When you think about luxury travel, the Midwest might not immediately come to mind, but some very high-end spots here are worth your consideration. You can find resorts in Midwest locations like Chicago, Wisconsin, Michigan, and St. Louis. And if you don’t live too far away, you can drive to any of these, save on airfare and splurge on the accommodations.
Luxury Travel in Midwest
One of the first luxury destinations in Michigan to show up on the radar is Mackinac Island, Michigan. Travel & Leisure likes the Hotel Iroquois, a waterside property with a Cape Cod feel; this elegant spot is close to landmarks like Arch Rock and Mackinac Island State Park. You can also book kayak tours, a “Sip N’ Sail Cruise or golf and one of the nearby courses. Motor vehicles are prohibited here, so you’ll need to charter a plane or take a ferry from Mackinaw City.
Also in Michigan, the Inn at Bay Harbor is another waterfront property that makes the most of the natural beauty surrounding it. Their serene, spacious cottages can sleep up to 10 people for those traveling with family or friends. There are two main on-site restaurants, plus a bar, grille and café; additional amenities include a fitness center, shuttle service, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. They also have four excellent golf courses, and you can also use the ones at their sister resorts.
Off the Beaten Path
If you’re looking for a less crowded luxury stay, Planetware suggests Door County, Wisconsin. It borders Green Bay and Lake Michigan and has 19 small towns to explore, plus Peninsula State Park, beautiful beaches, kayaking, limestone cliffs, and caves. Their top picks for accommodations include The Landmark Resort, historic Edgewater Resort, The Eagle Harbor Inn, and the elegant White Gull Inn.
They also recommend visiting St. Louis. You can incorporate a Route 66 road trip into this luxury vacation; other attractions include the St. Louis Zoo, the City Art Museum, and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. Hotels.com lists the top luxury hotels here as the Ritz-Carlton, Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta and Four Seasons; they’re all in downtown St. Louis and offer the finest accommodations and amenities. These three have fitness centers and restaurants, and the Four Seasons has a fantastic rooftop terrace.
More Luxury Travel in the Midwest
If you’ve never been to Indianapolis, US News Travel recommends it highly. The city appeals to sports lovers since it’s home to the Indianapolis 500 racetrack and the NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has luxury resorts like The Alexander and Le Meridien Indianapolis. Sports fans also love visiting Chicago to see Wrigley Field; one of the most elegant properties in the Windy City is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago. Cleveland is another Midwest city with exciting attractions; here, you’ll find the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and sophisticated hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and the Inn Walden.
All-inclusive resorts are always a good option for families and anyone else who wants to stay at properties that provide all the food and activities. While the Midwest isn’t known for luxury all-inclusive resorts, there are several that stand out from the rest. Family Destinations Guide likes The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, WI; it’s 90 minutes north of Chicago and boasts a waterfront location. It has its own marina, a sailing school, a world-class spa, and family-friendly dining options.
Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, is four hours from St. Louis or Kansas City and can be incorporated into a road trip. It sits on 60,000 acres, has 100 boat slips and is geared for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and hiking. It has a “classy” spa, luxurious rooms, log cabins, spectacular views, and prices that won’t break your budget.