Spa in the News

The First New U.S. Destination Spa to Open in Over a Decade - The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania Set to Open June 2006

HAWLEY, PA, March 7, 2006 – The Lodge at Woodloch, a new $37-million spa resort, will debut in June 2006 as the finest full-service luxury destination spa in the Northeast. Founded and owned by John and Ginny Lopis of JGL, Inc., spa luminaries who have lent their talents to such renowned facilities as Canyon Ranch, Bacara Resort & Spa and Doral Saturnia International Spa Resort in Miami, the facility embodies their ideal. Set on 75 pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, The Lodge at Woodloch marks the first new destination spa to open in the United States in over a decade. It is located in the Lake Region of Northeast Pennsylvania, a convenient two – three hour drive from New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas.

The exclusive property, featuring 58 finely appointed guestrooms and suites, a 40,000-square-foot Spa, exceptional dining, complete fitness programs and educational forums, will embrace a philosophy of personal awakening. In the true vacation spirit, guests will have the opportunity to shift from their everyday routine and focus on rewarding activities and developing lifestyle skills that will continue to benefit them long after they leave. Stays will be inclusive of all meals, fitness activities and classes, lectures and events, use of spa and fitness facilities, and one 50-minute spa treatment daily. Day packages will also be available.

“The Lodge at Woodloch will provide an oasis for personal reflection and relaxation,” explained Ginny Michel Lopis, who created the property along with husband and business associate of over 20 years, Dr. John Lopis. “We chose this location because of its breathtaking natural beauty and opportunity for activities that truly take in the great outdoors. It is the idyllic backdrop for The Lodge, which will offer exceptional service and unpretentious luxury coupled with the most sophisticated spa facility of its kind.”

Upon arriving at The Lodge at Woodloch, guests will immediately be drawn by the warm atmosphere and graciously designed facilities, created by architects Cooper Carry of New York and interior designer Jinnie Kim Design of Boston. Visitors will enter from the porte-cochere into the Garden Hall, rich with foliage and featuring an impressive 14-foot glass cupola and balcony overlooking the lake. Elegant common areas for mingling and quiet contemplation are sprinkled throughout the property. Visitors will savor the way in which the beauty of the outdoors is brought indoors through the abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows as well as radiant-heated terraces. All guest rooms and suites will also include private verandas as well as oversized marble bathrooms, flat screen televisions with DVD stereo systems and high speed, wireless internet access.

The Spa will be a sanctuary for the senses. Guests can relax at the coed Whisper Lounge or immerse themselves at the Aqua Garden, complete with therapeutic soaking pools and dramatic hydro-massage Waterwalls surrounded by native boulders. An indoor activity pool and infinity-edge whirlpool, located on an outdoor porch overlooking the lake, are also featured. Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms nurture with luxurious fireplace lounges, sauna, steam room and whirlpool facilities with screened-in porches and signature private shower/changing suites. Active indoor pursuits will take place in the expansive windowed cardio/weight training studio, yoga/mediation studio and dance/fitness studios. Spa services will be offered in 27 treatment rooms and will focus on the use of natural ingredients, incorporating therapies from Europe and the Far East as well indigenous elements. Nutrition and lifestyle counseling, health and wellness classes and fitness training will complement the world class facilities, which will also include a spa salon, retail shop and juice bars. Outdoor recreation such as guided hikes, mountain biking, a one-mile recreational trail, bird-watching, kayaking, boating, tennis, golf at an adjacent private club and more will be offered. The spa will be staffed by expert personnel who will work with guests to customize programs to meet specific needs, with a schedule that is as active or relaxed as they desire.

Tree, the stunning signature gourmet restaurant, will delight diners with its elegant cuisine featuring fresh, organic dishes that are as creative and tasty as they are healthy. Created by Executive Chef Lyle Bolyard, a proponent of the “slow foods” philosophy, menus at The Lodge at Woodloch will offer choices to meet every dietary preference, and will change continually to ensure a variety of selections. A fine selection of beers, wines and spirits will be available. Cooking demonstrations and chef-hosted events will take place in the Chef’s Kitchen.

The vision of John and Ginny Lopis, internationally recognized spa design and operations experts, The Lodge at Woodloch will set new standards of excellence in the spa arena. Visit www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com.

More Spas in the News