My better half and I always say we would move to Chicago in a heartbeat. We love the relaxed mood of the city, its proximity to the lakeshore, the grand buildings, all of the unique neighbourhoods, each with their own list of ­must-visit restaurants and shops.  Of course, there are the Windy City winters—something we experienced first-hand, during the second weekend of spring. The cold wind, rain, and snow didn’t seem so unbearable once we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel on the 11th through 30th floors of Water Tower Place, located just off of bustling Michigan Avenue. It had all that we needed to enjoy our beloved city while staying dry, warm, and incredibly comfortable. ­

When we walked into our 20th floor suite (one of 91 suites the hotel has to offer), the first thing we noticed were the extra-large picture windows. Pouring rain, set against a backdrop of Lake Michigan, the famed John Hancock tower, and other Chicago landmarks, looked magical from that perspective. It made us want to stay in and just watch the elements take over the city. And with the exception of stepping out for dinner at Le Lan, a French-Vietnamese restaurant a short cab ride away, a quick shopping trip, and nightcaps at The Greenhouse, The Ritz-Carlton’s café and lounge, that’s exactly what we did.

The suite itself was equally conducive to staying in. The Ritz-Carlton will unveil the first phase of a multi-million dollar restyling of its guestrooms and suites at the beginning of May. Our suite was already remodeled, so we had a sneak peek at what all guests can soon expect. The updated design blends contemporary with traditional; for example, large-yet-subtle graphic patterned wall coverings and carpets are juxtaposed with regency and deco furnishings. Framed images of Chicago’s famous architecture—captured by celebrated local photographers—echoed our views. The flat screen televisions in the bedroom and living room, however, were perfect for catching up on HBO flicks. Another notable detail is environmental sensitivity; all rooms are outfitted with compact fluorescent lighting, which is reflective of The Ritz-Carlton Chicago’s Green Seal Certification.

After a long sleep in a plush bed appointed with soft, white linens, Adam and I headed downstairs to The Spa at the Carlton Club. I had the Four Seasons In One signature treatment, a super-moisturizing journey that, as the name suggests, took me through the four seasons. Winter involved a cooling peppermint scrub, followed by a warming floral wrap that smelled like spring. The scent from the summery cocoa vanilla shea oil mixture filled the air as I got a relaxing full-body massage, and the treatment ended an herbal scalp treatment done with clove oil—a reminder of crisp, cool autumn. My dry skin was sloughed away, and a softer version of me floated back up to our room. Adam was not far behind. He had a Signature aromatherapy massage—a combination of Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology techniques—and appeared as if he had just woken up from the most delicious power nap.

The weather made it difficult to shop, but since the Water Tower Place is an elevator ride away, I didn’t have to go outside to get my fix. Among the collection of shops is Cusp by Neiman Marcus, a trendy boutique version of the department store perfect for snapping up a last-minute outfit. Don’t miss Aritzia, an upscale Canadian chain with of-the-moment pieces by Talula, Vena Cava, and Mackage. Forgot your eau de toilette? There are many replacement options at C.O. Bigelow. And if there’s a little one traveling with you, don’t miss American Girl Place, which just opened a shop in the complex (complete with a doll hair salon and photo studio!) Next time I’m in town, I’ll be sure to visit the new and expanded Barneys New York nearby. And since I adore First Lady Michelle Obama’s style, I’ll also visit one of her hometown favourites: Maria Pinto Boutique.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is currently offering a package to celebrate the completion of the redesign. Aptly named “The Restyle Package,” it includes accommodations in one of the luxe new rooms, complimentary breakfast for two, a makeup restyle from Chanel, Dior, or Lancôme Paris at Macy’s Water Tower Place, and a Macy’s personal shopping experience, starting at $395. The package also includes admission for two to the new Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago—another favourite Chi-town venue we could frequent many times over.

Rates start at $325.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 East Pearson Street at Water Tow­er Place
Chicago, Illinois
60611-2308
Phone: (312) 266-1000
Reservations: (312) 573-5100

Sofia Galadza is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York.