The Abbey Resort Woos Families for the Holidays

Looking for a winter wonderland experience for the family enticing enough to lure you away from home this holiday season? The Abbey Resort, the only full-service resort located directly on the shores of Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake, has you covered.

The Abbey Resort. Photo: The Abbey Resort

The property is surrounded by a 21-mile path that circles the entire lake, designed for walking and jogging, as well as — when Mother Nature cooperates — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

For more outdoor fun, families can practice their figure eights at the Abbey rink on the Harbor Patio, within a few steps of their guestrooms and where free loaner skates are available.

The Abbey Resort. Photo: The Abbey Resort

To warm up afterward, kids can make their own s’mores at the bonfire on the Waterfront Patio.

Need a break from the winter chill? Check out the resort’s Immersion Cinema, which will feature a line-up of Christmas and holiday-themed movies all season; the selection of Minute-To-Win-It games, designed to connect family and friends; Santa’s Workshop  —  a hands-on way to make crafts from around the world; the Immersion Entertainment Center, which offers virtual reality experiences, and a selection of popular board games and various single-player games.

The Abbey Resort. Photo: The Abbey Resort

The resort goes all out to celebrate the holidays, from Christmas decorations to live performances of popular Christmas music on Saturdays. Activities for children include a Christmas scavenger hunt, the 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, Rise & Shine Christmas Story Time and holiday crafts.

The Abbey Resort also offers packages for families on New Year’s Eve, which range from a lavish gala to a kid-friendly party.

There are two indoor pools — one for the whole family, complete with wading pool and hot tub — and a sunlit atrium pool for adults only at Avani Spa, accessible with spa admission.

The spa features a full menu of services, including massages, pedicures, manicures and body scrubs and, during the holidays, the aromas of pumpkin spice in November and peppermint in December permeate the spa. Other spa amenities include saunas, whirlpools, steam and inhalation rooms, and a fitness center and classes.

There are three dining eateries in all: 240° West, Waterfront and Bar West — with a variety of decor and menu selections to please a variety of tastes. Daily dining specials include the Saturday prime rib buffet, for example, and the Friday all-you-can-eat fish fry. There are 334 accommodations in all, including guestrooms, suites and villas.

Located just 75 miles north of Chicago and 45 miles south of Milwaukee, the resort is situated on 90 acres of manicured grounds.

The Abbey Resort. Photo: The Abbey Resort