Abbey Resort and Spa near Lake Geneva, Wis.
Only Full-Service Resort on Lake Stands Out in Lake Geneva Hotels
Oct 9, 2009
When the Abbey Resort opened in 1963, it was the largest resort in the Midwest. After a $40 million renovation of the resort in 2005 and a $1.5 million makeover of its spa in 2008, it remains a popular getaway destination, especially for residents of Chicago 80 miles away and Milwaukee, 50 miles away who consider the Lake Geneva area “The Hamptons of the Midwest.”
Noteworthy guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George H. Bush.
Located on 90 acres in Fontana, Wis., on the west end of Geneva Lake, it remains the only full-service resort on the lakefront. The resort’s iconic 80-foot A-frame main building resembles the chalets of northern Europe and the peaked roofs of Polynesia. Surrounding it are 334 guest rooms, meeting rooms, swimming pools, restaurants, marina and spa. The lawn sweeping down to the lakefront and gazebo make an ideal spot for a wedding.
In addition to guest rooms and suites, the Abbey has individually-owned villas that are part of its rental program.
Abbey Spa a Big Draw for Lake Geneva Resort
Originally named the Fontana Spa when it was built in 1988, the new Avani (Sanskrit for “from the Earth”) Spa covers 35,000 square feet, including a sunlit atrium swimming pool with soaring wood-beamed ceiling and ample lounge space where poolside dining can be arranged. The decor makes use of natural elements, such as cork flooring, and is done in quiet earth tones of blues, browns, greens and cream.
One of the highlights of the Abbey’s spa is its Sanctuary Suite. Accommodating two to 10 guests, it has a flat-screen TV, private whirlpool, private patio and a wide range of spa services. The suite has caught on as the place for girlfriend getaways, bachelorette parties and even some corporate retreats. Food and beverage service is available through the resort.
The Abbey’s Avani Spa also has a dozen massage rooms, three wet treatment rooms, four skin care rooms, sauna, steam room, inhalation rooms and relaxation rooms with fireplaces. Among the more unusual treatments is a coffee body wrap and hot stone massage. The fitness center has cardio machines, circuit training machines, an aerobic studio, yoga and Pilates classes.
Abbey Adds Dining and Entertainment to Lake Geneva Hotel Scene
In addition to its restaurants, the Abbey also offers food-centered seasonal events.
- Fontana Grill: The Abbey’s signature restaurant has the atmosphere of a Midwest steakhouse, but offers a range of contemporary dishes, such as fresh seafood, light spa cuisine and small-plate selections.
- The Waterfront: In the style of Cape Hatteras, it has a dining room and bar and a patio overlooking the marina. American classics are served with a Wisconsin flair. There's a big-screen TV and live entertainment on weekends.
- Gazebo Grill: Open during warm weather, offering burgers, sandwiches and drinks poolside.
- Cafe Latte: Coffee bar with specialty coffees, tea and pastries.
- The Helm: Cocktail lounge with bar food and specialty drinks in the atmosphere of a yacht club.
- Steamers: Clubby cigar bar with cocktails and piano music.
- Porto: Special dining event space in the peak of the historic A-frame.
- Great Chefs Series: Held during spring and fall weekends and featuring renowned chefs from the Midwest for cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and four-course dinners.
- Burning Down the Docks: A celebration of “Blues, Brews and BBQ” on Sundays during the summer features the savory fare of the Abbey’s own Pitmaster.
Indoor and Outdoor Fun at the Abbey and Lake Geneva
In addition to activities and recreation on its property, the Abbey offers a free shuttle to downtown Lake Geneva.
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools with evening “Flick and Float” movies
- Abbey Arcade with video games, billiards and air hockey
- Equipment rental, including bikes and lawn games
- Children’s programs, including a supervised program of crafts and games for ages 4 through 12, Breakaway P.M. evening activities for ages 9 through 14 and baby-sitting services; reservations required
- Lake Geneva attractions: free shuttle to downtown shops, Lake Geneva Cruise Line excursions, miniature golf and Geneva Lake Museum of History
- Nearby activities: Geneva Lake Shore Path hiking trail encircling the lake; golf at Abbey Springs, Geneva National, Hawks View and George Williams; horseback riding at Fantasy Hills Ranch; Planet Extreme Paintball; East Troy Electric Railroad Excursions; hot air balloon rides; tour of Yerkes Observatory telescope
Easy Access to Lake Geneva and the Abbey Resort
The Abbey offers golf, spa, dining and couples packages that can be booked online at the Abbey Resort or by calling 800 772-1000.
The Abbey is about a one- to two-hour drive from Chicago and its suburbs. For guests who choose not to drive, a free shuttle meets Chicago commuter trains at the Harvard, Ill., Metra station about a 15 minute drive from the Abbey.
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