Spa at the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino
If youโve been following me for years now, you know I take a quarterly staycation. Thereโs nothing like packing light, not traveling far, and enjoying the beauty in your own backyard.
Where are We Going?
Have you heard of Chicago Southland? I must be living under a rock because I wasnโt familiar at all. Chicago Southland is just beyond the city limits of Chicago and encompasses the south suburbs.
Chicago Southland offers hundreds of amazing festivals and events, 40,000 acres of luscious forestry, 600 holes of top-rated golf, iconic historic downtown shopping districts and some of the best restaurants, breweries and distilleries in the Chicagoland area. The only thing that you canโt do in the Chicago Southland is experience it all in one day! Hence my staycation! (May 2nd – May 3rd)
We started offโฆ
Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios
24760 S Country Lane, Crete IL 60417
Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios
The fine art glass studio was hosting their annual Spring open house. We got to take a private tour and meet the very talented artists. Lotton is celebrating 56 years in business. Since 1970 theyโve been creating hand blown vases, bowls, sculptures, paperweights, perfume bottles, lamps, pendant lighting, as well as chandeliers. The works of art are stunning and we were amazed by all the intricate details enveloped in one piece. If youโre looking for that special custom made gift, definitely check them out. Tidbit: The owner started his career as a salon owner. Itโs never too late to change careers!
Where to Next?
Wind Creek Chicago Southland
17300 S Halsted Street, East Hazel Crest, Illinois
Wind Creek Chicago Southland
If youโre looking for a luxurious escape from the city, Wind Creek Chicago Southland is your spot. The resort/ casino is located about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. This wasnโt my first time at the resort. I went last May for the media preview of Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani new restaurant Alto Steakhouse. However, this was my first time as a hotel guest.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland opened in 2025. The state of the art hotel has over 255 rooms and 43+ suites. Thereโs a pool, fitness center, and a full service luxury spa that spans 11,665 square feet. The 70,000 square foot casino floor opened in 2024. Enjoy 1,412 slot machines, 56 table games, poker room, and the newly opened – Sportsbook. Sportsbook is a high energy, 24/7 destination for sports fans to watch and wager. The space features dual LED video walls streaming up to 16 games, in-person and kiosk betting, plus BYOD tech for seamless mobile-to window wagersโall on the casino floor.
Iโm not a huge gambler, but you know I love me a good bite. Thereโs a wide array of food and beverage offerings which include:
- Alto – Signature Steak House
- Salotto – Upscale after-hours escape tucked inside Alto for drinks, bites, and live music
- Ivory – Asian delicacy meets contemporary execution
- The Spot – Quick-Service American diner classics
- Shuck It – Oyster Bar
- Onsite Banquets
- Starbucks
- Food Bazaar – All you can eat from six restaurants (Abuela Cocina – Latin fare, Bottega – Italian cuisine, Burgersโn Wiches – Gourmet burgers and sandwiches, Salt and Sea – Fresh seafood, Southern District – Authentic Southern Barbecue, Sugar Lips – Decadent treats and desserts).
Alto Steakhouse
After checking into our beautifully decorated hotel room we headed to Alto Steakhouse for dinner, We basically ordered the entire menu. I recommend starting with the oyster rockefeller and follow that up with the delicious baked gnocchi. For my entree I went with the filet mignon and added lump crab, blue cheese, and truffle butter sauce. We ended our meal with a variety of desserts, but my favorite would have to be the tiramisu. If you go on Saturday night thereโs live entertainment. The next day we checked out the Food Bazaar and let me tell you what a great deal! For $24.95 a person itโs all you can eat from six very distinct restaurants. A time was had!
Spa at Wind Creek Chicago Southland
My absolute favorite part of my hotel stay was the full service spa. First off the decor was absolutely stunning and the vibes were serene. I had to take advantage of the huge heated jacuzzi whirlpool before my facial. It was so relaxing! My facial was excellent. I was suffering from some dry spots and hyperpigmentation. The hydrate renew facial had my skin glowing. My makeup was going on with ease the next day.
My friend got the cupping massage. It was her first time receiving that type of treatment and she could feel the detoxification running through her body. Afterwards we both enjoyed the sauna. What a relaxing way to start the day. I highly recommend!
Tidbit: Wind Creek Chicago Southland just officially earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The hotel resort was designed with sustainability at its core, from redeveloping previously used land to incorporating low-emitting materials, advanced water metering, green power, and carbon reduction strategies. The result is a modern entertainment destination that prioritizes environmental responsibility, indoor air quality, and guest and team member wellbeing.
This recognition underscores Wind Creek Hospitalityโs ongoing commitment to responsible development and long-term community impact across its portfolio.
Sunday Fundayโฆ
The Candle Vault
114 Kansas St, Frankfort, IL
The Candle Vault
We ended our staycation with a fun visit to The Candle Vault in Frankfort, IL. First off this town is super cute and I will definitely be back to explore more. Our candle making class was a one of a kind ย experience. Thereโs 100+ premium fragrance oils to choose from and blend together to create your custom scent. The candles are made with natural soy wax, organic cotton wicks, and clean burning fragrance oils. This combination provides the cleanest burn, strongest scent throw, and the longest burn time. Such a great way to explore your creativity on a Sunday afternoon. Tidbit: The Candle Vault used to be a bank. Hence the name and the in store preserved vault.
Am I relaxedโฆ?
I certainly am! Iโm so happy to have discovered Chicago Southland through Visit Chicago Southland. Stay tunedโฆ I plan on having more adventures in the South Burbs. I really want to check out Frankfort, Illinois next. Letโs explore together!
