Our family life is an intricate dance of running around to drop-offs, work meetings, playdates, meal planning, and bedtime routines. So when my husband and I finally carved out a weekend for just the two of us, we headed to The Lodge at Woodloch, a luxury destination spa tucked into the forests of Hawley, Pennsylvania. It was everything we wanted—a place where you can breathe deeply, feel present, indulge in spa treatments, kick back and wear your spa robe 24/7 (yup, even to meals)—and felt like a true escape. We’d heard rave reviews about this adults-only resort just 2.5 hours from most parts of NJ, but nothing quite prepared us for how rejuvenating the experience would be. From painting as a meditative experience to heavenly spa treatments, delicious farm-to-table meals, and taking advantage of the natural surroundings, we found that a transformative weekend was just what we needed to get back into the groove at home. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
The Lodge At Woodloch Couple’s Getaway
Luxurious rooms with forest views
From the moment we arrived and were welcomed with warm herbal tea and a forest-scented lobby, we felt the stress start to melt away. We checked into our room, which was sleek, cozy, and completely immersed in nature—from the calming blues and tans, to the black and white forest photographs, to the picture windows that looked out onto a woodsy landscape. The comfy bed had luxe linens, and there’s even a pillow menu that lets you choose a firmness for a personalized restful sleep. We set down our luggage and walked onto the private veranda, where we took a moment to breathe in the pine-scented clean air. We felt this was our moment to get into relaxation mode, and we did so by slipping into our plush spa robes and heading to the spa to check out the impressive roster of treatments and activities during our stay.
Yoga, painting, and paddling
What we loved about The Lodge is how they offer a daily lineup of all-inclusive classes and activities that are a broad mix of creative, physical, and meditative experiences. Since getting a good night’s sleep has been elusive since having kids, we took a transformative yoga class focused on techniques to achieve a deep and restful sleep. Later that afternoon, we tried archery for the first time. With guidance from an instructor, we aimed for the bullseye, and while I won’t be joining the Hunger Games anytime soon, I managed a few solid hits. It was a fun, lighthearted way to get moving and try something new together.
One of our favorite moments was kayaking around Lake Teedyuskung, just steps from the main lodge. Gliding across the still water, surrounded by towering trees and the soft call of birds, put us in a peaceful zone, where we didn’t talk much, just paddled in sync through lily pads, soaking in the scenery of a beaver dam and stillness of the lake. Throughout the weekend, we also experienced primitive fire making, sipped Earl Grey during High Tea, and joined a mix of unique resort-led activities—from cooking demonstrations and ukulele lessons to a Chef’s Harvest Lunch at Blackmore Farm, forest bathing, birding basics, and a peaceful wildflower wall. One of the most relaxing moments was a watercolor painting class, where we learned easy techniques and focused on the process rather than perfection. We left with two small canvases that now hang in our living room, and we laugh every time someone comments on our ‘beautiful’ artwork.
One of the best parts of the weekend was when we booked treatments at the spa. The Spa at The Lodge at Woodloch is the essence of the resort, an expansive sanctuary dedicated to wellness, restoration, and intentional stillness. I treated myself to the Traditional Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork treatment, a 50-minute experience that combined acupressure, rhythmic massage, and energy-balancing techniques based on ancient Eastern practices. The therapy was deeply grounding and focused on balancing energy, complementing the mindfulness vibe of the resort. From the moment I entered the treatment room, the energy shifted. Warm compresses, essential oils, and flowing massage movements helped unblock tension I didn’t even realize I was holding. It felt like a reset for my entire body and mind. I walked out lighter, calmer, and more present. While I was at the spa, my husband explored the spa’s thermal suite, including a hydromassage waterfall pool, eucalyptus steam room, outdoor infinity hot tub, ice room, steam rooms, and saunas. We met back up in the Whisper Lounge, snuggled into cozy recliners with infused water and handmade granola bites in hand, and just enjoyed the silence.
Where relaxation becomes routine
Nature walks and an organic farm tour
On our second morning, we joined a guided nature hike through the resort’s private trail system. The hike was just the right amount of challenging to get our hearts pumping, but still accessible, and the views and stops along the way were breathtaking. We also took a tour of the resort’s organic farm and garden, which supplies much of the produce used in their kitchen. Rows of greens, herbs, and edible flowers were in full bloom, and we learned how the farm team uses composting, crop rotation, and pollinator protection to sustain the land. It was inspiring to see how wellness and sustainability go hand-in-hand here, and the farm director even gave us tips on how to build an at-home garden too.
Wellness-inspired dining, without sacrifice
Part of what makes the wellness aspect of The Lodge at Woodloch all-encompassing is the delicious food included in your stay. The on-site restaurant, TREE, focuses on locally sourced, nutrient-rich dishes, and the creative ways to use them make it anything but boring. Breakfasts included lemon-ricotta pancakes and delicious fresh-pressed juices, while dinner highlights ranged from seared scallops over sweet potato puree to flourless chocolate cake with a beet reduction (yes, really, and it was amazing). The menus are designed to energize, not weigh you down, and the atmosphere includes a flickering fireplace and garden forest views, which turn every meal into an experience. There’s also an on-site sommelier and a curated biodynamic and organic wine list if you want to pair wellness with a glass of wine (we did).
The takeaway: total transformation
By the end of the weekend, it felt as if we hit a reset button—we laughed more, slept better, and breathed deeper than we had in years. There was something transformative about not being tethered to schedules or phones, and instead being present with each other and in tune with our surroundings. We both agreed that The Lodge at Woodloch gave us the space to slow down and reconnect. We already have another visit in the calendar, and next time, we’re bringing another couple to share the magic, or perhaps I’ll even book a girlfriend’s getaway.
What to know before you go to The Lodge at Woodloch
This adults-only (16+) all-inclusive wellness resort is the ultimate escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. Rates are in packages, and with base packages that include all meals, access to a wide range of fitness and creative classes, and outdoor activities. You can choose a package with a spa credit, or à la carte for an additional cost. Guests can also enjoy complimentary valet parking, unlimited infused water, and a thoughtfully curated daily schedule of wellness experiences. Located just about 2.5 hours from Northern New Jersey, it’s an easy and peaceful getaway that feels worlds away.
Visit thelodgeatwoodloch.com or follow @lodgeatwoodloch on Instagram for more.
The Lodge at Woodloch
109 River Birch Lane
Hawley, PA 18428
Want more wellness getaway ideas like this? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on more dreamy escapes, NJMOM Insider tips, and local adventures just a car ride away. And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
