From historic architecture and unforgettable dining to the simple pleasure of coffee in bed, Saint John’s Resort offers an elevated escape with all the indulgences of a getaway close to home.
A former Catholic seminary isn’t exactly where one expects to find an indulgent girls’ getaway, complete with fine dining, cocktails, luxurious accommodations, and a little friendly competition on the golf course. Yet Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, makes a compelling case for reimagining what a luxury escape can look like, particularly when historic architecture and modern hospitality share the same address.
Stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, hand-carved woodwork, and cloistered courtyards preserve its former character. At the same time, its transformation into a luxury resort has created a completely different kind of retreat. The surroundings are grand without feeling unapproachable, and the experience invites guests to enjoy the property rather than admire it.
For my latest Chic-cation, my sister joined me for an overnight escape that promised good food, a little relaxation, and time together without the usual distractions of everyday life. What unfolded was a stay filled with memorable culinary experiences, thoughtful hospitality, and a few unexpected pleasures, including a hotel bed that deserves far more praise than hotel beds typically get.
Just 25 minutes outside Detroit, Saint John’s proves that a change of scenery doesn’t necessarily require a change of zip code.
Our evening began at The Wine Grotto, tucked beneath the resort’s original chapel. The intimate space retains its original masonry and architectural details, creating an atmosphere that feels wonderfully removed from the world upstairs. Once part of the property’s religious history, the Grotto has been reimagined into a distinctive dining and wine experience, where the historic setting is as much a part of the appeal as what’s being served.
But Chef Lakisha Harris’s Pan-Seared “Soul” risotto gave me one of the evening’s most memorable culinary moments. Featured exclusively at The Wine Grotto, the dish paired creamy risotto with beautifully pan-seared scallops and crumbled bacon, adding savory depth that elevated every bite. Sophisticated without losing its soul, it’s the kind of dish that belongs in a luxury resort but still feels like home. The flavors were familiar, comforting, and beautifully executed, proving that refinement doesn’t have to come at the expense of warmth.
From there, we made our way to FIVE Steakhouse, where the evening continued with another exceptional dining experience. Executive Chef Terrance Taver delivered a meal that reminded me why a truly memorable dinner is about more than an impressive presentation. My filet mignon and lobster tails were prepared beautifully, offering the kind of indulgence that makes you slow down and appreciate every bite. And the decadent chocolate cake that followed? I’m still thinking about it. Rich, indulgent, and worth every bite, it was a fitting conclusion to an already remarkable evening.
The service was equally memorable. Lindsay and John were exceptional, bringing warmth, attentiveness, and personality without feeling overly formal. That balance matters. Fine dining should feel special, but the best experiences also make you feel comfortable enough to relax, laugh, and enjoy the company across the table. Their hospitality made an already lovely evening feel even more personal.
After dinner, I was ready for another favorite part of any overnight getaway, having absolutely nowhere else I needed to be. Back in our well-appointed guest room, the whirlpool provided the perfect wind-down before slipping into what turned out to be one of my favorite features of the entire stay.
The bed.
Now, I appreciate a beautiful hotel room as much as anyone, but I’ve learned luxury often shows up in details that aren’t immediately obvious. Saint John’s had something I rarely encounter in hotels anymore — proper three-layer bedding. A sheet, a blanket, and a comforter, plus wonderful pillows and a mattress that struck just the right balance between softness and support. It’s a seemingly small detail, but anyone who appreciates a beautifully made bed understands the difference. I slept exceptionally well, and waking up beneath those layers was an experience all its own.
The next morning brought another small indulgence worth mentioning, the in-room Nespresso machine. I’m particular about my coffee, and having a freshly brewed cup without leaving that wonderful bed felt especially luxurious. No rushing to get dressed, no searching for the nearest coffee shop, just a slow morning with good coffee and nowhere I needed to be immediately. Sometimes the most memorable moments of a getaway require the least effort.
Eventually, we traded our room’s comfort for breakfast at FIVE, then headed outdoors to The Cardinal, the resort’s golf course, for a little friendly competition on the putting green. Neither of us needed to be particularly skilled to enjoy ourselves, which was part of the fun. Between the beautiful grounds and the occasional questionable putt, it was an opportunity to laugh, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time together without an agenda.
Our final stop was Doyle’s Irish Pub, where a celebratory dessert and drink brought our overnight escape to a leisurely close. The relaxed atmosphere offered a fitting contrast to the previous evening’s fine dining and showcased another side of the resort’s personality. Saint John’s offers a range of experiences without making guests feel they need to leave the property to find something different.
Beyond its accommodations, Saint John’s is also a destination for visitors who want an exceptional meal or evening out. FIVE Steakhouse, The Wine Grotto, and Doyle’s Irish Pub are open to the community, making the resort just as appealing for date nights, celebrations, and special occasions as it is for an overnight getaway. The property also operates under a humanitarian hospitality model, reinvesting 100 percent of its profits into educational and humanitarian initiatives across Metro Detroit and beyond, adding a meaningful dimension to the experience.
By the time we checked out, I was reminded that a getaway’s value isn’t always measured by how many activities you fit into an itinerary. Sometimes it’s the opportunity to enjoy a beautifully prepared meal without watching the clock, share a few laughs with your sister, soak in a whirlpool, or linger beneath the covers with a really good cup of coffee.
For all its architectural grandeur and elevated amenities, I appreciated most how comfortable Saint John’s made indulgence feel. The experience never demanded that we do more to enjoy ourselves. We could appreciate the history, savor the food, explore the grounds, and still have plenty of room for the simple pleasure of doing nothing at all.
And perhaps that’s what makes Saint John’s such a wonderful Chic-cation destination. It offers the luxury of stepping away from the ordinary while remaining close enough to home that the journey never becomes part of the work. Arrive, settle in, and let the experience unfold.
Experience Saint John’s Resort
Located in Plymouth, Michigan, Saint John’s Resort offers luxury accommodations, dining at FIVE Steakhouse, The Wine Grotto, and Doyle’s Irish Pub, along with golf and other resort amenities. Whether planning a romantic overnight escape, a girls’ getaway, or an evening of exceptional dining, guests can explore accommodations, dining menus, experiences, and reservations at www.saintjohnsresort.com.