A Little Time and a Keyboard: Escaping to Tranquility on a Spa Getaway at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin

Relaxation and Rejuvenation During a Spa Respite at The Abbey Resort on the Shores of Geneva Lake

**Disclosure: Thank you to The Abbey Resort for accommodating my stay and services so I could bring this review to my readers. No other compensation was received. Opinions are 100% my own.

The welcoming entry and lounge decor of The Abbey Resort immediately sweep guests away to their escape -- the design and architecture quickly awes. Recently, I ventured to the shores of Geneva Lake to rejuvenate at The Abbey Resort. I certainly was swept away on a much needed recharge. Join me to learn more about this haven of renewal and relaxation just a short drive from the Chicago area:

A fireplace and beautiful artwork create a relaxing ambiance in the lobby of The Abbey Resort.

After checking in, I walked to my room. One thing I appreciate about The Abbey is that you can walk from facility to facility within the building therefore making the resort a solid choice for an escape in any season. During my walk, I noted other amenities including eateries, a shop, spacious lounges and more.

Interesting Fact: The Abbey Resort has been a well-rounded getaway experience on the crystal shores of Geneva Lake since 1963 and is only about 90 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Settling into My Personal Oasis

Opening the door to my room, a beautiful lake view instantly captivated me. I found the room to be pleasantly expansive with a nice sitting area. A door opened to the outside so I could sit out in the morning nibbling on breakfast with a lake view. My room offered the perfect space for savoring a little calm.

A stunning view of Geneva Lake, a comfortable bed, and spacious room set the tone
for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay at The Abbey Resort.

Strolling the grounds, I admired the architecture and landscape. The hotel's A-frame is reminiscent of ski chalets and the sloped roofs present a Polynesian-influenced design. Observing the design during both the day and evening provided unique perspectives. The grounds themselves paint a stunning picture during the day and under the evening starlight.

Worries melt away while enjoying serene views of Geneva Lake and the resort marina.

Even though the boats had gone for winter, I enjoyed the marina views. Completely peaceful. During one of my walks, I admired the gazebo framed by the remaining fall leaves, watched pairs of ducks swimming across the lake, and soaked up some precious moments of solitude. I could spend a lot of time just admiring the outdoor environs!

Interesting Fact: The name Fontana derives from the collection of springs and fountains that are believed to provide the most considerable sources of water to Geneva Lake.

Relaxing into Dinner at 240 West

I definitely appreciate that The Abbey Resort presents the whole package so you don't need to leave if you don't want to, thus creating a true escape. Everything from entertainment to spa relaxation to great food to a wonderful gift store to picturesque scenery to plenty of space to kick back can be found at the resort. Indulging in my entire relaxation and rejuvenation getaway experience, I was excited to explore the flavors of 240 West.

Fresh baked bread at 240 West provided a delightful start to the meal.

240 West offers dining at its finest, perfect for culinary pampering. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, scratch made pastas, a range of grilled selections, and more, 240 West certainly tempts. While choosing a meal proved to be a bit of a challenge with so many great choices, I settled in on the "Our Tomato Bisque" and "Wild Mushroom Ravioli." My dinner was absolutely incredible!

Our Tomato Bisque at 240 West features an amazing flavor profile.

Awaiting my meal, I nibbled on freshly baked bread with salted butter while savoring my view of the evening marina. Soon, my tomato bisque arrived and it was divine!

Interesting Fact: The Abbey was named for the abbeys of Europe which were known for their fine hospitality and food during the Middle Ages!

Made-from-scratch Wild Mushroom Ravioli topped
with a rainbow of vegetables at 240 West.

The wild mushroom ravioli looked like a masterpiece -- topped with vegetables of all sorts of colors. When traveling, I always appreciate delicious dishes with a generous portion of vegetables. The wild mushroom ravioli had been a new addition to the menu during my visit. It was entirely scrumptious!

Additional dining includes Waterfront for a more casual, laid back atmosphere and Cafe Latte for coffee, pastries, and more. On weekend evenings, enjoy kicking back at Bar West.

A Morning of Pampering at Avani Spa

An essential portion of a getaway is time to simply melt away into serenity for a while. Avani Spa offers the ideal setting for fully escaping. During my girl's getaway, I enjoyed a blissful morning facial and plenty of time to unwind and experience other spa facilities.

Positively glowing after a relaxing facial at Avania Spa.

Positively glowing after a relaxing facial at Avani Spa.

A sense of calm descended upon me immediately upon entering Avani Spa. The ambiance sets a restful tone, allowing guests to truly savor the treatments and facility. In addition to treatments and traditional full-service spa facilities, Avani Spa also has an exercise area, yoga classes, and a salon.

I excitedly began my day with me-time during a Classic Serenity Facial. I once enjoyed a periodic facial a couple of times a year and somehow fell out of the habit. So, I was looking forward to returning to me in a way. My esthetician Sarah was friendly and knowledgeable. She detailed the condition of my skin and supplied me with product suggestions to help keep my skin beautiful and healthy. My facial was incredible. I totally eased into calm and felt entirely relaxed after. Plus, my skin glowed and looked more hydrated!

Interesting Fact: Avani Spa is an amazing 35,000 square foot facility.

Avani Spa's salt room invites a tranquil space for detoxifying.

If you have a service at Avani Spa, you are welcome to enjoy the facility for the remainder of the day. I really appreciated the extra me-time this allowed. Avani Spa has a salt room, steam room, and sauna. So, plan on spending some time enjoying the spa during your visit!

Avani Spa's pool atrium is heavenly -- framed with windows welcoming in the
natural beauty of the outdoors in any season. Image credit: The Abbey Resort.

The pool atrium is absolutely heavenly. Currently, landscapers are designing a beautiful outdoor environment which will add to the haven in future months. In addition to the pool, the atrium is home to a jacuzzi and another salt room and steam room which are open to both sexes. Other sections of the spa including the treatment rooms are divided by genders offering privacy. Here I found complimentary coffee and tea. I made myself a cup of tea to sip while simply enjoying the surroundings. A wonderful way to cap off the morning.

**Day passes to the spa are also available for a fee on an availability basis.You can also order spa food in the pool atrium.

Overall Experience at The Abbey Resort

Just WOW! I really did not know how much I needed a relaxing, rejuvenating escape until I visited The Abbey Resort. We truly do not take enough time just for ourselves. After my getaway full of pampering, I felt entirely recharged and ready to embark into the holiday season. The amenities at The Abbey Resort offer a well-rounded resort experience allowing guests to escape the everyday grind. The Abbey Resort's lovely setting, spectacular architecture, revitalizing and tranquil spa, scrumptious food, spacious rooms, numerous lounges, waterfront views, and more craft the perfect getaway.

Other Amenities of The Abbey: