Pennsylvania is a beautiful, wooded state with many major population centers in the state or nearby. That means it has some of the finest -- and one of the most unusual -- resort spas in the country, with chocolate-inspired treatments and plenty of sweets at Spa at The Hotel Hershey. This list represents my picks for the finest overnight spas in Pennsylvania.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in Farmington, Pennsylvania
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Located in the southwest corner of the state, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a classic resort spa that opened in 1987. It features two 18-hole championship golf courses, downhill skiing, an equestrian center, gaming, family-friendly programs and nearly 100 pampering spa treatments at a 40-room spa. (Nemacolin also has one of the best kids' spas in the country -- The Grove.) Its new Holistic Healing Center offers acupuncture, a select group of healing massages, as well as services like metabolism testing, fitness assessments, and exercise prescriptions.
The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania
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A 58-room luxury property, The Lodge at Woodloch is a wellness spa, with great classes, healthy food, and inspiration for a happier, healthier life. It sets the tone with giant crystal chakra bowls in the lobby that create a healing resonance when you play them. Owners John and Ginny Lopis, who live across the street, are a warm presence at dinner. The food is so good you probably won’t lose weight, and it feels like a fine dining experience, complete with live music.
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania
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"The sweetest place on earth" is named after Milton Hershey, the chocolate mogul who devoted his fortune to helping underprivileged children. He built the lavish Mediterranean-style hotel in the 1930s, setting it high atop a hill surrounded by 300 wooded acres with running paths. Attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, ZooAmerica and Chocolate World are nearby. The large, multi-level spa specializes in chocolate-themed treatments like the “Whipped Cocoa Bath”. After your treatment, you can take the elevator straight down to the Oasis Lounge and eat from a buffet (extra fee.)
Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford, Pennsylvania
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There are 8 mineral springs on this property, which became famous as a mecca of rejuvenation after Dr. Anderson purchased the land in 1796. A National Historic Landmark, the resort was returned to its original splendor in 2007 as Omni Bedford Springs Resort. It has a magnificently restored golf course and 30,000 square foot spa that uses natural spring water in all of its treatments.
The Deerfield Health Retreat & Spa in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
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Nestled in the hills of the Poconos mountains near East Stroudsburg, The Deerfield is a super-affordable wellness spa open from April 15 through October. If you want to have a healthy spa experience but are on a budget, a single room here is around $1520 a week, including meals and programs. It accommodates 33 guests and has cross-training gym hosts everything from sunrise Qi Gong through afternoon circuit training, and evening dance classes to late-night Yoga.