When The Lodge at Woodloch (Hawley, PA) first opened, I remember being excited by the option of another destination spa on the East Coast. It didn’t hurt that it was just a mere two-hour drive from my home base, New York City. Even so, it still took me until this past October to visit. Fortunately, it was worth the wait. Despite the pandemic, The Lodge at Woodloch didn’t appear, at least from a guest perspective, to be all that affected by the staffing shortages that have impacted many others in the hospitality industry. As a drive-in destination, it has served as an ideal getaway throughout much of the pandemic. Situated in Pennsylvania’s Pocono region, the resort embraces its natural setting with a lodge that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Timed to take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage, my visit couldn’t have come at a better time. It felt as if I had been working nonstop for the entire month leading up to the trip, so I was definitely in need of a reset. With my partner, Bruce, in tow, I was looking forward to a relaxing yet restorative weekend.
Upon arrival, we immediately felt as if a weight had been lifted from both of us. With a schedule of our own making in hand, we had nothing to do but show up. Thanks to the resort’s cell phone policy, we were asked to disconnect from our digital devices or at least place them on silent or vibrate when in public spaces. Because we were headed into the weekend, I didn’t feel nearly as stressed by that request as I might have been had it been the middle of the week. Instead, it was a relief to be given permission to unplug.
I was immediately struck by a sense of ease that pervaded the lodge. Even with a list of scheduled events, neither my boyfriend nor I felt any pressure to be anywhere or do anything. Wanting to get the lay of the land, our first mission was to get outside and take a stroll down to the lake and around the property. Even though it was too cold for water sports, I couldn’t help but think how lovely it would be as a summer lakeside escape. Nature in any season has its rewards. Surrounded by the stunning fall colors, it was picture perfect.
What We Love:
- The all-day tea and coffee bar
- The resort-wide no-tipping policy
- The indoor and outdoor whirlpools
- S’mores at the firepit
- Complimentary self-service laundry
What Not to Miss:
- A guided hike in the Poconos
- Deep Relief ($265, 75 minutes), an intense deep-tissue massage
- Bollywood Boogie, a high-energy class where you learn the basics of Indian movement
- Barry White Yoga
- Chakra Meditation with Singing Bowls
Guest Rooms
We were excited to make ourselves comfortable in the inviting and plush guest room. Our Veranda Classic Standard room was one of 48 in the lodge. It featured a king bed, a pillow menu, a marble walk-in shower, and a private veranda overlooking the woodland gardens. It was a bit chilly to spend much time on the veranda, but had it been a bit warmer, I can only imagine how much use we would have gotten out of it. It was the perfect place to cozy up with a good book or enjoy a glass of wine.
Other than getting a good night’s rest, we really didn’t spend much time in the room, as we were too busy taking advantage of all the property has to offer. I did enjoy the lodge-like décor though, which included locally inspired furniture, Rocky Mountain hardware fixtures, and artwork depicting features from the surrounding area. The adult-only accommodations were also blissfully quiet, which was exactly what we were craving when we retired each night.
Cuisine
After more than a year of mainly eating at home, both Bruce and I were excited to order off a menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at TREE Restaurant, a spacious and comfortable spot to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal. Featuring sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, the menu also designates vegetarian, gluten-friendly, and dairy-free options along with those containing nuts or seeds, animal gelatin, and soy. For each meal, we were given an array of enticing choices, all of which proved to be delicious and filling. I especially loved the Korean Vegetable Bibimbop, while Bruce adored the many seafood selections. Each evening, we were treated to live music as we enjoyed dinner.
Because mealtimes may sometimes coincide with other scheduled activities, entrees can also be ordered in advance for take-out, at no extra charge, and enjoyed in your room, on your verandah, on the FireCircle patio, or in one of the picnic areas found throughout the property. Staying fueled and nourished for the day ahead is easy with a variety of healthy options always on-hand.
Spa and Fitness Facilities
A relaxing respite, the spa features 27 treatment rooms; separate men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools; and private men’s and women’s fireplace lounges. Bruce especially loved the coed whirlpools with heated Hydromassage Waterwalls. While I’m not usually a fan of hot tubs or whirlpools, even I could understand the appeal. The outdoor Horizon Edge Whirlpool, available for year-round use, was definitely a highlight.
I found true bliss in the treatment room, where I experienced the Deep Relief Massage ($265, 75 minutes). Choosing a treatment isn’t the easiest of decisions, as the menu features a host of tempting offerings, such as a variety of HydraFacial services, facials from both HAIA (Happy As I Am) and Kerstin Florian, and numerous enticing massages incorporating any number of modalities. There is even a list of massage enhancements, such as the Hypervolt Boost ($35), Healing Hemp Extract ($30), Warm Birchwood Stick Infusion ($35), Reiki ($80, 20 minutes), and more. Float therapy is also available.
It’s easy to stay fit and centered at The Lodge at Woodloch thanks to three MindBody Studios, which are designed for aerobics, yoga, and meditation. There are also dedicated rooms for spin classes, rowing, and Pilates, and a CardioWeight Studio featuring cardo equipment, resistance weights, and free weights. With a variety of fitness offerings available each day, you’ll have no problem finding a class that’s right for you.
Programming
The programming is where The Lodge at Woodloch truly shines. I must admit to feeling a bit like a kid in a candy store in that I wanted to experience a taste of it all. We started with a session on “Kombucha Rediscovered,” an interesting session on all things related to kombucha. It even included a tasting, which was certainly an enticement. In the past year, my boyfriend and I have both become fans of the fermented beverage. One of our biggest takeaways from the session was never to buy kombucha in any container other than glass, as it slowly degrades other materials, leading harmful chemicals to leach into the kombucha. The fun and informative session gave us a better understanding of our new favorite drink and even had us thinking we might someday brew our own.
Another interesting lecture we participated in was “Today is the Day to Build the Tomorrow You Want” by special guest lecturer Catherine Epstein, founder of the Living Lotus Group, author, and certified transformational life coach. She shared how to unlock our purpose by identifying limiting beliefs, clearing out inner and outer clutter, surrendering and being at peace with what is, and looking at where we’re directing our energy.
Although I’m usually excited to incorporate a few strenuous workouts, on this visit, I found myself drawn to more mindful pursuits. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover my boyfriend was game to join me for Chakra Yoga and the Spring Ridge Hike, which provided a chance to get outside, mingle with other guests, and commune with nature. The location itself is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and offers plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, or just stroll around the woodsy property. It’s also the perfect destination to learn a new skill, such as archery, disc golf, hatchet throwing, and more. There are even interactive garden programs for those who want to develop a green thumb.
