My Wonderful Stay at Woodloch Pines Resort
Everyone should visit at least twice….
By: Nicole Beauchamp Jackson
Since having our new baby Seth, my husband and I have been searching for a getaway that will give us a break from the daily grind and the normal stresses from having a new baby. We were looking not only for things we can enjoy but also a place that had activities that my son can also do at 8 months old. During that search we were given the chance to experience Woodloch Pines Resort. Woodloch has such an array of activities for family members of all ages. Activities such as golf, zip line, an indoor and outdoor pool, an indoor water slide, nightclub, bumper cars, go karts, shooting range, archery, an indoor soft play room, basketball courts, kayaks, paddle boats, and boat tours just to name a few. About a 2 hour ride to the Poconos and a tank of gas, and we were on our way.
It is no wonder that Woodloch is named one of America’s “Best Inclusive Family Resorts”. This family owned and operated resort immediately made us feel right at home and as if we were part of their wonderful extended family. From the moment you arrive, it is like entering into a whole new world. Upon entering the main check in building, you will find warm and homey decor. A dining area that occupies the length of the building is equipped with sofa’s and lounge chairs divided into little lounging areas for families to convene, which was charming. We requested a late check-in, 5pm, so we had just enough time to get to our room and get ready for dinner at 6:30pm.
Our room was fresh and modern with a balcony overlooking both the pool area and Lake Teedyuskung, and lots of trees. Our room was equipped with 2 bathrooms, a bedroom with 2 queen size beds, crib, living room with sleeper sofa, table for 2, and a kitchenette area with microwave, coffee maker and fridge.
The massive dining area where we ate our meals (3 meals a day- all inclusive) is set up in such a way, it’s designed to make you feel at home. We had a table assigned to us that we ate at for every meal. We were even able to leave our son’s hook on highchair there and it was set up for us every time we went back. The food was divine, and I am quite the picky eater. For each meal you are provided with a menu with options that appeal to all taste buds. All meals brought a starter, main dish and dessert.
After stuffing our faces the first night we decided to check out the kids open play room. We left the car parked at the main building because though you can drive and have parking at any building you go to, everything is walking distance guided by trails. We entered the game room that is located in a building called The Forest and my husbands eyes opened wide at all the arcade games that were available to enjoy.
After letting him relive his childhood we headed upstairs to the basketball court and shot some hoops before going to the soft play room. This room was a child’s dream, even my son only 8 months old was looking around with mouth open as he gazed at the giant tree part of the jungle gym that was in front of him. Around the corner from that was a soft play, 3 years and under, area just for my little sweetpea. He was able to crawl around meet friends, even go down a mini slide age appropriate. I was also very impressed with how clean and well kept everything was.
As we exited the building we came across another entrance to where the bumper cars were in full action. What I found so clever is the bumper car area is split in two sections. One for older kids, teens, and adults- and an area of small cars for the younger children to enjoy in the fun too.
To end off our first night, we went back to the room, rented a movie to entertain the baby that he watched from his crib. Once he went to sleep Mom and Dad were able to hang out on the terrace and relax and plan out day 2.
Day 2
Breakfast was at 8:30-9:30, so we got up early and headed to the main building to get a an early start to the day. Every morning you can pick a list of all the activities for the day with times and location as well as be greeted by the owners themselves as you enter the dining room for breakfast . With all the guests there, they managed to have a brief encounter with each and everyone of us. Over our delicious breakfast we planned out the activities for the day and didn’t waste anytime getting started.
We decided to start out our day with some shooting and worked our way over to go karts and the rock climbing wall. By this time it was time for lunch and decided that after lunch we would explore the water activities. We first hit the paddle boats-which my son thoroughly enjoyed, followed by pool time. The indoor pool was warm and inviting, though it was cool outside. The main pool was accompanied by two jacuzzi’s on each side.
We then ventured over to the toddler pool which was right up my sons alley. There were areas with soft play mats that had water spouts that my son was able to sit safely on and play without fear of him tipping over and hurting himself on the hard floor. There was a little slide, animals figures that shot out water and a boat that he was able to enjoy. Finishing up our water activities, we entered the indoor water slide room. The water spewing and trickling from everywhere was again warm and felt great. My husband and I even took turns on the water slide while my son watched and laughed at how it spit us out into a pool of water.
We spent the evening enjoying a special birthday and anniversary celebration in the nightclub for the owners, the Kiesendahl family, followed by dinner.
Day 3
We awoke with urgency, it was our last day and still so much we hadn’t done yet. After breakfast we headed to the petting zoo, where my son got to ride a pony, then over to the shooting range and a boat tour. The boat tour in particular was a great addition to our time there. The captain knew her stuff. She spoke to us about some brief history of Lake Teedyuskung and the different properties around the lake.
Our last meal was lunch on that Sunday and it came too quick. The owner, JK, came around shook hands, wished us well and wanted to make sure that we were satisfied with our time in his home. We sadly said our goodbye’s and ate lunch that was a grand buffet with everything from chicken fingers, to seafood, fruits, pastas, and a carving station to name a few. Though we had checked out we were still able to do activities on the resort for the rest of the day so we took advantage before our drive home and headed to the zip lining. Ended our stay with an exhilarating rush.
Pure words could not possibly explain the amazing hospitality and warm feeling you get from all that help run this resort. Everyone was courteous, humble, and joyful to help in anyway they can. In conclusion, we have decided to make Woodloch Pines Resort our annual family vacation spot. We were so impressed that I want my son to grow up with having this amazing experience to look forward to every year.
Don’t forget that though we decided to spend our whole time at the family style resort, Woodloch Pines, there is also, The Lodge at Woodloch a spa destination and Woodloch Springs for those Golf enthusiasts.
Don’t hesitate to book now, you will not be disappointed.
For more information, visit www.woodloch.com.