Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink, + Where to Stay in the Poconos, PA Now
I have a few favorites in life and one of them is when someone opens everything for you. Welcome to The Lodge at Woodloch.
The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania
This luxurious spa resort has garnished so many awards and accolades over the years, I'll just go with this one: Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List: "World's Best"
After cruising the winding country roads (sunroof wide open of course) of the Poconos en route to The Lodge at Woodloch, I was initially greeted by the attendant opening the gated entrance welcoming me onto the grounds of the exclusive spa resort.
Next, the valet opened the door to the A5, whisked my blue Samsonite off and held the French doors open as I passed this striking chandelier on the way to reception.
Check-in was a breeze and Debra, the front desk associate, gave me a quick tour of the resort. My room wasn't ready just yet, as I had arrived earlier than expected—so I headed across the lobby to their restaurant, TREE. Lunch was sounding like a great idea.
Coming from New England, it must have been engrained in my mind to start off with the "New England Crab Roll." A fresh, healthy approach to the crab cake, served similar to a lobster roll—the dish incorporated sesame-encrusted avocado, Napa cabbage and was served with a side of steamed edamame. Finished, I decided to sip the rest of the Pinot Noir amidst the fresh spring air on a nearby balcony.
My room was ready. The spacious veranda deluxe guest room screamed relaxed elegance with that luxurious nature-inspired feel to it, an envious master bathroom with separate water closet, dual vanity and a marble walk-in shower. The oh-so comfortable king poster bed overlooked the secluded woodlands and Little Lake Teedyuskung—all from my private veranda.
But, perhaps my favorite moment upon entering the room, could have been this..
Just as I was unwinding, I remembered an itinerary had been planned by Woodloch's personal concierge. This was amazing. As someone who is an ADD, anxious, OCD-toting individual, this made me feel carefree and overly pleased.
First on the agenda.. a caviar facial. I wrapped myself in the plush bathrobe and headed over to the spa.
Welcomed by the spa concierge, I was shown to the men's spa retreat, where the spa attendant gave me a brief overview and set me up with my personal locker. The retreat is complete with private showers, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool. As I had arrived early (am I always early or what?), I laid back in the fireplace lounge to enjoy some cucumber-infused H2O while waiting for my esthetician to retrieve me.
Shortly after, Lindsay introduced herself and guided me to a private treatment room for my luxurious Kerstin Florian caviar facial.
I have nothing but applause to give Lindsay, as she was so well-mannered, making me feel completely at ease with both my surroundings and well-being, totally enlightened—I was on the verge of telling her my life story, but stopped myself as I didn't want her to cut the treatment short. 😉
The 8-step, nearly 2 hour long facial was absolutely what the doctor ordered. In between the heated, hand and foot moisture wraps and mini-massages, I left the spa with radiant skin, feeling reinvigorated and renewed.
With a few hours before my dinner reservation at TREE, I knew exactly where I was headed.
The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania
The infinity spa overlooks the Pocono's dense forestland, even complemented by frolicking whitetail fawn. It's kind of out of a storybook; you'll have to see it for yourself to believe it. Feeling content, I was quite lucky to have it all to myself. I'm not selfish, I swear. Ok, maybe a little.
It was finally that time and I rushed over to TREE to indulge in the restaurant's fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
TREE at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania