Great Getaways to the Blue Ridge, Poconos or Golden Pond

As the summer winds down, there is still time for one last, luxurious vacation. Whether you are looking for a secluded, romantic getaway or a good, old-fashioned family trip, these lavish hotels are sure to suit your needs.

The Lodge at Woodloch
If it is relaxation that you seek, sneak away to The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa resort in Hawley, Pa. Treat yourself to the Lodge’s Restorative Herbal massage at the spa, strike a pose during group yoga class, or go on an outdoor adventure through the Pocono Mountains.

That’s only the beginning. Director of public relations for the Lodge, Brooke Jennings, said the serenity of the resort’s location, the multitude of activities and the emphasis on the great outdoors coincide with the Lodge’s mission of “personal awakening and bringing nature in.”

“Sometimes, you get so caught up in life,” she said. “So, it’s nice to go up to the Lodge and realize who you are, find your passions again and get energized and excited about life.”

In its 58 rooms, guests are free to lounge on a private veranda and gaze at the beauty of nature that surrounds them. With three on-site gardens, which produce fresh herbs, the Lodge aims to promote a healthier lifestyle to its guests.

“One of our most popular programs is our Herbal Workshop,” Jennings said. “Our herbalist teaches people how to balance their bodies with nature.”

However, Jennings said, a key element to the Lodge is choice. Guests have an infinite amount of options to choose from to help them clear their minds. Such choices include a game of golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs’s 18-hole championship course, a dip in the Lodge’s Aqua Garden with Hydrotherapy WaterWalls or a group or one-on-one training session in the CardioWeight Studio.

“Some people are going to [the Lodge] to relax and some are going to do a lot of activities,” Jennings said. “We cultivate choice of how much or how little a guest wants to do.”

From Aug. 16 to 18, the Lodge will host an artistically invigorating series of workshops, “Nurture Your Creativity,” at no cost to guests. Activities will include sketching, painting, creative writing, baking, and more. For more information, visit thelodgeatwoodloch.com or call 866-953-8500 to make a reservation.

The Goodstone Inn and Estate

Coziness and comfort are merely an hour away at the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. Sprawling over 265 acres, this historic and pristinely private estate is nestled in the heart of Middleburg, Va. Equipped with a renovated barn that houses a spa and an award-winning restaurant serving Modern American-French country cuisine, the Goodstone is perfect for a weekend escape.

Guests are welcome to partake in the Goodstone’s Goose Creek Picnics where they can enjoy snacking on an assortment of food prepared by executive chef William Walden. For more adventurous guests, hiking, walking and canoeing are also popular activities.

Marketing head Jane Rader said the traditional style of the Goodstone adds to its appeal.
“It’s so old world,” she said. “But it’s got every amenity.”

The 18 guest rooms of the more-than 200-year-old establishment have dramatic views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, and each are decorated in a French country style. Rader said the Goodstone’s peaceful atmosphere is what captures guests’ hearts.

“It has a beautiful feel,” she said. “It’s a little bit of heaven on earth.”

She added that top-of-the-line clientele, including celebrities and politicians, have been known to flee to the Goodstone for a relaxing stay. Moreover, the estate has become a premiere wedding location.

Until Aug. 31, the Goodstone is featuring a “Summer Indulgence Getaway” package for those looking for a weekend of peace and quiet. Featuring a one or two-night stay, two passes to a local vineyard for wine tasting, and a Goodstone Spa gift, this is one soothing stay you won’t want to get away. To learn more about this historic haven of relaxation, explore goodstone.com, or call 570-687-3333 for a reservation.

The Manor on Golden Pond

Fall in love all over again at the Manor on Gold Pond. Owners Brian and Mary Ellen Shields know how to treat guests to a weekend of romance at the luxurious New Hampshire resort.

As the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film, “On Golden Pond,” starring Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, the Manor’s dreamy allure and 12-acre stretch are bound to entrance guests. Brian said the quietness and quality service are what give the Manor top marks.

“It is targeted as a romantic getaway,” he said. “It has a nice sense of space.”

The 24-room property features real wood-burning fireplaces and two exquisite restaurants. At Van Horn Dining Room, guests are offered season dishes and more than 200 wines to choose from, while M Bistro includes organic French food options. For those in need of pampering, Brian suggests one of the many spa packages.

“All of the spa packages include the spa lunch,” he said. “The ‘Thirst Quencher’ has become very popular.”

Lose your troubles in 100 minutes of ecstasy. Enjoy an herbal body butter wrap, a facial, aromatherapy hand and foot treatments, and a spa lunch served with the house wine. If sports are more your speed, grab a tennis racquet for a game on the Manor’s clay court or slip into a bathing suit for a swim in the oversized, outdoor, heated pool. At the end of the day, delight in the English décor of the guest rooms of this lovely bed and breakfast. If you and your love would like a holiday away, visit manorongoldenpond.com or call 603-968-3348.

Other Resting Retreats

The Inn at Irving Place (New York) — Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Greenwich Village and Soho, this nurturing nook nestled in two refurbished townhouses treats guests like Victorian socialites. If seclusion is your style, then this very private hotel will suit you perfectly. Without a sign in front to denote its location, the hustle and bustle of New York City is the least of your worries. Revel in the large, European-style guest rooms or enjoy an afternoon five-course tea and delectable finger foods at Lady Mendel’s Tea Salon. Seek out serenity at 212-533-4600, or visit innatirving.com.

The Inn at Montchanin Village (Delaware) – At this timeless estate, guests are welcome to experience a long, relaxing weekend in one of the 11 restored houses dating from 1799 to 1910. Snuggle up to an inviting fire, enjoy the solitude of a private, landscaped courtyard, or take in the amenities of the modern age at the Spa at Montchanin Village. Call 302-888-2133 or visit montchanin.com to find out more.