I Wish We Could Stay Here Forever
Our Woodloch Family Escape
I just got back from five unforgettable days at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos with my three boys and my parents, and it’s hard to put into words how magical it was.
If you’ve never been, Woodloch is one of those rare places where time slows down in all the right ways. Just two hours from NYC, it’s a family-run resort nestled in the woods of Hawley, Pennsylvania. The Kiesendahl family opened it in 1958 with one small boarding house and a dream. Over the past 65+ years, it has grown into one of the top all-inclusive family resorts in the country, still owned and operated by the same family, and still guided by their original values: togetherness, joy, and heartfelt hospitality.
From the moment we pulled in and checked into our sweet little house in the Pines, I could feel that sense of warmth and welcome. My boys were instantly excited. They loved having the space to run around, bunk up together, and call it our Woodloch house.
Each meal was shared in a massive dining room full of families. No one was on their phones; it was just people laughing, talking, and reconnecting. The food was amazing: pancakes, homemade waffles, fresh fruit, eggs, soups, warm breads, and the most divine homemade ice cream. My boys were obsessed with the chicken fingers, French fries, mozzarella sticks, burgers, and desserts. One night I had a delicious scallop dish; another night, a seafood-encrusted haddock. There were great vegetarian options, my mom loved the portobello mushroom with caprese salad and balsamic glaze. My dad enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak and a pasta Bolognese that had him raving. They couldn’t believe how Woodloch managed to serve such fantastic meals to so many people, every single time.
Each day was a perfect blend of movement, fun, and freedom. We swam in the outdoor pool, splashed in the lake, went down the lake slide, paddle boated, did bumper cars and laser tag, climbed playgrounds, played mini golf, roasted marshmallows by the fire, and soaked in the kind of joy that only comes when you’re completely present.
I was also there to teach yoga and Pilates, and to give a talk at The Lodge at Woodloch, their award-winning luxury spa next door. That experience was unforgettable—connecting with such thoughtful guests, teaching in serene studio spaces, paddleboarding on the lake, and receiving a blissful spa treatment. It was the perfect complement to the wild and wonderful family fun happening just across the way.
Meanwhile, my boys were off with Grandma and Grandpa, having their epic adventures from go-karts to escape rooms and laser wars. We all joined a Mario Kart tournament on the last evening, where Timothy proudly claimed first place! I loved watching the bond between them grow deeper each day. And my dad was thrilled to get in a round of golf, calling it one of the best courses he’s ever played.
On our final morning, we squeezed in one last ride on the bumper boats before packing up. None of us was ready to leave. There’s a sign on the lake that reads:
“I wish we could stay here forever.” That about sums it up.
So, What Makes Woodloch So Special?
It’s not just the amenities (though there are plenty), or the stunning scenery (though the sunsets over the lake are breathtaking), or even the ice cream (which I’m still dreaming about). What makes Woodloch extraordinary is its spirit.
It’s the way people greet you with a smile.
The way families come together around long tables.
The way kids roam freely, get messy, laugh hard, and live fully.
It’s rare to find a place that brings movement, nourishment, play, and connection together so seamlessly.
I left feeling full, not just from the meals, but from the moments.
And I’m so grateful I got to experience it as both a teacher and a mom.
Even more grateful that my boys and my parents now share this beautiful memory with me, one I know we’ll all carry for a long, long time.
We’ll be back for sure.