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Married couples reconnect in cocoon-like surroundings of Sybaris Club

A king-size water bed, recessed lighting, a gas fireplace, a stereo, TV, VCR and CD player, and a whirlpool for two.

And that’s just the basic suite. Work you way up to the most luxurious lair, the Chalet, and that includes: A three-level building with a built-in garage, a 22-foot swimming pool with a beautiful hanging waterfall, steam room, custom-built bed, recessed lighting, four-sided fireplace, whirlpool, pedestal sinks, double large shower and a 10-foot water slide from the loft bedroom into the swimming pool below.

Did we forget: There are no telephones, or windows either, to serve as distractions.

By now it should be clear that Sybaris is about keeping the world on hold by exercising the pleasure principle.

Obviously Sybaris owner and founder Ken Knudson thinks cavorting in cocoon-like cottages with thickly carpeted rooms and mirrored walls, whirlpools, waterfalls, water slides, swimming pools, fireplaces, and – of course – king size water beds is the perfect antidote for marital bliss.

Said Knudson, “It was to provide couples an opportunity, albeit a shot-term one, to remove themselves from the pressures of their everyday world, from the children they worked so hard to raise, from the mayhem in their lives. It was a ‘far-away’ destination located nearby, a place where they could escape from the real world for a few hours or overnight to rejoice in one another, to rekindle their relationship, to become more in touch and in tune with each other.”

But how did it start?

Randell D. Repke, the vice president who was with Knudson from the beginning, said it began with a simple shopping excursion.

“Ken and his wife went shopping at Woodfield and saw a real nice bedroom set,” Repke said. “He took some measurements and it wouldn’t fit into his bedroom, so he decided to build his own.” It was a raised platform bed outlined by lights. A couple of his wife’s friends saw it and wished they had something like it – far away from the kids and the in-laws.

“A light bulb went off in his head,” Repke said. Why not build a place where people can get away from kids and in-laws, but a place where you wouldn’t have to hop a plane? “So we figured we would go out and buy a hotel and try our design. We ended up in Downers Grove.”

Somehow all the Downers Grove rooms got completed and the Northbrook property was added. With it came the swimming pools, set at a constant 92 degrees for fun and frolic. And with Northbrook came the luxurious Chalet. Today, there are 5 luxurious Sybaris locations, including Frankfort Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana and beautiful Mequon Country Inn, just north of Milwaukee Wisconsin.

What Our Guests are Saying

our commitment to the excellence and quality of our guests' experiences is second to none

"It was so relaxing and awesome love it A+++++++"

-the Woosleys

"We love Sybaris! It's so great to get away from the world for a night. The suite is always clean and the chocolate covered strawberries are to die for!"

-Mr. Polomski

"Our stay was amazing!! I walked into the room and on the bed there were rose petals spelled out saying "will you marry me"... best night of my life!! I will never forget that night!! Thanks for making it beautiful."

-Ms. Sellers

"Great Experience. We were going to Champagne Lodge in the past for our getaways. But once we found Sybaris and had a wonderful experience, it is now our go to spot."

-Mr. Rodriguez

"My wife and I had an amazing time. It's definitely the perfect place for a quick getaway and well needed recharge."

-Mr. Fadeyeva

"I loved my stay. My husband surprised me with this little getaway and it was exactly what we needed. We've never felt so comfortable and relaxed in a long, long time and Sybaris did the perfect job of making that happen."

-Mrs. Alkalidy

"My husband and I were pleasantly surprised at how nice the suite was. I was worried that it wasn't going to live up to 'the hype' but it definitely did! We will be returning, no doubt about that!"

-Mrs. Morris

"My wife and I were extremely impressed with the quality and the cleanliness of the suite. All of the features of the room made for an exciting, relaxing evening that was much needed."

-Mr. Illes

OMG!!! Beyond fantastic!!!

-Ms. Holland

"This was the perfect place to celebrate my one year wedding anniversary. Next time I will have to book two nights instead of one. My husband and I didn't want to leave. We will definitely be back."

-Mrs. Leasure

"Sybaris is the perfect place to spend one-on-one time with your spouse. It provides an intimate, uninterrupted venue to getaway from the hustle and bustle and simply enjoy one another."

-Mr. & Mrs. Holmes

"The time we spent together at the Sybaris was priceless. Definitely worth every penny. With all of the luxurious amenities at our disposal we felt like a King and Queen for a night."

-Mr. & Mrs. Maney

"We gave a Sybaris Gift Certificate to a friend for his 30th birthday. It was the hit of the party. And after their getaway they called us to rave about how much they enjoyed the gift."

-Mr. & Mrs. Leon

"Our suite was impeccable. The cleanliness is like no other. Better than any 5-star Resort."

-Mr. & Mrs. Brooks

"Whenever we have a chance to getaway, Sybaris is the only choice for us. You can tell they go to great lengths to provide the ultimate romantic atmosphere. No other hotel offers your very own private swimming pool in your suite."

-Mr. & Mrs. Kimmel

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