Kohler Resort: A Golfer and Spa Lovers Dream Near Milwaukee

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Five Star, Five Diamond resort hotel in the heart of the Midwest. The American Club Resort Hotel has been known for its prestigious hospitality for over 100 years.

All photos courtesy of Kohler Co.

The resort is just an hour drive from the Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and a 2.5 hour drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The resort is a dream location for golfers and spa lovers alike. It boasts four world renowned golf courses, most famous, awarding winning Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, as well as a world class spa, Kohler Waters Spa.

The American Club Resort Hotel was built in 1918 and originally housed immigrants who were employees of Walter J Kohler and Kohler Company. The building was built in order to provide a place for the employees to live, eat, sleep for a small monthly fee. In addition to a private room, each employee was provided with laundry service and three meals a day, plus they had access to English lessons and help with acquiring American Citizenship.

Today, the building is a 241 room hotel with impeccable hospitality from the moment you arrive on site.

All photos courtesy of Kohler Co.

Both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run were created by Hall of Fame Golf Architect, Pete Dye. And while I only played golf a handful of times, my husband has played many times. He was the one who had the opportunity to play Whistling Straits along with some friends and colleagues. I can’t (myself) speak directly about the course itself but the reviews from those we were with came flooding to me. “Breathtaking”, “most challenging course ever”, “once in a lifetime experience” were just a few of the descriptions I received about Whistling Straits. If you are or have a golf lover in your life, I highly recommend experiencing The American Club Resort Hotel and Whistling Straights. Be sure to make your reservations way in advance, tee times are hard to get!

I had the very fortunate chance to experience Kohler Waters Spa which is a Forbes Five star spa and only one of 85 spas in the world that can claim that distinction. Because of its direct relation to Kohler Company’s plumbing, Kohler Waters Spa has a main focus - you guessed it, water! From the time I walked into the spa, I was greeted with the sound of water at nearly every turn. With relaxation lounges, hot tubs, cold plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms - I was able find tranquility throughout the spa. It features a women’s lounge and mens’s lounge both with digital showering systems, as well s a co-ed spa for even more relaxation and meditation space. I personally enjoyed the hydrotherapy cycle that is suggested to each guest: neutral shower, hot tub, cold plunge, sauna/steam room - and repeat one to three times. While the cold plunge pool was cold, I was shocked to find myself able to quickly relax and allow my mind to get me through the few moments I needed (wanted?) to be submerged. It was a very meditative experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!

All photos courtesy of Kohler Co.

I also chose two services from the wide variety Kohler Waters Spa offers. I tried the “Acoustic Bath” which featured Kohler’s Vichy Shower as well as a “Uniquely Yours Facial” which specifically catered to my skins needs. Both were incredible experiences, however, because it is a Kohler Waters Spa after all , the hydrotherapy of the Acoustic Bath was truly an unforgettable experience. Kohler Waters Spa is a place that I truly will never forget - leaving after spending a full day there nearly made me cry… cry with joy, with relaxation, with love and most of all, with gratitude for being able to experience such an amazing place. It may sound crazy but it was truly a transformative experience!

Day Trip

You can drive one hour and find yourself in Milwaukee or drive an hour and a half north to enjoy kayaking in the Chain o' Lakes, where lakeside bars and restaurants surround the water. Take a kayak over to your favorite spot for a cocktail and some lunch.

For more travel tips, check out my guide, Reimagining Detroit: The Motor City.