Best trip for romantic get-away

[SparklySoprano]

Hubby will be returning after a six week trip. I am planning a romantic get-away. What is your favorite for this type of trip? I'm hoping for something five nights/six days and not too much of a budget breaker. We live near Chicago, about an hour north.

 

[Gypsy]

I personally don't like to fly more than 4 or so hours, non-stop, for anything under 7-10 days.

And you also didn't post a budget.

AND what kind of vacation people you are?

DH and I are "lounge on the beach like lizards and swim in the water" vacationers. We are not "sight see till you drop" people. Or "camping" people. We like the beach, good food, and luxurious accommodations. So FOR ME, if I had a great budget I would go to San Diego and stay at the Del and enjoy the beach and the Del.
http://hoteldel.com/

I live in San Fran. So it would be a 1 hour flight for us. And we'd have a blast.

Or if we had up to date passports: http://vallarta.grandvelas.com/ I'd go to Neuvo Vallarta and enjoy Mexico.

So unless you post your budget, and what "type" of vacationing people you are, then we can probably help you more. IT doesn't matter what WE'D do. We tailor things for our needs.


If I had to do a 'budget" vacation. Probably Vegas. You can do Vegas any way you like. I like to stay at a place with a great pool, luxury accommodations and enjoy shows and restaurants. So it works surprisingly well as a "beach" vacation on a budget.

 

[SparklySoprano]

Thanks, Gypsy. Budget... I'll say $2K. For this we would prefer a relaxing, beach-like stay. And like you, I'm not a fan of camping or roughing it. Vegas may be a good option then. Which hotel do you recommend? I have not been there in a long time but stayed at the Hyatt I think. It was nice, non-smoking as I recall.

 

[monarch64]

There are some beautiful, secluded, picturesque little lake towns in Northern WI. I would look into those because the drive wouldn't be awful for you, saving you airfare. Could be very relaxing for your husband who will have returned from a lengthy trip and may not want to face traveling again unless it's pure relaxation. Do you guys like boating/fishing? You can rent out entire lodges in places like Manitowish Waters which is a gorgeous little town full of local businesses and nothing touristy. Often the rentals come with boats and private docks so you have the run of the place and can do as you please. The woods and the water can be preeeetty sexy.

 

[Gypsy]

If you don't mind driving for 4 hours this looks promising: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60314-d1188811-Reviews-Glidden_Lodge_Beach_Resort-Sturgeon_Bay_Wisconsin.html

As for Vegas.

I really like the Mandalay Bay pools, personally. There's a beach (with waves!) and a really nice lazy river. PLUS they have fantastic cabanas at really reasonable prices (depending on when you go). I think the Delano at Mandalay lets you use the pools too.

I like that it's not in the middle of the strip too. If you have the budget, and the rates are good, you can stay at the Four Seasons and STILL use the Mandalay pools (you might want to check they still let you do this) and that's awesome if you can do it.

I like a couple of the restaurants on property at Mandalay. Love brunch (weekends) at the Four Seasons (which is next door). And you can uber or taxi or walk or whatever to the strip when you want to.

The MGM pool has a nice lazy river apparently, but I've never been. We stayed at the Signature at MGM last time we were in Vegas, it was (despite advertising) FAR from the strip BUT it was a FABULOUS value at 120 a night and so it was a steal and the accommodations were nice (especially the bath tubs!). So if you don't mind walking a bit you can stay there. The pools were closed when we were there, so I can't speak from personal experience.

I would see what you can get the best deals on for the dates you are going.

I did NOT like Vdara. FYI. And would not stay at that or any of its sister properties.

 

[Gypsy]

This looks promising too: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60314-d83687-Reviews-Chanticleer_Guest_House-Sturgeon_Bay_Wisconsin.html

 

[MollyMalone]

Since airports and flying are much more aggravating than fun & relaxing, I like Gypsy's idea of driving to your destination!

My brother and sister-in-law enjoyed their mini-vacation at this golf resort complex developed by the Kohler plumbing company, in Kohler, Wisconsin; they especially liked the spa. There are different lodging options displayed in the drop-down menu on this home page for the American Club:
http://www.americanclubresort
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60013-d100871-Reviews-The_American_Club-Kohler_Wisconsin.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60013-d125335-Reviews-Inn_on_Woodlake-Kohler_Wisconsin.html

The one drawback: it's not a couples-only retreat & I imagine a lot of families will be there for the next 6-8 weeks.

 

[SparklySoprano]

Thanks, everyone! I ended up booking the Signature/Vegas Trip. All fabulous suggestions, but this felt like the best option. Super excited!!! Now I have to wait about a month. And, Gypsy, I'll let you know how the pools are as I'm guessing they'll be open in August. Or they better be!