The Lodge at Woodloch Massage Therapists Win Big at the PA Massage Championship Two of The Lodge at Woodloch’s exceptionally talented massage therapists, Junie Fenton of Scranton and Erik Oliva of Milford, showcased their skills at the prestigious Pennsylvania Massage Championship. This esteemed event draws top-tier massage therapists from across the state to compete in various categories, including form, technique, body mechanics, and client feedback. We are thrilled to announce that Junie Fenton took 1st place in the Swedish Massage category, earning her the distinguished title of the top Swedish Massage Therapist in our state. Additionally, Junie secured an impressive 2nd place in the overall competition. She has been a massage therapist at The Lodge at Woodloch for over 14 years. Erik Oliva claimed 3rd place in the Eastern Freestyle category. Erik introduced his unique Traditional Chinese Tui Na medical massage to a panel of judges who were not extensively familiar with this technique, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a challenging environment. The dedication and success of Junie and Erik exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines The Lodge at Woodloch. Their achievements not only bring pride to our establishment but also underscore the high caliber of talent within our team. Treatments Manager, Amanda Clabaugh, was eager to express her gratitude: “I could not be more proud of our exceptional massage therapists for recently competing and earning awards in their respective categories at The Pennsylvania Massage Championship. Their skill, professionalism, and commitment to their craft have not only earned them well-deserved recognition but will also enrich the experience of our guests. We are thrilled that they had the opportunity to compete and learn from others in the massage therapy industry, further enhancing their expertise and passion for their work. They exemplify the true essence of excellence in their field, and I am honored to have them on our team.”
The Lodge at Woodloch Set to Host Inaugural Women’s Wellness Week The Lodge at Woodloch is excited to announce its first-ever Women’s Wellness Week, scheduled from May 17th to May 25th. This exclusive event aims to celebrate women’s health and well-being through a series of enriching activities, workshops, and experiences designed to empower, educate, and inspire. Throughout the week, guests will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and self-care.Anne Fulenwider, Co-Founder and CO-CEO of Alloy Women’s Health, takes center stage as the featured presenter of the week. With a distinguished background as a former magazine editor at The Paris Review, Vanity Fair, and as editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, Anne’s journey into women’s health was driven by personal loss and a commitment to reshape discussions around women’s post-reproductive health. Drawing from research by Dr. Sharon Malone, Chief Medical Director at Alloy Women’s Health, and Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor at Yale University of Medicine, Anne will delve into the complexities of menopause, exploring topics such as hormone replacement therapy and non-hormonal alternatives. She and health journalist and integrative wellness coach Sheryl Kraft will also address common queries surrounding menopause, offering valuable insights and guidance. Whether traveling solo or with friends, Women’s Wellness Week at The Lodge at Woodloch is ideal for women of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking to prioritize their health and well-being in a supportive and nurturing environment. The program will feature a diverse range of workshops and activities: Nutrition and Health: Licensed clinical nutritionist Lori Fish Bard will share insights on smart nutrition for busy women and strategies for boosting energy levels through diet and lifestyle changes. Certified leadership mindset coach Deb Cummins Stellato will address the challenge of daily self-care, offering strategies to break free from overwhelm and live a high-impact life. Educational Experiences: Certified Herbalist Heather Houskeeper will discuss herbal teas for relaxation and improved sleep, guiding participants through the art of blending fragrant herbs to awaken the senses and soothe the nervous system. Professional Organizer Liora Seltzer will lead a session on the transformative KonMari Method™, empowering attendees to declutter spaces and cultivate joy and calm. Certified Sommelier Sara Jimenez will conduct “Sip Smart” classes in which guests will learn to master the alchemy of beverages and create concoctions that dazzle without the side effects associated with sugary drinks and alcohol. Aroma Wellness for Women classes will highlight the ways that essential oils can be utilized safely and effectively. Guests will have the opportunity to craft their very own aroma wellness blend. Fitness Classes: From barre and strength training workouts to aquatic pole dancing, guests can choose from a variety of fitness activities designed to tone muscles, improve flexibility, and boost energy levels. Art Workshops: Creative sessions featuring floral arranging and Zendoodle offer opportunities for self-expression and relaxation, allowing participants to tap into their artistic side. Evening Activities: Bingo Singo, trivia games, and karaoke nights provide opportunities for socializing with other guests as the day winds down. “We are thrilled to host Women’s Wellness Week at The Lodge at Woodloch,” said Nancy Deaton, Spa Director. “Our goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where women can prioritize their health and wellness while connecting with like-minded individuals and experts in the field.” In addition to the scheduled programming, guests will have ample opportunities to unwind and recharge amidst the tranquil surroundings of The Lodge at Woodloch. Whether relaxing at the spa, exploring the expansive grounds, or simply enjoying moments of quiet reflection, each day offers a chance for renewal and self-discovery. Availability for Women’s Wellness Week is limited, and advance reservations are required. For more information, please visit The Lodge at Woodloch website here, or call 570-685-8000 and select option 2.
The Lodge at Woodloch Receives Three Prestigious Accolades In recent weeks, The Lodge at Woodloch was honored with three noteworthy accolades — the AAA Four-Diamond Award, the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, and the 2023 Men’s Health Travel Award — further solidifying the spa resort’s status as a beacon of excellence. On June 2nd, The Lodge at Woodloch welcomed Glenn Zumbach, President/CEO, and Nina Waskevich, VP of Brand & Membership, from AAA NorthPenn. Together, they presented the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award, a distinction reserved for a mere 7% of the 25,000 esteemed hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Lodge at Woodloch has proudly maintained its Four-Diamond status since 2010. Additionally, for the 13th consecutive year, The Lodge at Woodloch has won the Wine Spectator Award, a testament to its highly curated selection of over 175 wines. With a strong focus on wines produced in the Western United States complemented by those from around the globe, from local farm-to-bottle gems to limited classics, guests are guaranteed to find the perfect pairing. Men’s Health is a renowned publication dedicated to empowering men to lead healthy fulfilling lives by providing valuable insights and expert advice on physical and mental well-being, fitness, nutrition, relationships, and lifestyle. Its Travel Awards recognize and celebrate exceptional destinations that cater to the diverse needs and desires of modern travelers. The awards are separated into three categories – active, relaxation, and recovery – with The Lodge at Woodloch falling into the final. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s serene Pocono Mountains, The Lodge at Woodloch is dedicated to providing guests with a transformative and all-inclusive wellness experience. With luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a plethora of mind, body, and soul activities, The Lodge at Woodloch is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal growth.
The Lodge at Woodloch Announces New Partnership With Lackawanna College The Lodge at Woodloch is thrilled to announce their partnership with the Massage Therapy Certificate Program at Lackawanna College’s Lake Region Center. This strategic partnership will gather the knowledge and expertise of a world-renowned destination spa resort along with the well-rounded education at Lackawanna College to create a-certificate program with a true “hands-on” opportunity for an enriched educational experience. The Lodge at Woodloch has recruited a new Program Director, Donna Schriver, an avid Lodge at Woodloch guest, advocate, and Massage Therapy Instructor. Donna comes to The Lodge at Woodloch with over 15 years’ experience in training future therapists in a variety of specialized techniques. Additionally, Treatments Manager Amanda Clabaugh will take an active role in teaching classes and leading cohorts through experiential education at The Lodge at Woodloch. The award-winning destination spa is located within seven miles of the campus and allows for students to get an in-depth look at a fulfilling career in the spa industry. The curriculum will instruct students on topics such as anatomy, physiology, massage theory & research, kinesiology, and more. The program will prepare each participant to take the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB). The non credit program is compliant with Pennsylvania state guidelines. The wellness industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. More specifically, employment opportunities for massage therapists are estimated to grow by 32 percent from 2020-2030, well above average. The U.S. spa industry revenues grew from $12.1 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion in 2021, an increase of more than 49 percent, and the rapid growth is expected to continue. The ability to get exposure to an award-winning destination spa in the course of one’s training is truly unique. The exposure to rigid training techniques, high level service, and a luxurious setting is a great benefit to one’s resume while starting out. “The partnership with The Lodge at Woodloch ensures our students receive supervised, hands-on training while studying at Lackawanna College,” said Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray. “This gives students an insight into the massage therapy career field and better prepares them to enter the workforce. We are grateful to The Lodge at Woodloch for providing our students with the opportunity to learn at a destination spa in the Poconos, which attracts tourists from around the country and the world”
