Nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, Woodloch Resort has treated guests like family for over six decades. Just 90 miles from NYC, this all-inclusive resort offers a unique blend of hospitality, culinary excellence, and community spirit, capturing the hearts of all who experience it.
Family Roots & Hospitality
Woodloch’s story began in 1958 when the grandparents of current owner Bob Kiesendahl left their Long Island bake shop to buy a small boarding house in the Poconos. From its modest start with 15 acres and room for 20 guests, Woodloch has grown to span 2,000 acres, hosting up to 1,200 guests with 1,200 staff members. Through three generations, the resort remains committed to its mission: making every guest feel at home.
From Summer Retreat to Year-round Haven
What started as a small summer getaway has evolved into a year-round sanctuary. The resort includes Woodloch Pines, offering the ultimate family experience with activities and amenities, a golf course, adjacent real estate development, and The Lodge at Woodloch, a spiritual destination spa and boutique hotel on 350 acres for guests 16 and older.
Culinary Creativity & Excellence
Dining at Woodloch is an experience in itself. The resort serves up to 1,200 guests across multiple dining facilities on a seven-day rotating menu. Their menus balance tradition with modern trends, ensuring every guest, from 2 years old to 92, finds something to savor.
Signature items like Scandinavian pancakes, a recipe inherited from the original boarding house days, share the menu with contemporary healthy options. Sysco plays a crucial role in Woodloch’s culinary success, providing custom and innovative items like custom-spec breakfast sausage and proprietary rice and grain blends that elevate the resort’s offerings.
The Lodge at Woodloch maintains an on-site farm where their “farmicists” grow all produce, herbs, and spices to use at the spa sustainably. Guests can also enjoy a unique culinary experience with the Chef’s Table in the middle of the garden, where they can tour the farm, harvest ingredients, and watch as the chef prepares and pairs courses on-site.
Giving Back to the Community
Woodloch’s influence extends beyond its guests. As a major local employer and community supporter, the resort is committed to making a meaningful difference. Supporting Folds of Honor and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Woodloch raises nearly $60,000 annually for land preservation and provides scholarships to families of fallen soldiers.
Cancer research holds a special place in the Kiesendahl family’s hearts. Inspired by Bob Kiesendahl’s battle with leukemia, Woodloch has raised over $2 million for cancer research. This commitment has led to a partnership with For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. In their groundbreaking project, Woodloch is donating a portion of the land in-kind to build a 20-room facility for cancer patients and their families. This $25 million project, already underway, will provide a dedicated space for those affected by cancer to create positive, lasting memories.
The Power of Partnerships
Woodloch’s success and ability to give back are built on solid partnerships, especially with Sysco. This collaboration goes beyond your average supplier, including custom food shows to spark inspiration and kitchen design support. As Kiesendahl notes, “It’s not about the best price; it’s about partnerships and relationships based on service and quality.”
Woodloch Resort exemplifies family tradition and community spirit, offering guests a top destination where lasting memories are made, positive impacts are nurtured, and every guest finds a home away from home.
