12 hours ago
Where To Find Wellness In Downtown Chicago And On The Magnificent Mile
Metaphysical wellness with the New Moon Ritual, poolside, at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
My grandmother was raised in Chicago, and I can always feel her spirit brush against me whenever I'm there. Chicago is my 'Second City'—second, that is, only to a lifelong love affair with New York. But I never knew there was so much wellness in downtown Chicago, in unique and expected ways.
On my last trip to the Windy City, I finally made it to the renowned Second City comedy club for the first time, and it was well worth a visit, which is no surprise! It was a perfect time to visit because as my grandmother used to say, 'Laughter is the best medicine.'
And nothing is more healing in these troubled times than a good laugh. That night, at Second City, I laughed until I cried. It felt so good that I actually (briefly!) considered a career in standup. I could go to improv school, why not? Ultimately, I decided to just park that idea on a quiet side of my brain for now.
But finding that quiet isn't easy these days, which is why it's so important to find your way to wellness, even for an hour or two. Wellness means so much more than massage or meditation, but either of those, of course, can be a great start. Also, booking a meal with a friend, or visiting an amazing art museum, such as The Art Institute of Chicago, even if you only have an hour. Wellness can be physical, emotional, spiritual, soulful, cultural–seeking out and experiencing joy and self-care is an incomparable respite from stress.
Whether you're in town for work or play, consider carving out a bit of time to relax and show yourself some love, Chicago-style. Here are a few premier places to catch a wellness respite.
Waldorf Astoria lap pool
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf's front exterior, with its cobblestone drive and bright indigo awnings, conjures just a little bit of Paris in Chicago.
If you want to spend an afternoon, book a spa treatment which entitles you to access a sauna, jacuzzi, lap pool and fitness center. 'No cell phone' signs abound, and the Waldorf Astoria Spa is, indeed, intended for deep relaxation. Apres-treatment, the Relaxation Lounge is a perfect place to chill with a glass of complimentary champagne and chocolates. (Throughout the summer, from Thursday through Saturday, the Clicquot Courtyard, a partnership with Veuve Clicquot, is a lovely spot to enjoy a charcuterie board, a bit of bubbly and live music surrounded by a splash of Veuve yellow pillows and champagne flutes.)
For those who are spiritually or metaphysically inclined, book the monthly New Moon Ritual program. Starting with a crystal meditation, led by Chicago-based healer Effie Kalaitzidis, the program takes place over the full moon and features a host of seasonal self-care rituals linking astrology with exercises in self-reflection, followed by a Tarot-card reading.
Bring a friend and stay for dinner at the Brass Tack, an American brasserie and bar with a French inflection, great cocktails and a menu that includes classics that range from oysters, shrimp cocktail, Waldorf salad to striped bass, salmon, lamb chops, along with vegetarian and vegan dishes such as 'scallops' made from trumpet mushrooms and a salad sourced from local greens. Background jazz plays at a perfect volume: it's enjoyable, but guests can still carry on a conversation.
Chuan Spa Spirit Suite at the Langham Chicago The Langham Chicago Asian Inspired Wellness
The Langham Chicago
The Langham is a Michelin two-key property, so it's no surprise that the Asian-inspired Chuan Spa is a standout, a lovely spot that offers topnotch spa treatments.
The spa decor is modern and luxurious, and everything on offer is designed to be utterly relaxing. Plus, it is rich in additional amenities that make it a great place to while away an afternoon. Try the herbal sauna, Himalayan salt stone sauna, special experience shower, and heated relaxation lounge chairs before–and after–a treatment. The 67-foot pool is stunning, and relaxing in the hydro-vitality tub will melt stress away.
The Langham is conceived of as a resort in the city and has partnered with Harborside International Golf Center to provide guests with a round of golf (18 holes), lunch at Harborside's Restaurant, and more. The concierge will also book behind-the-scenes tours of The Art Institute, mixology classes, a private cinema for movie night, a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio, an on-property jazz club, Chicago helicopter tour, and a private meet and greet with the penguins at The Shedd Aquarium.
Sneak out of your conference and explore the city on a complimentary electric bike, a partnership with Specialized x Pendry Chicago. Christian Horan Photography Water Wellness
Pendry Chicago
A younger, hipper sister to Montage International, its parent brand, the Pendry Chicago, in the beloved Art Deco Carbon & Carbide Building, is full of delightful surprises. The Bar Pendry is one of the coziest hangouts in Chicago and may just have the best burger in town. (Indulge in a house martini while you're at it, which comes with olives stuffed with caviar.) Discover Ventoux, a French brasserie and raw bar–with delicious breakfast pastries and coffee, and outdoor seating. High up on the 24th floor, Chateau Carbide, a rooftop cocktail bar surrounded by skyscrapers, is a great little hideaway.
Pendry Chicago has partnered with Aire Ancient Baths in the West Loop, where guests can relax and soak in a soothing atmospheric subterranean bath house. Soft lighting, eucalyptus-tinged steam, massage and a range of wellness offerings themed around water round out the uniquely relaxing experience. The hotel offers a printed Wellness Menu with a selection of equipment that can be rented on a 24-hour basis to ease in recovery. Wellness rentals include recovery jet boots, a wave roller, go mat, among many more, to be enjoyed in the comfort and privacy of your spacious room.
The Gold Lounge at Fairmont Chicago DANIEL KELLEGHAN Wellness with Intention
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
A hotel grande dame, the Fairmont Chicago is well loved by travelers who appreciate classic creature comforts and great service. The rooms are bright, spacious and comfortable, some with picture windows that frame Millennium Park, a pretty pocket park, and a slice of Lake Michigan. Fairmont Chicago is not new but it offers something that is, perhaps, better than spanking newness: it is tried and true, always warm and welcoming. The Gold Floor, essentially a hotel within the hotel, offers access to private check in, dedicated concierge service, daily breakfast, appetizers, desserts and a full honor bar. The hotel features a house car for short distances, which comes in handy.
At Toro, the Latin American restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Richard Sandoval, every night is a party, with dancers and live drumming. The theatrical ambiance features a range of delicious grilled meats, ceviche and aguachile, along with (literally) fiery drinks and desserts.
The entrance to the Fairmont Leaf Spa features the Wish Tree, a place to stop, set intentions and breathe in the unique spa scent of relaxation, recognizable to anyone who has ever been to a spa. A variety of special treatments and practices include candlelight sound bowl healing, guided meditation and intention setting class, lavender love massage (designed to open the heart chakra and calm the nervous system with essential oils, crystals and a tuning fork), mindful meditation massage and an Ayurvedic dosha detox body treatment, plus a full range of facials.
About Last Knife, the vibey restaurant at the Arlo Chicago, where fun special events build community. The Arlo Chicago Meditative Wellness
Arlo Chicago
The Arlo is a cozy hotel, and I don't mean that as a euphemism for small. Granted, the spaces are not large and there is not an endless menu of amenities. But it is all done very well–designed for comfort, ease and a laidback experience in the landmark 1916 Atlantic Bank Building.
Rooms are well-lit, stylish and comfortable, with windows that let in lots of natural light. Guests are greeted with fortune cookies in the room, and stamped postcards to send messages to friends and family. The restaurant, About Last Knife, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full bar that offers a Happy Hour (known here as 'Lucky Hour') from three to seven every weeknight (that's right, a four-hour Happy Hour!). Hearty dishes range from a signature French onion soup, to healthy food choices such as hummus, veggie burgers. The in-room wellness menu, in partnership with Alomoves, features a selection of classes that includes mindful meditation, sound bath, and yoga, with mats in the room, and guests can also access a free 30-day membership to Alomoves.
Located near Lake Michigan, the Arlo offers jogging paths, complimentary bike passes and nearby access to a stroll through Millennium Park. In the spirit of fostering community, there is bingo night, live jazz, and a Post-It sharing board where guests can leave messages during their stay.
The Art Institute of Chicago. Modern Wing Entrance and Modern Shop. The Art Institute of Chicago Cultural Wellness
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago doesn't have a lot of museums, but it's a clear case of quality over quantity, because Chicago museums are topnotch. When I feel anxious or stressed, it always helps me to wend my way to a museum. And The Art Institute of Chicago is one of my favorite art museums in the world, a great place to feel uplifted by wellness in downtown Chicago. Not to be overlooked, The Field Museum is Chicago's version of New York's American Museum of Natural History, and the star attraction is Sue, the T. Rex. Sue is physically the largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered. Gaze in awe!
