Benchmark, a global hospitality company, is expanding its presence in the Midwest by adding The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa to its Benchmark Resorts and Hotels brand portfolio.
Set on 90 wooded acres along the shores of Geneva Lake, the year-round resort is designed for vacationers, corporate groups and sports enthusiasts. Situated in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, 75 miles from downtown Chicago and 45 miles from Milwaukee, the area has a history as a vacation retreat for wealthy industrialists and is known for its towns and historic homes as well as its lake, woodlands and the area’s 26-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path hiking trail. The Abbey Resort joins Benchmark’s other Midwestern properties, including Racine, Wisconsin’s Wingspread Retreat & Executive Conference Center and Chicago’s Eaglewood Resort & Spa.
“We are very excited to expand our presence in the Midwest with such a prominent resort in an area of stunning natural beauty and historic interest,” Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark, said in a statement. “The Abbey Resort has perfectly preserved its remarkable setting while looking to the future with vision and contemporary, experiential offerings for its guests.”
“We are delighted to be moving forward with such a highly esteemed, well-respected hospitality management provider as Benchmark,” Cary Kerger, owner of The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa, said in a statement. “With the expertise and elite customer service of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand portfolio, this new partnership is an excellent match for The Abbey Resort’s top priority of providing an exceptional guest experience.”
The Abbey Resort recently completed updates and renovations to enhance the property’s guestrooms, restaurants, meeting spaces, public spaces, the Avani Spa and the A-Frame roof exterior that is the resort’s signature.
The newest project included the creation of a virtual entertainment venue, where virtual reality personal computers allow guests to not only play games but to be part of them. At the Immersion Cinema, guests will have access the latest films, sports events and other programing and the accompanying Immersion Café is open for snacks and drinks. Corporate groups at the resort may use this venue as a spot for presentations, team building and informal gatherings.
With 40,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and more than two dozen flexible meeting rooms, The Abbey Resort can host a variety of events and conferences. The Harbor Ballroom offers 10,000 square feet of divisible space, and a separate conference center provides an additional 6,000 square feet of space.
Fresh from the recent refurbishment, all 334 guestrooms, suites and 14 vacation villas combine casual chic with contemporary comforts in a lakeside setting. All rooms include flat-screen HDTVs, as well as complimentary coffee and a coffeemaker.
Five restaurants and bars offer dining options on property. The signature restaurant, 240° West, puts a contemporary Midwestern spin on classic American dishes in a setting overlooking Geneva Lake. On weekends, Bar West serves bar snacks and libations accompanied by live music. For casual dining and family fare, there’s the Waterfront, which offers house-smoked barbecue, outdoor dining and live weekend musical entertainment. Café Latte provides Starbucks coffee, breakfast and freshly prepared grab n’ go items. Private events from weddings to corporate receptions are catered in the Porto, an area located inside the resort’s A-frame.
Guests of the remodeled 35,000 square foot Avani Spa can take advantage of an array of customized spa and beauty services with massage, facials and body treatments for women, men and teens. Guests of the Avani Spa also have access to the spa’s private Atrium pool, whirlpool and the fitness center.