We’re turning the wheel South and headed into the heart of the Ozark Mountains for #3 in our Romantic Getaways for Valentines Day. The rolling hills call will greet you along the way and this Ozark Heritage Preserve is home to the truly spectacular Big Cedar Lodge.
As you take the winding wooded lane into the resort, the hand-painted signs will make you smile. Suddenly you are in an opened area with a fabulous view of Table Rock Lake and some of the gorgeous buildings on the property. But be sure to slow down because you are going to drive right through a waterfall running over the stones from one of the Springs.
This place is so packed full of wonder you won’t know where to look first. There are lots of lodging options on site and a variety of price ranges, but its Valentines Day so we will go all out for the Lake Side Cabin with stone wood-burning fireplace and a balcony overlooking the Lake.
The cabin will be stocked with a basket of snacks and you can have Roses, Champaign and Chocolates here too! Robes in the closet and a kitchen for keeping some treats and making your coffee or tea. From the jetted tub you will be able to see through to the roaring fire in the next room (wood provided).
As the evening sun goes down, step into the white horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the winter scape on a cool ride with a warm blanket to keep you cozy.
Dining options galore from The Devil’s Pool Restaurant, Buzzard Bar, Worman House and then up the road but on the same property is the famous Top of the Rock with the Ozage Room, Buffalo Bar, Arnies Barn and the End of the Trail Wine and Whiskey Rooms.
If you choose to visit Top of the Rock you can take the courtesy Shuttle and leave the driving to them. While there tour the Ozark Heritage Museum. You will be amazed at the creatures that once roamed these hills.
Outdoor fireplaces greet you as you walk along the property, stone walls and pathways, bronze statues, civil war cannons, a cave tour, the infinity pool that provides a place to sit and look out over the lake and watch the sunset with two fireplaces behind you and a fire pit in front of you…can anyone say “romantic”? The little church is serenity on the lake.
The spa at this property is world class. You don’t just book a service you set aside the day to relax because in the private ladies area there is an inground stone hot tub with fireplace, steam room, sauna, a relaxation room, balconies and places to shower. I haven’t toured the men’s side but I would imagine a similar set up. But then there are the co-ed areas…the grotto is a large stone room with an inground stone hot tub with a rain shower to one side. Around the grotto are lounges and behind those are private lounges separated by ceiling to floor drapes that allow you to relax. If you get hungry, food service is available and brought to you. Oh I almost forgot the ICE ROOM! This was something I had never experienced before. It is a little circular room like a fridge and it has ice in it. You grab a cup and pour it over yourself for a really refreshing treatment.
Services at the Spa are the typical…manicures, hair, massage, facials, etc. One unique to this spa is a training massage for couples. You will go with your partner and be shown and taught how to give a massage to each other. I have not had this service, but a close friend and husband have and they raved about it. As you leave be sure to check out the lotions and oils you are definitely going to want to take a sampling of those back to your cabin for the evening!
There are always activities available dependent on the time of year it will be the stables, boating, swimming, shuffleboard and so much more. You can engage in the fun or you can stay nestled in your private sanctuary and feed each other chocolate covered strawberries and sip some champagne in front of the fire. The choice is your!
So, there you have it. 3 Romantic Getaways for Valentines Day from Debbie at Chatham Hill on the Lake. Which one would you like to visit? Or if you have already stayed at one of them tell us about your stay. Lastly, I am looking for where we will go next year…any ideas?
Happy Valentines Day, Yawl!
Debbie
Clarissa Peterson says
Beautiful! I love Big Cedar Restort!
Debbie says
Can’t imagine anyone not, right?!