It didn’t take long for me to say “yes” when my daughter A asked me if I wanted to return to The Lodge at Woodloch Spa Resort last December. We had enjoyed our mother-daughter getaway the first time and decided to make it an annual event.
So once again, with Thanksgiving festitivities behind us, we took off for our second visit to one of my favorite places for wellness travel.
The Lodge at Woodloch is in he Poconos located in Hawley, Pennsylvania. It’s about a two hour drive from New York City and New Jersey.
The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning Spa Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania
A Wellness Retreat With Elevated Fitness
I’m like a kid in a candy store when it comes to choosing fitness activities at Woodloch. There are many offerings each day. Some you must sign up for in advance due to limited space. But most classes are walk-in.
My daugher A and I took advantage of all the fab fitness classes
I decided to attempt some new exercise classes during my stay like Tippity Toes Tap, Box N’ Burn and Arms Chest Back in addition to my usual yoga, pilates and Zumba. And I couldn’t pass up a return engagement with Butts & Guts and WAVE. WAVE is water aerobics in the pool using vertical energy on a hydro trampoline.
Tippity Toes Tap was so much fun.
Our instructor/tap dancer Ashley gave us taps to attach to our sneakers. On went the music and Ashley led us in dance moves. “Toe heel, heel toe, shuffle forward, side and back, kick tap,” said Ashley as she showed us how to tap in sync with the music. It was a great practice for my balance and excellent workout for legs and ankles. Never having tapped before, I was exhausted after 45 minutes.
Taps were attached to my sneakers – then I was ready to dance
Box ‘N Burn was even more intense…
Especially at 8:00 am on Thursday morning. It was interval training for 45 minutes. Led by experienced boxer Larry, we were told to hit hard when our gloves were on.
“Then take your gloves off and jump rope for 45 seconds, then I want jumping jacks for 45,” Larry directed. “Now mitts back on,” said Larry as he told the group to punch straight, punch left, then right, then aim for the head then the stomach, left right, left right. Sometimes I punched a bag and other times I boxed with Larry.
OMG, what a rigorous workout for my arms. I was exhausted and it was only 9 am! I have a new appreciation for professional boxers after three rounds of Box ‘N Burn.
Boxing is not for the faint of heart — what a workout
Working my upper and lower body
Now in my late 60s I feel like everywhere I turn I’m being told to do strength training. “Lift heavier weights,” said Dr. Kate, my physical therapist.
That’s why Arms Chest Back was a good choice. It was all about toning the upper body. Our instructor Cindy had us doing arm circles, squats and back exercises with weights. I was so happy I could do repetitions with five pounds in each hand. Work it Judi! Work it!
Next it was time to shape the lower body with Butts & Guts. Cindy had us using kettle bells to strengthen our glutes, quads and abs. “We’re going to do steps, bridges, kettle bell squats and more glute-enhancing exercises, ” said Cindy. I literally couldn’t move afterwards. I was so ready for my spa treatments. Bring them on!
A and I participated in an evening art class –here’s my novice landscape watercolor
Spa experiences and memorable meals
After spending most of our days exercising, come late afternoon all I wanted to do was relax. On Wednesday, A and I both had a hydrafacial with red light therapy. Emily, my esthetician did an amazing job. My face was super moist and dewy.
The nice thing about Woodloch is that everything is casual so there is no need to dress for dinner after a facial or massage. In fact, some people even dine in their plush robes that are provided at the spa and in rooms as well.
Thursday afternoon was the best with a 75 minute massage (I paid more $ for a longer massage) with massage therapist Jacqueline. Lavender oil on my back, front, arms, legs and feet — from head to toe my aches and pains melted away.
Note: Two complimentary treatments are included in the cost of a two night stay. If you want higher-level treatments there is an extra cost.
Whisper is a private sanctuary with lounges and blankets for rest after spa treatments
Mindful meals to nourish the body and soul
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the fabulous food at Woodloch. A stay includes three meals a day, with lunch either on day of arrival or departure. For example, we skipped our mid-day meal on Wednesday and opted for our final lunch on Friday before going home
The farm fresh cuisine is superb with everything from breakfast and lunch buffets to fine dining at dinner. Wines and cocktails are extra $. The chef also makes some delicious lavender and other medicinal lattes.
Delicious meals are served at TREE Restaurant
Homeward bound
Friday came all too soon. But I will say that a two-night, three day retreat at Woodloch is just the right amount of time to feel the wellness magic and totally worth it. Our stay cost between $1800 – $2300 per person all inclusive — that’s with gratuities included. You don’t have to take your wallet out during your visit unless you want to purchase something at the Woodloch shop.
Good food, good fitness and a wonderful mother daughter retreat. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ll be back next December.
Judi
Repeat Woodloch visitor for 15+ years. When you go back, you MUST try the Traditional Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork treatment with Erik. It is amazing. The best massage combined with healing of any issue. You will be hooked after the first treatment!
Anna, so glad you love Woodloch too. Will have to check out the Bodywork treatment when I go again.
I’m so excited for our first visit later this month! Do guests wear the big, fluffy robes for evening activities like the watercolor class or are those smart casual like dinner?
Amy, you are going to have a fabulous time. LMK how you like The Lodge at Woodloch.