Our Cozy Winter Weekend at The Grand Geneva (+ a discount code!)
As you may have seen (and can still see in my Travel Highlights on Instagram stories!), Adam and I spent last weekend up in Lake Geneva. Even though I’ve been there a bunch of times over the summer, this was my first time experiencing it in the winter… and we definitely did it right, by cozying up at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
To be completely honest, I’m not sure if we would have thought to book their Grand Romance Package on our own… but now that we’ve experienced it, we already want to go back for Valentine’s Day next year! Since it’s barely a 2 hour a drive away from Chicago, it’s the perfect destination for an easy and quick weekend getaway. Even a city gal like me can use some time away from the hustle and bustle! Plus, I always think of “vacations” as long and sunny, but this cozy version seriously won me over. We both came back so rested and relaxed!
The main lodge is beautiful, but the villas are really where it’s at. Ours felt like a really cool studio apartment mixed with a pretty cabin in the woods. We especially loved the lofted ceiling (those beams!) and our very own fireplace that turned on with a switch. Yes, please!
As a part of the Grand Romance Package, you also get handmade chocolate truffles and a red rose when you arrive. Such a nice little treat!
We decided to arrive on Friday afternoon and take it easy our first night. My sister was actually up in Lake Geneva at their condo that weekend, so we drove over there to hang out with them. Bonus nephew time!
Then, after a great night’s sleep, we were ready to take advantage of Saturday. We started by ordering room service – Steel Cut Oatmeal for me and Steak & Eggs for Adam. Typical, and delicious ?
Then after we ate, we were ready to ski! I asked Adam to take a picture of me in this cozy fleece before I put on my snow pants and ski jacket for a reason. I haven’t skied in years so I don’t have any cute gear – which means we kept laughing at the fact that I looked like an all black marshmallow ? #fashionblogger
Now for the funniest (and most fun!) part of the trip. If you saw my stories, you probably saw us laughing about how we’re not exactly skiers. But since their Mountain Top is more of a big hill then a mountain in Colorado, we figured we could handle it!
WELL, we got our skis and made our way over to the ski lift… the one that goes up to their version of a “black” run. Oops #1! Then, as we’re trying to get on the ski lift, I couldn’t get next to Adam quick enough and get my poles out of the way before the chair came under us. Adam was holding my arm, one of my poles was still behind me, and I knew that I would fall eventually if I let him hold on to me any longer! So, I slid off while I was still close to the ground and let him continue above me. Luckily, the guy running the lift then stopped it so I could get out of the way. I was literally flailing in the snow trying to get up with everyone in line watching.
(PS. Yes, I’m laughing out loud as I type this!)
But wait, there’s more! Once I finally got up, I got back in line and a nice guy asked if I wanted to ride up with him. I got on, told him what happened and he reassured me it was no big deal, especially because it was his first day skiing. And then he said,”I mean, look at that guy struggling. Everyone falls!” You guys. He was pointing at Adam! Since we (accidentally) went up the “black and blue” ski lift, he bit off way more than he could chew, and was sliding down the mountain on his butt ? Haha it wasn’t funny for Adam in the moment, but it’s pretty hysterical in retrospect.
BUT once we got those out blips of the way, we had a blast! I was really surprised at how much I remembered. And after falling off the lift, I didn’t fall again the whole day! Adam and I kept laughing about how he was expecting me to struggle down that first run, too. And then he heard “hey babe!” as I swished by. REDEMPTION!
If you’re a pro skier, this might not be challenging enough for you. But if you’re a beginner, or you just want to have some fun, I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary. I’m so so glad we did!
Plus, after you ski, you can come back to your villa, turn the fire on and make some hot chocolate (with Bailey’s ? ). Not a bad way to defrost!
After we lounged for a little bit, we made our way back to the lodge to redeem the bottle of champagne that comes with the Romance Package! We ended up getting seats right next to the fire and piano player. We even made friends – and now I’m convinced that only the friendliest Midwesterners go to this resort! One of the couples we met has been married for 38 years, together for 43. GOALS.
After champagne, we went upstairs for a late dinner at their Italian restaurant, Ristorante Brissago. We split their arancini appetizer, the salmon entree and their lobster tagliatelle. I would say Adam had the salmon, but it was my favorite thing that came to our table and I ended up stealing multiple bites from him. Good thing he likes to split things with me, right??
Sunday was our last day, and we woke up to a winter WONDERLAND. While we weren’t excited about driving back in the snow, we couldn’t help but admit how pretty it was from our big windows.
Also, who could be stressed after a couples massage?! We ended our weekend with our first one together at the WELL Spa & Salon. We both loved our individual masseuse and didn’t want it to end!
Want to visit the Grand Geneva, too?
If this post made you want to go, there’s still time to book for Valentine’s Day! Just use my code LAKESHORELADY20 for 20% off the Grand Romance Package (main lodge and villas!). This includes a two night stay, $100 dining credit, 15% off spa treatments, hand made chocolate truffles and a red rose delivered to your room, and a bottle of champagne! The promo code will last until March 31st, so you’ve got plenty of time to take advantage of it. Basically, if you could use a quick and cozy getaway, this is totally what you and your significant other should get each other this year. Cozy, relaxing, and so much fun!
To see more travel posts, see 10 things to do in Grand Rapids & 8 things to do in Kansas City.
Shop my weekend looks:
*This trip was gifted by the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, but (as always!) all opinions are my own.
