15 Best Resorts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is the perfect place for a laid-back resort getaway. There’s a surprising amount of things to do in the wilderness outside the cities, with beautiful forests, rivers, and mountains at your fingertips, including the popular Poconos. And a few of these resorts are considered to be the best in the country… and even the world.

Most of them combine a woodsy, rustic lodge vibe with a bit of luxury and a great spa. They often offer water sports, golf, and fishing, but some also have casinos, lively entertainment, and fine cuisine. From couples retreats to family vacations, Pennsylvania resorts can give you whatever it is you’re looking for.

Let’s have a look at the best resorts in Pennsylvania:

1. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

With its great reviews, enormous grounds, and plush accommodations, this resort is incredible. Located on over 2,000 acres of property near Farmington with 390 luxury guestrooms, suites, townhomes, and houses, they’ve thought of everything to keep guests happy. There’s an internationally acclaimed spa, two Pete Dye-designed golf courses, a range for sporting clay shooting, and even fly fishing.

For the gamblers among you, they have a fabulous casino. And for dining and drinking, there are 11 impressive restaurants for all occasions, plus 4 bars and lounges. In the winter, guests can head to Mystic Mountain for cross-country or downhill skiing, or they can opt for dog sledding on the resort’s trails. Possibly the most unique aspect of the resort, there’s a Wildlife Academy that’s home to animals like bears, bison, lions, zebras, and even a Bengal tiger! At the Adventure Center, guests can drive with the Jeep Off-Road Academy, go ziplining, take on the ropes course, or try rock climbing.

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

2. Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Situated in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, this is first and foremost a luxury golf and spa resort. The Old Course was named the “#1 Golf Course in Pennsylvania” by Golfweek magazine. Guests can choose between rooms in the historic old wing of the old building or the newer spa wing, and the upgrades are endless. From the heated towel racks to the aromatherapy and bath salts trays, things can get pretty indulgent.

The spa is an enormous 30,000 square feet, and it’s one of only a few spas in the country that utilizes natural spring water. They offer packages using their signature line of products made from local herbs and botanicals. And there’s a salon too. The Omni houses six restaurants, ranging from the 1776 Room, the resort’s signature steak and chophouse, to the exclusive six-course meals prepared at the Chef’s Table. Or try out the Frontier Tavern with its small plates and artisanal brews for something a little more casual.

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

3. The Lodge at Glendorn

Travel & Leisure named it the #1 Best Resort in the Continental United States, so that’s saying something! A four-season resort, it’s a little piece of paradise hidden in the forest of Northwest Pennsylvania. In addition to the Main Lodge’s rooms and suites, there are 16 standalone cabins filled with “bespoke luxury.” That means monogrammed towels, fancy bath products, turndown service, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

Go fly fishing or trap shooting, play tennis or croquet, and explore the vast trail system on their property with a little hiking or biking. You can take a kayak or paddleboard out on Bondieu Lake or play golf at the Pennhills Club, where guests have a temporary membership during their stay. The Forest Spa offers signature treatments using local ingredients, and you can even help forage for them with the spa staff (think collecting blackberries for your scrub). The farm-to-table cuisine is infused with French culinary techniques, and guests can opt for a pre-fixe dinner with added wine pairings.

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

4. Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains

Ahh the Poconos, that mountain range that people from the Northeast always talk about visiting. Well, this resort is located amongst those popular mountains and it’s perfect for the whole family. It’s got America’s largest indoor waterpark, spanning 220,000 square feet, with a retractable roof, lazy river, water slides, family hot tub, and wave pool. You can even surf or boogieboard! They have almost 1,000 rooms for guests, with suites up to five bedrooms. The suites feature things like balconies, bunk beds, fireplaces, and even a pool table.

For mealtimes, there are 11 choices! From Italian and steakhouse restaurants requiring reservations to a more laid-back pizza place and buffet options. They’ve got a tavern and bar as a refuge for adults too. There’s a huge arcade with mini bowling and blacklight mini-golf, and kids can experience virtual reality in a 5-D Theater. For those looking for a little peace, visit the Spa Kalahari for treatments using organic products and a little lounging in their Relaxation Sanctuary.

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

5. The Lodge at Woodloch

This place is a big deal in the world of spa travel, and Conde Nast’s Traveler named it one of the “Top 12 Destination Spas in the World.” A peaceful forest retreat just 95 miles from Philadelphia and New York City, this resort helps guests feel rejuvenated by relieving stress and helping them re-focus. You can take fitness classes and creative discovery workshops, or participate in wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and outdoor adventures.

This private, adults-only resort is set on a pristine lake and contains on-site gardens where they grow food and herbs for their meals and spa products. The Poconos Spa features fully-customizable treatments for individuals and couples. A visit includes outdoor terraces and indoor fireplaces for relaxation before or after appointments, plus steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. Every guest’s room is luxurious, featuring a private balcony with a rocking chair, rain showers, granite sinks, and down comforters.

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

6. Skytop Lodge

One of the best luxury resorts in the Pocono Mountains, Skytop Lodge calls itself the “ultimate playground” for your vacation. You can hike to waterfalls on their winding trails, ride a horse from their stables, or even go ziplining. Relax on the sandy beach at Skytop Lake, or chill by the pool, take out a kayak, and go fishing for largemouth bass. Play golf at their course, or opt for something a little more alternative like archery tag, lawn bowling, or even ice skating in the winter.

Have a formal dining experience at the Windsor Dining Room or Lakeview Restaurant, grab a drink at the Fairview Bar or the Library Lounge, or sip a milkshake in their Tea Room. The accommodations are great for families or couples with their elegantly appointed rooms and private cottages. You can stay in the Lodge to be near the restaurants and shops or at the Inn next to the golf course. The rooms feature custom lamps and furniture, wifi and USB ports, and stunning views.

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

7. Silver Birches Resort

With vintage buildings from the 1920s, the owners of this resort in Hawley have taken care to preserve the history of the farm originally located here. You can choose to stay in one of the five cottages on the property, rooms at the Inn, private houses, or suites located in restored buildings like the Bunkhouse. And each guest gets a complimentary day pass to Lake Region Fitness.

The Dock on Wallenpaupack is one of the best restaurants in town, with lots of seafood dishes and signature cocktails to be enjoyed lakeside. They’ve even got a weekly Pub-O-Lympics with trivia and prizes, plus live music at the bar. Boat slips are available if you’re bringing your own, or you can rent a boat from the resort for watersports or fishing trips. Try stand-up paddleboarding or head out for some kayaking or canoeing. They even offer yoga classes by the lake or aqua Zumba by the shore.

Website: https://silverbirchesresortpa.com/

8. Liberty Mountain Resort

Located in Carroll Valley, this modern resort with wood finishes and high ceilings has plenty to keep you busy for the day or even a week-long vacation. Play a round or two of golf at the course, book a visit to their Laventide Spa and Salon, or relax with a craft beer by the fire pit. In the winter you can spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing nearby. In the summer, take a swim in the pool or go hiking and biking on the trails of nearby hills and state parks. And year-round, you can visit the indoor saltwater pool, sauna, and hot tub.

Guests can get a drink and a wood-fired pizza at the Eagle & The Owl Public House where they can play table shuffleboard too. For something heartier and fancier, have a hand-cut steak or rack of lamb at Ike’s Chophouse. Check out some live music, then head back to your room, located in one of the resort’s three lodges with views of the golf course or mountainside. Rooms have balconies or patios, coffee makers, and refrigerators.

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

9. Mount Airy Casino Resort

If you’re into gambling and nightlife, this place is definitely for you. Of course, there’s a golf course and spa as well, for when you take a break from winning all that money. And they’ve got a ton of big names in entertainment that perform at the resort. From Eddie Money and the Commodores to DJ Pauly D, they host concerts, adult pool parties, and stand-up comedians. The real draw here is the casino, with blackjack, slots, and poker tournaments, but you could just rent a cabana and daybed and lie by the pool for hours.

There are also lots of eating options, from Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen, to Lucky 8 Noodle & Sushi Bar, plus seven other restaurants, so you won’t go hungry. In terms of nightlife, hit the Gypsies Lounge Club or the Glass Bar for drinks and entertainment. Accommodations come with pillowtop beds, free high-speed Internet, leather chairs, a Keurig, and a mini-bar.

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

10. The Hotel Hershey

It is Pennsylvania after all, so this one’s gotta be on the list! With views of Hershey Valley, this historic resort has a AAA Four Diamond rating and guests can choose from rooms, suites, or cottages that include original artwork, outdoor patios, and parlor areas. Their cottages are the premium accommodation choice with marble bathrooms, stone hearths, and upscale furnishings. Referred to as the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” the town of Hershey offers guests a chance to visit Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Hershey Gardens.

Get the family together and tackle The Odyssey, the resort’s ropes course, climbing challenge, and zipline adventure. Or go paintballing, fly fishing, kayaking, or orienteering. You can even check out the resort’s falconry, with flight and hunting demonstrations from trained birds of prey. But if you’re into golf, guests get access to two private 18-hole courses. Or you can always just lounge poolside and rent a cabana that comes with a flat-screen TV, ceiling fan, and snack basket.

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

11. Bear Creek Mountain Resort

A popular ski resort that’s open all year round, Bear Creek is located on 330 acres of wooded land in Berks County. In the summer, take advantage of hiking and biking trails, boating, and disc golf, because in the winter you’ll obviously be skiing or snowboarding (or snow tubing!). You can play golf or tennis nearby, or swim in the indoor and outdoor pools. The Spa at Bear Creek offers facials, nail care, massages, and wraps using high-quality environmentally-friendly products.

The resort also has a fantastic team of chefs working at its three restaurants. The Grille features mountain views and a long beer list, while the Trail’s End Cafe offers bistro-style cuisine. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with upgrade options like kitchenettes, jacuzzis, and whirlpools. The executive suites are the most luxurious with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and Bose sound systems.

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

12. The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

Yes, it’s a golf resort, but there’s so much more to do at this resort that’s set on the Delaware River. Built in 1911, no two rooms are alike in these old-world-style accommodations. Stay in one of the 80 rooms at the Main Inn or in a luxury suite or cottage. Or if you want to try something different, spend the night at one of their glamping sites and get in touch with nature. These are spacious, comfortable tents set on wooden platforms, complete with wifi, hammocks, campfires, and s’mores!

Book a treatment at Spa Shawnee and Salon, or just relax with a craft beer in the Tap Room where they have 10 handmade ShawneeCraft beers on draft. You can order a pizza and take a tour of the on-site brewery there. Dine at the River Room for a seasonal and locally sourced meal, or have your pick of one of the other three resort restaurants. You can go skiing at Shawnee, take a guided hike or nature walk, or book a trip down the river in a canoe (flight of beer optional).

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

13. Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Whether you’re just grabbing a day pass at this resort or visiting for a week-long vacation, you’ll find tons of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. From the best skiing and snowboarding in the state to their mountaintop golf course to the exciting canopy tour and sporting clay range, there’s plenty to tire you out. There’s a rock climbing wall, paintball course, alpine slide, and tons of hiking, biking, and watersports. Of course, you could go relax at the luxurious Trillium Spa and Salon with a body scrub, massage, or facial.

After a big day of fishing or disc golf, grab a burger from Timbers restaurant, a slice from the Pizza Place, or maybe a craft beer from Foggy Brews. Oh, but there’s also the Bavarian Lounge with great pub food and Helen’s with its award-winning wine list and mains like duck, lamb, and venison. Accommodation ranges from more basic but comfortable hotel rooms to rustic yet luxurious chalets. Or you can opt for one of their ski-in/ski-out condos and townhomes.

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

14. Fernwood Resort

Another resort situated in the Pocono Mountains next to the Delaware River, Fernwood offers tons of things to do year-round. They’ve got a golf course, an aerial ropes adventure course, hiking and biking tours, and summer and winter tubing. Go fishing, have a race on their speedy dual zip lines, hit the arcade, or play in the bumper boats. They’ve got a kids camp, live music, and on Saturday nights, there’s a Comedy Jam and DJ After-Party for adults.

Head from their indoor pool and fitness center to the spa and sauna for some rejuvenation. And for dinner, visit Wintergreens Patio Grill for their casual atmosphere, happy hour deals, and menu items from burgers and wings to shrimp scampi and New York strip. Accommodations include studio options or one and two-bedroom villas, with amenities like free wifi, fireplaces, and kitchens if you need them!

Website: http://fernwoodresortpoconos.com/

15. Cove Haven Pocono Palace Resort

Cove Haven has three couples-only resorts, and though this one is in the popular Poconos area, it’s located on the private Echo Lake for a more secluded vibe. They offer winter sports, speedboat rides, biking, paddle boats, and fishing. There’s also an Indoor Activity Zone, complete with basketball, racquetball, tennis, and miniature golf. Or if you’re feeling super competitive, you and your significant other can play laser tag or paintball against each other!

All-inclusive guests get unlimited breakfast and dinner, and each night has a different theme, from Italian to a southwestern to steak with lobster night. Hit the spa together for a wide range of couples massages and treatments. Or just relax in your room’s seven-foot-tall champagne glass whirlpool bath, which is a popular upgrade option at each of Cove Haven’s resorts. In the evenings, grab free hors d’oeuvres at the Echo Lake Lounge, and visit the Applause Nightclub for live entertainment from comedians to concerts.

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