I love being a mom and feel so incredibly blessed to be able to work from home. I love spending time with my family and am the first to admit that my job is fun on more days than not. But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy – I work hard. Every once in a while I need a break just like anyone else and a girls’ getaway with some fun and pampering is a great way for me to unwind and recharge my batteries!
I recently got to have one such girls’ getaway with my friend Mel from Outnumbered3-1.com thanks to the generosity of Island Resort and Casino who were kind enough to host us for some fun, relaxation and delicious food. If you aren’t familiar with Island Resort and Casino, it’s located in Harris, Michigan which is in the UP.
Why is Island Resort and Casino a great girls’ getaway destination?
Island Resort and Casino offers a variety of things to do. First off, there is the casino! Since Mel and I aren’t big gamblers, we were thrilled to walk in and find that they offer a variety of slot machines ranging from a penny on up. We vowed to take advantage of those penny slots and see how far we could make our money go!
The hotel accommodations were gorgeous. We were put up in a Presidential Suite and to call it humungous would be an understatement. Mel and I each had our own rooms and full bathrooms (with jacuzzi tubs) and the shared area in between was a beautifully furnished living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen. You can check out my walk through tour of the suite here:
I absolutely fell in love with the bedrooms. They had such a serene and peaceful vibe – the perfect counterbalance to the flashing and dinging excitement of the actual casino. And that tub – it was the perfect place to relax and unwind!
The Sweetgrass Golf Club is well known among golfers as a premier golfing spot in Michigan. (My dad is an avid golfer and knew right away where I was going as he has heard great things about it.) Alas, our golf adventure was rained out when we woke up to pouring rain and spotted huge puddles on the course when we checked it out prior to our tee time. We did take a peek the next day when the sun was shining and it was indeed a beautiful course!
We had the opportunity to check out the Drift Spa and it was absolute heaven. All of the treatments are “nature based” and I had the Sweetgrass Body Treatment. The spa describes it as an “exclusive body treatment. Imagine being enveloped in Mother Nature’s sweet “kiss” while a body scrub and full body massage are performed. Calm your nerves, soothe your emotions and balance your soul”. It did not disappoint!!
I was not familiar with Sweetgrass before this and my esthetician explained about the meaning and properties of the oil and it smelled heavenly. I got what I would describe as the best massage of my life and I would go back just for that alone! The spa boasts several relaxation rooms complete with a crackling “fire” and drinks and snacks as well as a salt water pool, a sauna, showers and fully equipped changing rooms. Spa guests are encouraged to take full advantage of all of the spa’s features throughout their spa visit.
There are numerous restaurants to choose from. There were more places to eat than we had meals, so we had to pick and choose where to eat. The first night, we had dinner at the 5 Bridges Steak & Seafood House. We both ordered steak and were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the meal – delicious!!
There are a variety of eating establishments to choose from – everything from Mexican food to Starbucks coffee and bakery treats! The restaurants are located along the edge of the casino floor, so everything is super convenient.
The resort also boasts two gorgeous showrooms where they host a variety of talented performers. I’d travel to Island Resort & Casino to see a show in a heartbeat as they have so much to offer in addition to great entertainment!
If you are in need of a girlfriends’ getaway, Island Resort & Casino is a great destination. Just a little over a 4 hour drive from the Milwaukee area, Island Resort & Casino offers beauty, relaxation and excitement, all in one place!
Check out the view from our room!!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Holy. Moly. That looks like one great getaway! I love the grounds and those rooms are so posh! I can see having a little wine with the girls (and then a little more) and then crashing in one of those rooms!
Maureen Fitzgerald says
There was definitely wine involved on our getaway too. (I just didn’t share THOSE pictures!)
Bill Sweeney says
Island Resort and Casino looks like a great place for a getaway – girl’s or men’s, for that matter. I’d love a few days with my buds there.
Maureen Fitzgerald says
There were plenty of guys at the spa too – relaxation is important for everyone!
Catherine Sargent says
This resort looks like a great option for a girls getaway. I will have to tell my friends about this, we take a trip together once or twice a year.
Maureen Fitzgerald says
That’s such a great tradition! Girl time is important.
Melissa Chapman says
A little party or pampering never hurts and that spa looks like a great destination. I will keep it in mind when I am in that part of the country.
Kelly says
What a great spot to spend time away with the girls! It has been way too long since my friends and I did something like this.
Theresa says
The resort looks like an amazing place for a girlfriend’s getaway! I know my bestie and I would have a ball soaking in all the fun!
Pam says
That looks like a great place for a getaway. I love that view of the golf course.
Mitch says
We did this last year. It was fabulous. IT was a similar type of a place, I would love to try yours next time!
kristin says
Looks like you girls had a lot of fun! It seems like an amazing place to get a getaway from work.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Wow, this place sure looks like it was a lot of fun.
I really like the room layouts, as well as the entertainment venues.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Looks very relaxing! This would be perfect for a weekend getaway!
Louise Bishop says
I love that they offer penny slots. I’m not a huge gambler either.
Adrianne Betz says
I would love to get away. This looks like the perfect spot.
Cindy Gordon says
Oh goodness, you have me sold. I love Michigan! Great vacation spot.
Dawn McAlexander says
This place looks magnificent! I could use a girl’s getaway. Me, my daughter and a couple of my girl friends would have a great time here. After Father’s Day sounds like a great time to getaway.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
The hotel is fantastic! The bed looks so comfy. I wish I could live there! Haha. I haven’t been out with my friends on a getaway. If we ever do, we’d probably choose Island Resort and Casino.
Our Family World says
OMG. The Presidential suite looks more like a house than a hotel suite! What a wonderful getaway you had. I wish my best friend lived closer. We could do something similar!
Brianne says
This looks like such a fun getaway. I am so itching to go away with my girlfriends!
Angela Milnes says
What a great place for getaway and that hotel was really sounds good
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve never been there before, but it looks like a lot of fun! I would love to visit someday.