As I approached this resort, I started dancing in my seat because it reminded me of my all-time favorite movie, Dirty Dancing. It was nestled in the woods with acres of property and chock full of activities for all day and night long. I even wondered if there was a hidden club for the staff and, you bet, I fantasized about it. Hey, it’s vacation (wink).
I have been married for three years and for two of those my husband, Rob, and I have shared the blessing of raising boy/girl twins. Our last vacation was our honeymoon and we were in desperate need of some time away.
Every year before the twins were born, my husband and I traveled together. I’d like to say that we jet setted all over the states or world, but we became addicted to Vegas (heck we got engaged in Vegas and spent part of our Honeymoon there).
So, we were more than ready to plan some alone time during which we could have adult conversations, drink lots of wine, and participate in a whole lot of other fun activities that married couples do. Hey, get your mind out of the gutter: I’m talking about go karts (double wink).
The issue was figuring out where we could go within driving distance of a family member’s home because they were so kindly watching the twins. We wanted to be close by in case of an emergency, but if I am being completely honest, Vegas was just too expensive for the short weekend (shhh).
We live in the Poconos and are pretty familiar with the area in terms of things to do and places to visit, but we had no clue that one of the best resorts was right at our fingertips. When we discovered it, it looked pretty spectacular and unique–even better, they offered an all-inclusive option–Yes, an all-inclusive in the United States, my friends.
Who knew we’d find an all-encompassing vacation right around the corner! It was perfect because it was close enough, but far enough to feel like a getaway, especially considering all of the amenities that this resort has to offer.
Yes, yes, I’m going to tell you the name of this gem located within the beautiful mountains of The Poconos in Pennsylvania.
Ready?
Ready?
Here’s the serendipitous part of this trip. My husband was asked to play in a golf tournament to support one of the colleges in the area. Guess where it was being held? …at the Woodloch Springs Golf Country Club. So I knew this vacation was totally meant to be. After all, I was ready to get my golf game back on after missing two years of the game.
I can share numerous highlights about this resort, including perhaps one or two notes to make if you are attending as a couple vs. as a family:
Family Vacation: All-Inclusive Located in The Poconos of Pennsylvania
Holy cannoli (as this is my new Mommy appropriate saying instead of holy sh*t). Sorry, I had to get that out because my kids aren’t reading this. This place is LOADED with really cool and fun activities for all ages.
Bocce
Shuffle Board
Bumper Boats
Go-karts (kid version and adult version)
Sports
Mini Golf
Indoor/outdoor facilities
Lake
Kayaks
Paddle Boats
Canoes
Beach
Paddle Boards
Pool Bar
Waterslides
I’m telling you, this list doesn’t even cover all that Woodloch has to offer.
Couples All-Inclusive Vacation
Woodloch is simply ideal for relaxing, quality time together as a couple. If you’re looking for night clubs and dancing, this is not the place, unless you find their hidden club and stumble upon your own dirty dancing moment.
If you’re looking for great food, coziness, a warm welcoming feeling, and straight up quality time together, this is the place.
In ways, my husband and I first felt a little uncomfortable not having the twins with us because the property might seem geared toward a family vacation. Perhaps it was more along the lines of guilt because this resort would have been perfect for the twins too.
Woodloch happens to own a few properties and they DO have an ADULT-only location, The Lodge at Woodloch: A Destination Spa. In our case, that resort was sold out at the time, and we didn’t mind staying at their Woodloch Pines.
Note: I’d heard and read about instances where guests were confused as to which venue to stay at. Woodloch Pines and The Inn at Woodloch are actually located on the same property; they’re just comprised of different buildings at that same locale. While The Inn at Woodloch does not have any guest accommodations, it is home to two dining rooms and a country store and deli. The Inn is used primarily for weddings and special events year-round and offers extra dining space in the summer and during holidays.
Woodloch Springs is the country club / golf club about 2 miles away from Woodloch Pines. The adults-only spa, The Lodge at Woodloch, is located right across from the golf course.
Rob and I can’t wait to head back to Woodloch with the twins this year because…here’s the BEST part…children under the age of 3 are accommodated for FREE! And I promise there is just as much fun in store for those 3 and under to have a blast!
After our mini vacation, starting our mornings playing bocce outside before breakfast, playing golf, taking the canoes out, and racing golf karts, Rob and I reconnected on such a playful level again. It was super fun and refreshing.
As you can see, I’m gushing about Woodloch, and if given the chance, I could sing it’s praises some more. Whether you choose Woodloch Pines or the Inn, you and your family are in for a treat at this prize resort.
BONUS: I could write a separate article on the beautiful history of the resort. Each room has a history book with a love story in it–perfect with a glass of wine! I’m not telling what happens, you must visit and read it 😉
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
When it comes to vacations and getaways, I’ve grown to look closer to home because I always find little gems like Woodloch!
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I appreciate my career and life that I have created.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Today, the first thing that comes to mind are my twins. I’m so proud of how my husband and I are raising them.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I can be too easy-going… sometimes it feels like I don’t have an opinion. I do, however I don’t usually waste my energy on debated.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my self-awareness skills and love that I choose to LIVE and play an active role in my life.
