By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

Indian Oak Inn and The Waterbird are familiar Chesterton landmarks, but many are not aware of the impressive changes that have occurred here.

Waterbird Lakeside Inn and Spa, is the multi-million dollar “West Wing” of what once was all Indian Oak Inn Resort. (The “southeast wing” is now a Best Western motel.)

“We sold the 60 rooms (on the southeast) so that we could afford to create this,” said Robin Chubb, general manager of the Waterbird Lakeside Inn and Spa.

The entrance to Waterbird Lakeside Inn and Spa, is small, but dramatic, with a light-oak staircase, with railings designed with unusual, wrought-iron spindles, that curves up toward the second floor relaxing area. The expanse is open on one side, with a wall of windows on the other side facing the lake. A fireplace is located in a corner, so as not to obstruct the outdoor view. On this day, the lake is partially frozen, so the fireplace comfy chairs and sofas make one appreciate the wintery scene outside, while being toasty warm inside.

“All of our rooms have a view of the lake,” Robin continued, as she relaxed in one of the overstuffed leather chairs in this generous room with a cathedral ceiling.

There is a second relaxation room on the first floor, where clients are led to wait to be called upon for their appointments. Unlike typical waiting rooms, this one has comfortable lounge chairs, a view of the lake and a “cozy” atmosphere. There are a total of 11 spa treatment rooms.

Entry to the pedicure/manicure room is off this room, as is the hair salon. Down the hall are a couple of massage therapy rooms, luxurious and comfortable. Massage therapy offerings include Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone. Clients also can choose to have dual massages.

“Dual massages are very popular,” said Elizabeth Cooper, a physical therapist who has been a massage therapist for four years.

Clients also have seven choices for the types of facials offered and six choices for types of body treatments. Eminence, handmade organic skin care of Hungary, is the preferred product used at this spa.

“The product is so pure you can eat it,” Robin said. The Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque makes one keep wanting to sample it,” she said.

Also on the first floor, is the pool room. A brick fireplace is in a corner and two pools, one a whirlpool and the other a plunge pool take center focus. The plunge pool is small, but a swimmer can exhaust himself swimming against the current in the plunge pool. Also, clients can opt for a sauna, which is located off of the pool area and a sundeck.

“We have a lot of people who come here for a weekend retreat,” Robin explained, adding that the spa and rooms are for adults only.

The staff includes five massage therapists, three estheticians, two nail technicians and one hair stylist.

There are 20 lakeview rooms, whirlpool and fireplace specialty rooms with DH LCD televisions and DVD players, all with private balconies and WiFi Internet access, CD clock radios and complimentary breakfast.

“We have all new bedding. Sheets are premium 800- thread count, made of Egyptian cotton,” she said.

Meeting rooms are available as are banquet facilities. The Waterbird banquet facility also has been remodeled.

Meals and refreshments are custom designed including full meal packages, gourmet dinners, casual lunches and refreshments including full bar service.

“What makes us unique is we are able to accommodate two to fifty guests at a time. We have a pool, relaxation areas, catered lunch time and internet available. What makes us different is Spa guests have full use of the facility. We have showers and changing rooms and robes are provided. Guests can pre-order lunch. They can have five hours of solid therapy and can stay overnight,” Robin said.

WaterBird Lakeside Spa is located at 556 Indian Boundary Rd. Spa hours are Sunday and Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

It is recommended Spa services be scheduled several weeks in advance.

For more information, call 928-1501 or visit

www.waterbirdinn.com

Posted 12/18/2007