The Abbey Resort & Fontana Spa ON GENEVA LAKE

by Sheila Llanas

At the southwest point of Geneva Lake sits Fontana,Wisconsin, population 1,850, a peaceful spot for The Abbey Resort and Fontana Spa. The Abbey Resort and Fontana Spa is the only full-service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva. Since 1963, this shoreline resort has been the destination of choice for vacationers and business teams seeking a retreat beyond the ordinary. With one of the largest A-frame lobbies in the Midwest, the resort sits on 90 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.

After a $40 million revitalization completed in 2005, this celebrated landmark has opened its doors on a new era of excellence.

This condominium hotel has 334 rooms and 13 suites which are individually owned and rented out on behalf of their owners. Rooms at The Abbey Resort have a “lake house cottage” theme, with exposed beams and nautical accents in white and green. Many rooms have spectacular water views, others a view of the immaculate landscaping.There are also villas available that sleep six to eight.

“People are being reintroduced to The Abbey in a new light,” says Ed Snyder, vice president and general manager, who has been with the company for 29 years.“We have gotten a lot of positive feedback on the quality and design of the rooms.”

“The most exciting thing is to see the reaction of group customers to the renovations. It’s been overwhelmingly positive,” says Kelly Schaefers, director of group sales, about The Abbey Resort’s grand reopening in 2005.“People have embraced the amenities. Everybody loves something new, but the beauty is that our designers have also kept the historical and authentic pieces of the building. It’s still a cozy atmosphere.”

THE PERFECT GATHERING SPACE FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

The Abbey Resort’s 40,000 square feet of versatile meeting space includes upgraded boardrooms and the stunning 10,000-square-foot Harbor Ballroom.The resort can serve meals for events and conventions of up to 700 guests.The West Shore Pavilion, a large outdoor tent facility with chandelier lighting, is the ultimate location for romantic summer celebrations like weddings and anniversary or retirement parties.

Renovations to the property also include a new outdoor pool and an expanded indoor pool – both areas feature new hot tubs and kiddie pools. Indoors or out, the historic Lake Geneva area offers recreation for every season. The Abbey Resort is the perfect place to take advantage of winter sports with cross-country skiing and snowmobiling nearby, or ice skating on-site. Bring your own skates or rent them from The Abbey.

Spend summers by the pool or the beach. The Abbey Resort boasts a full-service marina with 407 boat slips. Enjoy sailing, high-flying parasailing, waterskiing, and other water sports from the waterfront. Schedule a fishing charter or rent a WaveRunner© jet ski. The 13 nearby golf courses include Abbey Springs and the Geneva National Golf Club championship courses.

THE DINING EXPERIENCE

A day of work or play hones the appetite, and you’ll be in for a treat at The Abbey Resort’s array of excellent restaurants. The Porto serves fine cuisine in a Mediterranean style. The Fontana Grill offers steaks, chops and seafood and serves up a famous Friday Night Fish Fry and a Sunday Harborside Brunch. The Waterfront, adjacent to the marina, serves delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads. With live music on most Friday and Saturday nights, The Waterfront is a great place to dock your boat and enjoy a warm summer evening.

THE SPA TREATMENT

You will also want to take advantage of the professional spa services at the sunlit Fontana Spa. The spa offers an extensive list of luxury treatments for skin and body, like mud and herbal wraps, Japanese Stone and Golfer’s Swing massages, reflexology, and a warm herbal bath.

The spa also features a state-of-the-art fitness center with LifeFitness® equipment, each with its own TV screen. In the full aerobic studio, certified instructors lead classes in Tai Chi,Yoga, Pilates, and more. Relax in the steam room, whirlpool, dry sauna, fireplace reading lounge, or inhalation room with eucalyptus oils.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE—SUMMER AND WINTER

The Abbey Resort offers family activities from sand volleyball to Velcro Olympics.With bike and game rentals, movie nights, and bonfires, there is always something to do. Indoor activities from September to May make this a cozy indoor resort too. Kids Kapades, Kids Night Out, and Children’s Babysitting ensure a quality stay for everyone in the family. Trained staff members supervise events, games, and arts and craft projects your
kids will love. Later, enjoy family friendly movie night on Fridays and Saturdays, popcorn included.

The Abbey Resort fills up quickly. Please make reservations well in advance for room accommodations and Fontana Spa appointments. For more information, check their website at www.TheAbbeyResort.com/FIW or call 1.800.709.1329.