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Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - Everyone wants to relax, but relaxing means different things to different types of people. Some define it as lazing in a chair and reading a book, while others relax by allowing leisure activities to clear all other thoughts from their minds. In a recent multi-state survey of more than 1,000 travelers, the Lake of the Ozarks was rated the number one destination in Missouri to "just relax and unwind." With all it has to offer visitors, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect spot for every type of relaxation.
"AHHHH, A SPA" RELAXATION
 Some of the Lake of the Ozarks' full-service resorts offer on-site spas to pamper guests and visitors. One of the Lake's most widely recognized spas is The Lodge of Four Seasons' Spa Shiki. American Spa magazine recently selected it as a top-five finalist in the Favorite Spa Treatment Menu category of its 2014 Professional's Choice Awards. Pampering relaxation is also available at Tan-Tar-A Resort's Windjammer Spa, Camden on the Lake Resort's Spa 54 at Copper Door and The Spa at Old Kinderhook. Whichever spa you choose at the Lake, you're sure to find relaxation in their available services and treatments. 18 HOLES OF RELAXATION  For people whose idea of relaxation involves avoiding water hazards and sand traps, the 14 championship courses at the Lake of the Ozarks can ensure relaxation for days. Some of the game's best designers and players put their stamp on the forested hills and scenic valleys of the area. You can play courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Floyd Farley, Ken Kavanaugh, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin. Thirteen of these courses are part of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail, partnering with some of the area's best lodging properties to offer stay-and-play packages at the best rates possible.
INSTANT RELAXATION - JUST ADD WATER  A recipe for relaxation for many people involves adding water to the mix. With 54,000 sparkling blue acres, the Lake of the Ozarks has plenty for everyone. The Lake offers boating in many forms - from a relaxing cruise with the group on a pontoon to skipping across the waves on a personal water craft. Tubing and waterskiing are options for fast-paced water fun. Kayaking and paddle-boarding are options for those who want some alone time. Passenger boats offer daytime scenic cruises and also dining cruises in the evenings.
Fishing  is the Lake of the Ozarks' number one relaxing pastime and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Fish from a boat drifting in a quiet cove, letting the warm sun relax your muscles. Or, rest in the shade as you catch crappie right from the dock at your resort. Can't relax if you don't catch fish? No problem, Lake area fishing guides know all the best spots and have all the gear you need. Two waterparks offer fun for kids and relaxation for parents. Big Surf Waterpark is an outdoor park with wave pool, flumes and activity pool. For indoor waterpark fun, Timber Falls at Tan-Tar-A Resort offers flumes and a giant splash bucket. Both parks feature Lazy River rides for drifting through the day. HOME AWAY FROM HOME RELAXATION  A hammock stretched between two trees, a lawn chair on a balcony overlooking the water or a chaise by the pool can be the perfect place for relaxing. For those whose idea of relaxing involves delving into a good book, gazing at the scenery or even catching a nap, the Lake of the Ozarks offers accommodations that fill the bill.
Full-service resorts with golf, swimming, restaurants, spas, boating and activities can offer everything needed for a relaxing stay without ever leaving the property. Family-owned resorts are perfect laid-back destinations for families who want to relax and enjoy their time together. Many offer fishing, swimming, boat rental and other amenities, along with barbeque grills and horseshoe pits for easy-going family fun. Bed and breakfasts at the Lake of the Ozarks offer the feeling of being at home, plus breakfast and a side order of pampering. Nothing feels quite like relaxing at home, where you can kick back and be yourself. These charming bed and breakfasts offer beautiful accommodations with, literally, all the comforts of home. The care and attention provided by gracious hosts will leave you feeling like you have visited with friends on your vacation. For a true home-away-from-home experience, vacationers can rent a vacation home, spacious condominium or cozy cabin. All the conveniences of home are waiting - kitchens with cookware and flatware for preparing favorite dishes, fresh sheets and towels in bedrooms and bathrooms, plus the privacy that allows families or friends to relax with one another in comfort. Visitors whose idea of relaxation includes daily maid service and table service can stay in one of the Lake's many hotels or motels and satisfy their appetites at one of the area's eateries. Everything from Ozark barbeque to fine dining is available at the more than 200 restaurants around the Lake. GREAT OUTDOORS RELAXATION  For some, a vacation just isn't relaxing without sleeping outside. The natural beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect backdrop for outdoor relaxing in a lawn chair or strolling through the area's two state parks. Campers will find everything from primitive sites, waiting for visitors to pitch a tent, to full-service campgrounds for those whose idea of roughing it includes the comforts of an RV. The Lake has everything for visitors who want to spend their time relaxing with a view of the sky and the sound of the crickets to lull them to sleep.
Indoors or outdoors, active or laid-back - every type of relaxation is available at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. For more information about the events and activities, dining and accommodations in the area, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com. # # # | 
