ABBEY RESORT & AVANI SPA ~ A MUST EXPERIENCE

I recently visited this popular resort destination, which is located in the picturesque Lake Geneva, WI area; it’s so-named because of the area’s largest fresh-water glacially formed lake, Geneva Lake. This area has been dubbed as the Hamptons of the Midwest (or the Cape Cod of the Midwest), because of the concentration from a bygone era of the “who’s-who” among Midwestern corporate titans who clamored to the area via train as a refuge during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; these “well heeled” folks built mansions on the hilly glacial area as a getaway destination; many of the mansion remain to this day.  The resort opened in 1965.  In 1989, I first visited the resort primarily for a spa-centric visit.  The resort’s spa originally opened in 1989 as the Fontana Spa.  After a major expansion and transformation in 2008, the spa was renamed the Avani Spa, which in Sanskrit translates to “of the earth”.

At the time of the spa’s opening, it was also the Midwest’s first full-service European-style spa.  At 35,000SF and with seventeen treatment rooms, it was considered the Midwest’s largest full-service spa; it contained separate changing and waiting areas for men and women; each area was equipped with its own enormous whirlpool, steam, and sauna.  There were connecting hallways from each area to the spa’s enormous atrium pool, which was solely dedicated for spa guests, another first.  In 1989, these were new concepts and approaches.

During this visit, I primarily came to review the Avani Spa.  The treatment I experienced was a Phytomer Custom Facial.  Phytomer is a highly respected skincare line from France; the spa has used this line since 1989.  My esthetician, Linda, worked her magic on my face.  The exceptional treatment included multiple facial cleansings and toning, a thorough steaming to open the pores, a purifying mask to clean out the pores, a head, neck, and shoulder massage, and an application of eye cream and moisturizer.  My finicky skin was definitely treated well by the brand, the products, and the skincare professional, and went from drab to fab!  While a single experience with a product line isn’t a good indicator of how the products will remain effective, my skin did appear healthier, brighter and refreshed.  A lot can be said about a highly skilled esthetician applying their skill along with the right mix of products, to give noticeably favorable results in just one treatment.  The Phytomer products Linda used throughout the treatment included their Gentle Cleansing Milk, Vegetal Exfoliant, Rose Visage Toning Lotion, Soothing Cocoon Mask, Intense Youth Eye Cream, and Velvety Soothing Cream.  For more information on Phytomer, visit http://www.phytomer.fr/en/

Next to a therapeutic massage, a restorative facial, such as what I experienced, is my second favorite spa treatment.  Over the years, and all of the times I’ve experienced treatments at the spa, they’ve been wonderful.  Avani Spa offers numerous treatment therapies, plus wonderful amenities like whirlpool, steam room, sauna, pool, and fitness classes.  My overnight stay at the resort was restful, and all of the staff was outstanding.  The best part of the overnight experience was definitely the facial.  Avani Spa is one of the better spas in the Wisconsin area, and one I regularly recommend to folks looking for a lovely place to decompress and get restored.  For more information on Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, visit http://www.theabbeyresort.com/spa

~ Not To Be Missed ~

The beautiful Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is also offering its popular “Unwind Weekends-Spa Series”.  Guests can decompress and get revitalized the weekends of October 30^th to November 1^st, November 20^th to 22^nd, and December 11th to 13^th.  The special package includes accommodations, one 50-minute Avani massage or facial, one spa breakfast, $25 spa credit on additional series treatment or spa retail items, access to fitness classes, and daily spa access.  Contact the resort for special pricing.  http://www.theabbeyresort.com/special-pkg/seasonal-specials.aspx

~ In Closing ~

The best gift you can give to yourself is the gift of taking time to unwind, recoup, recharge, relax, and restore.  A few days in a different environment, where others take care of you, or tend to your needs, is good for whatever ails you.  And no, it’s neither selfish or hedonistic to spend some time on yourself…think of it as an investment in self…you’ve certainly earned it…and, you definitely deserve it!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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