The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Located on the shores of southeastern Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake, a site considered sacred by indigenous peoples, the AAA Four Diamond Osthoff Resort resembles a grand summer hotel with its lake views, spacious lawn, and Old World charm. Originally opened in 1886, this lake-facing, couples-friendly resort is located in the quaint town of Elkhart Lake and offers the best of both worlds: plenty of activities if you want to keep busy or hideaways for respite, including a spa and secluded areas to stroll along the lake.

The Osthoff Resort is an all-suite property with 248 units (standard, one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations) that either face the lake or the area’s woodlands. Newer rooms are in the resort’s north wing (built in 2005) and come with king beds, two-person whirlpool baths, walk-in Kohler showers, and contemporary decor. Rooms in the south and main sections are about 10 years older with queen beds and standard tubs/showers. Room amenities include balconies, gas fireplaces, kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, TVs (not flat-screen), and free wi-fi.

Watch the sunset while nibbling appetizers and sampling regional beers at the lakeside Osthoff Lake Deck or order a freshly made Angus burger with Wisconsin cheddar at Otto’s, which also has an outdoor patio. For a romantic dinner, book a table at Lola’s on the Lake, which serves sumptuous items such as caramelized five onion soup with herbed croutons and melted Gruyere cheese to start. For a main course, consider grilled wild Alaskan salmon with fresh English pea risotto, tomato confit, baby basil, and truffle oil. At Lola’s you can also dine al fresco on the patio, weather permitting.

Aspira Spa’s feng shui design and custom-built, circular meditation room inspire calm. The spa uses organic products and specializes in treatments derived from the healing techniques of indigenous peoples. Book a signature service, such as the sacred waters massage: Heated deerskin pouches filled with fresh water from Elkhart Lake are placed on the body’s chakras during a Swedish massage. You can have this performed in the private spa suite for couples, which is furnished with a fireplace, whirlpool, and oversized shower. Be sure to also experience the spa’s indoor and outdoor whirlpools and its Finnish sauna.

Popular spots include the resort’s gazebo on the lawn, which on a sunny day has a photo-worthy view of the lake. The resort can also place an arch on the lawn and set up a semi-circle of white chairs to face the arch and the lake. For indoor receptions, there are two areas that also have outdoor patios. Alternately, tents can be erected outside for a party under the stars.

While The Osthoff Resort doesn’t have a specific romantic package, it can create custom ones that include in-room dinners and massages. One bonus for having a wedding at the resort: the bride and groom receive a complimentary room on their honeymoon night.

Sunbathe at the resort’s 500-foot beach or take a canoe or kayak out on the lake, which is especially tranquil at sunset. The resort hosts morning and sunset cruises and lights bonfires along the lakefront at night. On-site sports amenities include a pool, fitness center, and basketball and volleyball courts. Or improve your culinary skills by taking a class at the resort’s L'ecole de la Maison cooking school.

Walk into the town of Elkhart Lake to window shop. For speed enthusiasts, the Road America racetrack is close by. Or meander along the 25-mile guided driving route through Wisconsin’s tree-dense Kettle Moraine State Park, spectacular in the fall. Points of interest in Kettle Moraine include the Parnell Observation Tower with views from the forest’s highest elevation point and the historic Wade House, built in 1860 as a stagecoach inn.

If you are looking to get away from it all, then The Osthoff Resort may fulfill your desire. Because the resort caters to both couples and families, when the resort is crowded with kids, you might have to share your pool space with screaming youngsters. But thanks to the resort’s large size, it comes with safe havens for adults to escape noisy children. The other side of the coin: The resort is so grand in size that getting from your room to the lobby can be a bit of a walk.