PEAKLIFE
14-May-2025
Discover the most luxurious things to do in Illinois—from Michelin-starred dining and designer shopping in Chicago to upscale stays and wine tastings in charming towns like Galena and Tonica.
Luxury in Illinois is deeply rooted in its culture, history, and exceptional offerings, reflecting a tradition of craftsmanship, sophistication, and innovation that continues to define its unique identity. From the world's top-rated hotels and wellness programmes to Michelin-starred restaurants and exceptional architecture, Illinois is a destination for creative indulgence.
Luxury Experiences in Illinois
1. Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the world's great opera companies, presenting a fusion of spectacular music and riveting theatre. It is renowned internationally for its artistic excellence and breathtaking productions, featuring many of today's most acclaimed singers, conductors, directors, scenic designers, and more. The beautiful, 3,500-seat theatre is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and is the second-largest opera auditorium in North America with the largest stage in downtown Chicago.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art
One of Chicago's most sophisticated sites, here guests can sip champagne while strolling through the sculpture garden and terrace overlooking Lake Michigan or listen to music while viewing some of the world's most celebrated art.
3. Oak Street Shopping
Oak Street retained its historical brownstone character and intimate scale, combining glamorous style with cosy informality. Today, Oak Street has become an international style centre, housing many of the world's most exclusive boutiques and salons. It is a street that attracts shoppers from all over the world who seek only the best. Oak Street has become a true "destination" with brands such as Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford, amongst other designer brands.
Luxury Accommodation in Illinois
1. Langham Chicago
Perched along the Chicago River, Langham Chicago is a sanctuary of tranquillity in the midst of the city’s vibrant energy. Bring out your inner aristocrat by enjoying high tea, or unwind at the Chuan Spa, an urban oasis that offers holistic treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The hotel's commitment to wellness continues with its in-house restaurant, Travelle.
2. The Peninsula Spa
The Peninsula Spa is the most exclusive and intimate fitness club and spa in the city. Located on the top floor of The Peninsula Hotel, the spa has plenty of natural light, a half Olympic-length pool, and a world-class fitness center. Additionally, overlooking Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue, the hotel’s rooftop Z Bar boasts innovative hand-crafted cocktails and cuisine that showcase global flavours.
3. The St. Regis Chicago
The St. Regis offers 5-star comfort with sleek rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the entire city and views of Lake Michigan. Proximity to the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier make the hotel an ideal location. Miru celebrates the flavours of Japan and is a must-try for gastronomes. For Italian cuisine, Tre Dita is a culinary love letter to Tuscany. Ultimately, step into the hotel spa, a holistic haven, to experience the best of luxury and wellness.
When in Chicago, make sure to visit Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, a classic American steakhouse that offers USDA Prime Steaks, fresh seafood, huge portions, sides large enough to share, impressively enormous desserts and famously large martinis. Moreover, 20 Chicago restaurants have been awarded Michelin star honours for 2024-2025. No Chicago trip would be complete without sampling the multi-course tasting menu at Michelin-starred Alinea.
Luxury in Galena, Illinois
Luxury in Galena blends small-town charm with lavish experiences, from elegant stays to boutique shopping and more and here’s how you can explore the city. Start your day with a glass of French wine or a bottle of German beer with some chicken liver pâté at the Fritz and Frites, a European-style bistro. Head to Galena’s Main Street and feel free to browse more than 125 independently owned shops and restaurants housed in original buildings from the 1800s. A short drive from Main Street, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. offers tastings of select top-shelf spirits. You can also book a private shuttle with Galena Wine Tours for VIP access to Galena’s best wineries for a luxurious wine tasting experience. Set in a charming 1840s farm granary building, this third-generation winery produces 40 wine varieties and offers wine tastings.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Galena, Jail Hill Inn offers gracious lodging for your perfect getaway to Galena. The 135-year-old, 4-storey brick building that served as the county jail for nearly 100 years has now been completely renovated in 2015 with amenities that will thrill any traveller.
Vineyards – Luxury in the Off-the-Beaten Paths of Illinois
Camp Aramoni in Tonica is a luxury campground and event space that's redefining travel in the Midwest. At Camp Aramoni, luxury camping combines exciting camping experiences with the best hotel amenities. Choose from 11 safari-style tents to enjoy the highest level of hospitality wrapped in a secluded natural landscape. Spanning 96 acres of lush forests on a former 19th-century brickyard, Camp Aramoni's lavish accommodations await your discovery just 90 minutes south of Chicago near the picturesque Starved Rock State Park.
Unwind in luxury cabins at Dahinda’s stunning Dragonfly Lakes, where comfort meets the heart of nature. The experience in the northwest part of the state effortlessly blends the great outdoors with luxurious sustainable accommodations.
Image credit: Courtesy of the Illinois Office of Tourism
