First Family of Hospitality
Determining the long-term influence of two families – the Koplars and the Browns – on the state of Missouri will be something business professors will discuss with students many years from now.
Harold Koplar was lured to central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks region. He believed the Lake of the Ozarks region had potential beyond what anyone at the time dreamed in the early 1960’s. Today’s Four Seasons Group of Companies – which encompasses thousands of acres and several businesses – began as his vision.
Koplar had a vision to create an unequaled experience in a remote land that would bring enjoyment to people of all ages. The 3,500 acre community of Four Seasons USA in the Midwest's Lake of the Ozarks emerged in 1965. Koplar brought a family tradition of entrepreneurship, hospitality, and entertainment to the Lake.
Part of Koplar's dream was to create an experience for all guests. In the early 1980s, his creative spirit even brought a live Brahma Bull to mingle with the crowd as part of a country and western act.
While the rhinestone days of bulls and country singing have passed, some aspects of the Lodge have remained intact. The beautiful Japanese gardens still provide a quiet backdrop for the resort. Koplar brought Japanese landscape artist Buffy Murai to the Lake to design the Lodge scenery. Murai once added his watercolor talents to film backdrops for "Sayonara" and "Around the World in 80 days".
Inside, during the early days, the Lodge continued its air of uniqueness with hand-carved furniture from Madrid. Today, guests find comfortable Lodge rooms with furniture custom-made in Guadalajara, Mexico. Young artists are sought after to create custom pieces for the Lodge, continuing its tradition of exclusive, irreproducible decor.
Shortly before Harold Koplar’s death in the late 1980s, his daughter, Susan Koplar Brown, became president of the operations. “My passion comes from my father,” says Susan Koplar Brown. “He gave us that drive. He was my father, my friend, my business associate and my inspiration.”
Susan and Peter Brown became key figures in the hospitality, real estate and development industries. With Susan at the helm of the resort and hospitality aspects of the business and Peter running all the real estate and development enterprises, the Four Seasons Group of Companies became one of the most respected family businesses in the country.
Throughout the years of growth, the company has stayed in the family. In addition to Susan and Peter Brown Sr., Harold Koplar’s grandsons Peter Jr., David and Mark all maintain an integral role in the family business.
Some of those businesses include The Lodge of Four Seasons, Porto Cima, Four Seasons Realty, Four Seasons Homes and Spa Shiki, which is located at The Lodge.
Golf at The Lodge of Four Seasons
Over the past several decades, the Lodge of Four Seasons has played a significant role in establishing the Lake of the Ozarks as a major golf destination.
The Cove
The Cove, The Lodge's signature course, was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This 18-hole, par-71 championship course challenges guests with its rolling greens, 65 bunkers, and our signature hole #4. Panoramic views of the scenic hills complement this golfing experience. Golfers will also enjoy a large new pro shop, a clubhouse and grill.
The Ridge
Ken Kavanaugh's design, The Ridge, is one of the finest championship courses in the Ozarks and has been ranked by Golf Digest as a 4-star course for "Places to Play." Many golfers refer to the18-hole course's altitude drops and generous landing areas as "player-friendly."
Golfers on this par-72 course enjoy rolling hills, native wildflowers, and beautiful views of the Lake. The Ridge includes a 4,000 square-foot clubhouse, featuring a large pro shop and grill.
Porto Cima
While the Club at Porto Cima is a private Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, tee times are available exclusively to The Lodge guests. The course is located immediately across the Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge on the Shawnee Bend peninsula of the Lake of the Ozarks.
It is the only 18-hole, waterfront Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Missouri, and Golf Digest has recognized The Club as the # 4 ‘best new private golf course’ in America. Individual, family or corporate memberships to this private course are available. Visit www.PortoCima.com
Premium rental equipment and complete food and beverage service are available at all of the courses. Golf reservations can be made by calling central reservations at 888-265-5500 or visiting online at www.4seasonsresort.com
Perfect Getaway For Any Time of Year
Being on the water is one thing the whole family can agree on, and The Lodge of Four Seasons has the lake’s largest full-service marina. After you’ve had your fill of life on the lake, visit any one of the four swimming pools, including an indoor/outdoor pool.
Accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons are world-class. There are 350 rooms to choose from, including the upgraded executive floor, where you’ll receive VIP service.
The lodge is perfect for business trips as well. It has 21 meeting rooms, 65,000 square feet of meeting space, a theater that can hold 240 people, and a banquet capacity that can accommodate 1,300 guests.
The Residences At The Lodge
In an area dense with hospitality options, like the Lake of the Ozarks, it is important to stand out from the pack. The Residences at The Lodge - Avila does just that by offering a lavish resort accommodations experience with highend amenities.
“What we are offering from an amenities standpoint is far beyond what anyone else offers,” says Alan R. D’Zurilla, Director of Sales and Marketing. “With three golf courses, including the onsite Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Signature championship Cove course, the Ken Kavanaugh designed Ridge course, and The Club at Porto Cima, the Jack Nicklaus designed 18- hole course, there are plenty of places to play at The Lodge.
Also featured is an on site cinema, the award-winning Spa Shiki, three outdoor pools and an indoor/outdoor pool. A variety of dining options, including the resort’s signature restaurant HK’s, casual dining at Breezes, Soleils, Parrot Bar & Grill and two golf course grills, combined with the nightlife at the Mist Lounge and the Lobby Bar.
Kids can be entertained at the Adventure Club, a supervised child-care facility on the premises. And, there is a full service marina, with boat rental slips for owners and guests,”added D’Zurilla.
Guests can relax and enjoy Avila accommodations from a two-bedrooms and two baths on a one-bedroom one bath, all come fully furnished. Accommodations can include a full kitchen with dark wood cabinetry, granite countertops and black appliances. Bathrooms include granite vanities and large walk-in showers. A flat screen TV provides entertainment in every room.
With its myriad entertainment options and award-winning restaurants and lounges, its no wonder The Lodge of Four Seasons is one of the top destinations at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Lodge of Four Seasons can be reached at 888-265-5500 or on the web at www.4seasonsresort.com
Say Aaaaah! At Spa Shiki
Recognized by Spa Magazine as one of the top 10 resort spas in the Midwest, The Lodge of Four Seasons’ Japanese-themed Spa Shiki draws upon Far Eastern philosophies of health and wellness.
With more than 15,000 square feet and 15 treatment rooms, plus men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and infrared saunas, a co-ed salt purified whirlpool, salon and fitness center, Spa Shiki provides a complete escape to round out a golf getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks. Outdoors, the resort’s Japanese garden and Koi pond overlook the expansive lake, complementing the spa.
Beyond the world-class facility, Spa Shiki prides itself on providing exceptional treatments by some of the most highly trained therapists in the industry. Bringing in nationally and worldrenown educators, Spa Shiki provides advanced post-graduate level training for its therapists, estheticians and technicians.
Training through such leaders as the American Spa Therapy and Education Certification Council (ASTECC) ensures that Spa Shiki stays on both the leading edge of spa therapy and incorporates established spa methodologies that have been proven through centuries of healing.
Signature treatments at Spa Shiki include Spa Shiki’s Signature Swedish Massage that follows a specific routine utilizing the five strokes of Swedish massage and the Japanese Cleansing Ritual, which provides a multi-faceted deep relaxation experience.
The Golfer’s Delight Massage is designed specifically for a golfer’s concerns, concentrating on the neck, back and shoulders to relieve discomfort and working on the low back and hamstrings to improve balance and flexibility.
Travel + Leisure Golf recognized Spa Shiki one of the top two spas in the Midwest, and the spa has also been seen on NBC’s Today Show, in Spa Magazine, Midwest Living and more.
Visit www.spashiki.com
