Woodloch caught my eye by its rankings on the Top Destination Spas. It my quest to hit all the Top Destination Spas (#SpaBucketList), I was deciding on which spa to try next after Mii Amo when I came across an offer for the Lodge at Woodloch on Rue La La.
Woodloch is a different departure from the desert of the spas in Sedona, Tucson, or Scottsdale. It sits in the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania, situated near a lake. And that is always what it brings me back to, trips to the lake as a child. I first went there on a weekend in the winter. I arrived on a Friday evening, and so by dinner time, it was dark. Sitting in the restaurant Tree for dinner, you do look out on well – Trees. Lots of them. And it reminded me of the Robert Frost poem and the line – In a Forest dark and deep…
Services
The services are on par with any of a Top Destination Spas. I have had a number of different services over the years and have enjoyed them all. The therapists and technicians are all very skilled and pleasant. Its all around an enjoyable experience.
Activities
The Lodge at Woodloch offers a variety of activities, classes and lectures in the evenings. Perhaps less activities than say a Mii Amo or Miraval, but the property itself is also different and not as big as say Miraval. Still, I find Woodloch a little quieter than other spas, and not much to do in the evening other than dine and sit in on a lecture, some of which I do highly recommend. I do feel that Woodloch is a little more low key, especially if weather is a factor.
Accommodations and Spa
The hotel accommodations are very nice, and have good views regardless of which side you are on. Woodloch definitely benefits from the beauty of the natural scenery and looks to maximize the views, whether you are in the rooms, the dining room, the pedicure stations and even the hot tub outside. 
The Spa Retreat area has all the usual amenities, including steam room, jacuzzi, sauna as well as a screened- in porch.
In 2018 the Lodge at Woodloch completed renovations of the facilities. In doing so, they addressed my one criticism – the waiting area and locker room. The renovations are beautiful.
Whisper Lounge
My favorite spot thought, is the Whisper Lounge, where you can relax after an appointment, and lounge, staring at the view of the trees and lake the just beyond the trees. The Lounge is a silent area (get it – Whisper). With the 2018 renovations, they did add a Social Lounge across the way. Its a bit smaller with less lounge chairs, but a good social alternative. Of course when the weather is nice, the best spot to relax is outside.
Food
Over the years, I have watched the offerings evolve to encompass a wide variety of dietary styles (vegetarian, vegan, etc). Woodloch has found a flair for the creative, in that regard. There is a fine line here of not alienating people who prefer the classics and basics. In my opinion they have really grown in this space, while some of the basics have become more limited, you can find some more traditional items. And what basics they do, they do well, and so even a basic Filet Mignon, with gorgonzola mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables is done right, on the nights it is offered. Honestly, i have never had a bad meal here, not once in 15 (and counting visits). The Lodge at Woodloch also released a cookbook in 2018.
Overall
The Lodge at Woodloch can be a great choice, depending on what it is your are looking for. I think a quiet weekend or couple of days in the woods by the lake, can be quite enjoyable. The scenery really is beautiful and I have been there every season just to witness the differences in the scenery. For me, it is a great option to indulge and treat myself to a Destination Spa without having to incur the travel costs of spas that are farther away. I do give one of the woman working behind the front desk credit for my many return visits. I was checking out after my first visit, and was not quite ready for it to be over – it was all to short. And she said, “Well you can always come back” and I thought, “she’s right, I can always come back.” And I have.
Highlights
- Delaware River Hot Stone Massage
- The Lodge Facial
- Deep Relief
- Tipsy Toes or Muds and Suds
- Wall of Yoga
- Floating Meditation Class
- Float Therapy
- Wine & Chocolate Pairing
In a forest deep and dark, you will find me, staring at the scenery while getting the Tipsy Toes Pedicure, or sitting in the Whisper Lounge after my Delaware River Hot Stone Massage (PS, I always choose the pine aromatherapy, when given the choice, it just seems to fit in the setting).
Hope to see you there soon,
Rating: 
Date of my last visit: April 2019
The Lodge at Woodloch
109 River Birch Lane Hawley, PA 18428 |1-800-WOODLOCH
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