CELEBRATING OVER 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY
“Jungle” Jay Christie Presents
Pick up your coupon for a FREE bowl of animal feed at the front desk! W1612 Litchfield Rd., Lake Geneva
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 if you are returning for an annual event, we invite you to explore and discover why so many people have chosen The Abbey for more than 60 years as the place to gather as a group or enjoy a much-needed getaway.
While you are here, we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy the numerous amenities we have on property. Our restaurants overlooking the harbor provide not only delicious food prepared by our culinary team led by Executive Chef Noah Gümüstekin, but also great views and atmosphere. During the summer, be sure to check out our Waterfront Patio which has just undergone a complete renovation, opening the space to enjoy an even better view of the harbor for more guests.
Family activities are available year-round from movies in Immersion Cinema to our indoor and outdoor pools, and even outdoor activities in the winter. Indulge in pampering services at 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! Visit our Concierge on the Lower Lobby level to set up your itinerary. 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 the guests 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.
We truly hope you 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,
Dan Dolan General Manager, The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa
10 Lakeside Dining from Morning to Night
Dining venues throughout the resort are sure to please every palate.
14 Dream Weddings at the Lake
Host your wedding celebration at The Abbey.
16 Inspiration and Reconnection
Escape the everyday and plan your next meeting at The Abbey.
18 Indulge at Avani Spa
Treat yourself to Avani Spa for soothing relaxation.
20 So Much to Do — No Matter the Season
The Abbey’s lineup of activities is second to none.
24 Experience the Area
From boating and swimming to exciting attractions, Lake Geneva offers something for everyone.
26 Explore the Geneva Lake Shore Path
Tips on exploring the historic path around the lakeshore.
28 Annual Events at The Abbey
Create a new tradition when you participate in one of these annual events.
THE ABBEY RESORT TIMELINE
1923 1989
The Geneva Lake Improvement Association purchases 690 acres of land in Fontana. One of these tracts would become The Abbey Resort.
1963
The Abbey Resort opens as a 225room hotel with convention facilities, pools and luxurious accommodations.
Fontana Spa opens with prairie-style architecture, health & fitness amenities, aerobics classes, indoor pool and 33 spa treatments from which to choose.
2005
The Abbey Resort temporarily closes in 2005 to undergo a $40 million redevelopment and reopens five months later to include new restaurants, a lighter atmosphere and new branding.
Photo courtesy of Julie Whowell
2008
The 2008 redevelopment concludes with the opening of the all-new Avani Spa, the name meaning “Of the Earth.”
2013
The Abbey Resort celebrates 50 years with the completion of further interior and exterior improvements to the property.
2014 2020
240 West and Bar West are introduced, and meeting space is renovated.
Staying open during the pandemic, the meeting rooms, lobby, common areas and A-Frame are all remodeled. Guest room and Avani Spa renovations in 2022 cap off the completion of a new look for The Abbey Resort.
2023+
Improvements continue to be made to indoor and outdoor areas of the resort, from environmental controls to landscaping and more. Waterfront’s outdoor patio was enlarged to provide more seating with a less obstructed view of the harbor. Our Lower Lobby is being utilized in a new way to feature a dedicated space for our concierge and the Rainbow Point Arcade. More projects are planned for the upcoming year, so watch for updates!
LAKESIDE DINING FROM MORNING TO NIGHT
EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF THE ABBEY RESORT
240˚ WEST
Locally sourced, handcrafted cuisine in a rustic atmosphere best describes 240° West. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Noah Gümüstekin, our culinary team works with local growers and producers to bring quality, sustainable ingredients to your table. 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
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.
GAZEBO GRILLE
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.
At Waterfront, you’ll find casual seating indoors along with views of the Abbey Harbor and outdoors on our newly expanded patio. Serving lunch and dinner, the wide-ranging menu includes 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, now serving Intelligentsia Coffee from Chicago, one of the best loved and respected brands in the country. Enhance your day with your favorite 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 can 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 casualclassy atmosphere of The Abbey Resort’s lounge, Bar West. Bar West offers our Wisconsin’s Original Craft Cocktails along
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.
CHEF NOAH GÜMÜSTEKIN
We are thrilled to introduce Executive Chef Noah Gümüstekin to The Abbey Resort! Chef Noah brings over 20 years of creating memorable moments worldwide, leading the kitchen operations of all our restaurants and our catering and banquet events. He is the winner of multiple culinary awards including many from the American Culinary Federation and has years of experience in five-star hotels and resorts around the world. Focusing on seasonality, locally sourced ingredients, flavor combinations and enhancing the guest experience, Chef Noah will be elevating dining at The Abbey Resort to new levels of greatness!
“Cultures all around the world love food. Food brings people together, whether it’s for big family meals like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas or even weekend barbecues. As a chef, I’m looking forward to creating memorable moments in people’s lives.”
Chef Noah Gümüstekin
You’ll fit right in. Head for the most adventurous craft distillery, just over the stateline from Lake Geneva. Live music, craft cocktails, tours and tastings, private events. Come for the good times. Come back for more. found wherever craft spirits are sold or served.
SCAN HERE TO SEE UPCOMING LIVE MUSIC, FOOD TRUCKS AND OTHER EVENTS
Bananas Foster French Toast — just one of Chef Gümüstekin’s new breakfast creations, made with Brioche Toast, Rum Flambé Banana and Whipped Cream.
10 MILES NORTH OF THE ABBEY
Dream Weddings
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 shores of Geneva Lake.
BlueVerve Studio Photography
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.
Elyse Bullard Photography
Kristina Lorraine Photography
Phillip Gregory Photography
Nicole Donnelly Photography
Nicole Morisco Photography
INSPIRATION AND RECONNECTION
PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING AT THE ABBEY
Today’s meeting is not just general sessions and breakouts, it’s also about getting the team together and building 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 Lake Geneva. 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 energy by escaping the everyday routine at the lake!
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, call 800-709-1323 or email leads@theabbeyresort.com.
THE SPACE AND TOOLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
The Abbey Resort provides a wide array of dynamic indoor and outdoor meeting space. From our ten-person Marina Rooms with a view of the harbor lawn to the 10,000-squarefoot Harbor Ballroom overlooking the water, we offer venues that will accommodate meetings of any size. Our conference service experts are available to assist in every step of the planning process from our customizable meeting packages and menus. On-site tech experts from Encore provide a range of audio-visual solutions that can meet your needs — and your budget. From increased bandwidth to the most up-todate tech components, you don’t have to spare the tools you need just because you’re away from the city.
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 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.
INDULGE AT AVANI SPA
AN EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN ANCIENT ELEMENTS
Our 35,000-square-foot full-service spa emphasizes holistic well-being in mind, body and spirit. Offering experiences inspired by the unique elements of our area, Avani Spa combines the highest quality products with classic traditions to uplift your spirit and restore your energy.
Avani’s facilities, environment, and products work together to create an overall sense of restorative well-being. Our oasis on the shore of Lake Geneva strives to renew your energy, improve your health and reset your mind. Using mindfully curated products from partners whose ideals align with our own, our services and treatments will relax and revitalize you mentally and physically.
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 and steam rooms, and renovated 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 ages 16 and over. The spacious studio is bright and filled with uplifting energy for your workouts. Use our LifeFitness cardio equipment, strength training machines, free weights and S180 TRX workout area.
Admission to Avani Spa is complimentary for any guest aged 16 or older who has booked a spa service of $100 or more. Day passes are available to purchase for $30 per person Monday through Thursday and $40 per person Friday through Sunday. Based on business levels, spa access is limited and may not be available on weekends and holidays. Day passes can only be purchased at the Avani Spa on the day of usage and are not presold.
SO MUCH TO DO — NO MATTER THE SEASON
CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES, PERFECT FOR EACH AND EVERY FAMILY MEMBER
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
purchase on select days to non-spa guests. Inquire at the spa for more details.
FIRESIDE S’MORES
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. Become an Abbey Explorer after completing a booklet full of family activities, traverse the resort during a 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 and explore the village. 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 a relaxing spot limited to adults with spa access, and passes may be available for
Whether you cozy up to the fire during the fall and winter months on the Harbor Patio with a cup of hot cider, 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? We have multi-talented musicians performing every Saturday evening and every Sunday morning in 240° West. Don’t miss Burnin’ Down the Docks on the Waterfront Patio Sunday afternoons in the summer.
FUN AND GAMES
Experience fun and games in Immersion and the Rainbow Point Arcade. Sit back and enjoy some of your favorite movies or watch major sporting events on our 90-inch HDTV in Immersion Cinema. Gather the family to play one of our board games in the solarium hallway. 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 in Rainbow Point. Try something new during one of our scheduled immersive experiences in the Immersion activities area. You’ll find hours of operation, movie times, and scheduled activities 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 facility is brightly lit, energizing, and ready to get you moving. The space is filled with cardio equipment including a rowing machine and group fitness bikes. You will see a TRX training area including many accessories such as kettle bells, a battle rope, and balance trainers. We also have strength training equipment and free weights to target and tone muscles.
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 watercraft and boat rentals from Gordy’s Marine. 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 halfday 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 Wisconsin’s own Spotted Cow beer!
EXPERIENCE THE AREA
THERE’S SOMETHING IN LAKE GENEVA FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY
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.
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. 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.
GOLFING
Whatever your skill level, there’s a golf course within five to 20 minutes of The Abbey Resort. 18 renovated holes are just 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 downtown Lake Geneva is a must-see for learning about the history of Geneva Lake 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 life, is located in nearby Eagle. If gaming is more your style, explore the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons at the Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum in Lake Geneva.
PLAY IN THE SNOW
Get ready for wintertime fun! Try cross-country skiing at nearby nature trails of 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.
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 Vegasstyle equine/rider performances. Concerts featuring every type of musical genre are held at the Belfry Music Theatre and at community band shells.
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 FULL DAY OF EXPLORATION
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
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 our indoor or 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 made with Intelligentsia Coffee 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 ninety-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 explore ninety 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.
ANNUAL EVENTS AT THE ABBEY RESORT
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!
Scan to view events on your phone!
