A Mid West Escape - Inn at Bay Harbor.
A sneak peak into my weekend getaway to the Award-Winning - Inn at Bay Harbor.
Only a 5 - 6 hour drive from Chicago - The Inn at Bay Harbor is an award-winning luxury resort located on the shore of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay. A perfect destination for a weekend trip.
We decided to make our way to this resort as it offers a variety of lodging options, from hotel guest rooms to multi-room suites and self-service villas, all with stunning views of the bay. You can opt in for a room with a balcony if you prefer. All a wonderful choice!
Hot tip: Guests can also take advantage of special packages, such as the Bay Harbor Babymoon package, and gift cards to the Inn.
The resort also features a spa, fitness center, and variety of dining options, including the Bay Harbor Golf Club.
Due to the nature of this trip, we wanted to make sure that we had a hearty breakfast to have enough energy to ski and snowboard for the whole day.
There were a number of breakfast options during our visit:
1. Sagamore's Dining Room: This elegant restaurant is located on the lobby level of the Hotel and offers a breakfast buffet with a variety of hot and cold items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, and more. You can also order omelets, pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast favorites from the menu.
2. Room Service: If you prefer to enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your own room, the Hotel offers room service from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.
3. The Cafe: A grab-and-go option for those who are in a hurry or wanting a Starbucks fix. Hotel guests can also opt in for complimentary drip coffee until 11:00am!
Afternoon tea at the resort is a charming and elegant experience that is perfect for those looking for a relaxing and indulgent afternoon. I can easily say that the afternoon tea session was the highlight of my trip.
We were presented with a selection of fine teas, including classic blends and specialty flavors. Along with the tea, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savory treats, such as scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and miniature pastries.
Furthermore, the setting for afternoon tea was just as impressive as the food and drinks. We enjoyed the comfortable seating, natural light and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
If you're looking to indulge in a luxurious and relaxing afternoon, afternoon tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor is definitely worth considering. It's a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family, or to treat yourself to a special experience.
Behind the reception is The Cafe and gift shop at the Inn at Bay Harbor. At The Cafe you can order Starbucks Coffee, Tazo tea and local snacks for consumption to-go or sit down in the well-lit cafe area. The gift shop is a lovely place to browse and find gifts for yourself or loved ones. The shop features a wide variety of items, including clothing, sunglasses, jewelry, home decor, and locally made products. These items are a great way to support local businesses and to bring home a unique souvenir from your trip. Some examples include handmade candles, artisanal chocolates, and locally sourced honey.
Pictured below is just a sneak peak as I do not want to spoil the fun! I am sure you’ll find something that catches your eye in this lovely shop!
For the morning after skiing/snowboarding I had the chance to enjoy The Spa and relaxation lounge. The spa offers a range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services.
The Spa is a luxurious and serene oasis that offers a range of treatments and services designed to help you relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. The massages are especially popular, with a variety of techniques and styles available to suit your individual needs. There are also in-house salon services, including hair styling, manicures, and pedicures.
I loved the tranquil setting, attentive staff, and indulgent treatments using carefully selected natural products by Naturopathica and Eminence Organics. To ensure a spot at the spa during your visit - I highly recommend that you make a reservation prior to arriving.
Bonus: There are several ski resorts located near the inn that offer a range of skiing and snowboarding experiences.
One of the closest ski resorts to the Inn at Bay Harbor is Boyne Highlands Resort, which is located about 20 minutes away by car. Boyne Highlands is a large and popular resort that offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding experiences, including beginner-friendly runs and challenging terrain parks.
Another popular ski resort in the area is Nub's Nob Ski Resort, which is located about 30 minutes away by car. Nub's Nob is known for its well-groomed slopes and diverse terrain, with runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort also offers night skiing, terrain parks, and a variety of other winter activities.
Finally, there is also the Boyne Mountain Resort, which is located about 30 minutes away by car. Boyne Mountain is a larger resort that offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
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