Service was good but we were told over the phone that we would be able to use the other amenities after our nails were done. After we went to pay $50 for manicures and $65 for pedicures...we were told a spa pass to use the other parts were $25. The workers were very kind and did a good job, but I've received much better manicures and pedicures at other places for under $40. Disappointed in the prices and will not be coming back. read more

This spa is a hidden gem for a day spa. The entrance fee is $25 and you have access to their entire facility. If you book a spa or salon service for than $50, the entrance fee is waived. In the women's locker room, you get a robe, slippers, and a locker. There is a lounge with a couple of fireplaces where you go before your spa appointment. Also in the women's locker room, you'll find a steam room, sauna, inhalation room, and a jacuzzi. They offer complimentary toiletries (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, razors, combs, tampons, maxi pads, mouth wash) as well as the use of their hair dryers. They have 2 in the women's locker room. When you step out into the common area, you'll find the pool. It's pretty big and they have towels and beach chairs set up all along the perimeter of the pool. There is also another sauna and jacuzzi. There is complimentary water, juices, coffee, and tea available. If you're hungry, you can order food, or bring your own food into the pool area. We arrived at the spa in the morning, checked in and went to a couple of the work out classes. The Zumba class and the total body conditioning in the morning. The classes were ok. The room was a bit small. I was expecting a larger room that would give me the WOW factor, but it was small and a bit cramped. For the zumba class, we only had about 10 people and it seemed like there was barely any room for us to move around. Same thing happened with the total body conditioning. So, for the workout classes, I'd give the spa a 2. I didn't get a chance to check out the workout room though, so I'm not sure how the layout is. I booked the relaxation massage and the detoxifying bath. The Relaxation massage is $120 for one hour. If you come here, this would be the service I would recommend getting. Although there are cheaper deals for massages in Chicago, this massage was very relaxing and soothing. I kept falling in and out of sleep the entire time! Now, for the detoxifying bath, on the other hand, totally not worth it. They fill up a private tub with warm water and turn on the water jets and put in dry seaweed. You sit in it for about 20 mins and then they have you lay on a bed, wrap you up, and then another 20 mins before the appointment is finished. Totally not worth it. I'd give this place a 4 since there aren't many day spas like this in lake geneva. My tip.... get the relaxation massage and spend the day at the pool lounging. read more

Spent a relaxing day at Avani utilizing their all day pass. For $25 it's a great steal! We were given robes, sandals, and lockers upon arrival and spent the day drinking mimosas (BYOB baby!), hanging out in the hot tub and whirlpool, and steaming. My personal favorite was the eucalyptus room though! My three friends and I had totally relaxing and enjoyable days and I hope to try some of their other services next time I'm back! read more

The Avani Spa is attached to the Abbey Resort. You can go as a guest of the resort (still charged, depending on your package), or go for just a day in the spa with $25 entrance fee which includes the spa room/lockers/showers/vanity/etc, private whirlpool (in each gender's spa area), a private, no kids indoor pool and jacuzzi with spectacular picture windows and a steam room. You are provided flip flops and robe, and towels. If you are a plus size like me they do have plus size robes, but they seemed kinda more raggedy and lesser quality, so I just use the regular and let it be open a bit- of course I'm wearing a modest swimsuit under it!! Your entrance includes free beverages (non alcoholic) all day long, and a wealth of toiletries so you don't necessarily even need to bring any yourself, including tampons, dispisable razors. They even nicely found some hair mousse for my sister who had none. If you are partaking of the spa or it's services, your spa entrance fee pays for the entire day- even if, say, you aren't able to check into your room right away. So come early, enjoy a full and leisurely day at the private spa/pool until you are ready/able to go to your room. If you are also staying at the resort, ask about packages and what your room includes because often it will include free access to the spa, and/or discounts to be used there. My favorite things about the Avani: It's soooo calm and relaxing and the perfect solution to clear your head just hanging in a more private setting, by the pool, sans kids. While there is that aforementioned daily spa fee, as long as you sign up for a service of $50 or more (manicure, massage, whatever) on the same day, the spa fee is waived. So for example, a manicure is $50. So they won't charge you the $25 spa fee; it's absorbed- you just pay for the manicure (which does help with the pricier fees, since anywhere else, I'd only pay $25 for a manicure). Poolside massage- pretty good, ya. :)) As with any service provider, you risk how good your service will, i.e., I've had the best pedicure of my life, and the worst, both at the Avani. I wish i remembered the name of the first woman who gave me the most awesome pedicure but I dont. :( I'd say for your nail services and some wraps, ask for Sandy whom my sister used. My gal didn't spend enough time on the exfoliating of my feet and so they weren't as smooth as they should have been. But that was the exception not the rule, and yes, I tipped accordingly. Overall, a great experience that keeps bringing me back to decompress. read more

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I had a facial at the spa the other day. It was an okay facial. I understand they follow a protocol but I don't feel it's necessary for the esthetician to leave the room during a service. A client could have a reaction during this time. Otherwise, the facilities were beautiful. I had a great relaxing day. read more

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I visited the spa when I was on a 3 day vacation with my husband. I scheduled an appointment for a mani/pedi just to pamper myself. My first impression of the salon was that it was very modern and the decor was very nice. I wish it had more of a selection for nail color and the mani/pedi was less than average. I was not impressed with the quality of the mani (I feel like I could have done the same at home) and the pedi was just a bit better. I also did not appreciate how often the Manicurist kept looking at her watch. She made it quite obvious that they are timed and held to the expectation of being fast, regardless if it compromises the quality of their work. I guess I just expected more considering the cost and the upscale feel this salon had. I would not return or recommend. read more

What a great day! My husband and I went to The Avani Spa at The Abbey Resort the day after Thanksgiving, and we both really enjoyed it! We scheduled two treatments each and spent the whole day there. When you pay for a treatment at the spa, you can use all their facilities for the whole day, which included hot tubs, pool, workout room, saunas, quiet room, and pool side dinning. So we got there two hours before our treatments and worked out in the gym. The gym is really nice, with great weight machines, free weights, ellipticals, and treadmills, both of which have personal TVs with cable on them. I could have run all day watching Comedy Central! I showered before my first treatment, and I really enjoyed the products in the shower stall, they smelled really good! I met Tanya for my deep tissue massage in the tranquility room by the fireplace. Her deep tissue massage was totally awesome! She knew how to apply just the right amount of pressure, without going to far. She really worked each muscle group very deeply and patiently. It was my first deep tissue massage, so I asked her how I did, and how much she was holding back. She said I did well and that very few clients require her full strength. She is very strong! I had an hour break before my facial and I spent it in the hot tub and steam sauna. I met Celeste in the tranquility room too. She gave me a great facial, using really interesting marine based products. Her facial includes cleansing, massaging of the face, neck, shoulders, feet and lower legs (done with a special exfoliating spa peeling cream that left my feet and legs feeling soft and smooth!), forearms and hands, extractions (if needed), exfoliating with a gentle enzyme which is worked with really cool rotating brushes, a marine based mask, steaming, toning, and moisturizing. She really did so much, but it was so relaxing and thorough. My skin looks and feels great today! After my facial we took our time and left. What a great relaxing day. I felt so great! I would recommend this spa for a day experience, or as a destination by staying at The Abbey Resort on Lake Geneva. All the staff we met were friendly and helpful, but also gave us plenty of space for quiet relaxing. The spa itself is really beautiful, enclosed under tall round roofs, its classic Lake Geneva, but updated, like a lodge meets zen. read more

Great girls trip! Spa area is both vibrant and relaxing. Large pool area with space to snack and have cocktails. Service is slow - but you can bring your own! Perfect winter retreat. read more

The Pros: My friend and I spent Friday afternoon getting a Deep tissue massage and a Facial. Services were great! My technician Sarah was wonderful, so relaxed and positive. The Cons (of which there are many): 1) Attending Staff indifferent to non-existent; from the front desk to high school the kid on the phone who took food orders; 2) Speaking of food and drink-ordered 2 chef salads and 2 glasses of wine-then was told it will take up to an hour to get-I said I'm not waiting an hour to get a glass of wine so he said you're better off going to the Waterfront Restaurant. So we traipsed in our spa robes through the hotel where we got our lunches and drinks-then traipsed back to the spa Atrium Pool area with our take out lunches to eat. 3) By the time we ate lunch it was time for our services. Never got to use the pool. 4) The lounge chairs are loaded with towels, dirty, wet, and at a premium; you don't know which chairs are free or not. 5) NO POOL ATTENDANTS, Can you PLease put pool attendants in the area, you're a 4 star(?) spa. 6) The towels were disgusting and about 10 years old- I've attached pictures. 7) Empty water dispensers No one refilling the water dispensers or lotion dispensers in the shower area. Had to track down people to attend to these issues. PLease hire spa attendants!!!! Bottom line: after sharing my experience and pictures with friends, they were very turned off. I was considering joining The Avani Spa because we are area residents. Sorry NO MORE. If you clean up your act (literally) I'll consider coming back. But for now I'll try Clear Waters. 8) BTW we did not have to pay $25 to go into Atrium Pool, but on weekends you do-I'm warning you it is NOT worth it. read more

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This review is in relation to a massage I received this past weekend. I booked a deep tissue massage, for what I consider a pricey $160. When she started, I was asked how the pressure was. I told her she should go much deeper. She was a little better, for a little while, and then backed off to the point whereby afterward I felt like I'd had some lotion applied to my body instead of a massage. Deep tissue? Not hardly. And definitely not worth the price paid. Save your money and just get a mani-pedi, as I wish I'd done. In response to Adrienne - my yelp name is a pseudonym so you weren't able to correlate it to the spa's records; my masseuse was Missy or Misty; the cost was $145 and I left a terrible $15 tip hence the $160 cost I cited; and I'd rate that so-called deep tissue massage a 2.5 on a scale of 1-100. read more

Went to the Abbey for a work retreat which included a spa session which I was super excited about. I got a 50 minute massage and a custom facial. Both were pretty standard, not bad, but I've had better. The room we went into for the massage was freezing because of the air conditioning. We moved rooms, but the next one wasn't that much better. The facial was decent, they didn't do extractions and I don't know if that's because my skin just happened to be so fantastic that day, or they never do it. They were really prompt and really well organized. However, the spa itself could use a makeover, the showers are awful like a gym locker room. read more

Went for a massage - which was nice, fairly standard. The spa pool was huge and the hot tub was HOT! Had never seen water w strawberries in it and it was a nice change from the usual lemon. 3.5 stars with the round up for the new (to me) water. read more

Save your money! We came here and did a couples massage as part of our Valentine's Day getaway, $260 and we could have received a better massage from our 8 year old for free. The locker rooms were a mess and it was hard to find a robe and sandals to change into. The girls that did the massage were nice but was not worth $260. We were extremely disappointed and when we told the front, he didn't say a word just ignored our dissatisfaction and took $260 for $100 service (that's being generous). read more

My wife and I have been coming to the Avani Spa for several years, and we have noticed the pool and spa area have fallen into disrepair. The locker room is dirty and the towels and robes are torn and rust stained. For the prices they charge I'm hopeful a renovation is in the future. read more

this was extremely over priced for what you get. not a relaxing environment. it was sterile. go to cute nail instead or clear water.

Do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and read this first before you go there. I planned this trip for my cousin's bachelorette party back in September. We chose to go there because of the spa. From the moment we stepped on property to the minute we left, it was an epic disaster. What's worse is that this could have been avoided. We arrived and 4 of us went to unload the car and check into the rooms, while the other 3 went to the restaurant. When we joined the other 3 at the restaurant, we waited over 15 minutes for water. One of the girls had ordered and had asked 7 times for vinegar. The waitress, when she finally came by, either forgot the vinegar or brought her something she didn't order. One girl ordered the cheese curds, but not once, but twice, was she brought out a cheese quesadilla. I had to get up to go ask the manager and waitress if they could come to our table to take our order and refill waters. I explained we had spa services beginning at 2 PM and were in a bit of a hurry, hoping this would make them move a bit faster. The manager then said to me, "this isn't the place to come if you're in a hurry." I was flabbergasted that a manger would say that. It also is obviously not the place to go if you want water or waiters who have manners or customer service. We finally make it to the spa and received our spa services. We each had two services a piece, so in total the spa probably received about $1,800 from our party. Myself and another girl had the same gentleman do our massage, although not realizing it until we were discussing how the services were. Whoever did my express pedicure, was lovely and the ladies in the pedicure area were so nice and kind. When I went into my massage, he instructed me to lay on my stomach, as he'd begin on my back. He asked if I had any focus areas, and while I normally only have my massage therapist at home work on my back, I thought since we were there to relax, a full body massage would be nice.... was I wrong. When he came into the room, he began by massaging and pushing on my butt. At first I thought this was maybe his version of normal, but realized that it started to get weird. At one point he was grabbing my butt. He began to massage my inner thighs and it wasn't until I became skirmish and ticklish, that I had to ask him to stop. He did stop when I told him too. At the conclusion of the massage, I left feeling uncomfortable. I paid for the services, tipped him, and walked out to go prepare the hotel room for the bachelorette party. When we got to the room, one of my cousin's friends who I never met prior to the weekend and I began to ask how the services were. She started to share her massage experience and it wasn't until that moment we realized we had the same person. She experienced the same thing I had with that gentleman. We both decided to call the spa and report it because my cousin was out of the room and we didn't want to ruin her time. When we called the Spa, the manager on duty, said she'd have to call her manager and call us back. She did and then said she'd come to our room to take the incident report. When we both stepped out to explain the situation, we shared we wanted this gentleman to receive some kind of professional development and/ or training so it doesn't happen to future women or men. She said she would refund our services and while we were appreciative of that gesture, we again reiterated that it wasn't about the fact we were looking for a free service but rather to make sure we spoke up to prevent this in the future. As I was calling the spa to voice our concerns, I sat on the edge of the other bed in the room, and noticed multiple red/ brown stains along the other bed. So after calling the spa, I had to call the front desk to inform them of the room. They had housekeeping change the sheets when we left, but the fact I had to call is still annoying. I shared with the front desk the entire experience at The Abbey was absolutely awful. During the middle of the night, outside our room a physical altercation broke out with a group of women screaming, hitting each other, etc. To say that was the final straw would be an understatement. The morning we checked out, we packed up as quickly as we could, and went to the front desk. We had an opportunity to express our concerns to the manager for operations, who was very nice. I will never ever go there again for any reason- spa, dinner, or to stay. read more

I recently got invited to The Abbey Resort in Fontana, WI and indulged in a relaxation massage at the Avani Spa. I must say it has been a long time since my last massage so I was a little uneasy but Leigh the masseuse made me feel at ease. It was the most relaxing and stress relieving hour in recent memory. If you are looking for a massage whether it be relaxing or deep tissue I highly recommend Leigh at Avani Spa. read more

My wife and I had a massage scheduled. I had Aromatherapy and my wife ordered the Avani special. My massage was very good and super relaxing.my wife however did not get the massage she ordered. In addition they did not work on her shoulders. Also she was not offered water after massage. We were given only 5% off for the mistake. Very disappointed read more

What a fantastic experience! The staff were super friendly and professional. The pool was refreshing and the spa was deliciously warm and soothing. It was very convenient to book any services. I got a poolside massage, a pedicure (which still looks great a month later!), and the coffee wrap (which was wonderful!). Who knew coffee blossoms smelled so good? I bought the coffee body wash and lotion to take home and every day when I use them, it reminds me of my wonderful weekend there! read more

I enjoyed this spa and was really impressed with the size and the amenities. Nice hot tub in the women's area, fireplace in the waiting area, and an entirely private pool area for the spa guests. I was not pleased with one aspect of my facial, and that was the therapist leaving during my treatment, for a solid 8 minutes, in order to "get me a drink of water for when we are finished". Now, everyone knows the therapist prepares the drink of water AFTER the treatment is done. You walk out the door after getting dressed, and she is standing there with a small cup of water and sends you on your way. It is just not a good practice to leave a client in a treatment room by themselves during a facial. I could have a reaction to a skin treatment, I could fall off the table, but most of all, I am not getting the full 50 minutes that I am paying for. And here, I am paying $130 for 50 minutes. As a result of her extended departure for my small cup of water, there was no head or neck massage offered. It was the first time I have ever left a facial without my hair being completely messed up. So, if you reserve a facial, ask when making the reservation if it is the practice of the therapist and spa to leave the room at any time. If it is, don't get the facial. You will not get your money's worth. I wish I had asked... On the other hand, my husband had the 50 minute swedish massage, loved it, felt great afterwards, and got a FULL 50 minute massage. read more

Not worth it. Spa was dirty. Booked a 50 min deep tissue couples massage. Massage was only 40 mins and definitely wouldn't consider it deep tissue. They came and got us late. Massage didn't start until 11:10 and we were getting dressed at 11:51. There was a large group of loud women in the hot tub in the women's locker room and we could hear them throughout our massage. Horrible spa experience. read more

Normal protocol: check in at reception 30 min before, get a locker key and change into a complimentary pair of rubber sandals and white robe. Of course the robe engulfs my small frame, so I wished they offered some type of multi-wear sarong, like at the Kabuki in SF, CA. I like feeling comfortable, not frumpy! The staff who pick up linens and tidy up the areas are nice and don't really talk to the patrons unless spoken to. I got a few smiles, but for a new customers, sometimes it's nice to be asked how you are doing or if you need anything. I went to take a shower and like any good spa, they had nice smelling, without being overpowering, shampoo / conditioner, and bath gel. I was pretty surprised that everyone in there was in bathing suits. I am used to wandering around nude in the women only spas or gyms, but I was the only one. There was a modesty change room with a curtain, and I remember the facility specifically stating the spa tried to accommodate modesty. You then wait in a sitting area with some well worn magazines (need more magazines - maybe foodie ones?) and a gas fireplace to await your masseuse. The massage was great and the masseuse had great technique. I've had massages in different parts of the world and he was good. An hour long relaxing session was seriously getting some much needed stress out of my muscles. Music was a mix of relaxation therapy, Asian inspired and some Vangelis thrown in (think sultry parts of Blade Runner). The individual massage rooms were clean, water pitchers with ice were available, pleasant temperature and low lit. I was probably most impressed with the nice linens, sheeting is the norm for a lot of my massages, but the Avani had some nice damask thin blankets that gave a sense of nurture and weightiness, without being hot. And yes, I just went there in August, so it was hot and humid outside. I am really sorry to forget my masseuse's name (horrible with names) but he was a tall guy and had the best attitude, asking where I had aches and then sorting them out. Steve! HA! I remembered :) Ask for Steve. After the massage, I went to the women's sauna, which was small, but empty, then the whirlpool, also empty and soaked for about 15 minutes. I was a bit distracted with the warping wood trim in the room's interior and started thinking about stuff like how you could choose better wood for wet environments and so I took another shower and decided to meet up with my husband who got a massage treatment at the same time. The Spa is located near building #2, so if you are staying at the Abbey, you can take the hotel hallways through the building to not actually have to be outside. The back of the spa is visible from the parking lot, so I would hope that someone may think to plant some bamboo to block that view. I can't really comment about other people who were out here relaxing however, I like to have an oasis of relaxation, so hearing or seeing cars is unavoidable if you wish to be outside. So, I can really only comment about the massage, hot tub, showers and the lobby, since I didn't really feel like working out or sitting outside. My husband had a massage at the same time and after, he looked sort of dazed and relaxed, too! The massages were $120 each and we gave gratuity for great service, about 20%. I usually really try to get my $$ worth at a spa, by using all the amenities, but since we were in Fontana for a wedding, we didn't bring work out clothes and didn't feel like swimming or lounging around. P.S. I was looking around at the gift area and thought they offered some very unique lines: men's grooming, vegan nail polishes and berry blends sold in wine bottles. It was a nice treat for a Monday afternoon. Quiet and not a lot of people around made for a really nice experience. The Abbey also offers spa / hotel packages, so it makes it a whole experience. read more

We were staying at the resort for the weekend and I purchased a couples massage. Mine was prenatal and it was amazing! I wish I could remember the name of the masseuse. They have a nice spa and private pool and hot tub separate from the resort pool. It would be worth the $25 daily spa fee just for that in my opinion. You can come in and out all day. The services are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. read more

Visited early April for a relaxing weekend with my friend - they were able to accommodate our early arrival and were very pleasant & helpful upon check-in. So here ya go... SPA: I started with a 75 minute hot stone massage. Relaxing, but not quite a massage, IMO. More like having stones rubbed all over without the actual massage component. My biggest issue, though, was that literally every 5-10 minutes she would stop and go blow her nose. This went on the entire time (75 minutes). She was clearly sick and it occurred to me afterward that she didn't wash her hands in between nose blows, which my be why I had a cold for several days when I got home :( My friend was booked for the wrong service with a male, after requesting a female, but they were able to change that easily, though at check out she was overcharged for the incorrect service (they did fix that after we inquired about it at check out). I also had a body scrub/wrap, followed by a bath, which was nice BUT the jets in the tub (by my legs) were broken, so it wasn't as good as it could've been. I did receive 20% off the service because of that, but would have preferred paying the full amount for the treatment I wanted. So, while it was nice, it wasn't what I expected....and I definitely didn't appreciate the germ sharing. The hot tubs, pool, steam room and sauna were wonderful and relaxing. There was a couple checking in at the spa and there was a problem with their appointments, as well, so book ahead and confirm before you go! DINING (at The Abbey): Dinner at 240 West was fantastic with great service. We ordered dessert from room service later - not so great - overpriced, unidentifiable mushy pie type thing. We had dinner at The Waterfront the following night - again, very good! We brought dessert up to the room that night and it was much better. We also had drinks at Bar West - nice atmosphere. ROOMS (at The Abbey): The room was really nice - AMAZING beds, nice soft towels and plushy robes, very clean. Kind of thin walls and we overheard some VERY interesting conversations (pineapples and vibrators?? OK) , but they quieted down by 10, so it was no big deal. I liked the balcony outside the room. Overall it was a nice weekend, but the spa treatments were a bit of a letdown, especially since they're a little pricey. I do wonder if the woman who did the hot stone massage was an actual licensed massage therapist, since, as I mentioned, it wasn't an actual MASSAGE. The bill was confusing, as they don't show what credits were applied and there were some random charges that needed explaining, but the gentleman at reception was pleasant and removed an incorrect $70 charge for the above mentioned incorrect spa charge. We plan on going back and hopefully some of the glitches will be worked out. Not an inexpensive weekend getaway from Chicago, but pleasant. Maybe some training on infection control would come in handy, also. read more

This review is going to include a few good but mostly bad. Background: I visited this spa as part of a bachelorette party back on February 20. I was there for a 75 minute Purifying Facial, at a price of $190. Summary: For $2.50 per minute, I thought this would be the best facial but it was the worst. Good: Lovely facility and amenities. This is the kind of spa where you can spend several hours relaxing in a comfortable atmosphere. There is lovely tea, coffees, and cucumber water to enjoy, as well as a hot tub and sauna in the locker rooms, and sitting area by the pool. On the Saturday we were there it was nice and empty early in the morning which made it really nice. Very nice showers, ample soft towels, and vanities to get ready. Bad: 2 weeks prior to the appointment I contacted them regarding a few mild skin allergies which they were unable to give a clear answer as to the brand or ingredients of their products. The person that gave me the facial put a warming pad under my back that soon became too hot and I had to say something. The entire facial was a systematic repetition of the following: apply cream to face, massage hands, wipe off cream on face, apply another cream or exfoliater to face, massage other hand, wipe off face, apply mask to face, massage foot, remove mask, etc. for 75 minutes. Meanwhile between each of these repetitions the lady was rummaging through drawers trying to find the next cream, leaving the room to wash her hands about 5 times, and then left the room for a full 7-8 minutes at one point. For paying over $2.50 per minute for this facial ($190 / 75 minutes), I felt this was money very poorly spent. Also, I'm pretty sure the lady was using the same 2 towels to wipe my face off, by the end of 75 minutes you can image how saturated those gross-feeling towels were. Lastly, as she was walking me out of the facial room she was picking leftover pieces of the mask off my face that she didn't get in the room. read more

Came here for our babymoon and was sadly disappointed. Your employees restocking the locker room were yelling across it about their personal lives - not great when you're trying to relax. Also, none of the spa services were with my husband - I guess I shouldn't have assumed they would be. The men and women's waiting areas are also separate I'm not sure why, we aren't in high school anymore. At least we got to sit together at the pool. Don't come here if you want to spend time with your loved one. read more

I had a massage from Vicki at Avani and it was AMAZING! When we came to stay at the Abbey. I had no idea they had such a large spa facility with a whirlpool in the locker room to a private pool and whirlpool in the main area. It is definitely a place to spend some quiet time away from kids. Everyone at the spa were extremely helpful. I will be coming back. I agree with other reviews that the facility needs a little update but but honestly I found it much better than the American club because the staff was friendlier and the facility much larger not to mention one of the best massages ever. read more

My friends and I booked a spa day for our birthdays.. We were very excited for a special day. This is not the place or experience we were hoping for. So many problems I will just list a few...cold hot tub, overpriced services, waited almost 2 hours for our pool side lunch that was so bad we couldn't eat it, horrible pedicure which caused a toe infection...and that is just some of the problems. Very rundown and broken lounge chairs...I could go on. I rarely complain but this place was bad. Thought I should say something read more

Bummer. I try to get out to the abbey once every few months for some spa time. I was disappointed to see how badly they let the place slip. The over priced massage was not much better than what I could get at the mall. The bathrooms are so old/ dirty, carpet going into the pool area had a huge stain on it, paint on the walls were chipping / walls were in rough shape. I was told to find a robe in any of the lockers and they were all out. I sat in the hot Tub and there were black paint chips floating in the pool from the dingy hot tub floor. The sandals in the locker were broken. If you charge Chicago prices for your service you should at least attempt to make it worth easily double what I could have paid somewhere else nearby. read more

I have been to the spa several times for massages and facials and enjoyed my service everytime. Today I got a massage with Carrie and I cannot rave about her enough. I'm young with several old horse back riding injuries and issues from childbirth so I need a more gentle touch when I get massages. Carrie had the perfect amount of pressure and checked in with me a couple times to make sure she was using good pressure which I appreciated. I highly recommend her and will be requesting her next time I go back. read more

After having booked the Avani Spa at The Abbey for my bridal party hair and makeup, my mom and I went for a trial prior to the big day. Hair and makeup for 2 people took just under 4 hours - the hair stylist worked quickly, yet the makeup technician was extremely unorganized. Later that week I expressed my concerns to the spa manager, who assured me that she would urge her makeup technician to better prepare herself for the actual day-of. Things did go better, though the one makeup technician still seemed frazzled. Not the most comforting feeling on such a busy, time-sensitive day! read more

Boo.!!!!! It's way too hot in there. I was sweating bullets. Invest in air conditioning ASAP.!!!

Nice spa, but the quite room is like a freeway to the back hall. No quiet or relaxation there.

My friends and I visited this weekend (5 in the group). The facilities are nice, but we had a few concerns. All 5 of us thought the treatment rooms were cold almost to the point where you couldn't relax. Getting lunch or drinks delivered to you around the pool was "complicated". They did bring our lunches on time, but later when some of the group wanted drinks (Bloody Mary) they said it would take 90 minutes (the same time it was for getting food). The services were decent, but maybe a slightly overpriced for the quality. The towels used in my treatment room were old and torn, which was a real turn off. Again, the facility itself was beautiful and clean... but if Avani is going to be charge high-end prices they should up their game on the services they provide. I would most likely try another local place before returning to the Abbey spa. read more

They don't answer their phones, ever. I spent TWO days trying to get someone on the phone. Good luck trying to get an appointment.

The Avani spa is a mess-- not just the leaking ceiling. DO NOT GET YOUR GEL NAIL POLISH REMOVED HERE! WORKING OUT HERE IS A WASTE! I have a nail salon I regularly go to back home, but one weekend I didn't have the time to make it out to my regular place. The Avani spa told me that they do gel nail removal for $15. The woman who removed my no chip did not know that you are supposed to buff the surface of the nail before you soak it in acetone... So she ended up ripping my gel polish off and picking it off with her own nails (no gloves) gross! Parts of my natural nail were ripped off, and she broke my long, gorgeous nails that took me 2 months to grow out. When she ripped my nail in half, she asked me if she could just super glue it back together. They didn't give her a lot of tools to help remove the polish either, so the tool she did try to use was so big she ended up cutting my finger and making it bleed. In the end, I was left with flaking nubs on the tips of my fingers with a thin coat of polish and blood on the edges. Never getting my nails done here again... Also, their spa manager is never anywhere to be found to discuss fitness memberships they have or the terrible time I had getting my nails done. They do not have a lot of machines-- and will sooner chase you down demanding your identity than give you your membership card you paid for more than a month ago... If you do buy the membership, they'll never know who you are when you come in because the ID cards take forever! Their gym is limited in equipment, small, drafty, and disorganized. It doesn't help this place was built on an old wetland.... I'd rather find a different spa in the area with nail artists with more practice, cohesive communication between spa employees, good products/employees that don't damage my keratin, and respect for the lake's water quality. read more

I always enjoy this spa. lol be it. Great ambiance. So relaxing. If come to the Abbey Resort you must include the spa and best part Adult only! read more

The Avani spa has always been a favorite place of mine (formerly the Fontana spa) to escape to when I'm needing an afternoon of self-indulgence. The new renovation is beautiful except they have yet to redo the locker room area (not as if it's really needed however). The staff are all very friendly and everything from the plush robes to the eucalyptus scented body products make this place a definite high end salon/spa. Throughout my lifetime I have only had two massages there but I know my mom has indulged in their mani/pedi option. It's safe to say that this place is very expensive but worth every penny. However, the little known secret about Avani is that you can opt to purchase a $25 day pass to use the spa area without any services. This includes your robe/slippers, access to the showers/toilets and all of their complimentary shower necessities (shampoo, body wash, q-tips, towels, etc.), the whirpool, sauna, steam room, pool, jacuzzi, gym, and venhilation room. My girlfriends and I do this all time and we bring our books/iPods and just relax indoors. My favorite time is to go in the winter because the pool/jacuzzi area is incased in glass walls so you can sit on your pool chair sipping complimentary juices, tea, coffee, or water and enjoy being indoors soaking up some relaxation time. You can order poolside food service (most recently I enjoyed a mimosa and the cheese platter) and even take an exercise class. Speaking of exercise, the new gym is INCREDIBLE. They have all brand new Lifetime machines and TVs on the cardio equipment. They have dumbells, pilates equipment/mats, and a yoga/dance studio for stretching or taking classes. This is an absolute must place for anyone needing a day off from reality, even if you can't spend a lot of money. read more

This is my second time with my fiancé visiting the Avani Spa. The first time, a year ago, was great. We signed up for a couples 50min relaxing massage. The massage was 50min long, relaxing and we felt great leaving the spa. I would have given the experience 4 stars. This trip we were excited to come back but were very disappointed and sore after our massages. We again signed up for a couples relaxing massage. Once called in to the room there was minimal communication with the masseuse except to let her know which areas to focus on. I have never had pain and discomfort before from a relaxation massage until now. She mostly used her elbows with full weight as I wrenched in pain. I told her it was too hard. For the moment she relaxed on the pressure, still utilizing the elbows. When she started on the other side of my body the same overwhelming pressure started up, and I spoke up again, "a little softer please," but to no avail. I was almost happy the massage ended about 5min short of the full 50min. When they left the room it seems my fiancé had a similar equally painful experience. I do not know if they misread that we were to have a relaxing couples massage and not a deep tissue but this was a miserable experience for an anniversary trip. I do not think we will be back next year. read more

So very disappointing! My husband and I scheduled a 50 minute couples massage. The faculty was big and had a nice fire place sitting area and big pool. Other then that, it was very cold in the whole place even the treatment rooms. Everything smelled like chlorine. And worst of all our massage was finished in 40 minutes. Normally I would never complain or even say a word but with how much Avani Spa charged for a service you expect to get a great even a good service. And that was definitely not the case for us. Would not recommend to anyone! read more