Family-Owned Lodge on the Lake of the Ozarks

Just beyond lush trees along the fairway, as golfers walk toward the green of hole three at The Cove golf course, they'll see how the track juts out like a peninsula into the glittering Lake of the Ozarks. It's one of the many instances of The Lodge of Four Seasons—its inviting 3,500-acre campus featuring two on-site championship golf courses—integrating the rich surrounding landscape into its aesthetic and design. A stroll through the lobby reveals exclusive artwork from emerging artists—a hint of The Lodge's commitment to artisan craftsmanship throughout its cozy accommodations.

In the Main Lodge, guestrooms are appointed with country-style décor and exotic blonde-wood furnishings produced in Guadalajara, Mexico. The chamber's earthy color palette complements the natural beauty that lies beyond the rooms' floor-to-ceiling windows, and a king bed or two queen or double beds rest regally atop thick carpeting. Alternatively, sojourners can opt for the homey comforts of The Residences at The Lodge—which outfits its condo-style suites with one or two bedrooms and full kitchen amenities—for an additional fee ($140–$340).

Three restaurants reside on site, including HK's Restaurant & Grille, an upscale steak-and-seafood restaurant poised for views of the hotel's lush Japanese gardens, and Breezes, which dishes up complimentary daily buffet breakfast. On Saturdays in autumn, The Lodge leads hayrides along the lake (valid through Nov. 5), followed by a lakeside bonfire, and each participant takes home a free pumpkin. The five-course Oktoberfest dinner on October 29 ($49/person) includes a tasting of Schlafly beer, a St. Louis microbrewery. To ring in the holiday season, kids can exchange lumps of coal for flapjacks at Breakfast with Santa on December 10.

Lake Ozark: Beautiful Hill Country with Outdoor Adventures

Along the centerpiece waterfront, The Lodge's championship golf course blankets more than 6,500 yards of emerald tracks. The Cove—a newly renovated par 71 course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.—opens up swingers to undulating fairways, 65 bunkers, manicured greens, and pedicured caddies.

Located 20 miles away, Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park leads one-hour tours that show off stalactites, stalagmites, towering columns, and the crystalline Mystery Lake.