You don't have to travel far to push stress aside and get away for a few days--The Lodge at Woodloch is less than two hours away in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Set on over 500 pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, the property offers a serene escape; embracing the philosophy of personal awakening and creative discovery.
When the time comes to shift gears from isolation to self-improvement and wellness--you may want to bring a few friends along! The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning, all-inclusive retreat where you can reconnect to your creative side and enjoy stress-relieving outlets that will stay with you long after your return home.
The exclusive property features 58 finely appointed guestrooms and suites and a 40,000 square-foot Spa. Stays are inclusive of luxurious rooms, three meals per night of stay, fitness and wellness classes, outdoor adventures, creative discovery offerings, speakers and events and use of spa and fitness facilities.
An indoor activity pool and infinity-edge whirlpool overlook the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool facilities. Active indoor pursuits take place in the expansive cardio/weight training studio, spinning room, rowing room, yoga/meditation studio and dance/fitness studios. Spa services are offered in 27 treatment rooms and focus on the use of natural ingredients, incorporating therapies from Europe and the Far East as well as indigenous elements.
Nutrition and lifestyle counseling, health and wellness classes and fitness training complement the world-class facilities. Outdoor recreation such as guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more are offered.
The spa is staffed by expert personnel who will work with guests to customize programs to meet specific needs. Unique programming and themed weekends help guests reconnect with hobbies or discover new passions. The art program includes sketching, water-coloring, mosaics, pastels and more. “With 35 classes a day, our guests can choose to be as active—or as relaxed—as they wish,” says Brooke Jennings, Director of PR & Marketing.
TREE, the stunning signature gourmet restaurant, delights diners with its elegant spa cuisine featuring farm-fresh, local and seasonal dishes that are creative, tasty and healthy; offering choices to meet every dietary preference. Seasonal menus often feature herbs and vegetables grown in one of the three gardens located on the property. An award-winning selection of beers, wines, and spirits are available.
A walk on the nature trails will find some of the unique property highlights including a custom-designed Lotus Labyrinth Classroom, an archery range, a healing garden, a pollinator garden, hammock groves, an orchard and the Blackmore Farm-to-Table Garden with five honey bee hives.
Wellness and mindfulness have never been as important as they are now, and your visit will be the perfect time to explore Forest Bathing. Also known as “Shinrin-yoku,” this refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness and happiness. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time soaking up the atmosphere of the forest.
The Lodge at Woodloch is also preparing to unveil a first-of-its-kind Snow Room in the near future. Guests will walk into a lounge/relaxation area with a pair of custom-heated loungers and other seating. Just past the lounge will be a foyer surrounded by the heated sauna and Snow Room which will be reminiscent of a snowy forest with benches, trees, a mural and lighting to enhance relaxation. The concept stemmed from Sebastian Kneipp, a Bavarian priest from the 1800’s who was a naturopathic pioneer in his time. He taught about the health benefits derived from the alternation between hot and cold. With its fusion of dry snow and cold air, the Snow Room will offer a gentle and pleasant cooling effect. Benefits of the alternation of hot and cold include cardiovascular health, fat burning, detox, strengthening immunity, pain relief, revitalization, stress reduction, and more.
“We love the natural wellness benefits that come with the Snow Room and that it emulates our seasons and natural habitat. Anything that brings our guests closer to nature and provides natural healing is something we can get behind,” explains Robert Baldassari, General Manager.
Once completed, the Snow Room is expected to be the first of its kind available in the United States.
How about planning a Girlfriend Getaway to reconnect after a long isolation? An extensive list of spa treatments, fitness classes, outdoor adventure excursions and evening programs offers a variety of experiences and healthy ways to relax and reconnect with your friends.
“The goal of a stay at the Lodge is to create an element of personal awakening,” says Brooke. “You will rediscover hobbies and talents you forgot you had, or haven’t had a chance to enjoy. People come to the realization of who they are again.”
“We love the natural wellness benefits that come with the Snow Room and that it emulates our seasons and natural habitat. Anything that brings our guests closer to nature and provides natural healing is something we can get behind.”
All packages at The Lodge at Woodloch include:
Lavish accommodations
3 consecutive artfully-crafted gourmet meals per night of stay
Stimulating speakers and workshops
Experiences for the mind, body, and soul
Inspiring creative arts
Group fitness classes
Cooking and baking demonstrations
Guided outdoor adventure excursions
Personal Spa Concierge to help design your program
Health and fitness amenities
Tips for Forest Bathing
Find a peaceful area of the woods and walk slowly. Use your senses to notice and appreciate blooming plants, earthy smells, and bird calls.
Walk intentionally and mindfully. Keep a journal or photograph your discoveries, feelings and observations. Your perspective will evolve as you reflect back to your feelings spending time outdoors. It’s a stress reliever!