The Abbey Resort and Spa

The Abbey Resort is a great place for a mini vacation. My "Girlfriend Group" love the accommodations and the amenities. Last weekend five of us made the trek up to the Abbey (2 1/2 hour drive from Chicago) for some pampered R&R.

Thursday afternoon we arrived at the Abbey.










There are three restrauants, The Helm (piano bar), conference facilities and gift shops all conveniently located within the Abbey complex.





The Avani Spa provides a complete menu of excellent spa services including men's and ladies' lockerrooms equipped with dry sauna and steam rooms, whirlpool and shared swimming pool. (There has been some renovation at the Abbey. More to come. To the right of the whirlpool are the steam, sauna, and swimming pool.)








We spent some time at pool side: reading, talking, chillin'. On Friday morning we ordered breakfast near.


Counter at pool area. Magazines and newspapers are available.

At the pool area, there is complimentary, fruit, coffee, tea, and juices. There are also a number of classes available for the guest.



Sis Mona as we start our walk along the lake front. It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and it was about 45 degrees.


A few of us decided to take a walk along the lake on Friday afternoon. The sun was shinny, the sky was clear, the air a little crisp. The perfect mix for an enjoyable fall stroll around lake Geneva.


This view is of the Abbey at the end of our trek about the lake area.

Beautiful homes and condominiums are etched across the skyline along the lake front. In the surrounding area, there are some great shops and restrauants for those who want to venture beyond the resort grounds.

This is one of many mansions along the lake front area. Many of the houses were closed up for the winter. Lovely real estate.


This time around, not so many photos of the group, but a view of the Spa and lake Geneva.

In the Company of Women

We had a wonderful time at the Abbey. Everyone should treat themselves to a spa visit at least once. The Fontana Spa is the bomb! Love it! Love it! The Fontana Spa offers great specials throughout the year. Our package included 2-day hotel accommodations, $110.00 Food credit, $110 Spa service credit all for $395.00 per person.

My sister, Mona, planned this spa vacation for the group. The Abbey is one of her favorite places to visit. She treats herself at least four times a year. Six of us traveled in three cars to Lake Geneva (2 hour drive from Chicago). Tricey and I arrived first with the rest of the group arriving shortly afterwards.

Here's the set up:

We checked in, unpacked, and set up our own personal bar.




Tricey Helping Mona with her luggage.



Mona gifted everyone. (Martini glass, candle, body spray, and a copy of the Phenomenal Woman poem by Dr. Maya Angelou.)



Our spa services started at 2:00pm on Thursday and continued through Friday evening. We talked about about everything from presidential candidates to family matters. No male bashing.


Dinner the Thursday evening. Left to right: me, Anita, Mona, Tanya, Christie, and Tricey



I know many people aren't "big" on salad, but this salad was delicious. Mixed lettuce and greens, strawberry, mandarin orange, roasted pecans, blue cheese and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Mmmm Mmmm good. I'm going to make this at home.


The bar which was located in the center room. We had adjoining rooms for easy access.


The bartender taking a break.


Christie- Better known as Bernie Mack's lil' sister. This woman had us in stitches the entire time.


Ms. Tanya, too tickle to pose for the photo.


The Abbey is really a beautiful place to visit. Friday we had planned to go for a long walk by the lake. Friday morning we woke up to this.


It snowed all day. So we spent all of our time in the spa: by the pool, in the sauna, having spa treatments. After a silk wrap and a custom message who can think about taking pictures.

We all checked out early Saturday afternoon. Christie and Anita headed for home. They went to the Jill Scott concert Saturday night. The rest of us went to the Huntley Outlet Mall, which is on the way home to Chicago.

Well that's it! We had a great Spa weekend. If you can, visit the Abbey or a spa near you. You'll definitely enjoy it.

Now back to the sewing. I'm working on my many reviews. I've worn one of my dresses twice already.

Annual Family Vacation in Wisconsin Dells

Every year the family heads up to Wisconsin Dells for vacation. We lodge at the Wilderness Resort. One of the biggest attractions at the Wilderness are the waterparks. The kids and adults alike have a great time. Family photo later.