The Sybaris Story
By Ken Knudson, Sybaris Founder
In 1974, my wife brought to my attention a romantic bedroom set she had seen in the new Woodfield Shopping Mall. We both fell in love with the set and had one installed in our home. On three separate occasions, my wife’s friends made identical statements of ” I wish I had something like this hidden from the kids and the in-laws.” It was so obvious that married couples had no such place to escape to. That very moment, Sybaris was born and within twenty-four hours, we were already buying a piece of property to begin the Sybaris adventure.
Named for an ancient Greek city in Southern Italy dating back to 500 BC, the ancient Sybaris was noted for its wealth and luxury. Inhabitants of Sybaris (the Sybarites) were known to be devoted to luxury and sensuous pleasure; the phrase “a bed of roses” derives from the Sybaritic custom of filling the bed and pillows with rose petals before couples shared moments of intimacy.
The Concept
The concept became a reality in December 1974 with the opening of the first Sybaris in Downers Grove, IL. ” A magical place where couples could shed the stress of daily life and reacquaint themselves with love. An oasis of privacy … no windows, no phones. A special place dedicated to the enhancement of romantic marriage.”
The response to Sybaris was overwhelming. So many couples wanted-needed-the Sybaris experience. In 1981, 5.5 acres of land was acquired in Northbrook, IL and the second Sybaris was born. The Northbrook Sybaris contains 38 private cottages and is the largest location in the chain.
Beginning with simple whirlpool suites, the Sybaris concept slowly grew to include swimming pool suites containing waterfalls, steam rooms and fireplaces. Finally, in 1987, with the addition of the Chalet, a three-story suite complete with swimming pool, waterfall, steam room, gas fireplace and a bedroom overlooking the pool, the Sybaris family of suites became complete.
Expansion Continues
In 1992, Sybaris opened in Mequon, WI, a quiet suburb just north of Milwaukee. This location evolved out of a 150-year-old farmhouse and a 35-year-old motel. The original motel rooms were converted into Country Whirlpool Suites. Although not true “Sybaris Suites,” they are reminiscent of a country inn with antique reproduction furniture. Three quad-room buildings and two Chalets were added to the property – creating a total of 30 Sybaris Suites. Sybaris added one additional quad unit in March 1997.
In 1993, the Frankfort location opened with 22 suites. Modeled after the Mequon Sybaris, the Frankfort location uses a 100-year-old farmhouse as its central office and is surrounded by the five quad-room buildings and two Chalets.
In April 1998, Sybaris expanded to a new market in Indianapolis, Indiana. The office is a one-of-a-kind building designed by a well-known regional architect. Around it, there are 22 individual cottages.
Currently, there are over 120 suites that are visited by more than 50,000 couples each year. Sybaris Clubs now has over 250,000 members.
A Lasting Legacy
On January 30, 2006, Sybaris suffered a heartbreaking loss when founder Ken Knudson passed away in a tragic airplane crash. Ken was more than a leader … he was a dreamer who believed in creating extraordinary moments for couples everywhere.
His legacy lives on through the Sybaris team, many of whom grew up under Ken & Char’s guidance. Together, they remain devoted to his vision: delivering the perfect romantic experience to every guest, every time.
Char & Ken Knudson
This vintage Sybaris brochure is a treasured piece of history, capturing the vision and passion of our founder, Ken Knudson. Within its pages, guests are welcomed into the original dream of Sybaris … a private sanctuary where couples could escape the pressures of daily life and rediscover intimacy.
The brochure features personal testimonials and reflections from Ken Knudson himself, sharing the inspiration behind Sybaris and his belief that every couple deserves a romantic retreat devoted entirely to love. Alongside evocative imagery of the early suites, Ken’s words convey the heart of what made Sybaris unique: privacy, luxury, and an unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. More than just a brochure, it is a snapshot of the early Sybaris story – a reminder of where we began and a celebration of the enduring dream that continues to guide us today.
