Great Escapes Links:

Discover the Beauty of Lake Arrowhead
By Patricia Bradford Rambo II

Lake Arrowhead has a history as vast as the whispering pines that encompass this majestic area.

Many wealthy and private people have long found this rim of the world to be a secret getaway for more than a hundred years. What originally began as an environmental solution to the irrigation needs of the San Bernardino area in the late 1800s ended up becoming a private lake and an extraordinary escape for the rich and famous due to the 1920s purchase of the area by J.B. Van Nuys.

The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa embraces the natural habitat of the area in every way imaginable.

Incredible sunsets, lake views, and personal attention are at every turn. Wild animals from black bears, deer, foxes and most notably the beautiful blue jay can be spotted at any moment. A recent $20 million renovation has transformed this luxurious getaway into a palace of solace a mile high in the San Bernardino National Forest. Nothing has been overlooked in the elegance of this resort.

Upon entering the spacious and inviting lobby, the gracious staff immediately makes one feel that their every need will be taken to heart. The elegantly rustic atmosphere offers the feel of a high mountain retreat mixed with the earthiness of a hunting lodge. A gorgeous stone fireplace graces the lobby and is adorned by cozy high back leather chairs, which offer a respite to gather with friends and family, warm your hands, and enjoy a hot cocktail. An outdoor deck juts out above the private lake beckoning your soul to relax.

The 173 guestrooms are generously sized, furnished with the finest Anichini linens and feature views of the surrounding lake and alpine forest. The bathrooms are elegant and call out for a moment alone to relax in a bubble bath. The resort has forgotten nothing when it comes to the comfort of its guests, including 32-inch swiveling plasma televisions and private open air, full sized balconies to enjoy nature.

The spa on the property is appropriately named, “The Pines” and is nestled in a quiet area of the Alpine property that combines a harmony of nature, local history, and nature-based spa treatments once used by the Serrano Indians some 1,500 years ago in these very same mountains. Upon entering the The Pines, a spa attendant will offer to have you sit back in the quiet room and sip a cup of herbal tea with a warm peppermint facial towel to rejuvenate your senses. To complete a fully satisfying experience for guests and members alike, enjoy one of the many exercise classes, soak in the indoor hot tub, or relax with your spouse with a couples massage before returning to the rest of the world.

Lake Arrowhead Resorts flagship restaurant is BIN189. The fine dining establishment offers a sleek atmosphere with a rustic, but sophisticated edge. The inviting entrance displays a floor to ceiling glass-encased monument of the extensive wine selection designed to appease any palate. Just beyond is an exquisite bar and restaurant area adorned with moose antler chandeliers and serene lake front views. BIN189 features fresh, indigenous foods including mountaintop fare such as venison and trout.

Shopping, golf and of course skiing are all a stone’s throw away. The concierge at the Lake Arrowhead resort can make all of the arrangements for you and your guests to make your stay complete in every way. The elegant peaceful resort is situated a mile high in the San Bernardino National Forest and is one of the most exquisite respites one can find just outside of the congested city life that lies below.

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is located at 27984 Highway 189 in Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352. For reservations: 800.800.6792 or visit them on the web at:
www.laresort.com

back to top