A Family Luxury Getaway to Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest

With a trip to Stonewater Cove Resort and Club families can relish their time with one another and reconnect with nature amid the graceful beauty of the Mark Twain National Forest – all the while sampling numerous activities designed to keep kids of all ages active, entertained and inspired.

Nestled in Shell Knob, Missouri in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, Stonewater Cove Resort and Club overlooks the clear, deep waters of Table Rock Lake, known as one of the clearest freshwater lakes in the world. Each of the resort's 18 individually designed rooms feature upscale amenities, custom-made wood furniture and attractive coffered ceilings, with special touches that create an elegant, rustic ambiance. This nearly 500-acre outdoor playground offers endless ATV to hiking trails, luxurious boating excursions and adventure outings like zip-lines and a low ropes Chevron course. The resort was recently accepted into Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an exclusive group of more than 500 of the finest small independent hotels in more than 70 countries.

When it is time for a break from outdoor activities, come on down to the warm, welcoming Lounge, located in the Lodge. Here, you, your spouse, or the kids can curl up with a good book, play a board game, or simply bask in the company of family. Friendly staff serves cocktails, kid-friendly drinks and other refreshments as well as simple, but tasty, menu items. When the day is done, be sure to stop by our warm bonfire for some stargazing and s'mores.

Enjoy a family dinner in the Lodge dining room, which features mouthwatering creations like filet au poivre or chicken roulade stuffed with gruyere and prosciutto, or traditional kid meals like homestyle macaroni and cheese or fresh fried trout. The restaurant – which showcases glorious rosy pinks, fuchsias, peach oranges and cascading indigos as the sun sets over the lake and hills – features a new, eclectic menu each day, so guests can sample a variety of delectable offerings throughout their stay. Also, be sure to ask about the Stonewater Barbeque, a culinary experience that allows you to savor the best grilled and smoked creations our chef has to offer.

Families can decide which activities they'd like to do the night before and then take off on an adventure the next day, either together or separately. The parents can enjoy a beautiful, relaxing boat ride or hike in the morning as the forest is still fresh from the night’s moist air while the younger adventure seekers head off to fly on zip lines, learn to master the ever-challenging feat of slalom skiing or how to jump over the wake on a wakeboard during a water sport boating excursion. Or simply do it all as a family every time – the choice is yours. Drive an ATV by yourself if you're at least 12 years old, or, for those who aren't quite yet of age or who would simply rather sit back and enjoy the view, be a passenger on our double-rider ATVs with another family member or one of our resort activity guides.

A day filled with forest explorations, good food, exhilarating activities and plenty of clean, fresh air will leave everyone in the family ready for a peaceful, relaxing sleep. The individually-designed rooms feature coffered ceilings, handsome dark wood floors, and custom-made driftwood furniture. For those accustomed to luxury lifestyle comforts, the king- or queen-sized beds beckon to weary adults and children with high-thread count sheets, alternative down comforters and thick coverlets. A separate bath, elegantly appointed with knotty alder cabinets, solid hand-stained oak and cedar trim, will spoil you with a heavenly bubble tub and a rainfall shower room. The rooms also feature flat-screen televisions with satellite cable, complimentary wireless internet access, mini-refrigerators with ice-makers, as well as coffees and teas.

Family-friendly activities include:

• Horseback riding: Saunter over the gentle hills and through the peaceful trees on our friendly horses. Available in the late spring and fall.
• ATV Rides: A favorite activity for many guests, experienced guides will take you on a whirlwind tour on trails that meander up and down through the forest foothills.
• Zip-Line: Experience the thrill of sailing over the treetops on an exhilarating zip-line ride. Beginner and more advanced zip-lines are available.
• Skeet Shooting: Learn a new skill, brush up on a rusty one, or just have fun practicing your shooting skills on the prairie.
• Archery: Explore your target skills with a bow and arrow via archery sessions.
• Chevron Ropes Course: Build teamwork and strengthen family bonds with professionally guided obstacles on the ropes course.
• Fishing: Test your talents at catching bass fish on Table Rock Lake, known as one of the world’s clearest freshwater lakes with hundreds of tree-lined coves creating the perfect setting for fishermen of all skill levels.
• Boating: Enjoy a professionally guided leisure boat ride that provides a stunning view of the Mark Twain National Forest from the peaceful waters of Table Rock Lake.
• Water Activities: Wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing are available for beginners or experts. (A tournament slalom ski course is available three minutes away via boat rides from the resort.) Also, tubing; ride as relaxed or adventurous as you wish.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Venture out on the water to explore the shoreline full of hidden alcoves and stunning waterfalls.

For more information about Stonewater Cove Resort and Club, or to make a reservation, visit their website at www.stonewatercove.com or call (800) 792-3956.

Hotel Profile: Stonewater Cove Resort and Club

More information: Small Luxury Hotels of the World