"Meh--I've experienced better" is exactly how I'd describe this place. Not bad, but nothing extraordinary. (Note this review is for the spa only; I've reviewed the hotel and restaurants separately.) I was there with a few girlfriends for a spa weekend, so I started with the website. It was very difficult and confusing to use, and very difficult to read--white text on a variable-color background. I couldn't make an appointment on their website, which was frustrating, so I had to call back during their business hours, when I repeatedly got a voicemail instead of a person. When we arrived at the spa the day of, the front-desk personnel were nothing special. We were paying decent money for treatments and for the hotel, and they tried to make us share a locker; we declined, as we weren't all going to be back-and-forth on the same schedules, and she got huffy with us. She wasn't actively unprofessional, but she was pretty borderline. The pool area was unbearably hot and muggy. The pool itself was a bit on the warm side, but probably a good temperature for most people. The lap area is not full-size, but it does have three marked lanes, which is nice. However, due to the coloring of the walls of the pool (I assume) it was impossible to see where the wall was as I was swimming. (Two friends mentioned this as well.) Probably not a problem if you're just there to lounge, but this was really frustrating as someone who wanted to use the pool to swim laps. I have massages pretty regularly, so I didn't want to pay their inflated rates for an unknown masseuse. I opted instead for a body scrub, which was $65 for 25 minutes. (Crazy!) The waiting area for the spa services was an open room that connected the women's locker rooms/lounges to the men's...very unsettling to be walking around in nothing but a robe or towel from the shower, to discover that the room was open to men. The scrub itself was fine; the woman was very professional but seemed hurried, and she skipped my arms entirely. I assumed that for 25 minutes that was the trade-off, but two of my friends had the same service and theirs included arms, so I was disappointed that I hadn't made a fuss. The other big problem with the service was at the end. When she was done, she mentioned that they were "out" of robes (and trust me, the place was not that busy) and so she wrapped me in a single towel around my chest with another over my shoulders, and then walked me back through the co-ed waiting room and into the women's lounge to shower. I'm not particularly prudish, but that seemed a little inappropriate. "Out of robes" at a spa, on a not-even-busy-weekend? Really disappointing. As I was leaving, I was accosted at the front desk again for my room number, despite having arranged at the beginning of the day to put everything directly on my room. So, overall, "meh" is the right word for this place. I'd be hesitant to go back. 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

Lori gave me a great haircut and updo in record time!

I was looking forward to experiencing this award winning spa but was disappointed. I had two services booked, a chocolate pedicure and aqua hair treatment. The actual services were fine (nothing special) but it was the spa itself that was lacking. I arrived with a friend and they asked us to share a locker. We said sure but quickly realized it wasn't going to work. We had very different scheduled services and lots of stuff with us since we were not staying at the resort. When I asked to have a second locker the front desk was pretty rude stating they were breaking rules by giving us a second locker...what if I had arrived there alone? How can they not have enough lockers for their quests? At first glance the facilities seem luxurious but it is quickly apparent they have problems. There was water leaking from the ceiling in several areas and visible water problems elsewhere based on rusted fixtures, stained tiles and walls. We mentioned the dripping water in the locker room to an employee and they brushed it off. Seemed like the philosophy was to pretend it wasn't happening. The men's facilities has some sort of repairs so the typically same sex whirpool, steam room and sauna were co-ed. This seemed fine as it ended up being very quiet. The black curtains acting as separators were a bit disheveled and confusing though. As I said my services were okay. The massage chair for the pedicure was more of a vibration chair and I had to turn it off because it was making me motion sick. The salon area was a bit bland and so open it didn't quite have the total relaxation feel I hoped for. With my chocolate pedicure I was supposed to get a truffle. Starting during my 10am appointment all the way through until Noon, I was told the truffles were on there way. They never showed up. The front desk compensated by letting me choose some bagged chocolate off of a display. This was a nice effort. Overall, the price does not match the advertised experience and I will look elsewhere next time I am in Lake Geneva. read more

We love coming to the Avani Spa for a day of relaxation! We drove up from Chicago and had a few things booked. I had a coffee scrub from Sarah and she was great! I've had that treatment about 4 or 5 times there and no one has ever taken the time to explain all the products and how they benefit your skin. She was very respectful and I loved her. The pool and hot tub are always perfect and relaxing. They took the juice machine away (super disappointing for my husband) but didn't want to take a star away because we totally love the Avani Spa! read more

The Abbey is great...we've been coming here for over a decade and we love it! Today, we tried their spa...what a DISGRACE and embarrassment to the Abbey. The people at the front desk are clueless and there is construction during the holidays...can't they wait until after the holidays??? You're changing in the locker rooms and construction workers are working next to you...come on Abbey. Also, the place was freezing...they needed floor heaters. The massage was awesome though. If we would rate just the massage, we'd give them a 5 star...clean up your act, Abbey. read more

Not sure what is going on with the spa pool. They just did a renovation last year but you can't notice it, except for the new pool furniture. The spa pool is disgusting - it has a ring of dried dirt all around the inside of the pool tile above the water line. (Not dried chlorine - DIRT.) Also, seems heavily chlorinated. Men's locker room is so gross one is afraid to use it. They have young kids dragging pool furniture around some evenings - supposedly to wash half the tile floor down. Wonder when the other half gets washed. No cameras in the pool area and no attendants on duty. If there were cameras they would know that frequently hotel guests can be seen humping in the pool and/or hot tub. Showers are also always dirty - hair in drains, etc. Shampoo and body soap watered down. Nothing pleasing about the experience - just a tired spa. read more

I utilized the day pass which allows you use of the spa facilities (locker room, hot tub, pool, steam room, sauna), and complimentary beverages, with the intention to get some services the following day. The locker room leaves much to be desired. There is only one changing room in the locker room area. There were no clean towels when I arrived, and several dirty towels on the floor. The showers are locker room style stalls, and the water does not drain properly so I was standing ankle deep in other people's shower water (ewww). I was pretty grossed out at this point but continued on to check out the rest of the facilities. The hot tub in the women's locker room had dirt in the bottom of it, so I did not get in. I ventured in to the steam room. Pros were - it was steamy! Cons were - there were tiles missing from the tiled bench seating and broken tile pieces on the floor, and mildew growth on the floor. I tried the sauna in the women's locker room instead, but the overhead lights weren't functioning. I was disappointed now and crossed my fingers that the pool area would be much better. On my way out to the pool area I found a towel - yay! Unfortunately it was stained with a large orange and brown stain and was ripped at the edges. Bummer. The flavored water I got on my way out to the pool was great, and there was a juice machine and coffee machine as well as tea available. The pool area is really pretty, with tons of windows and plenty of lounge chairs. The water temperature in the pool was great. I went to get in the hot tub but it was covered in about 6 inches of foam speckled with gray stuff. An employee came and sprayed the foam with something which got rid of it for a minute, but then it came right back. So .... no hot tub for me. After a swim, I was out of things to do. I headed back to the locker room to shower and get ready. I took the fastest possible shower as the standing water really bothered me, then headed over to dry my hair. The locker room has only TWO vanities with hair dryers, and both were taken and a line had formed. There was a dimly lit area near the showers where I found a mirror and was able to dry my hair - thank goodness I brought my own dryer. The locker room has shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream, mouthwash, and lotion. For the price of services at this spa, I would have expected a few more provided toiletries (at least hair spray and deodorant). After seeing the state of the facilities, I did not book any services - in my opinion they seemed way too expensive for these conditions. read more

We were quite concerned after reading the many negative reviews on yelp. We expected to not be overwhelmed. Having come here for the last 25 years, it has always been a welcome and relaxing experience. I came from Michigan and went with a friend from Wisconsin. We had a great experience. The rooms were refurbished to a much needed facelift, much more modern than in past visits. Services (massage, wraps, pedicure), were all great and very professional. Pool class was excellent. A few minor issues, all taken care of. If you want a few days away to be recharged, I'd highly recommend. We ate at both 240 and the Waterfront. We had personal service and the food was great. Our package included a meal allowance. Both of us have had the opportunity from our jobs to go to five star restaurants and spas around the world. Our first friends trip was here during graduate school. We've decided to make it an annual event. Thanks to all of the staff. I also had the opportunity to mention to the spa manager the few items we suggested and she was quite receptive. read more

I am sorry to say the this SPA did not wow me. The whole facility was falling apart, it was probably built 40+ years ago and has not been renovated or maintained well since then. The sauna was dry, which I am not a huge fan of. If you want to offer a luxurious experience you need a heater with stones where you can splash menthol infused water on top. This prevents the sauna from getting very dry-hot, the menthol opens up your lungs and relaxes your skin. The showers were extremely old and disgusting. Most modern facilities use anti-bacterial flooring or wooden flooring. The indoor pool was ok, but some other guests were really loud and obnoxious, I suggest some sort of a sign reminding people to be respectful of others. The waiting room for the massage is pretty cool. Both men and women's waiting room is connect which is nice if you are having a couples massage but is also confusing. The waiting rooms have fireplaces which is awesome. The massage itself was mediocre. I had a couples massage with my wife. My therapist was ok, but not the best. My wife however was very unhappy and in pain for a few days after the massage. Her therapist was not consistent with pressure and did not react to her physical cues of being in pain. At some points she want painfully hard and fast and at other points she barely applied any pressure. She never asked my wife for feedback. I was also disappointed that they used Swedish massage lotion instead of massage oil. Every few seconds the therapist had to apply lotion to the same area making me feel cold and interrupting the massage. In my past experiences at other places, the therapist would ask before the massage which scent of massage oil I would like out of a selection and then use a heated massage oil once on a given area and that would be enough for the rest of the experience. A nice addition would have been to offer some sort of a hot beverage to relax after the massage. Again, in my past experience at other places is that once the massage is over they would seat me down and offer me a nice cup of ginger green tea with honey and some fruits. Overall it was an overpriced mediocre experience in an old facility. read more

Visited the Avani Spa during a weekend getaway with my boyfriend to The Abbey. First, the good. The spa facility itself is beautiful and was very clean during our visit. We were checked in promptly and given instructions on where to find the lockers and the room where we were to wait for our technicians. The waiting area is very relaxing with comfy chairs and a fireplace. Our technicians arrived on time for our services and were pleasant and friendly. We both had the 50 minute relaxation massage, which was part of the package we booked, along with complimentary admission to all spa facilities and a yoga and Pilates class (which we skipped). My therapist was pleasant, although there was not a very thorough consultation. The massage itself was decent and it was relaxing. However, there was intermittent hammering going on during my entire massage, and that detracted a lot from the service. My boyfriend said his massage technician was more thorough with her consultation and worked on the areas he requested specific attention to. Following my massage, I used the whirlpool, which was clean and at a good temperature. I also used the spa showers and dressing area. They provide many toiletry items such as Qtips, razors, tampons, etc and they do have blow dryers available for use. We did not use the other spa facilities, but they appeared to be nice and clean. Now, the bad.... Following the massages, my boyfriend and I compared notes at brunch and he mentioned the hammering during his massage as well and that it was distracting. I decided to call the spa to inform them of this. The front desk said that the spa manager would call me shortly, which she did. She informed me that she had investigated the problem by asking a few of her technicians if they had heard anything, and they had not. She pretty much left it at that and said "sorry". She was friendly, but in my opinion, did not address the problem and basically I felt that she thought we were making this up. She didn't offer any type of resolution, but rather just thanked me for informing her. I work in the spa business, and that's not how you successfully handle a customer complaint. When we checked out of the hotel, the front desk agent asked us how our stay was, and we mentioned the hammering during the massages, which was pretty major since the main point of our stay was the spa and the relaxation piece. The front desk agent was very apologetic and offered us a couple 20% off coupons for a future spa visit, as well as some complimentary breakfast coupons. I did appreciate that, however, I would've preferred that the spa had addressed my complaint at the time it was made and proposed a solution because I'm not sure when or if we will be back. read more

I hope to be a fan!!! coming the 24th to treat my daughter ... I've worked in the industry for years expecting top notch !!!! I sure hope we will be impressed !!! I did see a post of 50% of a massage in March ??? is that one specific person?? Need to book here for our stay .... and may get a high end service at another spa too ??? recommendation ?? read more

I can be a spa snob but was pleasantly surprised by Avani Spa. It was very nice, with the normal spa amenities. The staff were nice. My pedicure was amazing and relaxing. It was a wonderful experience! read more

Disappointed. I had been looking forward to my spa day for weeks and when it finally came it was definitely lack luster. Checked in over an hour early so I could enjoy the amenities. Never having been there before and as a guest of the hotel I expected someone to show me around or point out where to go, what I had access to, etc. Noel and the girl at the register seemed bothered by me and she just waved her hand saying "everything is that way". Ok... made my way back, found a locker, changed, wandered for a bit up and down he hall and found the pool. It felt like I was in Vegas.... tons of women sitting in the hot tub, laughing, drinking wine and champagne, being very obnoxious and LOUD! It was so crowded I couldn't have fit in that hot tub if I tried. Instead I found a lounge chair and read my book. 45 minutes later I went to sit in the sauna, which was nice. Then to my locker to put my book back before my massage appointment, which started in another 15 minutes. I checked my phone quickly, as I had left it in my locker (just following instructions that say "please no cell phones in spa") and there was a message from "Noel" asking if I was going to make it for my 5pm appointment. Ummm, my appointment is at 5:30 Noel.... And you are the person that checked me in over an hour ago??!!!!!!! Put my phone back, enjoyed the fireplace and was called in for my massage. The first 10 minutes of the 80 minute massage was me having to pick which scent I wanted for aromatherapy- nice, but why is this eating at my much needed massage time?! The masseuse was pretty good, a little light on pressure for my taste, but ok. I left feeling more relaxed and was looking forward to another hour of relaxing and using the amenities. Walked out and surprise surprise, the gang of about 20 wild and now really drunk ladies had moved to the women's hot tub. They were yelling, singing, splashing water, dunking each other, and two of them were in each other's faces yelling and about to get into a fist fight. I was so upset that the ambience was totally ruined by this and watched several staff members walk by and not say a word to these ladies! Back to the pool I went only to be ogled by some dirty men who were whistling at the women disrobing to get in the pool. Disgusting. This is not relaxing at all. Sat in a chair and here comes Noel again, reminding me and everyone else in the pool area that we only have about 40 minutes left until they close. Um, ok Noel. I am well aware of closing time- how bout you go say something to those bitches in the women's hot tub!? I got up, went to try the sauna again the the drunk girls were completely over running the place. I'm done. I changed and went to check out- losing out on another 40 minutes of "relaxing" time that I had been looking forward to and quite frankly was jipped out of!! I told Noel about the rowdy party and he said "so I have heard" with a very rude tone. He then said, "hey, I tried to call you- your husband had arranged for a surprise service for you to have before your massage". Whaaaa???! Why didn't you tell me this when I checked in Noel? He said "I forgot". OMG. Furious now. I held my tongue and he gave me 20% off my massage- whoopee. I love the Abbey Resort, but I soooooooo will never go back to this "spa". It was a joke. So upsetting. read more

I have been to the Avani Spa at the Abbey every year in April for the past several years for a girls' weekend. I am writing now becauses I just noticed several bad reviews. I love this spa. Every massage I've gotten here has been better than the next. Certainly better than any massage I've received anywhere else. It's pricey, but you get to spend the day at the spa enjoying the rest of it. I don't have an issue with the locker rooms. The shower area has separate stalls, so you have your privacy when showering. I've never experienced the water backing up like one of the others mentioned. It has always been clean. It feels luxurious to be able to lounge around in a robe and slippers in the warm fireplace room before your massage. The pool area is great for hanging out with friends. There are plenty of free beverages and apples available and you can order lunch to be delivered. Going to the spa is one of my favorite weekends of the year and I would highly recommend it. read more