Boasting 2,400 square miles of pristine landscapes, the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania are home to resplendent mountain terrain, gushing waterfalls, lush woodlands, and 170 miles of meandering rivers.
Once known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” the Pocono Mountains received their famous nickname shortly after World War II. As GIs returned to New York City’s harbor, they reunited with their intended, quickly married, and headed to resorts in the nearby Poconos for their honeymoons.
Today’s Poconos have evolved into more than a honeymoon haven and now annually attract over 20 million tourists who come to ski, golf, shop, hike, kayak on crystal clears lakes, ride rolling rapids, dog sled through snowy winter wonderlands and play some games of chance.
For many visitors, however, the Poconos are a meditative retreat that provides a spiritual respite from the hustle and bustle of their everyday routines. Often times, such retreats include individuals searching for an enlightened approach to their everyday existence, and the focus can be on relaxation, wellness, adventure, stress management or even romance.
Widely recognized as one of the most luxurious and innovative destination spas in the country, the Lodge at Woodloch pampers guests from the moment they arrive with attentive, discreet service that takes indulgence to new heights.
Nestled in the lake region of the Poconos, only 90 minutes from New York City, the Lodge offers guests a tranquil option from the daily grind. Everything from elegant accommodations to gourmet dining exudes an atmosphere of first class travel that one expects from such an exquisite property.
A subtle sophistication permeates the Lodge. With a décor highlighted by earth tones, along with massive windows that bring nature inside, the opulent Lodge is the idyllic setting for a rejuvenation of the mind and body.
The Lodge at Woodloch embodies the culinary philosophy that food not only fuels our bodies but ignites passions and nourishes minds. Executive Chef Josh Tomson and his team hand select naturally raised meats and fish along with organic, locally grown vegetables.
With three kitchen gardens on the property, guests are assured that fresh, natural flavors are highlighted. After years of developing innovative recipes which demonstrate that food can be used for healing, beauty, energy and nourishment, the food and nutrition experts at the Lodge have published a cookbook, “Nurture with Nature."
Guests are treated to an array of indoor and outdoor activities that include hiking, biking or kayaking on the Lodge’s private 15-acre lake. Or let the Lodge develop your own personal blueprint that includes tips, resources and strategies to help you find your Rest+Well bliss on your own terms.
Certified instructors that specialize in such areas as Hatha Yoga, Inner Smile Meditation, AM stretch, Guided Nature Walk, and Holistic Constitutional Assessment help guests to reconnect to creative stress-relieving outlets that continue to reap benefits long after they leave.
Journaling for Self Discovery teaches the basics of writing a journal through guided self-exploration using your own observations, thoughts and feelings. A Lotus Labyrinth offers programming and a serene location for meditation and relaxation hugged by the arms of the forest.
After 11 years of pampering others, the spa relaxation area is getting a full facelift in order to add a luxurious yet relaxing feel to the men’s and women’s retreats; Whisper Lounge, Porch and new Gather: A Social Suite. The renovations strategy and interior design were executed by D’Aquino Monaco, a design firm that aims to create timeless environments that inspire.
Their goal for the project was to keep in tune with the architecture of the building with a touch of tradition, but stepping up the rustic elegance with a modern twist paying special attention to the details including soft crème white paneling, tongue and groove wainscoting and ceiling detailing. The men’s and women’s sanctuaries feature furniture that takes cues from another century, and the furniture's arrangement is more lush and lounge-like than the previous design.
The renovation also features commissioned artwork by Kiesendahl + Calhoun Fine Arts, which incorporates the talents of Dawn Watson, an artist from upstate New York. The serene lakeside images capture Watson’s artistic talents of highlighting the myriad of ways people inhabit an interior and external world.
Trips for self enrichment have become so popular among baby boomers that millions of dollars are funneled into the travel industry each year as spirituality seekers embark on reflective retreats throughout the world. The Lodge awaits guests who desire an inward journey.
