The Lodge at Woodloch Reconnects Guests With Nature
What is Forest Bathing?
What comes to mind when you hear the words, “Forest Bathing?”
I admit I was somewhat confused and intrigued the first time I heard the phrase. Is it frolicking under a cascading waterfall or immersion in a cool mountain stream?
Actually, it’s neither. Forest Bathing, or its Japanese counterpart,
Shinrin Yoku (forest bath), was developed in Japan in the 1980s as preventative health care that promotes healing as we absorb nature through our senses. The management at The Lodge at Woodloch, an extraordinary award-winning spa destination in Hawley, Pennsylvania, added Forest Bathing to its long list of services. Activities are centered on enabling guests to leave their worries behind as they unwind and reconnect with their true inner being. The management team and staff take their roles as hosts and concierge seriously to the point that every detail, from the decor, activities and classes, men’s and women’s spas, and dining areas, is purposely tailored to promote self-care. Forest Bathing is an ideal vehicle for guests to cast their worries to the wind.
Watch clips from my recent assignment at The Lodge at Woodloch to learn more Forest Bathing and this extraordinary destination in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region.
During a recent assignment at The Lodge at Woodloch, I bundled in layers of clothes as I set out on my first Forest Bathing experience with our enthusiastic guide, Derrick and an inquisitive, nature-loving husband and wife team who were also guests at The Lodge at Woodloch. Winter had already set in with below normal temperatures but the cool air was invigorating. We met at the lodge and after an introduction, we stopped along a path to enlivening our sense of smell with a sprig of wintergreen.
If you plan to hike this year, comfortable shoes are a must-have item.
Travel Note: Forest Bathing is not synonymous with exercises like hiking or jogging. The pace will vary but the focus is on nature as medicine. Your guide will likely stop periodically and encourage you to reflect on what you see, feel, hear, smell, and possibly taste.
Forest Bathing is one of the many activities, workshops, and events available to The Lodge at Woodloch guests. Whatever your passion, whether you’re artistic, love to cook, can’t get enough of the outdoors, I guarantee your retreat will be memorable and uplifting year-round. The schedule changes daily. You’ll find an up-to-date schedule here.
Before your stay comes to an end, you should carve out time for a spa treatment at the lodge’s newly renovated men’s and women’s spas. Couples can reserve individual “me-time” to unwind after a busy day.
Robert Baldassari, The Lodge at Woodloch general manager, said he is honored to receive many awards and accolades over the years and attributes each and every award to his “truly amazing team.”
Baldassari commented, “One thing that sets The Lodge at Woodloch apart from other destination spas is our motto of curating choice. Guests can choose to be as active or relaxed as they like, they can choose to enjoy our healthy and artfully crafted spa cuisine or splurge on a steak and wine. Furthermore, they can choose among dozens of offerings each and every day.”
Call 1.800.966.3562 to book your stay and schedule your appointment.
Disclaimer:
My visit was comped but my opinions are my own and based on my experience.
