The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa

Recently, I was invited to The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa in Fontana, WI for an overnight getaway and spa treatments.  Although, I always feel a twinge of guilt leaving my kids, there are often late night events that take me straight from work and keep me out way past their bedtimes so I decided (with my hubby's blessing) to go ahead and go.  After I confirmed I would attend I learned that two other great bloggers that I know would be there.  That made me even more excited.

We arrived at The Abbey Resort, which is on Lake Geneva just a little over an hour drive from our home.  I was excited to check out The Abbey as I've heard great things and I've always been a fan of Lake Geneva, WI.  The Abbey Resort is a little past the actual town and shops of Lake Geneva and around the lake.  But upon rounding a bend at the top of a bluff (as big as bluffs can be in our relatively flat lands) you are looking down into the lake and sourounding homes that created a exciting view even in the wintery bareness of the season.  I would only imagine how breathtaking it would be in the fall.  The colors there are always amazing.

As I entered the lobby, I was immediately greeted with smiles and friendly greetings.  And the smiles and polite 'hellos' didn't stop all weekend.  The lobby was also warm and welcoming with large cozy looking furniture and a fire roaring in the fireplace.  After checking in I headed to my room to get rid of my luggage.  It was also cute and cozy and smelled amazing as soon as I opened the door.  Everything is done to create a welcoming mood from the lights that are left on to the TV which is set to their information channel that plays soothing music.  My lake view was terrific but I can only imagine how much more beautiful it would be in the spring, summer or fall.

Look at the big ole bed, all for me!

I love the cottage-y feel of the entire place.

lake view room

After thoroughly checking out my room I headed out to see a little of the resort before arriving at the presentation from Moroccanoil.  The entire resort is truly comfortable and inviting.  There are beautiful views all over and many different comfortable areas to sit and hang out or get work done.

there are a lot of these cozy sitting areas all around The Abbey Resort

A small waterfall and pond full of large goldfish on the resort grounds.

After a presentation from Moroccanoil and an amazing massage in the Avani Spa (which will both be covered in depth in separate posts) we all gathered for a tour of the property.  We learned that The Abbey Resort really is the prefect place for just about any occasion, whether its a corporate training, a girls getaway, class reunion or family vacation they have it all covered. With meeting rooms and a fabulous on site staff they can take care of anything you need for group gatherings.  They also have tons of activities daily that are open to all guests that make The Abbey Resort a great family vacation as well.  Check their calendar for tons of spring and summer activities from an antique boat show to the nightly bonfires, there is something for every one.  With several restaurants on the property as well as a sizable gift shop there wouldn't be a need to leave the resort at all if you didn't want to.

Cher from Mom and More, Maria from My Chicago Mommy and I.

Another of the restaurants on site. We stopped in and it sounds like they have a great family friendly, fun menu and amazing specialty drinks.

The lobby, with a warm fire always burning and great comfy and inviting furniture.

Our tour concluded in the Porto room which is located upstairs in the A-Frame of the Abbey's beautiful architecture.  We were treated to an amazing spread of food that I may very well never see the likes of again.  (A whole post dedicated to the food will be posted shortly.)

The amazing Porto dining experience.

The amazing architecture of the A-frame and Executive Chef at The Abbey Resort

After dinner we headed out to cover some of the property we ran out of time for in our tour and was of interest to us as moms.  The family area that includes games area, the indoor pool and small movie theater are available for guest use everyday.  The also hold craft times for kids in an area where they will also handle childcare upon request.  They ask for 2 weeks notice as the need to schedule additional professional staff to take care of your kids at what I considered a reasonable rate for allowing you to enjoy a dinner alone with your spouse or relaxing spa treatment($13/hour for the first child and $5/hour for each additional child).

This sweet shop wasn't open when we were there but this looks like a fun little spot in the family area of  The Abbey Resort.

A small theatre available for movies for families or group time.

There are a row of these tables set up a with a variety of family games available for guests to play for most of the day.

Indoor pool, open until 11pm each night.

Small, shallow kids pool with slide and a fountain.

This area is where you can arrange for full child care services (they ask for 2 weeks notice) or attend open craft time with the kids.

Enjoy smores by the campfire every night.  Can be found just outside the Waterfront restaurant in the winters, close to the building, and out farther in the warmer weather. 

A surprise awaited me after dinner.

A picture of The Abbey in chocolate

What's better than a box of chocolates, but a chocolate box of chocolates. (yeah the inner box that the chocolates are in is actually a little box made of chocolate and that chocolate art work is the lid)

I know, I am admitting I don't get out much but I was so excited to see robes in the room, I had to take photos.

A lakeview is beautiful but the sun bouncing off the lake is hard to ignore, even at 5am!

The next morning I woke early and took my time getting ready before heading to breakfast.  After breakfast I headed back to Avani Spa for some more relaxation and a wonderful hair treatment with Moroccanoil products.  After the treatment, we had a quick lunch poolside in the spa before heading home.

I had an amazing time at The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa and am already planning a return trip with a friend for sometimes in the near future!!  This is a local treasure I wish I knew about sooner!!!

Disclosure: This was a complimentary trip but all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.