5 Things to Know About Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s New Look

Nestled in Pennsylvania’s picturesque Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has been a beloved retreat for discerning East Coast families for nearly four decades. While some may recognize it as the setting for a memorable season of The Bachelor, This year-round family-friendly property offers so much more.

The resort’s accommodation styles range from modern private homes to three unique resorts: the Forbes Travel Guide’s five-star Falling Rock (inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater nearby), the four-star Chateau (modeled after classic European-style resorts like the five-star Ritz Paris) and the family-oriented Grand Lodge.

Following a $500 million renovation, including major updates to the Grand Lodge in late 2023 and the Chateau this summer, the resort has resurfaced, more luxurious than ever. With these transformative updates, Nemacolin has reaffirmed its reputation as a premier luxury destination. Here are five key takeaways to entice your next visit:

New rooms offer increased comfort and style — and butlers

The recent renovation of Nemacolin’s guestrooms introduces a modern, chic aesthetic while preserving the resort’s classic charm. Falling Rock now features art deco-inspired interiors, The Chateau pays homage to the grand European resorts, and The Grand Lodge embodies its name with a fresh, whimsical twist. Sumptuous custom-made beds and bespoke furnishings adorn each guestroom, enveloping you in a cocoon of serene opulence.

Upgrades to The Grand Lodge suites include smart home systems for personalized room control, Dyson tumble dryers and personalized butler service in most accommodations.

A new level of leisure

One of our favorite things about Nemacolin is the 24/7 excitement for the whole family. When the weather is nice, you can relax by the newly renovated pool, play one of the two Pete Dye-designed golf courses, or embark on an adrenaline-filled day at The Peak, the resort’s adventure complex with activities like a high ropes course, an off-road Jeep ride, and paintball. Unique experiences include a wildlife safari with rehabilitated lions, tigers, and bears.

Nearly every activity has been revamped, including a new fitness center, updated live entertainment poolside, and even a Rod & Range Club for skeet shooting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. If you can dream it, you can do it at Nemacolin. Did we mention there’s even a casino?

From appetizers to gastronomy

The key word is “choice” when exploring Nemacolin’s revamped restaurants. The highlight is the reimagined five-star Lautrec, a tasting menu experience with a nod to the creative oeuvre of Toulouse-Lautrec, whose lithographs adorn the walls. We also love the whimsical Fawn & Fable, a steakhouse that gets the whole family involved with dishes like “Snow White Oysters” and a playful roasted fowl dubbed “Chicken Little.”

And for the in-between moments, the Bleu Room, housed in a sleek all-blue lounge, offers a fun take on afternoon tea, while sundaes at PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor or creative evening cocktails at the aptly named Nightcap are the perfect indulgence. A new Italian concept, Gusto!, will open later this year. The biggest challenge might be staying long enough to try everything.

An oasis for artists

Everywhere you look, Nemacolin is a living art gallery. Take an outdoor driving tour or an indoor art walk (self-guided or with an on-site curator) to discover artworks and sculptures by legends like Fernando Botero, Alexander Calder, and Norman Rockwell, as well as historical treasures like a piece of the Berlin Wall. The luxury resort also hosts a rotating selection of contemporary artists as part of an artist-in-residence series.

The resort encourages art in all its forms. Exciting live entertainment (Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé even performed at the resort’s reopening party this summer) and creative art classes for adults and children regularly fill the schedule.

As a cherry on top, you can explore the private aircraft hangar housing a fully restored 1931 PA-8 Pitcairn Super Mailwing that once belonged to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, or visit the “automobile toy store,” which houses the owner’s 1913 Ford Model T Speedster, a 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II, a 1995 Bentley Continental Convertible and other gems from his private luxury car collection.

Getting into the holiday spirit

If there’s one thing Nemacolin excels at, it’s hosting spectacular celebrations. Whether it’s a Halloween party (October 26), a decadent Thanksgiving weekend (November 28 – December 1), an extravagant holiday village and light show (November 29 – December 23), or even a giant Super Bowl viewing party (February 9), the resort pulls out all the stops for special occasions. We highly recommend planning a weekend around one of these major events, as the party atmosphere at Nemacolin is simply unmatched.

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