The Pocono Mountains offer a perfect escape from the busy world with their peaceful forests and stunning views. Just a short drive from major East Coast cities, these mountains have been welcoming tired travelers for generations.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or rustic charm, these seven retreats provide the quiet mountain getaway you’ve been dreaming about.
1. Skytop Lodge: Historic Elegance Amid Mountain Splendor
Perched high in the Pocono Mountains since 1928, Skytop Lodge combines old-world charm with modern comforts on 5,500 acres of natural beauty. The stone facade and grand architecture immediately transport visitors to a more gracious era.
Guest rooms in the main lodge offer views of the pristine lake or surrounding mountains, while private cottages provide extra seclusion. The lodge features multiple dining options from casual to fine cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
Beyond relaxation, activities abound with hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and seasonal adventures from kayaking to cross-country skiing. The on-site spa offers treatments designed to soothe away stress after a day of mountain exploration.
2. The French Manor Inn & Spa: European Luxury on a Mountainside
Unexpected French chateau architecture greets visitors at this South Sterling gem, built in 1937 as a private retreat. Sitting atop Huckleberry Mountain, the stone manor offers panoramic views that stretch for miles across the forested landscape.
Each of the 19 rooms and suites features unique decor, with many offering fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies. The award-winning restaurant serves French-inspired cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine collection.
Le Spa Forêt provides indulgent treatments in a serene setting, including aromatherapy massages and herbal wraps. Morning yoga classes on the terrace, heated indoor pool, and nearby hiking trails create a balanced retreat experience for body and mind.
3. Woodloch Pines Resort: Family-Friendly Serenity by the Lake
Family-owned since 1958, Woodloch Pines offers a unique combination of all-inclusive amenities and natural tranquility along the shores of Lake Teedyuskung. Unlike typical resorts, Woodloch maintains a warm, personal atmosphere where staff members know guests by name.
Accommodations range from classic lake-view rooms to spacious guest homes ideal for multi-generational gatherings. Meals are served family-style, fostering connections between guests while enjoying hearty, home-cooked favorites.
While activities abound for the energetic, quiet corners can always be found for those seeking solitude – whether in an Adirondack chair overlooking the lake or along wooded trails. The nearby sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch, offers an adults-only spa retreat when parents need extra pampering.
4. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort: Riverside Relaxation with Historic Roots
Nestled between the Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains, The Shawnee Inn has welcomed guests since 1911. The stately white colonial-style main building sits on manicured grounds where deer often graze at dawn and dusk.
Guests can choose between rooms in the historic main inn, riverside cottages, or glamping tents for a more immersive nature experience. The property boasts a renowned golf course where legends like Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead once played, with 24 of its 27 holes uniquely situated on a private island in the Delaware River.
Morning kayak trips, guided nature walks, and evening stargazing sessions connect visitors with the natural surroundings. The on-site brewery and farm-to-table restaurant showcase local flavors, while the ShawneeCraft Brewing Company offers tours and tastings of their small-batch brews.
5. Mount Airy Casino Resort: Sophisticated Escape with Mountain Views
Rising from the site of the historic Mount Airy Lodge, this modern luxury resort combines excitement with unexpected tranquility. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property frame stunning mountain vistas, bringing natural beauty inside.
Contemporary guest rooms feature plush bedding, rainfall showers, and neutral color palettes inspired by the surrounding landscape. Beyond the gaming floor, the resort offers numerous quiet retreats including a glass-enclosed indoor/outdoor pool with mountain views and a lakeside gazebo perfect for morning meditation.
The award-winning spa incorporates local elements into treatments, such as the Pocono Stone Massage using river rocks from nearby streams. Four distinctive restaurants range from casual to fine dining, with Bistecca by Il Mulino offering an intimate Italian steakhouse experience away from the main casino area.
6. Crescent Lodge and Country Inn: Rustic Charm in a Woodland Setting
Hidden among towering pines in Cresco, this family-owned country inn has preserved its rustic character since 1941. The collection of cottages and main lodge buildings blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape, creating a sense of being miles from civilization despite convenient access to attractions.
Wood-burning fireplaces, four-poster beds, and private porches create a cozy atmosphere in the individually decorated rooms and cottages. Many accommodations feature two-person whirlpool tubs positioned near windows overlooking the forest.
The intimate restaurant serves classic American cuisine with European influences in a candlelit dining room with original stone walls. Morning coffee on the main porch often includes sightings of local wildlife, from deer to wild turkeys. Without TVs in most rooms, guests rediscover the simple pleasures of conversation, reading, and connecting with nature.
7. Cove Haven Resort: Adults-Only Romance on Lake Wallenpaupack
Famous for pioneering the heart-shaped tub, Cove Haven continues its legacy as a couples-only retreat on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. The retro-chic accommodations maintain their unique character while offering modern amenities for today’s travelers.
Suites feature dramatic designs with in-room pools, massage tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. The iconic Champagne Tower suite, with its seven-foot-tall champagne glass whirlpool bath, remains a bucket-list experience for many couples seeking a memorable getaway.
Private lake access allows for intimate sunset cruises and morning paddleboard sessions. The resort strikes a balance between scheduled activities and opportunities for seclusion, with hidden coves along the lakeshore perfect for private picnics. Nightly entertainment ranges from live music to comedy shows, with the option to retreat to your suite whenever solitude calls.
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