Girlfriend Getaway: The Lodge at Woodloch Resort & Spa Review

I’ll admit my preconceived notion about hotels in the Poconos involved images of champagne shaped hot tubs. Then I started hearing about an incredible destination getaway called The Lodge at Woodloch, a luxury spa & resort tucked away on a lake in the Poconos that people were raving about. I was invited to check it out as a guest of the resort this week along with a few girlfriends and experience it for ourselves– the activities, food, spa, and resort amenities. I’ll admit I’m a total hotel snob and enjoy luxury travel, so this is definitely one of those time I’m thankful for my ‘job’!

I’ve always dreamed about staying at a resort where there was a full menu of classes and access to amenities such as saunas and steam rooms. Unlike other resorts that offer this type of lifestyle, Woodloch is unpretentious despite the luxury offerings. People are walking around in either robes and slippers or yoga pants and sneakers, even at breakfast in the dining room! The entire atmosphere is extremely relaxed with a natural, upscale lodge feel. True bliss!

The Accommodations & Grounds

Let’s start with setting and accommodations. The lodge itself tucks beautifully into the landscape, with wide windows and a view that takes your breath away around every turn.

The rooms are generously sized with a balcony and a view made for relaxation. I loved the white bedding (feels luxurious) and comfy beds. They even have a ‘pillow menu’ with 5 types of pillows to chose from, which is important for those like me who have a difficult time sleeping while traveling.

I mean, really. THAT VIEW. Perfectly tailored for personal reflection and peace.

The grounds were lovely. You can walk the nature trails or sit by the lake. Currently, I’m writing this next to the fireplace from the Garden Room which is stocked with tea, coffee, and snacks. While I wouldn’t recommend going away just to do work, I have to admit this is a peaceful place to get it done when not partaking in the activities. When I first got to the resort, I walked down to the dock to do a bit of re-centering and checked out their outdoor activity hut. Perfection!

As for the service, it was impeccable. We chatted with many of the people who work here from bell service to the sommelier to the wait staff, and most have been here for years. Everyone was kind and welcoming and un-stuffy, if that makes sense. Plants were tucked into every corner lending to the relaxed environment, such as here in the lobby with my roomie and fashion blogger extraordinaire Jo-Lynne (who is probably cringing at my poncho obsession).

The Activities

Woodloch offers a full menu of classes from yoga to meditation to CIZE to making terrariums. You can go to any class you wish. They also have a lake with a dock and outdoor activity center. In winter that means snowshoeing and ice fishing and hiking, so fun! They believe in connecting you back with yourself, and experiencing personal awakenings while there. Their extensive list of activities allows for you to find what you most need to fill up your soul.

Despite my excitement for the activities, I never joined one! We were too busy eating, gabbing and spa-ing. Definitely makes me want to go back and give them a try– I was so excited for the Great Wall of Yoga & Barre classes, as well as the hiking excursions. Boy, that paper marbling class is speaking my language!

The Spa

While I was excited by the classes (yoga all day, errrr day!) I was sucked in by the spa area. There’s hot tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, outdoor whirlpool, waterfall hot tub, indoor/outdoor cooling room, and a pool. Everything is at your fingertips– towels, cool washcloths, robes, slippers, cucumber water. Heavenly. This waterfall has a hot tub directly underneath so you could sit under it and get a hydro-massage!

Of course, I had to check out the spa treatments. I don’t indulge often, but when I do, I go big. I’d heard great things about the Rosemary Awakening treatment and it did not disappoint! 100 minutes of scrubbing, massaging, and relaxing. I almost fell asleep on several occasions, which was fine because afterward they led you to the Whisper Lounge which was a quiet room with huge windows and spa blankets. People were curled up and napping, which is always a dream after a treatment! Plus, it was great to literally walk from your room to the spa and back looking like this and not being mortified:

We also spent some time in the outdoor hot tub. I mean, wouldn’t you? 😉

The Food & Dining

All of this sounds great, but for someone with many food intolerances I was worried about the dining options. Never fear, the food ended up being my favorite part! We dined at the Tree Restaurant and they had tons of gluten-free options for EVERY meal, and were responsive about working around my food issues. Plus, and I’m super picky about food, it was absolutely delicious and bursting with flavor. Truly top-notch. I ate more in these two days than I did all week! Behold, breakfast:

For dinner I had steak two nights in a row (hey, when in Rome…) but they also brought over the Shrimp and Grits to try out (I may or may not have a slight grits obsession).

Of course, a girlfriend getaway is always extra fun when you do a little of this (those cocktails were perfectly made!):

View from the dining room. In our robes and slippers, might I add.

It was a blast to hang out with this crew and enjoy some time relaxing and sharing stories with each other.

What a perfect place for a girlfriend getaway for a bunch of foodies like these gals. That being said, I’d love to come back for a night or two with my husband. The Lodge at Woodloch is kids-free which makes it incredibly relaxing and romantic. If you do have kids, there’s a family version that I’ve also heard is amazing. Both are options I’d love to explore, perhaps this spring or summer when I come down from the bliss experienced on this wonderful trip!

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Lodge at Woodloch for hosting us for our relaxing girlfriend getaway! As always, all opinions are 100% my own.