Vibrant nightlife, an innovative restaurant scene, and world-class museums—Downtown Chicago has a lot going on. It may seem counterintuitive for locals to plan on staying in, but at NEMA Chicago, the new luxury Downtown Chicago apartments, “staying in” has a whole new meaning. The 70,000 square feet of amenities have more to offer than one person could possibly take advantage of in one weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Here’s how we’d spend a productive, relaxing, energizing weekend at these apartments for rent in Downtown Chicago, all without leaving home.
Saturday
Our apologies to late-risers, but if you want to begin to scratch the surface of the amenities at NEMA Chicago, you need to start early. Besides, you won’t want to miss the sunrise from the tallest residential building in the city. Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, spend a little time focusing on your health. The wellness-centered amenities amount to more than 20,000 square feet, so take your pick. Sweat it out on a Peloton bike, take a yoga class taught by a private instructor, or head to the squash court, basketball court, or golf simulator to practice your skills.
Next, explore the CoWork space. If you have a strict no-work rule during the weekend, we salute you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of this sunny space. Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for breaking through a creative block, so bring along a notebook and sketch out some ideas for a new business or goals for the upcoming year. Make a cup of coffee in the kitchenette and gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the park while you plot your next move, personally or professionally.
Enjoy some time with your furry friend at NEMA Chicago’s indoor/outdoor pet playground, the Dog House, all while meeting other neighbors and planning pet play-dates for the next week. Once your pup is tired out from all that playing, give them some spa time at NEMA’s Pet Spaw for a wash and blow dry – only the best for your fur child.
Finally, wind down with a drink at The Station, NEMA Chicago’s very own sports bar. Inspired by Chicago’s love for the game, The Station has a gargantuan TV wall for watching your team and a terrace for celebrating victories. Challenge a friend to ping-pong or have a little throwback fun with the vintage arcade games.
Sunday
Sundays are for unwinding, so we’ll allow you to start the day late. Once you’re awake, make some “me-time” by bringing the kids to the Kids Club for an engaging morning filled with arts and crafts and outdoor time on the swing. Head to the 75-foot indoor pool while the kids are enjoying their own fun and fit in some laps while enjoying views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether you are game for a long session of rigorous lap swimming or a leisurely dip, you’ll start the day feeling rejuvenated. If swimming isn’t your thing, swing by the on-site saunas and steam rooms, or enjoy a massage treatment at NEMA’s Spa Suite, sure to offer the same soothing effect.
Swimming works up quite an appetite. Invite some friends to spend the afternoon in the Chef’s Kitchen, an upscale cooking demonstration space designed for hosting intimate culinary classes. Learn to pair wine with entrees or make your pasta from scratch. You can enjoy the fruits of your labor gathered around the long breakfast bar or take your wine and snacks outside and chat around the warmth of the fireplace.
As a finale to your weekend, head out to the outdoor pool deck. There’s no “one right way” to take advantage of this 10,000-square-foot space, but it has year-round possibilities. Take a sunset dip in the pool and catch up on some reading in a daybed. Invite friends for dinner and snag a private seating area, which includes a 65” TV and a Viking grill. If it’s too cold, slip into one of the hot tubs and watch the snowflakes descend over the city. However it is that you relax, the fresh air and views will leave you feeling content; precisely the way one expects to feel when at home. Finish the weekend off with a flick at the NEMA Chicago’s movie theater, or Media Lounge – truly the best way to end a perfect, relaxing Sunday.