Finding Solace and Curative Waters at The Osthoff Resort and Aspira Spa
This story was originally written for Insider’s Guide to Spas.
The summer of 2017 seemed endless and I longed for a healing escape. Fortunately the end of the summer brought some good news. My editor called with an assignment. It was a trip to Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake. Visiting this part of Wisconsin meant curative waters and historic resorts. I would be staying at the Osthoff Resort and Aspira Spa. I happily accepted and felt that Elkhart Lake would be exactly the kind of tranquil place to provide mind and body stress-relief.
Among the historical accommodations in the area, each with its own unique story, the most sprawling and visited is the Osthoff Resort and spa. The hotel and spa sits near the healing waters of Elkhart Lake, providing guests with a sandy beach and a boat dock. The historical lake is known for being home to the original inhabitants of the area, the Potawatomi Indians. They called the lake “Great Elk Heart Lake” due to its shape resembling an elk’s heart. I was drawn to the Native American history and respected that this was once a land belonging to people I could learn from. Enjoying the lake, I was hoping for something to speak to me with wisdom and otherworldliness. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in nature, finding solace among their famous cedar trees.
Since day one I fell in love with the history of Elkhart Lake, and especially the Osthoff Resort. In my down-time I walked the halls, hoping to learn more about the people who once visited and resided here over. I soaked up the history, learning all about the founder. The year was 1886 and, upon the recommendation of a physician, Otto Osthoff brought his ailing wife Paulina to Elkhart Lake (sharing a name with the founder’s wife was a good sign for me.) In an attempt to find healing for his wife, Otto began building the haven that stands today. The romantic sap that I am, I can certainly appreciate that kind of devotion. The German entrepreneur certainly knew the specialness of Elkhart Lake, and others soon followed in his pursuits. The town of Elkhart Lake has a long and legendary history of being Wisconsin’s vacation town. In fact, German immigrants flocked here for that very reason. Over the years this Wisconsin vacation destination had a lot to offer to people seeking all types of entertainment. From curative waters and theatre, to gambling and professional car races, there is something for everyone.
This resort town community and their belief in the lake’s healing powers is what continues to make this place special. I could feel the history and spiritual energy everywhere, enriched by the people who live here and make it come alive. The kind and positive energy can be felt at the shores and on the waters of the lake. I kayaked for the first time, and it was in this moment that I felt relaxed and in charge again. The sun beamed off of the lake and our group glided effortlessly through the friendly waters. Besides getting a healthy dose of exercise and nature, I felt connected to something greater than myself.
The peak of tranquility happened at Aspira Spa. Aspira Spa is very much in tune with its local traditions and pays homage to the area’s ingredients. Resources for the spa are gathered by utilizing the sacred water from the lake, cedar from the ancient cedars surrounding the lake, elderberry from local elder trees, and herbs from the spa’s very own garden. The resort and spa manager, Lola Roeh, told me that they are careful to give thanks back to the land in ceremony.
Aspira Spa is by far one of the most peaceful spas in the world. It was a place of quiet reflection, with no phones in sight. The pampering begins the moment you put on your robe. Spending time in a quiet and peaceful room before a treatment is a must for me, and I was truly impressed with the spa’s meditation room. It should be mentioned Lola Roeh has helped make the resort the peaceful place that it is. Being in charge of building the meditation room, she ensured that it was built with precision and with feng shui principles in mind. At the center of it all is a Native American medicine wheel. Spending time here was a good way to decompress, before and after treatment.,
For my treatment I chose the Elderberry Facial. My esthetician, Rebecca, was perfectly in tune with my needs. The treatment started with me sipping on chamomile tea as I enjoyed a foot bath. The facial uses a local ingredient - Elderberries. Whenever a new treatment is added to the spa’s menu its potency and healing roots are top priority. Elderberries are not only indigenous to the area, but a powerful ingredient in skincare—their antioxidant qualities will feed your skin, and they certainly gave my skin that much-desired glow. Each step of the facial is precious and allows for further relaxation. Rebecca felt my tension and went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. Crystal lights were placed over my chakras, and she even did reiki on me at the end. She truly had the magical touch. From beginning to end the treatment provided more than flawless skin, allowing me to let go of stress and worry. In the end, my skin glowed!
Wisconsin has a lot to offer to the curious traveller. The state is known for their dairy farming and cheese. There is a lot of history, one that helps you understand American history. One cannot forget the German influence in this state, and it can be seen everywhere you look. The Osthroff Resort invites visitors to partake in a Christmas market that is comparable to any in Europe.
Sadly, my time at Elkhart Lake had to end. Elkhart Lake and The Osthoff Resort are the ideal place to visit with your entire family, or with a partner who is a history buff. This small town is a welcoming place and there is a sense that something magical could happen to you here.
The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
