Relaxing Spa Weekend Getaway
There’s no better place in Illinois to relax and unwind than Peoria. Best known for its riverfront views and more than 9,000 acres of parks, Peoria is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a little while. Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxing vacation with our ‘36 hours in Peoria Spa Weekend Getaway’ itinerary:
DAY ONE
EVENING | The 4-star Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel (501 Main Street Peoria, IL 61602) is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing weekend getaway. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, you’ll have easy access to everything there is to do, eat, and see in Peoria, plus all the benefits that come with staying in a luxury hotel. Pull into the parking garage entrance at the back of the hotel on Fulton St., find a spot, and make your way to the front desk to check in. The historic Pere Marquette hotel was originally built in 1926 and has been beautifully restored and modernized several times over the years, most recently in 2022.
You may want to just crawl into bed and drift off to sleep when you see the fluffy pillows and touch the impossibly soft bed linens, but there’ll be time for that later.
In a city known for its classic pub fare, Rhythm Kitchen (305 S.W. Water St. Peoria, IL 61602) offers something a little different. The family-run restaurant shares their spin on New Orleans’ dishes like Shrimp Creole, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Crawfish Etouffee, and BBQ Shrimp and Grits. They also offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. You’ll only catch live music on Tuesdays, but don’t worry the Nola good times vibes are still to be had on Friday nights. Be sure to save room after dinner for their special house made desserts!
DAY TWO
MORNING | Start the day with Yoga in the Park hosted by the Peoria Park District every Saturday morning at 8 AM from June through September at rotating parks around the city, or try a class at one of our many local studios including Soulside Healing Arts (1311 SW Adams St. Suite D Peoria, IL 61602) or Jacaranda (5832 N Knoxville Ave Suite D1 Peoria, IL 61614). Classes are typically an hour long so you will have time to grab breakfast at Intuition Coffee (734 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602) before heading to Senara (2208 W Willow Knolls Dr Peoria, IL 61614) for your spa day! In addition to espresso drinks, teas, smoothies and cold pressed juices, Intuition Coffee serves some of the best pastries and fancy toasts in the city. Pair a Cortado with their Cream Cheese Toast loaded with mixed berries, basil, and honey on a thick-cut toasted slice of sourdough bread from Le Bakery (4700 N. University Street 14A Peoria , IL 61614). Need more of a boost? Their cold-pressed Pinky’s Up shot has ginger, pineapple, watermelon, and pitaya powder packed with antioxidants to energize you.
The wellness and tranquility journey continues at Senara, the premier day spa in the Greater Peoria Area. Choose from several available packages, like their popular Rejuvenate Packages which includes an 80-minute deep tissue massage, and 80-minute Senara Signature Facial, and an 50-minute Himalayan Salt Detox Wrap, or build your own spa day from their full menu of services. Be sure to call in advance as they do book up! From the moment you walk in the door at Senara to the moment you leave, you will feel completely pampered. Senara is an oasis of serenity.
AFTERNOON | Continue your relaxation journey with some local shopping at Indie Gift House (6001 Knoxville Ave Suite Suite 107 Peoria IL 61615), a delightfully curated gift shop full of local treasures. Buy a souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone you love before you head down to One World Cafe (1245 W. Main St. Peoria , IL 61606) for a late lunch. Have a crisp, fresh Psychedelic salad or opt for something heartier like their Balsamic Citrus Salmon or Eggplant Lasagna. There’s no bad option on the menu!
Grab a bottle of water to go and head over to Luthy Botanical Gardens (2520 N. Prospect Rd. Peoria, IL 61603). This small but beautifully maintained garden is one of the nicest spots downtown for a relaxing stroll. Be sure to check out the fountains and greenhouse as you walk the grounds.
EVENING | Head back to the Pere Marquette for some more R&R or take advantage of some of the hotel amenities like the indoor swimming pool or hot tub.
When you're feeling hungry again, 2 Chez (7815 North Knoxville Ave Suite 5 Peoria, IL 61614) offers a fun and relaxing bistro-style ambience with outstanding food and full bar. Or, if you’d prefer something more walkable, Jim’s Steakhouse (110 S.W. Jefferson St. Peoria, IL 61602) is just a 5-minute walk away and offers old school supper club vibes worth checking out. Some call it the unofficial museum of Peoria.
DAY THREE
MORNING | Before you hit the road, snag a street-side table at Thyme Kitchen and sample their brunch menu. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Southern Grits and Eggs are both standout dishes that will leave you feeling happy, stress-free, and ready to book your next trip to Peoria soon!
