Nestled in the lush green wilderness overlooking Table Rock Lake, Stonewater Cove Resort and Club sits in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest on nearly 500-acres filled with hand-crafted trails, hidden alcoves, moss-covered rock formations and untamed animals. The secluded resort in the Missouri foothills showcases a stunning stone and wood lodge and 18 individually designed rooms or suites that bring the essence of the untouched wilderness into a spacious, peaceful room or suite with the ultimate in luxe amenities. Here guests can embark on an adventure with outdoor activities that test their limits and then retire to rest, relax and be pampered in the beautiful surroundings.

Just opened in mid-2008, Stonewater is the culmination of years of dreams, hard work and dedication from the creative and gifted Bond family: father, Jim; mother, Ruth; daughters, Randi and Kristi; and son, James. Each has played a vital role in turning this family’s vision into a reality. Jim, the owner and general manager, designed the Lodge as a beacon of luxury on Table Rock Lake while Ruth spent hours meticulously decorating each room to ensure that upscale amenities gently meld with the rustic outdoors. James, the resort’s director of sales and development, spent many a summer day canvassing the property – even wielding an axe himself to build a wooden fence. Kristi, after being drawn into the resort planning at family get-togethers, now uses her business expertise as the resort’s operations manager.

“Our family wanted to create a place that offers a collection of all that made vacationing at our favorite resorts from around the world the best. We got lucky and found one of the most beautiful pieces of land on Table Rock Lake and thought ‘What better way to manifest the best of all our travels than to invite guests right into our dreams of the absolute perfect vacation,’” said Randi, the oldest sister who relies upon her artistic talents and creative flair as director of marketing and creative/branding.

As holiday guests arrive at Stonewater Cove, thousands of twinkling lights illuminates the entrance road, which winds its way through a grassy pasture lined with endless trees. Friendly staff greets guests, valet their car and bring their luggage to the room. This leaves time to walk through the Lodge’s gorgeous wooden entrance doors, which display a hand-carved picture of a bald eagle sailing over Table Rock Lake while a bass makes a lazy jump in the waters. Then, tour the magnificent Lodge and marvel at its stunning fireplaces – surrounded with polished and glazed preserved driftwood standing 20-feet tall – and the beautiful seasonal decorations from pine-scented trees to more glittering holiday lights. Meander down the stairs to the Lounge, a friendly, inviting area perfect for relaxing with friends, reading a book or savoring a traditional holiday cocktail.

Guests can then settle in to an individually designed room, with coffered ceilings, handsome dark wood floors and custom-made driftwood furniture; perfectly scented with crisp air, fresh trees and a hint of cedar. Sink into the high-thread count sheets, alternative down comforters and thick coverlets. Or, don a plush terry bath robe and ease into your separate bath with knotty alder cabinets, solid hand-stained oak and cedar trim, a heavenly bubble tub and a rainfall shower room. The rooms also feature flat-screen televisions with satellite cable, complimentary wireless internet access, a mini-refrigerator with an ice-maker, as well as coffee and teas.

Start and end the day with the Lodge restaurant’s fabulous culinary creations – focused on traditional holiday fare during this festive time of year. Each day, the chef designs a new, eclectic menu so that guests are tempted with a variety of delectable offerings throughout their stay. Breakfast features fresh fruit and a delicious assortment of pastries, or savor your made-to-order meal in the restaurant. Dinner may feature such creative delights as crisp young duckling with apricot glaze or honey, ginger and soy marinade teriyaki glazed salmon – with a delectable finale of cherries flambé prepared at the table. Planning to be exploring the charming wilderness most of the day? Boxed lunches, complete with fresh, cold-cut sandwiches or wraps, are available for guests.

Nature-lovers can enjoy any number of activities in the enchanting, untarnished forest that will fast become a playground for children of every age. Professional and friendly guides escort guests on the resort’s popular ATV tour – a thrilling, bumpy, wild ride through the rolling landscape and beautiful trees. Guests can also sail through the air on zip-lines or work with friends, family or teammates to master a ropes course. A nature discovery or photography hike can expose the hidden wonders of the wilderness. Sneak in some fishing in the quiet waters of Table Rock Lake or take a boating excursion and view the vast beauty of the lake and Mark Twain National Forest. In warm weather, water enthusiasts can wakeboard, hone their water ski skills, or ride a tube as leisurely or wildly as they dare.

Book a stay with Stonewater Cove’s Season’s Greetings in the Wilderness package and receive a three-night, four-day stay, along with a three-hour ATV tour and zip-line adventure, a bottle of wine in your room upon arrival, two glasses of Champagne and all meals, including three formal dinners. The package starts at $2,010 per couple; stays for children under 5 are complimentary. Extra nights start at $297 per night. For more information about Stonewater Cove Resort, or to make a reservation, visit the website at www.stonewatercove.com or call (800) 792-3956.

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