By Ricki Linksman
OMG! Sundara Inn & Spa Resort 2.0 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is so amazing there aren’t enough words to adequately describe what was done to improve it. From the new indoor pool area to all the peaceful relaxation areas and new dining room, I was awestruck! But best of all is the new Golfside Reserve suites. They are out-of-this-world beautiful. Their private screened patios with a large hot tub soak with jets, fireplace, seating area, and picturesque view are outstanding.
This recent visit was my first time back to Sundara since the COVID-19 pandemic ended so I could finally see its renovation and expansion. I had been a frequent visitor over the years to this upscale, adults-only relaxing retreat in an 80-acre fragrant pine forest in Wisconsin Dells. Its overnight accommodations are all luxurious and exceptionally appointed, with spacious rooms and hushed quiet, as if in your own spa– within– a– spa. The suites feature romantic fireplaces, comfy bedding, and large bathrooms with Kohler showers with multiple jets.
Over the years, as the resort had limited space, suites filled up quickly and one had to book way in advance for the dates one wanted. Until….Sundara’s recent expansion now has 44 guest accommodations and many spaces to pamper yourself. The resort has totally kicked its relaxation and rejuvenating experience up a notch or rather several notches to a whole new level. Where to begin?
New Golfside Reserve Suites: I had previously stayed in the suites in the main building and their more private separated accommodations which opened in 2018 called Woodland Retreats, with their own indoor sunroom and hot tub soak. Sundara solved a dilemma that guests often had of whether to stay in the suites in the main building with easy access to the spa, pool, and dining, or to select the private retreats with their own indoor sunroom and hot tub soak, kitchenette, separate bedroom, and living areas, which required walking through the woods or driving to reach the main building. In snowy weather that could be a challenge. However, Sundara opened up eight new Golfside Reserve Suites that solved that problem—it attached this wing through an above-ground heated skyway with picture windows connecting them to the main building—best of both worlds. The Golfside Reserve suites have a separate bedroom with its signature Kohler bathroom and large shower with a variety of jets, living area with large screen TV, couches and chairs to seat many, a stocked kitchenette, and dining area, and best of all—its own screened patio with a private two-person whirlpool jetted hot tub soak, fireplace, and sitting area with small couches and chairs. The patio extends the entire length of the suite so there are two sets of sliding glass doors, one from the bedroom and one from the living room. The patio opens to a peaceful, serene, wooded view overlooking a wooded section of Wild Rock golf course with an occasional glimpse of deer. The suite has an option of a connection door to new Double Queen suites as well, or one can just book the Double Queen suite by itself.
Hot tub in the winter? Never experiencing going into an outdoor hot tub in the winter, I was hesitant to use the one on the screened patio area as it is not heated. It was time for an adventure. Lining the pathway from the living room to the steps of the hot tub with warm towels to walk on and wrapped in the cozy spa robe draped over my bathing suit to keep me warm, I counted to three and rushed from the warmth of the interior room to the hot tub to avoid the cold air of the patio. The few steps in the cold were richly rewarded by the perfectly heated hot waters that took away all the chill from the patio air. The warmth of the water was fully relaxing. Special two-way glass on the jacuzzi side of the patio provides privacy so those outside cannot look in, while those soaking in the jacuzzi can see the view outdoors. The rest of the screened patio has special privacy roller solar shades that can block out the sun. In my eternal search for resorts with their own private two-person jetted hot tub soak on the patio or balcony of the suites, screened in or with glass to keep out pesky insects, Sundara just rose to the top of Ricki’s List.
The Golfside Reserve wing is attached to the main building by an enclosed climate controlled walkway. Even though flanked by windows on both sides of the elevated walkway, it was always warm to walk through without needing a coat. The wing has its own relaxation lounge with comfy chaise lounge chairs overlooking the woods. Used for personal relaxation or personal or small group meditation, yoga, and other classes, it provides a space close to the suites in the new Golfside Reserve wing.
Expanded Indoor Pool Area: One of the considerations in visiting Sundara has always been its lack of an indoor pool. While it had its own indoor Purifying Bath Ritual with hot and cool plunge pools, rainfall showers, and other amenities, it was adjoined to an indoor relaxation area of chairs and couches overlooking the outdoor pool. But not everyone enjoys going to an outdoor heated infinity pool in the cold weather. Sundara has now built an indoor pool with waterfalls so one can avail of it no matter the weather outside.
New Relaxation Areas: Previously, before expansion, Sundara had only one relaxation room which contained chairs and couches that overlooked the infinity outdoor pool area. Sundara now has several new relaxation areas with picturesque windows overlooking the forest. The Suvela Silent Room with a wall of windows invites with its oversized chaises that are comfortable for meditating, napping, reading, and stretching out. On a table in the Suvela Silent Room are notepads with different reflective questions and lines to write journal responses on different topics. The Radiance Room is another relaxation space, located off the lobby, with these same chaises to provide a comfortable resting place. There is a beverage bar in the main relaxation room for making coffee or tea, and snacks like nuts and dried fruits.
The quiet-only spaces provide a perfect place for meditation, reading, and relaxation. To maintain the sense of a real get–away, no electronics are allowed in any of the common areas including these relaxation area—no cell phones, smart phones, laptops, tablets, or even Kindle book readers. One can only bring physical books and magazines, or paper notebooks and pens to write with. Electronics are reserved only for one’s own suite. While many are accustomed to reading on Amazon Kindle devices or other electronic book readers, it takes getting used to bringing a physical book for these shared relaxation areas. It is part of the philosophy of having a true retreat separated from the devices that keep us connected to the outside world so one can tap into one’s inner retreat.
Staff: One highlight worth noting is the incredible customer service of Sundara’s General Manager, Alyssa Mullin, and Corporate Director for Sundara Projects and Owner Liaison, John Morris. They set the example of how a relaxing spa resort should be run with having a friendly, caring nature, and going out of the way to make every guest feel comfortable. Every staff member from reception to staff in the spa, dining room, pool, and the housekeeping department always had a smile and a kind word.
New Restaurant: Whereas in the past Sundara had only a small dining room in an alcove on the second floor of the main building, they have built an expanded beautifully appointed restaurant within the main building with more seating. Like the rest of Sundara, its calming decor blends perfectly with its surrounding natural setting. The dining room overlooks the woods, so no matter where you are in Sundara you feel embraced by nature. Across from the main dining room is a second large room that opens during busier times for more seating or for use as a large meeting room or for cooking demonstrations.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining: The restaurant, which features farm-to-table offerings and highlights ingredients sourced from Sundara’s own rooftop greenhouse, offers deliciously healthy dining options. Executive Chef Dennis prepared special meals, both vegan and lacto-vegetarian meals with dairy and without eggs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Dennis was excellent and his dishes were delicious and artistically presented. If one wanted to stay on the premises and not have to drive out to a restaurant (especially in winter weather) for a brief weekend or three-day stay there were enough options to try something different at each meal. If one were to stay longer, then one would want to see more vegetarian and vegan options or would feel the need to drive into Wisconsin Dells to dine at different restaurants. The one sad part was our favorite vegetarian restaurant for breakfast and lunch in the area, The Cheeze Factory, which was a short drive away from Sundara had moved to Baraboo, a much longer drive. At Sundara, though they had expanded their menu from my last visit before and now offer plant-based meats. Always looking for dishes that one cannot easily find, my favorite was the eggless pancakes, topped with bananas, and berries. In dialogue with Chef Dennis, the plan is to continue to increase the number of vegan and vegetarian options for guests who stay longer and want more variety.
Travel awards: I can totally appreciate why Sundara has been the recipient of many travel awards. I hesitate to share these as I fear that it will become so overbooked it will be hard to get a suite on my future visits! I mention these awards as in my search to add more spa resorts to my “Ricki’s List,” it is hoped other venues take a lesson and improve the relaxation experiences they offer guests with suites with their own hot jetted whirlpool on their balconies, indoor pool and hot tub areas, more co-ed relaxation areas, more vegan and vegetarian options without eggs, adults– only serene and peaceful experiences, and incredible customer service where the staff makes you feel at home. These features are a few that have led to Sundara being ranked #12 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards on the list of the top 20 “Destination Spas” in the U.S. The Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most prestigious awards offered in the travel industry.
Sundara was also voted #1 in the Spas category in the annual “Best of Madison” awards from Madison Magazine and named to Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Top 500” list of hotels in the world. It was also ranked the #3 “Favorite Resort in the Midwest” in the magazine’s regional awards breakout and named the “Best Spa for Hydrotherapy” in the inaugural Healthy Travel Awards from Women’s Health magazine. Sundara was ranked #2 on USA TODAY’s 2023 “Top 10 Readers’ Choice Awards” list for ”Best Spa Resorts in the U.S.” and ranked among “The 20 Best Destination Spas” in the world in a guide curated by the editorial team at Town & Country Magazine, withSundara the only property in the central part of the United States to be included.
Many options await guests, from just chilling out or engaging in a variety of health and wellness activities, meditation and exercise classes, spa treatments, an outdoor meditation walk, on-site hiking trail, and many other offerings.
A stay at Sundara is totally rejuvenating for body, mind, and soul, being nestled in the beauty of nature, the calming décor, and the loving, kind spirit of the staff to truly pamper you and make you feel at home.