\u00a0<\/p>\n
Driving through the rugged and beautiful Allegheny Mountains, luxury feels like a world away. But just 1.5 hours southeast of Pittsburgh lies Nemacolin<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a private, year-round luxury resort hidden in the heart of Pennsylvania\u2019s Laurel Highlands. This self-contained wonderland of adventure offers an unparalleled array of activities, amenities, and real-life magic.<\/span><\/p>\n Nemacolin is home to three distinct hotels:<\/strong> The Grand\u00a0Lodge, The Chateau, and Falling Rock, each offering its own unique charm and luxurious accommodations. The resort also features world-class restaurants, a spa, and a holistic wellness center, catering to those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.<\/span><\/p>\n For the adventurous, Nemacolin provides a wide range of activities, including golf courses, fishing, clay shooting, and a ski area. Guests can also enjoy a year-round heated outdoor pool, cosmic bowling, axe throwing, art classes, an equestrian center, animal experiences, an ice cream parlor, a patisserie, and more. So much more.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n And there\u2019s nothing else like it.<\/span><\/p>\n The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Nemacolin story<\/strong><\/a> began in 1987 with Joseph A. Hardy III, a self-made visionary and founder of the 84 Lumber Company. He was looking for a piece of property with water access so his daughter Maggie could go fishing. After attending an auction, he ended up with a few hundred acres, a small hunting lodge, and a golf course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fast forward more than 35 years, Joseph and Maggie Hardy worked together to transform the property into a year-round luxury resort,\u00a0now spanning over 2,200 acres of lush woodlands.<\/span><\/p>\n Maggie now runs the resort with her son PJ Magerko Liquorice. They carry on the legacy of Mr. Hardy, while expanding the vision of Nemacolin, with one goal in mind \u2013 offering guests and members an unparalleled resort experience with a dash of magic. Mission accomplished.<\/span><\/p>\n Some may say there\u2019s no such thing as perfect, but I found Nemacolin is as close as it gets.<\/span><\/p>\n We spent 3 magical nights at Nemacolin to experience it in all its glory. Here\u2019s where we stayed, what we did, and where we dine during our visit. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The lobby of The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Grand Lodge is Like a Luxury Alpine Chalet in the PA Mountains<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n For our stay we had a room reserved in <\/span>The Grand Lodge<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a classic Tudor-style luxury hotel and the original hotel on the property. Here along with 56 suites, there\u2019s also their signature restaurant Fawn and Fable, Circle Bar and The Study, and luxury shopping.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pulling up to The Grand Lodge we were immediately greeted by a team of friendly valets. The concierge thoughtfully had our room ready earlier than scheduled with an offer of champagne and the keys to our room. Don\u2019t mind if I do.<\/span><\/p>\n Nemacolin is known for their incredible service, but they take it step further than what you would expect at luxury resorts.\u00a0 One of those special touches is their personalized butler service. Stay at The Grand Lodge, Falling Rock, or the club floor of The Chateau and you get your very own personal butler.<\/span><\/p>\n The sitting area of The Grand Lodge King Suite | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n They\u2019ll get you anything you need including making and serving your morning coffee, unpacking your luggage, pressing your clothes, making reservations and itineraries, or delivering you a special treat late at night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We were introduced to our very own friendly and helpful butler Kai, who escorted us and our luggage up to our stunningly beautiful expansive suite. With mountain views, a luxe living area, and king bedroom with a marble fireplace, it was like walking into a page from Architectural Digest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The bedroom of The Grand Lodge King Suite at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Our suite was decked out with luxurious finishes, including a dedicated coffee and minbar space in the room\u2019s foyer, to plush seating, and whimsical decor with woodland touches throughout the living room. <\/span><\/p>\n The bedroom featured a dreamy plush king bed with luxurious linens and a romantic blush marble gas fireplace. Even the carpeting here was like walking on a cloud.<\/span><\/p>\n The bathroom could easily rival any world-class spa with a large soaking tub, walk-in marble shower and double sinks. Because it\u2019s Nemacolin, every detail is accounted for, including a first-class commode with a heated seat and bidet function that was a total delight. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s the little things, really.<\/span><\/p>\n The bathroom of The Grand Lodge King Suite at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n At night for turndown, we were zenned out with relaxation soundscapes and mood lighting while we happily snacked on some treats left by our butler.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For extra bedtime indulgence, order a specialty pillow from Nemcolin\u2019s pillow menu or have your butler draw you a bubble bath with your choice of bath salts, herbs and essential oils. There\u2019s <\/span>a menu<\/a><\/strong> for that too.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\ud83d\udca1 Fun Fact:<\/b> The resort is named after Chief Nemacolin<\/strong><\/a>, a native Delaware Indian. In 1740 he trailblazed a trading route through the Laurel Highlands, between what is now Cumberland, Maryland, and Brownsville, Pennsylvania.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Hardy Family Art Collection on display at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n With Galleries, Art Classes, and Over 1000 Works of Art, Nemacolin is a Creative Wonderland<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Nemacolin is like a living art gallery. And it\u2019s part of the experience here.<\/span><\/p>\n Exploring the resort, we found ourselves spotting pieces from the eclectic Hardy Family Art Collection<\/strong><\/a> that consists of over 1000 pieces of art. And art isn\u2019t only hung on the walls. You\u2019ll find sculptures throughout the grounds as well as antiques, glassworks, and historical artifacts.\u00a0 For serious art lovers, gallery tours are available.<\/span><\/p>\n Sit next to a sculpture of Mark Twain and enjoy \u201cRose Ceremony Bouquet\u201d by Claire Hardy | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Nemacolin offers a variety of art classes including watercolor and painting.\u00a0 For some hands-on fun before our first dinner we signed up for their Jewelry Jam Art Class.<\/span><\/p>\n Making bracelets and earrings at Jewelry Jam | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Guided by the talented studio artist, we made our own custom jewelry sets with beads, complete with earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. It was a fun and relaxing way to let our creativity shine. And bonus, we have a unique memento of our stay.<\/span><\/p>\n The Circle Bar in The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Circle Bar is a Sophisticated Spot for Creative Cocktails<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Next we made our way to The Grand\u00a0Lodge\u2019s stunning and chic Circle Bar<\/a><\/strong> and The Study for some before-dinner drinks. Their expert mixologists create a seasonally inspired cocktail menu often served with a side of drama. <\/span><\/p>\n One highlight was the smoked old fashioned, presented in a steel and glass box filled with cherry wood smoke. It was not only a visual showstopper but also absolutely delicious.<\/span><\/p>\n A Smoked Old Fashioned at Circle Bar | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Feeling like VIP\u2019s, we took our drinks to The Study next door, surrounded by art and books to relax in the magical atmosphere for a bit. Next up, dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n Razzleberry lemon-berry cream cake at Fawn & Fable | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Fawn & Fable<\/strong><\/a> is Nemacolin\u2019s farm-to-table steakhouse that takes the concept of \u201celevated dining\u201d to new heights. It was exceptional in every possible way and the menu suggestions from our server Dennis were spot on.<\/span><\/p>\n The menu here is inspired by the farm-to-table traditions of the Laurel Highlands, with steakhouse classics using the finest locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Modern with whimsical touches, you\u2019re meant to feel like you\u2019re dining in your own fairytale here.<\/span><\/p>\n Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow at Fawn & Fable | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We started with the mouthwatering Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow, a tantalizing combination of herb-roasted East Coast oysters, roasted bone marrow, served with warmed buttery grilled bread and pickled capers and shallots to cut through all the richness. It was incredible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For our mains, we ordered the Buckhead Prime Beef Steak, a succulent 18 oz. bone-in ribeye paired with crispy Brussels sprouts, which was fork tender and perfectly cooked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Swordfish & The Stone at Fawn & Fable | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The steak was wonderful, but The Swordfish & The Stone was so out-of-this-world delicious I\u2019m still dreaming of this dish. A sustainably sourced swordfish ribeye served over charred broccoli and a lemon & caper gremolata. This is a unique and rare cut of swordfish that will make you forget every other bite of swordfish you\u2019ve ever had. It was a thick cut with a seared crispy exterior, but it was so buttery you could eat it with a spoon if you wanted. Utter perfection.<\/span><\/p>\n The Black Forest chocolate cake at Fawn & Fable | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n And let\u2019s not forget the desserts \u2013 The deep dark towering Black Forest chocolate cake and the whimsical and fluffy Razzleberry lemon-berry cream cake were the perfect sweet endings to an unforgettable meal. And they looked pretty too.<\/span><\/p>\n The relaxation area at Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We Melted Stress Away at the Zen-like Woodlands Spa and Salon<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n All of Nemacolin is like a sphere of tranquility. But for a few hours of focused relaxation after breakfast, we headed over to Woodlands Spa and Salon<\/a><\/strong> across from The Grand Lodge to experience one of their unique and cutting-edge skin and body spa treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many of the treatments here infuse ingredients like exotic herbs and CBD with a fusion of techniques including reflexology, reiki, and ayurveda \u2013 the 3000 year old Indian system of alternative medicine that focuses on balancing stresses in the body to promote wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n The hot tub and cold plunge at Woodlands Spa | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One step inside and the gentle scent of neroli and sandalwood instantly calmed my energy. That, combined with an amazing spa shop with a collection of sporty and lounge clothing to die for and I was in my element. The Woodland Spa is spacious with over thirty treatment rooms, pre-treatment relaxation areas and a fireside lounge where you can have a light bite to eat, tea or latte after your treatment. The hotel\u2019s state of the art fitness center is here as well.<\/span><\/p>\n For some healing water therapy there\u2019s also an 84 degrees heated indoor lap pool, whirlpool, steam and sauna rooms, locker rooms free for all guests and members to use with an appointment. Here you\u2019ll also find the hotel\u2019s state of the art fitness center here as well as a full salon if your locks need a touch up.<\/span><\/p>\n The four-lane indoor lap pool \u2014 heated to 84 degrees year-round at Woodlands Spa | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n I chose the 90 minute \u201cLaurel Rebalancer\u201d treatment- a stress melting Ayurvedic inspired treatment that combines traditional massage with a botanical body mask, Ayurvedic herbal wrap, exfoliation, and aromatherapy. A unique part of the treatment was the massaging of the marma face points which is believed to improve energy flow and release tension.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At the end of the treatment the skin is then smoothed and nourished with warm herbal and fragrant Ayurvedic body oils. When my treatment was over I simply floated away.<\/span><\/p>\n For more than stress relief and pampering,<\/span><\/span> Nemacolin\u2019s Holistic Wellness Center<\/a> <\/strong>offers intensive therapies under the direction of Dr. Jerry Lin \u2013 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Dipl.OM, L.Ac<\/span><\/span>. The center provides innovative wellness, exercise, and pain management treatments, including acupuncture, salt-water float therapy, infrared light therapy, metabolism testing, and cryotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n Although the Holistic Wellness Center was under renovation during our visit, we look forward to returning to explore more.<\/span><\/p>\n ..<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We Lived out Out Our Alice In Wonderland Fantasies at Tea Time<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n After our spa day, we found ourselves transported to a world of elegance and refinement at the Afternoon Tea currently hosted in Fawn & Fable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sipping on delicious English Breakfast tea, we were served a towering assortment of beautiful tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and lemon curd, and a variety of fresh pastries and tea cakes. And it was all so delicious.<\/span><\/p>\n Definitely my favorite way to spend the afternoon, slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. Having lots of delicious whimsical treats to guide us, didn\u2019t hurt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nemacolin is a World-Class Golfer\u2019s Paradise in the Scenic Laurel Highlands | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Inspired by Nature, Pete Dye<\/a> Created Unforgettable Golf for Nemacolin Guests and Members.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Nemacolin isn\u2019t just about relaxation, amazing dining, and outdoor adventure. It\u2019s also a world-class golfer\u2019s paradise<\/strong><\/a>. After Tea Time, we shuffled over to Falling Rock to check out the resort\u2019s hotel center for golf.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With two championship courses, Mystic Rock and Shepherd\u2019s Rock, both designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Nemacolin offers 36 holes of stunning play. Mystic Rock, known for its PGA designation and beautiful lakes and waterfalls, is ranked among the top 100 U.S. golf courses by Golfweek and Golf Digest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And Shepherd\u2019s Rock, the final course completed by Pete Dye, is a brilliant companion, designed to be both fun and challenging for players of all levels. So you don\u2019t need to be a pro to play here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also a great place to train. Offering classes for beginners through advanced, Nemacolin\u2019s Golf Academy<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is considered one of the most prestigious golf schools in the world. They also have a stocked pro shop.<\/span><\/p>\n Pan-Seared Scallops at Aqueous | Photo: Better Living<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Aqueous at Falling Rock is a Forbes Four-Star Restaurant Serving Incredible Seafood<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe Nemacolin Story<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nNemacolin: The Ultimate Destination Resort<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDAY 1: Checking In To The Grand Lodge<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Hardy Family Art Collection<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nJewelry Jam<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Circle Bar & The Study<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nA Magical Dinner at Fawn & Fable<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nDAY 2: Spa Day, Tea Time, and Dinner at Aqueous<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWellness at Nemacolin<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nFor Aches and Pains Nemacolin\u2019s Holistic Wellness Center Offers More Intensive Therapies\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
Tea Time at Fawn & Fable<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nGolf at Nemacolin<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nDining at Aqueous<\/span><\/h3>\n
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