About.com Rating

Visit Their Website

Kohler, Wisconsin is named after the Kohler family, which founded the Kohler Company, a world-famous bathroom design and manufacturer center.

The American Club was built in 1918 when founder, Walter J. Kohler decided that the immigrants camping out on the grounds of the manufacturing acreage deserved better living conditions. He built them an amazing place to live, work and play.

Included in their new quarters was a bar, a bowling alley, intricate woodwork, fireplaces and brickwork all at an affordable price.

The history of the building past is all a part of the modern American Club.

The American Club

Rooms: I stayed in a standard room at The American Club. It had bold, thick, dark wood a plush king-size bed and an amazing bathroom that only Kohler could provide. The shower had an overhead spray, a hand held nozzle and two water sprayers that came out of the wall - all customizable.

The Grounds: When I visited The American Club, its entire lobby and library were completely under renovation and all guests had to enter through the underground parking ramp. I was however able to get a wonderful tour of the entire property including the lobby and main entrance. Even in the midst of construction, the original elevator from 1918 paired with the original fireplace highlighting President Lincoln left me in awe that such detail was taken to house employees. The resort boasts America and Wisconsin pride with rooms and wings dedicated to past Presidents and Wisconsin landmarks.

Restaurants: There are five restaurants in The American Club and others off-resort. Each restaurant is unique and full of the history of the building and the people that once lived there. From ice cream and coffee, to a brew pup or a winery, all the way to fine dinning, you don't even have to leave the resort for your getaway.

For down time, I especially recommend The Green House where I spent time each day for coffee. From The American Club's website: "This charming antique solarium from Chorley, Lancashire in the north of England, was meticulously dismantled there, transported halfway ’round the world, and reassembled piece by piece to stand in its current home." It was lovely and relaxing.

Kohler Waters Spa

To get to the Kohler Waters Spa from The American Club, you must take a cute little heated underground walkway. The first floor of the spa is encompassed with calming yellows and hosts the manicure/pedicure stations, large relaxing lounge areas, the hair salon as well as the retail portion of the spa.

Definitely arrive at your appointment early or plan to stay late and make use of the downstairs spa. In the locker rooms, you'll find lounging chairs and beds and multiple private whirlpools. In the co-ed area are multiple lounging beds and chairs with a pool that boasts a relaxing waterfall at one end. (pictured above) Green apples, water and other healthy snacks are always available free-of-charge as well as the option to order a healthy meal.

The treatment rooms are separate from the co-ed area. Kohler Waters Spa is known for their water treatment services, and Kohler Co built custom vichy showers that are only available at Kohler Spas.

Kohler Waters Spa - Spa Services

Kohler Waters Spa's newly renovated water treatment rooms include a table for water treatments as well as a beautiful bathtub for Kohler water bathing.

Lavender Rain: My 50-minute water treatment started with a lavender and eucalyptus full body exfoliation. I was then wrapped in the warm sheets and towels and the vichy shower was started. During the shower, Dixie, my technician massaged my scalp and feet with her hands and hot stones.

The vichy shower alternated from full spray to massaging water taps. After the shower, Dixie dried my skin and applied lavender-scented body oil with a wonderful massaging technique and multiple times, I was instructed to deeply inhale the calming aromatherapy mixture of lavender and eucalyptus. It was absolutely wonderful.

Orange Peel Manicure: My nail technician, Kelly, gave me a wonderful manicure. It started with removal of my nail polish and cleaning up the nails. I soaked my hands in a warm water treatment with orange peels mixed in. Kelly told me that the orange oils would help hydrate my skin and nails.

After the soak and nail clean up, Kelly exfoliated my hands with an orange oil sugar scrub. A paraffin dip came next and I sat for 10 minutes or so with my hands wrapped in heated gloves. Kelly placed a warm wrap on my neck, which was a great added touch. The final step before polish was a nice hand massage with an orange-scented moisturizer. I chose OPI's It's Totally Fort Worth It, which is a lovely natural gray.

The American Club - Kohler

Even though Kohler has a population of only 2,200, there are many things to do if you want to leave the resort. Here are some of my favorites.

The Kohler Design Center is a must-see, even if you don't have renovations in your future. Head to the basement to see the history of the Kohler Co with a bit of a self-guided tour. The top floor and its gallery of bathrooms is something you must not miss. World-renowned interior designers worked their magic and designed bathrooms amazing enough to live in. Bring your camera!

Yoga on the Lake offers more than 20 classes a week and is set back overlooking Wood Lake with floor to ceiling windows. All levels are encouraged.

The Shops at Woodlake offer dining, shopping, spirits and chocolate. I recommend Cucina for a great lunch or dinner, and the Craverie Chocolatier Cafe for the most amazing selection of indulging chocolate and sweet treats. And don't miss the Wisconsin Trader for a bit of sweet Wisconsin country life.

Final Thoughts

Wander the resort because if you don't, you might miss the magic. The only reason I saw it all was because I asked for a tour. When talking to other guests, they were unaware of the locations of the on-site restaurants and didn't know how to find them. Maybe it was just because of the renovations, but ask, wander and make the most of The American Club. You literally can park your car and not move it again until you head home. As silly as this sounds, don't forget to admire the restrooms. Decked out beautiful Kohler style.

The American Club: 419 Highland Drive, Kohler WI 53044, Tel. (920) 457-8000 ext. 700

Visit Their Website

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.