If you’re stressed out with the world these days or looking for a retreat — I have a place for you! My daughter A and I took a great escape this past December to The Lodge at Woodloch Spa Resort in the Poconos located in Hawley, Pennsylvania. It’s about a two hour drive from New York City and New Jersey.
We left early Wednesday morning, after what had been a busy Thanksgiving weekend entertaining family and friends. I was so looking forward to our mother-daughter getaway especially when A told me how much she enjoyed her solo stay a year ago.
“It’s so amazing mom. You’re going to love it — the food, the exercise classes, the Quiet Room for relaxation,” said A.
My daughter A and I went to the Lodge at Woodloch Spa for three days
Wellness Travel: A Great Escape to The Lodge at Woodloch Spa Resort
The Lodge at Woodloch package included a lavish room, three gourmet meals per night of stay, group fitness and mind/body classes, two spa treatments and a creative arts workshop. We also were able to partake in other amenities at the 40,000 square foot spa such as the indoor pool, Hydromassage WaterWalls, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, Snow Room, Tyrolean Bucket Shower, Himalayan Salt Sauna, and a state-of-the-art 3,000 square foot CardioWeight Studio.
Meditative crystal bowls welcome guests in the Lodge lobby
If we had more time, I would have sampled the outdoor adventure excursions around the 500 wooded acres. Or if it had been springtime, I would have played some pickleball on the on-site pickleball courts.
Enticed yet?
Save your pennies — it’s so worth it
Wellness travel while wonderful is not an inexpensive vacay. Our all-inclusive 3-day package cost about $2000 — no other gratuities or parking fees were necessary. (Note: We did select a higher level facial which was extra $$.) It was nice not to carry a wallet around the entire time.
Having stayed at and researched other spa vacays like Miraval and Canyon Ranch – The Lodge at Woodloch is comparable in price for a high-end, all-inclusive spa retreat. Plus, if you’re on the east coast you don’t have the added cost of an airline ticket to get there. I will say I felt satisfied after three days.
Restorative herbal waters are available after spa treatments
The only negative was that there was so much to experience. For example, with 50 exercise and fitness classes to choose from I was like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to do it all.
Room with a view
Our room was ready early and check-in went smoothly. The receptionist gave each of us a branded tote and refillable water bottle for carrying gear during our stay.
Our room was super comfy with a private veranda overlooking a rock garden waterfall. There were two queen-sized beds with luxurious triple sheeting. I liked how the bathrooms had filtered water for filling your water bottles, plush bath towels and my favorite — terrycloth robes and slippers.
Sneak peek at Day One
I let A plan our daily schedule. “Count me in for whatever you suggest,” I told A as she confirmed our routines and meal plan in advance. We were all set when we arrived on Wednesday afternoon.
“Are you ready for your first class?” asked A. “You’re going to Hippie Yoga while I go to Pump.”
Hippie Yoga: I was impressed with our Hippie instructor Alyssa, who completed Jivamukti’s rigorous 800 hour certification program. She was extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and the benefits of different yoga poses. My glutes were well stretched and tight-hips more open after the 45 minute session.
Yoga rooms are equipped with mats, blocks and blankets
Jump & Jive:
A and I were a mother-daughter duo for this class. “Mom you can do it,” said A as I started to freeze when we were told to gather our trampolines and hula hoops. “I haven’t used a hoop since I was a kid,” I replied.
Our instructor Kelsey tried to help out. “Get your body moving as you start to spin the hoop,” she directed. OMG, I tried (or almost cried) several times and finally got it going. Wow-o-wow I couldn’t believe it. My post-menopausal pear-shaped body actually helped keep the hoop in motion. Whew.
“Okay now we’re going to jump on the trampoline,” said Kelsey. WTF! I was a nervous wreck. I thought I was going to fall off and break a wrist, hand or leg. A was a pro having taken multiple trampoline classes back in New Jersey.
“Keep your knees limber and stamp down on the trampoline instead of jumping up,” said Kelsey. I felt unsteady so I kept my knees bent and bobbed to the music. I was so glad when the clock struck 3:45 pm.
A trampoline was the centerpiece for Jump & Jive
“I’m happy that I survived with my body parts intact,” I said to A. “Don’t worry mom,” said A. “On Friday we’re doing the trampoline in the pool. It’s much easier in the water.”
Hydrafacial:
I was so ready for my facial by 4:00 pm. “Your skin is good,” said the spa esthetician Leslie as she prepared my skin treatment. In less than an hour my face was plumped and rehydrated.
Then relaxation in the Quiet Room on a lounge chair with a fireplace, warm blankets, and soothing hot blood orange herbal tea and I was ready for a nap.
First meal at TREE Restaurant
A reserved an early dinner at the TREE Restaurant, the dining room at The Lodge, since we were taking a painting class in the evening. (Note: Reservation times are required for lunch and dinner meals.)
TREE is a cozy restaurant with wood-paneled walls and views of the serene outdoor treetops. The diverse menu features naturally-raised meats and fish, organic, locally grown vegetables, and an award-winning wine list. All is included in the package. (Note: Cocktails and some special beverages and coffees are extra $$.)
Homemade hummus first course from TREE Restaurant
I was hungry after our active afternoon and couldn’t wait to order. It was a 3-course meal. I started with an eggplant dip and hummus with fried artichoke, pita and olives. My entree was sea bass with farro salad, green beans and fried onions. Dessert — berry bowl with vegan gelato and granola crumbs. Dinner was off the charts — so good, so good, so good.
A delicious berry bowl dessert
Getting creative with watercolor painting
Our guide and resident artist John led us through the process from a blank paper to a finished work of watercolor art. “We’re going to paint this wintery scene,” said John. Not being an artist by any means, I wasn’t sure how my artwork would turn out.
John showed us how to mix blues and blacks to make gray for the sky. Then blues and browns to make green for the trees. We dotted a thicker white paint for the snow. Tada, tada, my snowy country painting was complete. I autographed it!
My watercolor masterpiece
Ready for Day Two
It was rise and shine on Thursday. By 8:00 am we were off and running to Mat Pilates. A scrumptious buffet breakfast at TREE Restaurant followed.
Mid-morning I was back on my mat at Chakra Yoga. Our instructor Naomi guided us with props and mellow music, opening my seven main energy points.
Intensive Stretch for Mobility: Uh, oh, when Kelsey walked into the room I knew it was going to be tough. Indeed intensive, I lengthened my body further north, south, east and west. There was no rest for the weary. Let’s just say I was glad that lunchtime was the end goal.
Fueled with a nutritious lunch, I didn’t let up in the afternoon. It included two classes in a row with the ever-energetic instructor Cyndy. First I toned body parts in Arms, Back, Chest. Next I toughened my bootie and abs in Butts & Guts. Using a stepper, kettle bell, weights and mat, Cyndy led a non-stop workout for 45-minutes straight.
I survived Butts & Guts class
Massage and chill time
I was looking forward to my massage at 3:30 pm. My therapist Morgan kneaded my tight traps and shins, dissolving all the knots. It felt so good, so good, so good. A and I met up post-massage with our bathing suit attire to partake in the sauna, WaterWalls and whirlpool tub and dip in the Chill Room.
Aqua Garden features WaterWalls, with warm water to work out tension in the upper back and shoulders (Photo courtesy of Lodge at Woodloch Spa)
The day ended with dinner at TREE Restaurant. Extra hungry that night, I devoured my Cashew Ricotta appetizer, Diver Sea Scallops with Butternut Squash and Tart Apple Purée entree, and Cookies and Cream dessert. It was all so good, so good, so good.
A and I could barely keep our eyes open that night from the day’s busy activities. We skipped bingo and went to bed.
Night two I selected an appetizer of Cashew Ricotta with Seasonal Vegetables
Morning workout and final lunch
Friday we packed our bags and stored them at the front desk — fully booked for the weekend there was no late checkout.
“We have Stretch & Tone at 8:00 am, then we’ll have breakfast, then it’s Zumba,” said A. “Be sure to bring your bathing suit as we’ll have to change quickly for W.A.V.E., it’s a trampoline class in the pool.”
Each morning there was a breakfast buffet at TREE Restaurant
I danced to the beat of “I Feel Good” as Elizabeth led us through our Zumba steps. Thankfully my legs were still strong by the time we got to the indoor pool for our hyper-cardio aqua workout.
The ever-energetic Kelsey was our guide. She handed out the trampolines and directed us to push them down into the bottom of the pool. Up went the music and we were jumping, twisting and splashing. A was right — it was so much fun and much easier in the water. The only hard part was lifting the trampoline out.
Our second trampoline class was in the Aqua Garden pool (Photo courtesy of Lodge at Woodloch Spa)
Same time next year
“Did you like Woodloch?” asked A as we enjoyed our final lunch before our mini-vacay was over. “I had a great time,” I said. “Can’t wait until next year for another mother-daughter spa retreat!”
Judi
great post, wellness travel trend is defiantly gaining momentum now
Woodloch is one of our favorite places Judy and for all of the reasons you mentioned. We’ve not been in about one year but your post has us looking ahead for a couple of nights come January next.
Greg, glad you’re a fan of Woodloch. January would be a nice time to go there.