Abbey Reflections 2023

REFLECTIONS

WELCOME!

On behalf of our entire staff, I welcome you to The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa and the shore of Geneva Lake. Whether this is your first time visiting us or you are returning for an annual event, we invite you to explore and discover why so many people have chosen The Abbey for 60 years as the place to gather as a group or enjoy a getaway.

Your visit coincides with the conclusion of continuous renovations and improvements that have been happening over the past few years. From the hallways and common areas to meeting space and even our iconic A-Frame, the resort has been given a fresh look that embodies lake living at its finest. With the completion of Avani Spa and our guest rooms in 2022, we can now say our latest renovation is complete. We hope you enjoy the relaxing and airy feel that is embodied in the improvements.

While you are here, we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the numerous amenities we have on property. Our restaurants overlooking the harbor provide not only delicious food, but also great views and atmosphere. Family activities are available year-round, from movies in Immersion Cinema to our indoor and outdoor pools, and even ice-skating in the

winter. Indulge in services at our newly renovated Avani Spa or get out on the water with a boat rental from our on-site office. That’s just what we have on property — there’s still everything the Lake Geneva area has to offer. We’re positive that you’ll run out of vacation before you run out of things to do.

This edition of Reflections focuses on the variety of amenities we offer and groups we service. We hope you enjoy reading it and invite you to take the magazine home with you upon your departure. We also encourage you to visit the area businesses who have participated in this publication.

Please enjoy your stay and the beautiful Lake Geneva area. If there is anything we can do to make your time with us even more memorable, please ask any of our friendly Abbey associates.

Sincerely,

Michael Lucero General Manager, The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

60 YEARS OF LAKESIDE HOSPITALITY

We welcome you to our resort on our 60th year of operations! We look back with fondness on our long history and see even more potential in our future. Our first priority has always been to give our guests memorable experiences and we look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come.

10 Hungry? We Can help!

Dining venues throughout the resort are sure to please every palate.

12 Say “I Do” At the Lake

Host your wedding celebration at The Abbey.

14 Inspiration and Reconnection

Escape the everyday and plan your next meeting at The Abbey.

16 The Newly Renovated Avani Spa

Treat yourself to Avani Spa for soothing relaxation.

18 So Much to Do No Matter the Season

The Abbey’s lineup of activities is second to none.

22 Experience the Area

From boating and swimming to narrated lake tours and shore path walks, Lake Geneva offers something for everyone.

24 Explore the Geneva Lake Shore Path

Exploring the Shore Path and the historic homes that line Geneva Lake.

28 Abbey Events

Create a new tradition when you participate in one of these annual events.

THE ABBEY RESORT TIMELINE

The Geneva Lake Improvement Association purchases 690 acres of land in Fontana. One of these tracts would become The Abbey Resort.

Fontana Spa opens with prairie-style architecture, health & fitness staff, aerobics classes, indoor pool and 33 spa treatments from which to choose.

1923 1989 1963 2005

The Abbey Resort opens as a 225-room hotel with convention facilities, pools and luxurious accommodations.

The Abbey Resort temporarily closes to undergo a $40 million redevelopment, and reopens to include new restaurants, a lighter atmosphere and new branding.

Photo courtesy of Julie Whowell

The Abbey Resort celebrates 50 years with the completion of further interior and exterior improvements to the property.

Staying open during the pandemic, the meeting rooms, lobby, common areas and A-Frame are all remodeled.

240° West and Bar West are introduced and meeting space is renovated.

2008 2013 2014 2020 2022

The redevelopment concludes with the opening of the all-new Avani Spa, the name meaning “Of the Earth.”

Guest room and Avani Spa renovations cap off the completion of a new look for The Abbey Resort. Guest rooms have a new lake house feel and Avani Spa reopens with a new focus of holistic wellness.

240˚ WEST

Locally sourced, handcrafted cuisine in a rustic atmosphere best describes 240° West, featuring dishes that will keep you curious and connected to where food has its beginnings. Our culinary team works with local growers and producers to bring quality, sustainable ingredients to your table. To us, “locally sourced” isn’t just a trendy term. Our ingredients come from area partners who share the same passion for high-quality foods and sustainable resources as we do. This philosophy shows in a seasonal menu featuring fresh local produce, hand-butchered meats, and Wisconsin cheeses. The dining experience is enhanced with a large stone fireplace, panoramic harbor views, and even live entertainment.

WATERFRONT

At Waterfront, you’ll find casual seating indoors along with views of the Abbey Harbor and outdoors, whether you’re next to our waterfall or sitting harborside near our wood-fired smoker. The wide-ranging menu incorporates award-winning Whiteford BBQ, Midwest favorites with unique twists and locally-sourced, seasonal specials. Don’t miss our specialty cocktails, weekly Friday Night Fish Fry, and live entertainment with the area’s best artists every weekend, including Burnin’ Down the Docks on Sunday afternoons all summer.

CAFÉ LATTE

Start your day with a stop at The Abbey Resort’s very own Café Latte. We proudly serve Starbucks coffee drinks, delicious breakfast and dessert treats, locally crafted chocolate, plus a variety of grab-and-go food items. With our expanded weekend hours, guests are able to recharge later in the afternoon or grab a quick, early evening snack.

BAR WEST

Whether you’re celebrating with a group of friends or out on a romantic date, enjoy the casual-classy atmosphere of The Abbey Resort’s lounge, Bar West. Bar West offers our Wisconsin’s Original Craft Cocktails along with an extensive beer and wine menu, mocktails, and small plates to share. Catch live music featuring the best in local talent on the weekends. No matter what the occasion, we invite you to kick back with your favorite drink and welcome the evening with a toast.

When soaking up the beautiful summer weather at The Abbey Resort’s outdoor pools, enjoy delicious snacks, sandwiches and sweets poolside at Gazebo Grille. Conveniently located between the family pool and the adults-only pool, Gazebo Grille is a great place to grab a bite to eat when you take a break from the water. Need a refreshing beverage during your day in the summer sun? We have a full drink menu that will cool you down like a summer breeze. Of course, no summer day is complete without a sweet ice cream treat. Share an ice cream bar with someone you love — or enjoy it on your own.

ROOM SERVICE

When you need a bite to eat but don’t feel like leaving your room, turn to our friendly Room Service staff to have your favorite foods delivered right to your door. With the menu conveniently located on your in-room television, you can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner options that are sure to please each individual palate.

GAZEBO GRILLE

SAY “I DO” AT THE LAKE

HOST YOUR WEDDING CELEBRATION ON THE SHORE OF THE LAKE

The perfect wedding celebration begins and ends at The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa. Whether you’re planning a small outdoor lake wedding with your closest family and friends or inviting your entire Facebook friends list to a ballroom reception overlooking the harbor, our onsite wedding planners will work with you every step of the way.

Our full-service resort is an all-inclusive destination for an unforgettable wedding weekend. Guests will be treated to comfortable and convenient accommodations, enjoyable resort amenities, and can even take advantage of Avani Spa for pre-wedding pampering, and hair and make-up services. Our staff will ensure your rehearsal, ceremony, reception and even Sunday thank-you brunch will be flawlessly coordinated and executed so you won’t have a care in the world. Plan your one-of-a-kind wedding at The Abbey Resort and begin a lifetime of memories on the shore of Geneva Lake.

Multiple venues within The Abbey, from our contemporary Harbor Ballroom to our lavish West Shore Pavilion, are ideal for all celebrations. Several customizable wedding packages are available to accommodate every wish. Working with our wedding planners and our culinary experts, couples can create the perfect menu from traditional plated meals to sumptuous buffets, or even unique food stations.

MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

Our Wedding Professionals are here to help make every moment of planning and execution flawless.

INSPIRATION AND RECONNECTION

PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING AT THE ABBEY

Today’s meeting looks different. It’s not just general sessions and breakouts, it’s also about getting the team back together and rebuilding your relationships. Let us provide the ideal setting for not only a rewarding meeting experience, but also the opportunity for your guests to renew the bonds that make your team great — all in a unique location enhanced by the backdrop of Geneva Lake. The Abbey Resort is a premier destination with a relaxed lakeside atmosphere like no other, and Lake Geneva is well known as a classic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the workplace. Infuse your next business meeting, corporate retreat or conference with newfound energy and escape the everyday at the lake!

LAKESIDE TEAM BUILDING

Whether it’s a scavenger hunt around Fontana or a handson sailing experience led by the Geneva Lake Sailing School, our seasoned staff will tailor engaging events for your group in a fun-filled interactive environment. The Abbey is eager to organize an experience unlike any other with team building activities and group events only offered at a lakeside resort destination. Care for yoga on the harbor lawn? How about an evening of Whiskey & Wickets under our old growth oaks? Maybe a guided morning walk on the Geneva Lake Shore Path or a brisk fall afternoon enjoying a bonfire and s’mores?

The Abbey’s lakeside location offers unique and customizable options to make your meeting or event truly stand out.

HYBRID MEETING SOLUTIONS

With today’s need for meeting flexibility, taking all or part of a meeting digital has become a common necessity. Having a specialized team that enables you to keep meeting objectives on track is critical to the success of your event. We have a range of solutions that can meet your needs — and your budget. From increased bandwidth to the most up-to-date audio-visual components, you don’t have to spare the tools you need just because you’re away from the city.

Groups of every size will find The Abbey’s tranquil yet engaging environment stimulates creativity and provides an ideal setting for individuals to connect with one another while achieving their objectives and goals. Whether you brainstorm in one of our sunlit meeting rooms, take in a dinner cruise on the water, or host an awards banquet in our windowed West Shore Pavilion overlooking our grounds, your event at The Abbey will inspire new solutions and create shared positive memories for all who attend. To book your next meeting, please call 800-709-1323 or email leads@theabbeyresort.com.

THE NEWLY RENOVATED AVANI SPA

A NEW EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN ANCIENT ELEMENTS

Our 35,000-square-foot, full-service spa has just undergone an all-encompassing transformation with a new emphasis on holistic well-being in mind, body, and spirit. Avani Spa offers experiences inspired by the unique elements of our area, combining the highest quality products with classic traditions to uplift your spirit and restore your energy.

Wellness is a journey of body, mind and spirit and our facilities, environment, and products work together to create an overall sense of restorative well-being. Our oasis on the shore of Geneva Lake strives to renew your energy, improve your health, and reset your mind.

From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a celebration for the senses. Soothe and rejuvenate your psyche and physique with a massage, body, or facial treatment, or bring out your inner glow at our salon. Avani guests have access to the tranquil surroundings of the private Avani Atrium Pool, whirlpool, sauna, salt therapy, steam rooms, and outdoor lounge areas. Whether you visit for an hour or a day, your time spent at Avani Spa will leave you feeling refreshed, revived, and reconnected to your inner self.

Our fitness center is fully equipped and available to all resort guests age 16 and over. Our renovated space is brighter, lighter, and filled with uplifting energy for your workouts. You will notice all-new cardio equipment, strength training machines and a S180 TRX workout area.

Admission to Avani Spa is complimentary for any guest, age 16 or older, who has booked a spa service of $100 or more. Spa access is available for $30 per person for guests who have not booked spa services of $100 or more, based on availability.

RELAX & RESTORE

Treat yourself to a calming, restorative experience at Avani Spa. Choose from a variety of services in our newly renovated space.

SO

MUCH TO DO NO MATTER THE SEASON

CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES, PERFECT FOR EACH AND EVERY FAMILY MEMBER

For 60 years, The Abbey has been the premier southeastern Wisconsin vacation destination. As the only full-service resort on the shore of Geneva Lake, The Abbey is an iconic setting that combines the beauty of its natural surroundings with deluxe accommodations and unmatched amenities.

Whether you’re traveling as a family, planning a weekend getaway with friends or attending a business meeting, you’ll find dozens of fun things to do within the resort’s 90-acre property throughout the year.

ABBEY ACTIVITIES AND EXTRAS

Throughout your stay, enjoy a wide variety of hosted activities for all members of the family along with indoor and outdoor games and equipment for your use. Explore the resort during a family scavenger hunt, or create items to take home as souvenirs. Get out into the fresh air with the crew when you play disc golf, lawn games, or borrow a bike to explore the village. There is always an array of board games to take back to your room or play in one of our mini-lobbies. Visit our activities office or call 262-275-9901 for more information.

YEAR-ROUND SWIMMING

Soak up the sunshine during warm weather months at one of our outdoor pools, including a family pool area with hot tub and a kids’ zero-depth pool. An adults-only pool and hot tub offer a relaxing retreat, whether swimming a few laps or lounging in the sun. No matter the weather, relax at our indoor pools with pool toys and comfortable lounge chairs, or take a break in our hot tub. Avani Spa’s Atrium Pool is limited to adults with spa access, and passes may be available for purchase on select days to non-spa guests. Inquire at the spa for more details.

FIRESIDE S’MORES

Whether you cozy up to the fire while savoring s’mores with hot cider on the Harbor Patio during the fall and winter months, or lounge fireside with lemonade at our West End fire pit when the weather is warmer, you’re sure to have fun making memories with old friends and new. Available to all Abbey guests, enjoy Fireside S’mores on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year and more frequently during the holidays and in the summer.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy some of your favorite bands from the Milwaukee and Chicago areas in Bar West and Waterfront every weekend and on select midweek days. Looking for some music while you dine? The multi-talented Tom Stanfield performs every Saturday evening and every Sunday morning in 240° West.

IMMERSION ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Experience fun and games in the Immersion Entertainment Center. Sit back and enjoy some of your favorite movies or watch the major sporting events on our 90-inch HDTV in Immersion Cinema. Check out a board game from our activities office or challenge your family to a round of air hockey in the game room. If you want to play solo, test your skill at one of our crane games or race a virtual opponent in one of our arcade games. You’ll find hours of operation and movie times in our What’s Going On document given to you at check-in.

FITNESS CENTER

Our fitness center, located in Avani Spa, is available to Abbey Resort guests ages 16 and older. Our updated facility is brighter, lighter, and ready to get you moving. The space is filled with allnew cardio equipment, including a new rowing machine and group fitness bikes. You will see a new TRX training area, including many accessories such as kettle bells, a battle rope and balance trainers. We also have new strength training

MAKE IT A LAKE DAY

The Abbey’s location on Geneva Lake makes it the perfect launching point for a day on the water.

equipment and free weights to target and tone muscles. There are also fitness classes available (some for a fee) during the week. Check our What’s Going On document for a schedule.

ICE SKATING

Whether a beginner or an accomplished skater, test your skills on our outdoor rink located on the Harbor Patio. Glide across the ice and warm up next to the bonfire at the east end of the rink. Ice skates are available for rent on a complimentary basis to our guests and for a small fee for non-guests. The ice rink is open based on weather conditions, so please call our activities department for availability.

ONSITE BOAT RENTALS

As an Abbey Resort guest, you can take advantage of nearby watercraft and boat rentals from Gordy’s Marine. In the summer months, a convenient onsite rental booth on the harbor outside Waterfront is fully staffed and ready to take your reservation for a boating adventure on the beautiful waters of the lake. Gordy’s rental program features 20- and 22-foot Cobalt Bowriders that you can rent hourly, for a half-day or a full day.

WATERFRONT GIFT SHOP

Take a bit of lake life home with you with an item from our Waterfront Gift Shop, located next to Waterfront Restaurant. Choose from a variety of lake-inspired gift items, Abbey Resort clothing and so much more. You can even take home the flavors of Whiteford BBQ sauces or purchase Wisconsin’s own Spotted Cow beer!

EXPERIENCE THE AREA

FROM CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES AND HEART-PUMPING ZIP LINES, TO ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOPPING, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO EXPLORE.

For more than 150 years, visitors have enjoyed the beauty and unique experiences of the Lake Geneva area. Whether you’re looking for a getaway that offers peace and tranquility or exciting activities to keep the kids entertained, you’ll find something for everyone. Bring your boat or reserve a rental to enjoy a leisurely day on the beautifully clear Geneva Lake; pack some comfortable shoes to explore the Shore Path; or take in local history with a tour. The options are sure to please everyone in your group.

LAKE ACTIVITIES

Learn about the historic estates dotting the shore when you choose from a range of narrated boat cruises on Lake Geneva Cruise Line. The Abbey Harbor is the perfect gateway to the open waters of Geneva Lake, so bring your stand-up paddleboard or kayak, or rent one from a local vendor when you visit. If you feel like getting in the lake, the Fontana Beach is a block away.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures offers exciting ways to get active with ziplines, a ropes course, and hiking and biking trails.

GOLFING

You can also bike the White River Trail just north of Lake Geneva or the trails of Kettle Moraine State Forest a short drive away. If you’d rather hike, try Duck Pond Recreation Area in Fontana or Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay.

Whatever your skill level, there’s a golf course within five to 20 minutes of The Abbey Resort. You’ll find 18 renovated holes down the road at Abbey Springs; Evergreen Golf Club in Elkhorn features 27 holes; Hawk’s View in Lake Geneva includes two 18-hole courses; and Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva boasts three 18-hole courses. For mini-golf, try Lake Geneva’s Paradise Golf.

LOCAL HISTORY

The Geneva Lake Museum in Lake Geneva is a must-see for learning about the history of area communities. Black Point Estate is a historic Queen Anne Victorian mansion accessible only by boat through Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Old World Wisconsin, an expansive outdoor museum of 19th century rural and immigrant farm life, is located in nearby Eagle.

PLAY IN THE SNOW

Get ready for wintertime

fun! Try cross-country skiing on nearby nature trails at the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There’s downhill skiing at Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot or at Alpine Valley in East Troy. For kids, there are sledding hills in Delavan, Lake Geneva and in Williams Bay near George Williams College.

SHOWTIME

You’ll find world-class entertainment throughout the area. The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre combines magic, comedy and illusions. The Dancing Horses Theatre showcases Las Vegas-style equine/rider performances. Concerts featuring every type of musical genre are held at the Belfry Music Theatre, Music by the Lake Concert Series and at community band shells.

441 Mill St., Fontana WI, 53125 262.275.0040 • coffeemillfontana.com

Conveniently located within walking distance Coffee Mill By The Water (Seasonal)

EXPLORE THE GENEVA LAKE SHORE PATH

JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE ABBEY RESORT

Not far from the front entrance to The Abbey Resort, you’ll find access points to the Geneva Lake Shore Path. This public footpath created by some of the earliest settlers of the region provides a glimpse into the rich history of the area and a view of some of the Midwest’s most beautiful lakefront estates and gardens.

The terrain is meant for walkers — no bikes are allowed — and it varies from grass to dirt to brick and concrete, hilly and wooded, sometimes soggy.

Although the shore path is public, the yards, grounds and piers of the private homes along the path are not. Please stay on the marked pathways.

A DAY TRIP?

Some walkers set out to conquer the entire path in just one day. At nearly 22 miles, this is an ambitious undertaking. Comfortable shoes are necessary; preferably, those with good tread for navigating sometimes steep and slippery surfaces. If you do plan to walk the entire path in a day, water, sunscreen, and bug spray are a must during the summer. Keep in mind, cell phone coverage can be limited in some areas.

WALKING THE PATH IN SEGMENTS

Those who don’t want to walk the entire lake can choose sections to walk from

Fontana. Heading toward the east from the beach, this segment runs along the south shore of the lake from Fontana to Shadow Lane and it’s approximately 2.6 miles long. Heading to the west circles back toward Williams Bay and provides a completely different landscape on its 3.3 miles.

A map is available at our front desk or activities office, or if you’re interested in purchasing the pocket-size Geneva Lake Shore Path Guide with more details, stop by the resort’s gift shop.

DID YOU KNOW?

The shore path dates back to 2500 BC when Native Americans used it to travel around the lake. Later, it became the workman’s path from Lake Geneva to wealthy estates of Chicagoans.

YEAR-ROUND FUN AT THE ABBEY

FOUR SEASONS OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Spring, summer, fall, or winter, we have events and activities lined up that you won’t want to miss! Enjoy seasonal offerings as well as events such as Murder Mystery Dinners, Comedy Shows and DIY classes throughout the year.

SUMMER AT THE LAKE

Grab your gear and get to The Abbey Resort for lakeside fun from the minute you check in to the moment you say goodbye. Fill your days with family activities, time at the outdoor pools, boat rentals on the lake, delicious outdoor dining, and live entertainment on the Harbor Patio — and that’s just at the resort. There’s plenty to experience around the area as well!

FLAVORS OF FALL

As the leaves change color and the nights get longer, The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa provides the best of all things fall. From sipping a pumpkin spice latte on your patio overlooking a harbor sunrise to cozy evening bonfires complete with s’mores and hot cider, we have everything you need to make the most of the season. With food festivals, friends’ weekends, and the changing colors of the trees around the lake, this is a great time to visit!

HOLIDAYS AT THE LAKE

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, The Abbey Resort acquires a special feel. Lights and garland circle the entrance, trees are trimmed around the resort and the lake takes on a quiet serenity. Families come together to celebrate the holidays — some for the first time, others as an annual family tradition. From the 25-foot-tall Christmas tree outside to the brightly-lit lobby, every inch of the resort evokes the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

LAKESIDE WINTER WONDERLAND

During the winter, the resort’s atmosphere takes on a new coziness and tranquility that you won’t find any other time of the year. The lawn on our 90-acre property is covered in a sparkling blanket of snow, and the hustle and bustle of the harbor waters are replaced with the reflection of the winter sun off the frozen stillness of the ice. You will be able to use this time to indulge in the comfort of relaxing spa services, browse the shops of downtown Lake Geneva, or enjoy the fun of ice skating before you roast marshmallows by the crackling bonfire.

SPRING BREAK-AWAY

A Lake Geneva spring break is close to home, but feels worlds away when you’re able to take a deep breath and explore 90 acres of lakeshore property, surrounded by green grass, colorful flowers and the songs of migrating birds perching in our old growth oak trees. Make your vacation plans anytime during the season and you’ll have plenty to do with everything from themed weekends and family activities to holiday dining for Easter and Mother’s Day and relaxing moments at Avani Spa.

ABBEY ANNUAL EVENTS

Start a new tradition at one of our annual events!

• Galentine’s Day Activities

• Spring Break-Away to the Lake

• Easter Brunch & Activities

• Mother’s Day Brunch & Activities

• Fourth of July Celebration

• Girls’ Getaway Weekend

• Thanksgiving Buffet

• Santa’s Landing at The Abbey

• Brunch With Santa

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining

• New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Keep an eye on our website for special events throughout the year, including Murder Mystery Dinners, live entertainment, DIY classes, comedy shows, wine dinners, and more!