Kohler Spa: Luxury Travel Experience In The Midwest

As a pretty big spa aficionado, I was anxious to see what the newly redesigned and expanded Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, Illinois would be like. Some places call themselves a destination day spa, but often the experience turns out to be little more than treatment rooms and a locker area. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much this full-service spa has to offer

Location

Located in the Chicago suburbs of Burr Ridge (about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago), this beautiful spa complex boasts almost 14,000 square feet of space including 21 treatment rooms; a Mediterranean-style café; and the latest evolution of the state-of-the-art custom Vichy shower, designed specifically for the spa and not found anywhere else in the country.

All About Water

the water features that really transform this space from a day spa to a destination of relaxation. You could spend all day relaxing in the 25-foot whirlpool with a cascading waterfall; or relaxing in the the steam room and sauna; or enjoying the eight-foot cool dip pool. Known as the Circle of Tranquility, the self-guided water journey is large enough for guests to spread out, while at the same time the water features are ideal to soothe tense muscles both before and after treatments. Additionally, there are two relaxation rooms for quiet meditation and reflection.

Spa Treatments

The spa offers a variety of popular treatment options including Himalayan salt stone massage, cupping massage, signature facials and wraps. For something truly unique, try the first-of-its-kind Kohler custom Vichy shower hydrotherapy service. The shower is suspended from the ceiling allowing the therapist more flexibility to move around the massage table. The water itself is customized down to the size and shape of each drop. The treatment involves a constant showering of warm water in varying sequences that include drenching rain, intense massage and soft silk spray. The treatment can also incorporate hydrotherapy and light therapy elements. The result is something truly memorable.

Design

The spa underwent a recent renovation and expansion resulting in a soothing, tranquil, and clean design-forward aesthetic. The eco-tiles have an airy and contemporary finish and are from The Crackle Collection, handmade by WasteLab artisans and in partnership with Ann Sacks. The updated treatment rooms are outfitted with the latest Kohler plumbing products and changing areas showcase DTV technology, offering a digital showering system. Additional enhancements were made to the changing and locker room areas, which are complete with touchless amenities for a safer guest experience.

Cafe

An added benefit of the spas redesign and expansion is the new Mediterranean-style café. It's open from 8 am – 4 pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. Menu options include: whipped goat cheese with roasted tomatoes, olives, toasted pita bread and crackers; roasted red pepper hummus and crisp vegetables with toasted pita bread; and Caprese skewers, with cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze. There are a variety of salad options including the popular roasted beet salad served with baby spinach, quinoa, orange and goat cheese; the chickpea and spinach salad served with bell pepper, tomato, avocado, red onion, and sliced mushrooms; and the Mediterranean salad served with Kalamata olives, feta cheese and oregano vinaigrette. A selection of sandwiches (both hot and cold) are offered. The café also has a vast selection of smoothies as well as specialty coffees drinks.

History of Kohler

People are familiar with the Kohler Company as it relates to plumbing (they are the leader when it comes to a variety of products including faucets, sinks and bathtubs). The company then expanded into the spa space, by incorporating its knowledge of high-performing water technology with hospitality to create unique spa experiences that incorporate hydrotherapy and other massage techniques.

Kohler Waters Spa was launched in 2000 with its flagship location at the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, with subsequent openings in Burr Ridge, Illinois. the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews, Scotland; the Lodge Kohler in Green Bay, Wisconsin.; and Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois.