Destinations

LUXURY TRAVEL

Generally, when thinking of the Pocono Mountains, the first thought to enter the mind is skiing and ski lodges. Possibly tennis or golf or horseback riding. But, perhaps the most defining characteristics are the peace and tranquility inherent and imbued throughout the region. That which is constantly on offer through the serene scenes and imagery that is simply enjoyed by walking out the front door. In this peaceful mountainscape a true gem is nestled, an awardwinning, internationally renowned resort known to bring pure bliss to its guests. In this issue of ‘Destinations,’ we head to this gem – The Lodge at Woodloch – to see what it is all about.

Nature draws visitors to the Poconos throughout the four seasons of each year. From nearby New Yorkers to further afield Londoners, many vacationers venture to these mountains for respite. Among the bucolic lakes and mature woods of this section of the Appalachian Mountains is The Lodge at Woodloch. While it screams relaxation, it is actually a beehive of gentle activity. A spalovers spa. And, surprisingly, it’s not far from Washington, D.C., as it is located in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

A tremendous aspect of Woodloch is the emphasis that is placed on the belief of “nurture through nature.” It is evident from the moment you arrive to the property. From tree-bathing to outdoor activities to nature driven five-star cuisine, nature is at the heart of it all. Nurture through nature…

The Lodge at Woodloch has long been at the forefront of showcasing artfully crafted meals that have a healthy twist. The spa has embraced their desire for guests to truly know where their food comes from and how it is prepared. Guests can tour the on-property Blackmore Farm-to-Table Garden, where its chef and garden team grow herbs and vegetables for the restaurant and spa. The orchard, beehives and healing garden are also huge draws.

One of the most popular offerings at the resort is an Edible Plant Walk. Naturalists hosts an informative walking class through the property’s forest nature trails, which ends with a tasting of such delights such as Stinging Nettle Pesto on Cucumbers, Fiddlehead and Chanterelle Risotto, and Potato Ramp Soup. This class has been known to surprise guests when they realize that plants that they have heretofore considered to be weeds are packed with nutrients and can be beautifully prepared in their own kitchens.

Guests can also explore the different vegetables that are in season while discussing their nutritional values and health supportive properties with a Holistic Nutritionist. They learn a fresh approach to healthy eating, and why such a diet can have more influence in determining your longevity than your genetics. The Lodge also offers cooking demonstrations which teach new cooking techniques, healthy and surprising ingredient alternatives, and elegant presentations. Discussions on high tunnel growing, composting and companion planting are held at the property’s Blackmore Farm. The resort’s sommelier offers tastings and in depth looks into the various characteristics of wine varietals from around the world. Nurture through nature…

Have you ever dreamed of enjoying an exquisite farm-to-table dinner presented in a beautiful garden bursting with flowers? Dream no more. The Lodge at Woodloch offers the opportunity.

Executive Chef Josh Tomson has switched up the typical Farm-to-Table dinner by bringing the Table-to-the-Farm. The Lodge’s Garden Patio has been expanded and its food preparation area enhanced. Intimate chef-led tasting dinners occur seasonally every week. The two-hour tastings follow the Executive Chef (or one of his talented chefs) as he selects and prepares the harvest focus for the dinner. All dinners are paired with a wine or beer selected by the Lodge’s sommelier. Guests meet for a guided tour of the garden before sitting down for dinner.

But that is not all that takes place in the Garden. It is also the location of seasonal cooking demonstrations. The spa’s Chef Team highlight the garden harvest with recipes that focus on summer outdoor entertaining and mastering the grill. The Garden Cooking Demonstrations begin in July and continue while seasonable.

The Lodge at Woodloch’s Executive Chef Josh Tomson likes to collaborate with guests, with other chefs, and with the local community. His interactions with and close attention paid to guests keeps his finger on the pulse of the spa’s award-winning cuisine. He keeps up-to-date on the nation’s food trends and regularly hosts talented chefs to work with his team and share information on the latest culinary tools, trends and techniques. And, quite importantly, Tomson values his hyper local relationships, constantly looking to support local farms and artisans such as The Lackawaxen Farm Company, Quails R US, Willow Wisp Farm, The AntHill Farm, Calkins Creamery and The Hardler Farm.

When entering The Lodge, you can’t help but notice the three large Chakra Bowls at the heart of the property. Their vibrational stimulation begins your journey of calm, peace and mental clarity. You immediately understand that this spa is a sanctuary for the senses. These senses are soothed – breathing deeply in the eucalyptus sauna, enjoying the Aqua Garden’s Hydromassage WaterWalls, reading a favorite book in an outdoor screened porch, taking a gentle swim in the activity pool (centered in front of floor to ceiling windows, surrounding swimmers in nature) – it is as relaxing as it gets. And that is before actually bringing the spa’s traditional treatments into play…

On offer is a unique selection of expert body treatments, massages, facials and salon services designed to create heightened levels of relaxation and well-being. Guests can enjoy the benefits of local plants and herbs with the spa’s detoxifying Lodge Body Ritual – Deep Forest, inspired by native elements. One of the highlights of the experience is to relax post-massage in the co-ed Whisper Lounge. Set in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, guests have the opportunity to catch a doe and fawn wander past before shutting their eyes for a light nap.

At this resort, it is impossible to be bored. Relaxed, yes. Bored, no. A large cardio-fitness room not only allows guests to keep up with their gym routine but also hosts classes throughout the day. Three MindBody Studios is the place to be for aerobics, yoga and meditation. The resort also hosts a rowing room and spinning room. That is just the indoor activities. Where Woodloch shines is in the great outdoors.

The beautiful surrounding forest range is the perfect place to learn the challenging sport of archery. It is available here. Also is an activity that is quickly becoming a national craze, hatchet throwing. Of course, the Lodge is on it. It is their newest activity, which requires precision and focus. In the Poconos, there are certain outdoor sports and activities that literally come with the territory and the spa offers them all – biking (on property trails), golf (on property discs), fishing (on their private lake), hiking (on and around the property), kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding (on Little Lake Teedyuskung) to name a few. Nearly all activities allow the participant to discover the pure beauty of nature and their surroundings by taking time to stop and really notice the colors and textures of the surrounding Pennsylvania countryside. Many guests prepare for a peaceful day by walking the Lotus Labyrinth each morning.

Or, by forest bathing. At the Lodge, Forest Bathing was offered long before the movement became a trending story in the news. In 2013, the spa’s team started offering classes to explore the philosophy. Several certifications later, the Lodge continues to evolve and revolutionize their offerings. The spa showcases a dedicated department called Mindfulness in Nature, which specializes in activities such as Forest Therapy walks, Sunrise Photo walks and Ritual of Tea classes. Nurture through nature…

Being here, it is immediately understood why The Lodge at Woodloch has been awarded honors and awards. Numerous top awards from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, from National Geographic (10 Most Luxurious Spas in the US), Forbes (100 Best Spas in the World), US News & World Report (#9 Destination Spa in the World) and Wine Spectator (Travelers’ Choice Award) stand to prove the spa’s excellence.

If you are looking to melt away for a week or weekend – into a deep state of relaxed bliss – The Lodge at Woodloch is the place to do it. It’s a little slice of heaven. Discover a deep connection to yourself and to the natural world while meditating on birdsong in the treetops during a journaling session. As they say – nurture through nature…