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28 DAYSPA | APRIL 2014 SPA HOPPING architecture (Hefner thought the spread-out nature of prairie-style design afforded guests optimal privacy), a heart-shaped lake, a bunny-shaped pond, and a lobby chock-full of Playboy Club relics and black-and-white photos. According to local lore, Grand Geneva's skiing facilities are birthplace to the term "bunny slope," sup- posedly coined when spectators would gather to catch views of the scantily clad, fuzzy-booted young women skiing where they were least likely to sustain an injury. And here, on the same property where "Hef" used to challenge his guests to playful rounds of tennis and racquetball, now sits Grand Geneva's Scandinavian- style WELL Spa & Salon. A GOOD FIT An oasis of clean lines and exposed wood, the at- tractively utilitarian WELL Spa shares space with a towering rock-climbing wall, tennis and basketball courts, and Pilates studios, and it takes full advan- tage of that co-existence. Gym rats cross paths with spa-goers in the lounges, and it's common for ath- letes to plunk themselves onto the treatment tables following grueling workouts. This isn't surprising when you consider that the gym boasts 600 annual members, who enjoy 20% off all spa and salon ser- vices (40% on Thursdays). "It's all about skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding here—so the spa setup speaks to the active life- style we promote at Grand Geneva," explains spa direc- tor John Morris. "And since the spa industry is no longer just about pampering or frivolity, we try to blend our offerings into our overarching message of wellness." Despite its sporty crowd, WELL Spa spares no spa- like fl ourishes. Upon checking in and changing into a robe as white as Wisconsin's snowy plains, I'm offered a handmade piece of Himalayan- salted caramel. Candy at a spa? But wait… my atten- dant explains that Himalayan salt emits negative ions, which she says help to neutralize the anxiety-inducing effects of the positive ions dispersed by modern ma- chinery such as TVs, refrigerators and cell phones. In fact, the spa is almost entirely illuminated by pinkish, crystalline salt lamps—there's one placed in each of its 19 treatment rooms and throughout its communal spaces, casting a dim, cavern-like glow. With some time to spare before my massage, I don my swimsuit, a requirement for a dip in the Himalayan-salted whirlpool. Indeed, the former Playboy embassy keeps things G-rated in both the men's and women's saunas, steam rooms and pool facilities. It's a good thing, because the spa and resort both do considerable business among youngsters and families. Interestingly, the property's "col- orful" history doesn't seem to diminish its family appeal, thanks in no small part to its indoor water park, petting zoo and candy-covered holiday festivals. "We treat our legacy as something nostalgic and historical," Morris ex- plains, adding, "We focus on the era-defi ning music and culture that happened here—in our recording studios and on our stages, as well as on our guest lists." Family is also welcomed at WELL, as shown by its extensive Junior Spa Menu. Offerings include fa- cials and massage (which require swimsuits and the presence of parents), makeup lessons (30 min./$50), personal training sessions (60 min./$50) and even a haircut/style/rock-climbing package (90 min./$65). For those who'd rather keep family and spa time separate, child care is available one fl oor below. A fi tness studio accommodates yoga classes. S p a H o p p i n g 4 1 4 . i n d d 2 8 Spa Hopping 414.indd 28 3 / 7 / 1 4 9 : 4 4 A M 3/7/14 9:44 AM