Top 15 Resorts to Experience in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an ideal destination for a relaxing resort retreat. One can discover an impressive range of outdoor activities in the natural landscapes surrounding the urban areas, featuring stunning forests, rivers, and mountains, notably in the Poconos region. Some resorts here are recognized among the finest in the nation and even globally.

Most of these establishments feature a blend of rustic lodge ambiance coupled with luxurious amenities, including comprehensive spa services. They frequently present water sports, golf, and fishing, while several also host casinos, engaging entertainment options, and gourmet dining experiences. Whether for romantic escapades or family holidays, Pennsylvania’s resorts cater to diverse preferences.

Let us explore the top resorts in Pennsylvania:

1. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Source: nemacolin

Esteemed for its positive reviews, expansive grounds, and lavish accommodations, this resort exudes excellence. Located on over 2,000 acres near Farmington, the resort features 390 high-end guest rooms, suites, townhomes, and residences, ensuring guest satisfaction is paramount. Notably, it hosts an internationally recognized spa, two golf courses designed by Pete Dye, a sporting clay shooting range, and opportunities for fly fishing.

For those inclined towards gaming, a superb casino awaits. Culinary experiences include 11 diverse dining venues, complemented by four bars and lounges suitable for various occasions. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country or downhill skiing at Mystic Mountain, or engage in dog sledding along the resort’s trails. Distinctively, a Wildlife Academy showcases animals such as bears, bison, lions, zebras, and even a Bengal tiger. Guests can explore adventurous options at the Adventure Center, offering activities like jeep off-road driving, ziplining, ropes courses, or rock climbing.

Website: http://www.nemacolin.com/

2. Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Source: omnihotels

Located in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, this resort is primarily recognized as a premier golf and spa venue. The Old Course has received acclaim as the “#1 Golf Course in Pennsylvania” according to Golfweek magazine. Accommodations present the option of either rooms in the historical section of the original building or the contemporary spa wing, with multiple luxurious enhancements available.

The expansive spa spans 30,000 square feet and is among the few in the United States utilizing natural spring water. Guests may indulge in packages featuring the resort’s exclusive product line composed of local herbs and botanicals. Moreover, the Omni boasts six dining establishments, ranging from the signature steakhouse, the 1776 Room, to exclusive six-course meals at the Chef’s Table. For a more casual experience, the Frontier Tavern serves small plates and craft beers.

Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bedford-springs

3. The Lodge at Glendorn

Source: glendorn

Recognized as the #1 Best Resort in the Continental United States by Travel & Leisure, this four-season resort is a hidden gem in Northwest Pennsylvania’s forests. In addition to the rooms and suites within the Main Lodge, 16 standalone cabins offer “bespoke luxury,” including personalized towels, upscale bath products, turndown service, and warm, freshly baked cookies.

Engage in activities like fly fishing or trap shooting, tennis, or croquet, and traverse extensive trails for hiking or biking. Guests can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on Bondieu Lake or playing golf at the Pennhills Club, where temporary memberships are available during their stay. The Forest Spa offers unique treatments using locally sourced ingredients, and guests may even assist the spa staff in foraging for constituents (such as collecting blackberries for scrubs). The culinary offerings feature French-influenced farm-to-table dining, with options for pre-fixe dinner featuring wine pairings.

Website: http://www.glendorn.com/

4. Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains

Known as a favored destination among those in the Northeast, this resort is nestled amid the Poconos and is suitable for families of all sizes. It boasts America’s largest indoor waterpark, encompassing 220,000 square feet, designed with a retractable roof, lazy river, water slides, family hot tub, and wave pool. Opportunities for surfing or boogieboarding abound! The resort features nearly 1,000 guest rooms, including suites accommodating up to five bedrooms. These suites include amenities such as balconies, bunk beds, fireplaces, and even pool tables.

Culinary options are extensive, with 11 restaurants ranging from upscale Italian and steakhouse establishments to more casual pizza parlors and buffet selections. A tavern and bar are available as a retreat for adults. Guests can also enjoy a vast arcade featuring mini bowling and blacklight mini-golf, along with virtual reality experiences in a 5-D Theater. For those in pursuit of relaxation, Spa Kalahari offers treatments incorporating organic products amidst the serene ambiance of their Relaxation Sanctuary.

Website: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania

5. The Lodge at Woodloch

Source: thelodgeatwoodloch

Recognized as one of Conde Nast’s “Top 12 Destination Spas in the World,” this serene forest retreat is situated just 95 miles from both Philadelphia and New York City. The resort aims to promote rejuvenation, alleviating stress, and facilitating refocusing for its guests. Visitors can find a range of fitness classes and creative workshops, alongside wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and outdoor excursions.

This exclusive, adult-only resort is positioned on a pristine lake, featuring on-site gardens that supply ingredients for meals and spa products. The Poconos Spa specializes in customizable treatments available for individuals and couples. Guests can unwind at outdoor terraces or enjoy indoor fireplaces pre- or post-treatment, along with access to steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. Each room is generously appointed with luxurious touches, including private balconies with rocking chairs, rainfall showers, granite sinks, and plush comforters.

Website: http://www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com/

6. Skytop Lodge

Source: skytop

Considered one of the premier luxury resorts in the Pocono Mountains, Skytop Lodge brands itself as the “ultimate playground” for vacationers. Guests can embark on hikes to picturesque waterfalls along winding trails, ride horses from their stables, or experience the thrill of ziplining. Enjoy relaxation at the sandy beach beside Skytop Lake, lounge by the pool, engage in kayaking, or fish for largemouth bass. The resort’s golf course and engaging alternatives include archery tag, lawn bowling, or winter ice skating.

Guests can enjoy a formal dining experience at the Windsor Dining Room or Lakeview Restaurant, sip drinks at the Fairview Bar or Library Lounge, or indulge in milkshakes in the Tea Room. Accommodations comfortably cater to both families and couples, offering elegantly decorated rooms and private cottages. Options range from convenient stays in the Lodge, close to dining and shopping, to the Inn located adjacent to the golf course. Rooms feature custom furnishings, necessary amenities including wifi and USB ports, and captivating views of the surroundings.

Website: http://www.skytop.com/

7. Silver Birches Resort

Source: silverbirchesresortpa

Boasting vintage buildings dating back to the 1920s, the proprietors of this resort in Hawley have devoted efforts to preserving the history of the original farm on its site. Guests may select accommodations from five charming cottages, rooms at the Inn, private houses, or suites within the revitalized buildings like the Bunkhouse. Each visitor receives a complimentary day pass to Lake Region Fitness.

The Dock on Wallenpaupack stands as one of the finest dining establishments in the vicinity, featuring an array of seafood dishes and signature cocktails available to be enjoyed by the lakeside. Weekly events include the Pub-O-Lympics with trivia contests and prizes, accompanied by live music at the bar. Boat slips are provided for those bringing their own vessels, or guests may rent boats from the resort for water sports or fishing expeditions. Activities such as stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking/canoeing excursions are at hand, along with yoga classes by the lake or aqua Zumba sessions by the shore.

Website: https://silverbirchesresortpa.com/

8. Liberty Mountain Resort

Source: libertymountainresort

Located in Carroll Valley, this contemporary resort is characterized by wooden finishes and high ceilings, providing ample options for engaging activities to fill your day or week-long stay. Guests can enjoy rounds of golf at the course, schedule a visit to the Laventide Spa and Salon, or savor craft beers by a cozy fire pit. In winter, visitors can partake in skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing nearby, while summer offers swimming in the pool or hiking and biking on trails across surrounding hills and state parks. Year-round amenities include an indoor saltwater pool, sauna, and hot tub.

Guests can dine and drink at the Eagle & The Owl Public House, where they may enjoy wood-fired pizzas while engaging in table shuffleboard. For more sophisticated dining, choose a hand-cut steak or lamb rack at Ike’s Chophouse. The resort hosts live music events, and accommodations are distributed across three lodges featuring views of the golf course or mountainside. Rooms come equipped with balconies or patios, coffee makers, and refrigerators.

Website: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/

9. Mount Airy Casino Resort

Source: mountairycasino

For enthusiasts of gaming and nightlife, this resort is an exceptional choice. In addition to its casino, which features a golf course and spa, notable entertainers regularly visit, including Eddie Money, the Commodores, and DJ Pauly D, who perform in various events such as concerts and adult pool parties. The casino is particularly renowned for its blackjack, slot machines, and poker tournaments, but many guests also enjoy renting cabanas and daybeds, lounging by the pool.

Diverse dining options abound, from Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen to the Lucky 8 Noodle & Sushi Bar, along with seven additional restaurants ensuring that guests’ appetites are satisfied. In terms of nightlife, the Gypsies Lounge Club and Glass Bar present lively atmospheres for drinks and entertainment. Accommodations feature pillowtop beds, complimentary high-speed Internet, leather chairs, Keurig coffee makers, and mini-bars.

Website: http://www.mountairycasino.com/

10. The Hotel Hershey

Source: thehotelhershey

As the town of Hershey is iconic, this resort undoubtedly deserves recognition. With picturesque views over Hershey Valley, this historical resort boasts a AAA Four Diamond rating, offering diverse accommodation options, including rooms, suites, or cottages with original artwork, outdoor patios, and separate lounge areas. Their cottages are particularly luxurious, featuring marble bathrooms, stone fireplaces, and high-end furnishings. The town of Hershey, often termed the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” provides visitors the opportunity to explore Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Hershey Gardens.

Gather the family for an adventure tackling The Odyssey, which is the resort’s ropes course, climbing challenge, and zipline experience. Other recreational options include paintballing, fly fishing, kayaking, and orienteering, alongside falconry demonstrations featuring trained birds of prey. Moreover, golf enthusiasts will appreciate access to two private 18-hole courses. Alternatively, guests can simply unwind poolside and rent a cabana equipped with a flat-screen TV, ceiling fan, and snack basket.

Website: http://www.thehotelhershey.com/

11. Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Source: bcmountainresort

A highly frequented ski resort open year-round, Bear Creek spans 330 acres of forested terrain in Berks County. In the summer, guests can explore hiking and biking trails, boating, and disc golf, while winter offers a range of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing options. Nearby, guests can access golf and tennis courts or find relaxation in indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The Spa at Bear Creek provides a selection of facials, nail treatments, massages, and wraps using premium eco-friendly products.

The resort chefs curate delightful menus at three distinctive dining venues. The Grille features sweeping mountain views and an extensive beer selection, while the Trail’s End Cafe offers a casual bistro-style menu. Rooms are spacious, with upgrade options such as kitchenettes, jacuzzis, and whirlpools. The executive suites stand out with their floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and high-end Bose sound systems.

Website: http://www.bcmountainresort.com/

12. The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

Source: shawneeinn

Although primarily known as a golf resort, this establishment offers a myriad of activities set along the Delaware River. Constructed in 1911, the unique room configurations ensure that no two rooms are identical within its historic accommodations. Visitors can choose from 80 rooms in the Main Inn, luxury suites, or quaint cottages. For a unique experience, guests may stay in glamping sites, consisting of spacious tents on wooden platforms equipped with wifi, hammocks, campfires, and s’mores!

Indulge with treatments at Spa Shawnee and Salon, or relax in the Tap Room with craft beers on draft from the 10 handcrafted ShawneeCraft brews. Guests can find comfort in ordering pizza and taking a tour of the on-site brewery. Dining options at the River Room feature seasonal, locally-sourced meals, alongside three other dining venues within the resort. Additional options include winter skiing at Shawnee, guided hikes, or canoeing down the river (with a flight of beer optional).

Website: http://www.shawneeinn.com/

13. Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Source: 7springs

Whether one visits for a day or for an extended stay, this resort provides a wealth of outdoor activities. Featuring the finest skiing and snowboarding in Pennsylvania, a mountaintop golf course, canopy tours, and shooting ranges, there is an abundance of adventures to choose from. Other attractions include rock climbing walls, paintball courses, alpine slides, and extensive options for hiking, biking, and water-based sports. For relaxation, visitors may indulge in the luxurious treatments offered at Trillium Spa and Salon, ranging from body scrubs to massages and facials.

Post-adventure, guests can satisfy their hunger with burgers from Timbers restaurant, a slice from the Pizza Place, or a craft beer from Foggy Brews. The Bavarian Lounge presents excellent pub fare, while Helen’s features a distinguished wine list and gourmet choices like duck, lamb, and venison. Accommodations offer a range from pleasantly comfortable hotel rooms to rustic yet luxurious chalets, with ski-in/ski-out condominiums and townhomes available for convenience.

Website: http://www.7springs.com/

14. Fernwood Resort

Source: poconoshotels

Another resort in the Pocono Mountains adjacent to the Delaware River, Fernwood presents a range of activities suitable for all seasons. It features a golf course, aerial ropes courses, hiking and biking tours, along with winter and summer tubing experiences. Guests can engage in fishing, challenge their friends on dual zip lines, enjoy the arcade, or partake in bumper boat competitions. For younger visitors, a kids camp and live music are also offered, while Saturday nights include Comedy Jams and DJ After-Parties for adults.

Transition from the indoor pool and fitness center to spa services and saunas for utmost relaxation. The Wintergreens Patio Grill offers a relaxed dining atmosphere, including happy hour deals, with menu offerings ranging from burgers and wings to shrimp scampi and New York strip. Accommodation options consist of studios or one- and two-bedroom villas, featuring amenities such as free wifi, fireplaces, and kitchens.

Website: http://fernwoodresortpoconos.com/

15. Cove Haven Pocono Palace Resort

Source: covepoconoresorts

Cove Haven operates three couples-only resorts; this location in the sought-after Poconos area resides on the private Echo Lake, providing a secluded atmosphere. Visitors can partake in winter sports, speedboat rides, biking, paddle boating, and fishing opportunities. The Indoor Activity Zone includes basketball, racquetball, tennis, and miniature golf. Couples seeking competition may enjoy laser tag or paintball engagements against each other!

All-inclusive guests enjoy unlimited breakfasts and dinners, with nightly themes encompassing diverse cuisines, including Italian, southwestern, or steak and lobster nights. Couples can explore various massage treatments and utilize the resort’s renowned spa together. Evenings invite guests to the Echo Lake Lounge for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and to the Applause Nightclub for live entertainment featuring a variety of acts from comedians to musicians.

Website: https://www.covepoconoresorts.com/our-resorts/pocono-palace-east-stroudsburg-pa/