Like most of us who love the serenity of lake life, Dan and Lisa Dobrowolski fell in love with a beautiful property in northwestern Wisconsin where Dan had spent time as a child. The lure of the lake was such that they purchased the 280 acres and began a whole new life, one vastly different from their fast-paced lives in Chicago. If you've been to their resort, Canoe Bay, you are probably grateful they did!

Your lake home may have glorious views, a well-appointed work-out room, and many other amenities, but it cannot rival what Canoe Bay can offer you when you're looking to get away to relax. If the picturesque setting doesn't put your soul immediately at ease, the luxury and service will definitely do the trick.

There is a reason Canoe Bay is so highly regarded by critics and review standards. It seems strange to find this peaceful haven in northwestern Wisconsin, but it is nothing short of any top resort in the world. There is nothing uptight, or over the top, to make you feel inferior, yet the service is superb, knowledgeable, and respectful of the clientele. Any couple looking to celebrate, relax, getaway, or just find a peaceful retreat would be well served to do so at Canoe Bay, whether it is for an extended stay or even one night. (Although two nights would allow you to better utilize the full experience of the resort.)

The private wooded property surrounds a lovely spring-fed lake where guests can canoe, swim, or kayak and has plenty of room for day hikes, nature watching, snowshoeing and more. However, the comfortable accommodations are so gratifying you may not want to go out until dinner. You could schedule an in-room massage, take a whirlpool bath, enjoy a sauna or steam shower, or burn some calories on an elliptical machine with a fantastic lake view. Enjoy a glass of wine while you watch a DVD provided by the resort. (And the movie selection is great.) Whatever you do, don't miss dinner!

Chef Scott Johnson will find the best ingredients and create a gourmet menu served nightly in the lodge. The dining is rated among top restaurants worldwide and is served to guests in the beautiful lakeside dining room at romantic tables for two.

The wine selection rivals any in large city restaurants. In fact, if you're really looking for a special wine experience, or for a private dining experience, you can reserve a table in the wine room for an extra charge. Y ou will feel like royalty when you are served there, and the food will not disappoint. If you're unsure of wine pairings you can get expert advice from Lisa whose wine knowledge is excellent. In fact, it is the personal touches that Dan and Lisa have brought to the resort that really make it spectacular.

The couple obviously has superb taste and wants to indulge their guests with top tier accommodations, service, and a full resort experience. You could never articulate to someone all of thedetails that have gone into the planning of the experience guests will have at Canoe Bay, rather, Dan and Lisa chose to oversee it in order to make sure it all happens to their precise expectations. Bring along your calendar, though, as you'll want to book your next visit as you check out of heaven.

Resort: Canoe Bay
Where: Chetek, WI on Lake Wahdoon
Accommodations: Suited to couples (no children)
Rooms or Private Cottages
Fireplaces & Whirlpools
Lavish Emperor Beds
Rates: $325 to $1,800 per night
Contact: 715-924-4594

Canoe Bay is the only Relais & Chateaux member in the Midwest, was dubbed one of the Top 10 places to rent a cottage by USA Today,named the Best in the Midwest by the Robb Report and referred to as a Destination Dining experience by Esquire. If you want to celebrate something on the water, Lakestyle Magazine recommends doing it at Canoe Bay.

By Nancy Henke

More Featured Articles