A lovely resort near Chicago

From the outside, the sprawling white building, which leads to two towers, looks as if it could be almost anything. But the inside conveys the feeling of a luxurious country retreat.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the stunning three-and-a-half-story glass atrium lobby. The Doral is set on 106 acres of woodland, giving it an out-of-the-city feel, although it is actually located off a residential street in Itasca, Ill.

Frank Lloyd Wright's early-1900s "Prairie" style of architecture and his underlying belief that buildings should express unity, purpose and respect for the surrounding environment have had an obvious influence on the resort's decor and design. The inviting foyer has been lovingly decorated with fine lamps, warmly patterned geometric carpeting and a richly detailed tapestry that hangs over a white stone fireplace.

I stayed in a beautiful suite where I immediately felt relaxed and cozy. The furniture in my room featured rich mahogany and cherry wood, with plush chairs and a sofa that I could sink into. The king-sized bed was topped with lots of comfortable pillows. My only complaint was that it was quite a hike to get to the room from the main building. I was in the farther of the two towers, and I would suggest that those who aren't up for a long walk to and from their room to request one closer to the main lobby.

When I felt too lazy to walk to the dining room I had room service send up breakfast, and was very content with my delicious meal of a mushroom-and-sausage omelet that arrived in a picnic basket.

Executive chef Greg Angeles is making his mark by coming up with new recipes that combine various influences, including his own Hawaiian background. Burnham's, the main dining room, has a show kitchen in the center of the restaurant. A nice spread, including soup, salads and tasty entrees, is served.

A not-to-be-missed part of the Doral experience is a newly built 10,000-square-foot spa. It offers a wide variety of treatments, including massage, body wraps and scrubs. A salon offers nail services and waxing. For those who want to work out as well as feel pampered, there is a state-of-the-art fitness facility where classes in yoga, tai chi and meditation are offered.

Being so close to Chicago is a wonderful bonus. You can choose to stay at the resort and find plenty to do to keep busy and entertained. Or you can head into Chicago and spend a day or two checking out an exciting city that has some of the world's finest architecture.

A great way to take it all in is through Wendella Boat Tours, which are led by architectural experts. They point out various skyscrapers and tell the stories behind them as you glide along the Chicago River. I also recommend an outing to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in the suburb of Oak Park. Before my visit I had a very vague sense of what was meant by the Prairie style of design. But after the tour of Wright's first home and studio, I was able to enjoy the decor of the hotel on an entirely different level.

On my second day at the resort, I tried the thermal mineral kur, one of the spa's signature treatments. Based on a centuries-old European tradition of using mud, healing waters and light massage therapy, this treatment is known for its relaxing effects.

I was impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the Doral staff, who were obviously proud of their resort. Whether you want a nice place to stay while touring Chicago or just have fun at a resort that is a destination in itself, the Doral offers a great getaway experience.

IF YOU GO ...

Doral Eaglewood Resort & Spa

1401 Nordic Road

Itasca, Ill.

Toll free: 1-877-285-6150

www.doraleaglewood.com

Wendella Boats: Chicago's Original Narrated Boat Tours

www.wendellaboats.com, 312-337-1446

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, Ill.

708-848-1976

Neilia Sherman contributed to this article. Courtney Caldwell is editor in chief of American Woman Road & Travel magazine. For more information, visit at www.roadandtravel.com.