Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
With 62,000 square feet of function space, the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa gives meeting planners the flexibility to add an original flair to their event. Just an hour from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the resort offers everything from traditional boardrooms to poolside luaus and luncheons on the driving range. One of the most scenic venues is the chalet overlooking the ski slopes, which features a full-service restaurant and can accommodate up to 500 guests.
“If you’re looking for something really outside the box, we can do that,” said Brad Lyles, director of sales and marketing.
The Grand Geneva recently added 29 new villas, which have become a popular choice for small meeting groups. The villas are nestled along a quiet area by the river, allowing guests more privacy as well as the added luxury of a full-service kitchen, a patio and fire pits. Many event organizers rent three or four of the villas for attendees and then set up a tent on the lawn behind the buildings for a collective gathering.
Between meetings, groups can enjoy activities like golf, skiing, rock climbing and dancing. The Brute golf course is widely considered the best golf course in the state, covering over 7,000 yards of sweeping green hills, and the Highlands is a Scottish-inspired, link-style course.
Visitors can choose from a wide range of dining options, such as Ristoranté Brissago, the Geneva Chophouse, Café Gelato, Links Bar and Grille, and Smokey’s Bar-B-Cue House. Those looking for some leisurely exercise can follow the beautiful walking path around Lake Geneva that passes many historic homes once owned by prestigious Chicago families.
Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa
Morgantown, West Virginia
Based in the vibrant college town of Morgantown, West Virginia, the Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa offers meeting groups all the amenities of a first-rate resort, with numerous attractions nearby. Planners can use the resort’s 30,000 square feet of function space for board meetings and executive retreats.
Considered one of the top public golf courses in the United States, the Lakeview Course encircles Cheat Lake as well as sprawling green hills. The 620-yard 18th hole is one of the most difficult par 5s players will encounter, and over the years, golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead have taken on the challenge. The more modern Mountainview Course winds into the woods at the base of the Allegheny Mountains.
In addition to golfing, groups will find plenty of other outlets for exercise in the 40,000-square-foot fitness and sports center, which features racquetball, tennis, basketball, Group X Fitness classes and more.
Later in the evening, visitors can stop by the Legends Sports Bar and Grille to watch the latest football or hockey game or to lounge on the Tiki deck overlooking the green.
