Champagne and Beer Budget: Spa Luxury in Pennsylvania

There’s an old saying, that someone likes champagne, but on a beer budget. This does not apply at The Lodge at Woodloch, where some of the craft beers are $14 a glass, more than the sparkling Prosecco. This is spa luxury close to NYC, Philadelphia and most of New Jersey.

Of course, you did not come to Woodloch to drink. Though if you did, you could also enjoy seasonal cocktails, made with fresh herbs from the organic garden, which pair well with the spa cuisine.

The Lodge at Woodloch, a grown up sister property to the family-oriented Woodloch Pines, cossets you from the moment you pull up; you give your name to the gate attendant,

and when you get to guest arrivals, the valet parking attendant knows who you are. And the names of everyone in your car.

This continues at check-in, where a hotel employee has been alerted to your arrival. You are again greeted by name, given a reusable water bottle, with a name tag, and a tote bag to use around the resort, and a short tour of the property.

Then, the most stressful part of your vacation is figuring out how to fit all that relaxation in. Weight class followed by spin, or a hike? Watercolor class, cooking, demo, fitness walk, outdoor hot tub with a book? Yes, please.

Massage, steam room, sauna, indoor pool, power napping class, biking, kayaking -we did it all. And this was in just 2 days!

Spa Luxury Time

I sampled the signature Royal Revival, a 100 minute indulgence that included exfoliation using hops, barley and honey, a bath infused with Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch beer, and a deep, relaxing massage.

Garden Highlight

One of the best organized activities was a garden walk with the young, enthusiastic head gardener. He took us to the herb garden just outside the front door, and the one acre garden that he filled with

tomatoes, greens, herbs and an amazing variety of vegetables.  There are two beehives and a planned orchard. If you stay on a Thursday night, you can eat at a special garden inspired farm to table menu, with paired wines, for an extra fee.

Food

There are plenty of choices for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diners. But while the food was fresh, seasonal and beautifully presented, I wish a little more seasoning had been used. I appreciate that the dishes are low fat and low in salt and sugar, but that does not mean they should lack strong flavors. More hot peppers and herbs!

Bring Your Hubby

We met couples, women on girlfriend get-aways and mother-daughter groups. If your guy is not spa savvy, entice him with the well-appointed gym, mountain

biking trips (there are also one speed bikes to ride around the resort) and fly fishing clinics. Plus there are craft beer weekends!

Entertainment

At dinner, there is live music, a welcome touch. If you need more to do, you can take a shuttle over to Woodloch Pines for their nighttime show, but you can also use the pool or hot tub or sit outside at the fire pit. At dinner, pick up a s’mores pack, and make your own dessert (dessert is also served at dinner – you definitely get enough food here).

We also took a guided evening kayaking tour around the small lake. We were amused by the chipmunks running all over the property. We also saw numerous deer and one bear.

Rooms

We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, with a plush king-sized bed, two balconies, two full bathrooms with separate showers and tubs and a full living room. There were robes and slippers, a refrigerator, turn-down service (with chocolates) and utter quiet.  There are only 57 rooms, and no one under 16 can come, so the resort feels very peaceful and

personal.

Working Class

If you need to check in on work, note that cell phones are forbidden from public areas, though plenty of people surreptitiously text. But the WiFi is extremely slow, so you really are expected to put that laptop away and read a book, the free New York Times or the activity schedule for the next day.

Note: my husband and I were guests of The Lodge at Woodloch. Opinions expressed are my own.