SUNDARA INN & SPA
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (above)

details Located in the south-central region of Wisconsin in the popular vacationland
known as Wisconsin Dells, five-year-old Sundara (from the Sanskrit for "beautiful")
offers suites and private villas with views of lushly forested hills. Feng shui design prin-
ciples, verandas, sunken sitting rooms, cozy fireplaces, eclectic artwork and a soothing
palette that echoes the hues of nature round out this adults-only paradise.
of note From therapeutic massage to holistic skin care, Sundara's menu of treatments
is built around wellness, using botanicals and minerals indigenous to the area. "Sundara
makes a point to hire people who are 'healers at heart,'" explains Carla Minsky, a spa
publicist. "And it comes through in the pampering and therapeutic spa services."
extra special "The sand used as an exfoliating agent in Sundara's signature Sandstone
Body Polish product was discovered at the spa's excavation site, and its source is the
same as the area's sandstone bluffs," says Minsky. Also, check out seasonal treat-
ments that make the most of freshly grown ingredients. In the fall, for example, try a
pumpkin cream body treatment capped with a massage using pear and green apples.
water, water everywhere Decompress with lake hikes and river tours on Lake Delton
and the Wisconsin River. "The river bisects the community of Wisconsin Dells and
is what first brought visitors to the area more than 150 years ago," Minsky explains.
contact (888) 735-8181; sundara.com . Visitor info: wisdells.com .

HOTEL SAX CHICAGO
Chicago, Illinois (above)

details Formerly the House of Blues Hotel, the facility was transformed into Hotel
Sax last June and now offers a true escape into the world of harmonious design ele-
ments from around the globe. Interior designers have joined sophistication with
avant-garde touches, resulting in a distinctly bohemian style. "The Hotel Sax is a
new kind of hotel," says Susan Schreiber, a hotel publicist. "Not only is the interior
design amazing in a classic modern way, but the entire guest experience is designed
around just that, an experience. Rooms are outfitted with excellent technology capa-
bilities and amenities so guests feel like they're at home while away from home."
extra special Bed linens boast exorbitant thread counts.
spa treatments Guests never have to leave their room, thanks to some of the Windy
City's best spa services that come to them, including Swedish massages, paraffin wax
treatments for nails, pedicures and more. And why not go for a makeup application?
Then you'll be good to go when you and your special someone head out for a night
of great music at the world-famous, just-next-door House of Blues. Or stay put and
head to the hotel's Crimson Lounge for some DJ-driven tunes and eclectic ambiance.
water, water everywhere Rooms look out to the Chicago River.
contact (312) 245-0333; hotelsaxchicago.com . Visitor info (for themed river cruises):
chicagotraveler.com/boat.

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FEBRUARY 2008

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