Last updated November 15, 2022
Upon arrival for my spa weekend getaway at The Lodge at Woodloch, I drove through the gate where the attendant checked my name and continued to the main entrance of the resort.
I refitted my mask to cover my face when greeted by two employees, one to check my temperature (97.4), the other to assist with my suitcases before I self-parked.
The next stop was the desk for a socially distant check-in. Traveling again for the first time since the pandemic began, I decided to return to a place I know well—a place known for wellness.
I found many changes on this trip, but The Lodge at Woodloch did an excellent job making me feel well cared for in a safe environment. Here’s a look at my recent visit to this premier spa resort.
The Spa is Open
The Lodge at Woodloch provides not just the opportunity of rest and relaxation but rejuvenation and restoration in these unique times. The resort reopened in early June with spa service offerings starting in mid-June.
The spa menu filled with both modern and classic treatments is designed to pamper and restore. This is reason enough to come to The Lodge at Woodloch, but there is much more to experience.
First off, access to the spa area (free for all guests) comes with a picturesque indoor pool and multiple hot tubs. A daily dip in the outside hot tub remains a must for me on every visit.
Embrace Awakening Through Programming
On every trip to The Lodge at Woodloch, I make it a goal to embrace personal awakening. To accomplish this, I sign up for a full array of instructor-led activities.
Yes, limitations exist with the on-site precautions. But with a new Mind, Body Tent positioned outside, there are plenty of activities taking guests across the vast property.
Using the adjacent forest, meadows, farm, and the private 15-acre lake, there is so much to do (and all safely within limited class sizes).
On this recent trip, my itinerary of classes included the following:
- Inner Smile Meditation
- Yoga Foundations
- Crystal Bowl Healing
- Pocono Story Time
- Nature Journaling
- Gong Therapy (yes vibrations from the gong offer healing too)
- Discovery Kayak on the Lake
- Sunrise photography hike
- Alcohol Ink Class
Being the writer that I am, I attended Pocono Story Time to learn more about the native cultures and history of the region along with a class in Nature Journaling where I spent more than an hour writing a poem in a hammock.
Always Add an Art Class
I also always take at least one art class, too, and can’t recommend it enough. Not only do you unleash your creative side in new ways, but you also get to take home a souvenir—a memory from your stay.
This time, I chose the Alcohol Ink Class. “Alcohol Ink” is a type of art, not a sip and paint type as many may think when seeing the name. The description for the class is as follows: “Create a set of four coasters using alcohol inks on porcelain tiles. You can bring your own ideas or be inspired by the samples in the studio.”
But have no fear: an on-staff sommelier offers tastings too.
There is no experience required for this class as you simply drip the (alcohol) ink onto the clean slippery porcelain tiles and it flows essentially where it wants. Relax and watch the colors mix and mingle.
Of course, the option exists to use tools to help persuade the ink direction or take a form you desire, but the creative challenge was letting go of the control to see what happens. Plus, with the opportunity to wipe clean any “mistake” (or dislike), I may have taken more time than most. I waited until the art appeared to me.
I love my souvenir—four colorful coasters I currently use for my office coffee table. They are a daily reminder to remain focused on my wellness.
Eat Well
Between time spent inside the spa and attending classes, I worked up an appetite. And trust me when I say that you will never want to miss any of the included meals offered at The Lodge at Woodloch. The executive chef works closely with the onsite Blackmore Organic Garden and on-site orchard to use what is grown seasonally.
Partaking in classes such as grilling vegetables or picking herbs are productive ways to spend time learning about the farm. But there is no better way to experience it than the wine-paired Garden-to-Table dinner.
Five courses plus a chef’s tasting are one of the must-dos when visiting this destination spa. For all other meals, plenty of outside dining options exist thanks to recent (unrelated) construction and more in-room dining delivery for balcony eating during these times.
I’ll Be Back
This was my seventh visit for a spa weekend getaway at the resort and it remains a place I look forward to returning to year after year.
By now, many of the same instructors and wait staff remember me and tell me “welcome back.” This says something about the quality and the people they hire.
Yes, limitations caused by the disruptions in today’s world were prevalent, but hardly a nuisance. I felt well cared for in the resort environment.
All guests can expect the same stellar service level and respectful interaction with fellow like-minded guests. Perhaps now more than ever, visits allow the opportunity to focus more on what truly matters—a healthy mind, body, spirit and attitude. I know it did for me.
I’ll be back next summer—if not sooner.
