The week I found out I was pregnant, I couldn’t help but get excited for my Babymoon! While other people are probably more focused on figuring out a name, buying clothes and furniture, I really wanted to focus on planning a memorable trip for my Husband and I before our lives change forever. I figured I’d have the whole 2nd half of my pregnancy (and the rest of my life) to focus on the baby.
There was only one problem and it’s name was Zika. Every tropical destination I had been dreaming about was scratched off my list for fear of contracting this scary virus. Instead of letting it get me down, I decided to look a little closer to home and remembered hearing amazing things about the food, spa and accommodations up in Kohler, Wisconsin.
I had many friends who had recommended the American Club Resort to me, so choosing it was really a no brainer. This place has it all. Gorgeous spas, a 5-star rating and a food scene that rivals any Michelin city in the country. So, I booked it and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made!
Kohler, Wisconsin sits just 2.5 hours North of Chicago, making it a quick and easy getaway. It’s perfect for a pregnant girl, because there isn’t much of a commitment in terms of travel. It’s an easy drive with fun places to stop along the way!
Upon arriving at the resort, I was shocked at how gorgeous this place actually was.
Believe it or not, The American Club has a TON of history. Back in the early 1900’s it was actually a dormitory for immigrant employees who came to work for Kohler (check your bathrooms, I guarantee you have at least one appliance or fixture from this incredible company.) In 1981, the club turned itself into a full service hotel and has since earned a Forbes Five-Star and AAA 5-diamond rating. It’s really amazing!
Just from walking into the lobby and looking at your immediate surroundings, you get a real sense for how much culture and history this place actually has.
Upon arrival, we were given a delicious welcome cocktail (or in my case, a “mocktail”) and shown to our room. As usual with me, I was hungry, so we dropped our stuff and headed straight to dinner at the breathtaking, Blackwolf Run Restaurant.
Set atop of one of the nicest golf courses in the country, Blackwolf Run Restaurant is a picturesque cabin-style restaurant with very a cozy vibe. Not only did the food exceed our expectations, but the atmosphere transported us and made us feel like we were lightyears away from the hustle and bustle of our city life.
The highlight of the menu for me was an inventive brownie topped Crème brûlée. It was so out of the box and something I’ve actually never seen before. A total show stopper.
After dinner, we headed off to bed excited for the next two days of our special weekend in Kohler.
In the morning, we woke up and headed down to another amazing dining destination within the resort, The Wisconsin Room. We were smart enough to have brunch there both days. This restaurant was the original dining hall of immigrant workers for Kohler Co., and it now features innovative, farm-fresh cuisine in an elegant but totally approachable atmosphere.
Oh, and an insider tip? When you go, don’t miss the Crème brûlée french toast (I think there is a theme starting here.)
After brunch we had a little bit of time until our Paella cooking demonstration at the resort’s Demonstration Kitchen, so we took a casual walk over to The Shops at Woodlake. We had so much fun wandering in and out of the different stores that we almost lost track of time!
Thankfully, we looked down at our watches just in time to realize that our Paella Demonstration was about to start! We were so excited to watch Chef Stefanko and learn how to prepare this traditional Spanish dish. Stefanko is actually the Executive Chef at the Wisconsin Room (remember that brilliant brunch I just told you about?)
The best touch of all? The resort knew I was on my Babymoon and had a non-alcohlic wine available for me to enjoy with my paella. It was those little things that made this weekend so special.
After spending the afternoon learning how to create the perfect Paella, we headed off to the Kohler Design Center where we took a self-guided tour! We got a glimpse into Kohler’s rich history and even got to see some of their newest and most cutting edge products!
It’s safe to say we were tired after all the activities of the day, so we headed back to The American Club. Since it was 60 degrees, we were able to spend the next few hours relaxing outside and inside the resorts beautiful Greenhouse. After all, we needed to get mentally prepared for our big dinner! 
After our afternoon of relaxation around the resort, it was time for dinner at The Immigrant Restaurant. I have to say, the highlight of my entire trip was actually this meal. It was utter perfection. Right when you walk in, you feel immediately transported you back to the early 1800’s. It has six gorgeous rooms, each paying homage to the style of early Wisconsin settlers: French, Dutch, German, Normandy, Danish and English.
In addition to it’s captivating ambiance, this Four-Star showcase restaurant is also known world-wide for creating one of the best dining experiences. They have won numerous awards including A Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” award and a AAA Four Diamond Award.
The food is not to be missed! I decided on the 5-course tasting menu adorned with Japanese Kobe A-5 Strip Loin and French Burgundy Truffles. It was truly a special experience.
Talk about stunning! With our bellies and hearts full, we headed off to bed and dreamt about what our spa experience would be like the next day. Spoiler alert…it was better than my dreams could have ever been!
The spa at Kohler simply should not be missed. It’s the crown jewel of the resort and a place that I intend to visit at least one more time before I give birth.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a relaxing pre-natal massage. They even had a special contraption that had a hollowed out whole for my stomach so I could lay down vs on my side. It was the first time I’ve truly felt relaxed since I’ve been pregnant.
My Husband, Dan, enjoyed this incredibly cool acoustic bath. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It started with a relaxing deep exfoliation and then he was escorted to a bath tub where the submerged his ears and he relaxed to the vibrations of the music. He said it was one of the cooler experiences he has had at any spa.
Ending our trip at the spa couldn’t have been more perfect. It was like the cherry on top of one of the most wonderful and indulgent sundaes we’d ever had!
Love always,
Erica
