If you’re looking for your next weekend escape (or let’s be real, a week-long break from the grind), I highly recommend checking out Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin! Trust me, you’ll have the best getaway trip ever! I just got back from 5 days there and honestly, it blew me away and exceeded expectations. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, poolside relaxing, or eating your way through a vacation, this place has it all! So whether you’re going for a couples trip, a girls trip, or even a solo recharge, this resort has everything… beautiful views, activities galore, great food, and plenty of ways to unwind. Here’s the breakdown…
INFO ABOUT THE RESORT:
Located an hour north of Chicago at the Illinois-Wisconsin border, The Grand Geneva Resort has a landscape of rolling hills and pristine views. Whether you want to hit pause or play, there’s something for everyone (couples, families, or solo trips)! The completely remodeled and redesigned rooms are an incredible touch and the landscape views are incredible! Keep on reading for my favorite things to do and see in Lake Geneva!
WHAT TO DO:
The Grand Geneva Resort is basically an adult AND kids playground (in the best way). Here are some highlights from my stay:
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Pools on pools – There’s an outdoor pool perfect for soaking in the sun, and an indoor one if the weather’s not cooperating. Super relaxing either way and the views from the outdoor pool overlook the stunning golf courses, which has the greenest scenery I’ve ever seen! Oh and there’s also a water park for the kiddos!
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Rent an e-bike or moped – One of my favorite days was cruising around the property and even into town (Lake Geneva) on an e-bike and moped scooter. It’s such a fun way to explore the cute area!! Highly recommend and these can be easily rented from the Adventure Center on property!
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Lake access + boat rentals – Lake Geneva is right nearby, and renting a boat for a few hours was such a highlight. The water was gorgeous, and it gave total summer vacation energy. I loved checking out all the lakeside mansions (omg gorgeous), and also jumping into the lake to cool off and swim around! We rented from Elmer’s and it was a breeze!
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Fitness center goals – Honestly, the fitness center here is better than most gyms I’ve paid for. Full weight and cardio setup, lap pool, and even rockwall climbing, pickleball courts, tennis, and basketball courts if you want to get competitive. This is the same location as the Well Spa on property, which I highly recommend checking out for a spa treatment or just to relax 🙂
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Golf lovers, rejoice – There are two beautifully maintained 18-hole golf courses on property, and coming Spring 26 they’re opening an 11-hole mini golf course. All of them are the most green grass I’ve ever seen in my life, and truly so breathtakingly stunning! Whether you’re serious about the game or just want to drive the cart and take in the views, it’s a must.
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Tesla demo drives – This was such a cool surprise: you can sign up to take a Tesla for a test drive right on the property. It’s free and genuinely fun (even if you’re not a car person, it’s a unique little bonus feature the resort has right now).
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
You don’t have to venture far to eat well here… the Grand Geneva has three amazing restaurants on-site:
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Geneva ChopHouse – Perfect for a nice dinner out. Think steaks, seafood, cocktails, the works. It’s elegant but the perfect spot to dress up for a great dinner with amazing resort views.
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Ristorante Brissago – Italian with a cozy, upscale twist. Great pasta, wine list, and the kind of vibe where you can sit and linger (this was our favorite- definitely order the truffle ravioli, trust me!)
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Grand Café – More casual but still delicious. Great for breakfast (we’re obsessed with their $25 breakfast buffet, hello omelettes), lunch, or just a snack break during your day of activities.
We ended up trying all three, and I was impressed across the board. (Also, room service is an option if you just want to stay in your robe…. no judgment here. I definitely ordered carrot cake to the room to watch the Sunday fireworks from our patio and enjoy a treat).
I also want to note that we explored the area and came across some lakefront gems that we’d highly recommend checking out if you leave the resort property: Pier 290, Gordy’s Boathouse, and Mars Restaurant!
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:
The Grand Geneva Resort is one of those destinations you never have to leave 🙂 Truly, they have everything for everyone there all on property! Even a trolley shuttle to take you from location to location on site. It’s just a few short miles from the actual town of Lake Geneva, where you can venture to for boat tours, to explore, or even walk the 21-mile lakefront shore path! And during the winter, The Grand Geneva Resort turns into a cute little cozy winter resort with skiing, ice skating, igloos you can eat in, and so much more! I promise you’ll love your stay (in what’s known as the Hamptons of Chicago), so click here to book your stay! PS- you can either fly into Chicago or Milwaukee and we did Milwaukee which was an easy peasy 45min Uber ride!
The Grand Geneva Resort checks every box and it feels like a total reset. Whether you want to be on-the-go all day or just chill by the pool with a drink in hand, you’ll find your pace. I’m already plotting my return, it was so incredible! If you’re thinking about taking a trip… just do it. You won’t regret it is my motto 🙂