a variety of American dishes. It's a truly spectacular place to be!
Have you visited this resort in the middle of nowhere in Illinois yet? What is your favorite resort in the state? Tell us in the comments! For more information and to book your stay or check out the amenities, visit the Chestnut Mountain Resort online. We bet you'll be packing your bags in no time!
If you're searching for another resort in the surrounding Galena area, you can also check out Goldmoor Inn: