Romantic Weekend Getaways—Top Retreats to Recharge your Romance

By Mark Zonca
February 2016 View more Featured

If you’re looking for some quality alone time to recharge your relationship, these suggestions for a romantic weekend getaway are all within a short drive of Naperville.

Abe’s Spring Street Guest House

Galena, IL
www.galenabedbreakfast.com

Built in 1876, Abe’s Spring Street Guest House was once an icehouse for a predominant Galena brewery. The building has 27-inch thick walls, which in its time was a great insulating factor. Today, those thick walls accommodate wonderful window seats for the bed and breakfast.

The Sweatheart Special includes two nights’ lodging, full breakfast each morning, a beverage, a fresh bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates from a local candy store. The bed and breakfast also features The Honeymoon, Anniversary or Special Occasion packages that are good for Albert’s Glen only. It includes two nights’ accommodations in the suite with a fireplace, a full breakfast each morning and a Saturday night candlelight gourmet dinner prepared especially by one of Galena’s best eateries and served in the privacy of your suite.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Galena, IL
www.eagleridge.com

There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Eagle Ridge in historic Galena, Illinois. You and your significant other arrive to chocolates, a long-stemmed rose and a welcome bottle of chilled champagne with two keepsake glasses. Outdoorsy types can choose horseback riding, hiking, biking and then relaxing in the spa. On-site dining and other amenities mean you don’t have to leave Eagle Ridge. However, the nearby shops in Galena are worth browsing during your retreat.

Inn at Irish Hollow

Galena, IL
www.irishhollow.com

Fireplaces, whirlpools, hot tubs and a gourmet breakfast will pamper you in the luxurious accommodations at the Inn at Irish Hollow. Choose from private guest houses or rooms in the Main Inn. Guests can also opt for a seven-course candlelit dinner. Hiking trails beckon those who want to explore nature and nearby Galena holds many attractions. Technically Irish Hollow is a bed-and-breakfast, but referring to it as such doesn’t do it justice. Breakfast here is called the Full Country Gourmet Breakfast, which is a lavish several course meal that will please even the most astute foodie. For those too busy snuggling to venture out, opt for the breakfast-in-bed delivery. Packages include a seven-course dinner in the Main Inn complete with a bottle of wine paired specifically for that night’s menu.

Courtesy The Herrington Inn & Spa

Herrington Inn & Spa Boutique Hotel

Geneva, IL
www.herringtoninn.com

Herrington Inn & Spa offers 61 guest rooms with stunning views of Geneva’s waterfront. The European-inspired boutique hotel features a full service day spa for ultimate relaxation. Atwater’s, the award-winning fine dining restaurant, is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The Inn is within walking distance of over 150 boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Couples Retreat package has everything you need to enjoy an overnight stay together in one of their luxurious king accommodations with fireplace and whirlpool tub. Enjoy a spa credit and $100 food credit at Atwater’s restaurant. The Simply Romance package includes an overnight stay in the luxurious king accommodations with fireplace and whirlpool tub, chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of sparkling wine, two keepsake flutes, and rose petals waiting on your bed. Also included is a complimentary European-style continental breakfast buffet in the lobby.

Hotel Arista

Naperville
www.hotelarista.com

Looking for a romantic getaway right here in Naperville? The luxurious Hotel Arista sets the stage for romantic getaways designed for relaxation, privacy and fun for two. The Romance and Relaxation package features: overnight accommodations with early check-in at 2 p.m.; $30 Breakfast credit; One 60-Minute Couples Massage; Champagne and Strawberries; unique bath amenity and late check-out at 2 p.m. Personalize your stay with a choice of available in-room amenities, such as an extensive Pillow Butler menu, Wii, Wii Fit, exercise bike, assorted sleep aides and more. Upon making your reservation, you will be asked to fill out a Personal Preference Menu so your room is stocked with the all the right amenities and Nosh Bar favorites.

Miller + Miller Wedding Photography www.mmfotos.com

Starved Rock Lodge

Utica, IL
www.starvedrocklodge.com

Located about 90 minutes southwest of Naperville, Starved Rock is a draw for its activities, lodging, a wedding setting or romantic getaway. The Starved Rock Lodge offers getaways in a traditional log cabin setting, nestled among tall pines and towering oaks, with trails to the canyon you’ve been waiting to see right from your front porch. Or stay in an original, historic Lodge wing room, with knotty pine paneling from floor to ceiling. There is also a hotel wing with large, comfortable rooms near the pool complex. Winter visitors enjoy the breathtaking views of the waterfalls that freeze over into picturesque icicles. Starved Rock Lodge offers numerous special packages throughout the year. Overnight packages include your stay and tickets to the musical tribute shows, horseback riding at a nearby ranch, vouchers for sweets and treats, massages, champagne and more.

Grand Geneva Resort

Lake Geneva, WI
www.grandgeneva.com

Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, offers a getaway filled with romance and adventure. The property has newly renovated guest rooms and suites, a golf course, fitness center and a spa. There is also a basketball court, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an indoor lap pool and locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms. After your workout, visit the wellness center for a relaxing massage. Other activities include tours of historic downtown Lake Geneva and shopping. In the winter, The Mountain Top offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The Grand Romance package features a two-night stay in a deluxe guest room, $100 dining credit, handmade chocolate truffles and a red rose delivered to your room. Guest also enjoy 10 percent discount on full price spa services.

Courtesy Kohler Co.

The American Club Resort

Kohler, WI
www.americanclubresort.com

The American Club in Kohler is a luxury resort with two accommodation options: The American Club and the more affordable Inn on Woodlake. About 2-1/2 hours north of Chicago, this resort offers outdoor activities in the summer, and pools and spa relaxation in the winter. The Kohler Waters Spa is a destination for the senses, featuring a glass enclosed rooftop deck with a whirlpool, fireplace and lounge. Try the newly renovated couples suite for a relaxing side-by-side massage and other treatments. Yoga on the Lake is a premier yoga studio offering 20 classes a week. The Celebration Experience features two nights at The American Club, daily breakfast or Sunday Brunch in the Wisconsin Room, five-course dinner one night at the Immigrant Restaurant, 20 percent discount on services at Kohler Waters Spa, bottle of champagne, box of Kohler Original Recipe Chocolate Mixed Terrapins, and a rose petal turndown the first night.