Self care is not always a simple fix. Many times, it’s hard work—finding that elusive work-life balance, giving up vices, working out when there’s absolutely no urge to sweat. But other times, self care comes easy, especially with all the wonderful spa retreats in and around the Susquehanna valley providing a space for simple, weightless self care.
How do you know which spa-and-stays are best? That’s where we come in. Here’s a starting guide of upscale vibes that bring your anxiety down and your tranquility to the forefront.
The French Manor Inn and Spa
If you’re looking to escape the region’s delineations, going to the Poconos is an obvious choice. Located atop Huckleberry Mountain in South Sterling, The French Manor Inn & Spa grants a chateau experience without leaving Pennsylvania.
The boutique hotel is family owned and operated and offers views that exceed 30 miles, 19 individually decorated rooms and suites, a four-diamond restaurant, and an impeccable, intimate spa with custom-designed spa treatments. Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing Bridget Logan Weber says, “Not many small hotels offer the amenities we have such as the salt-water pool, sauna, spa treatments, and four-diamond restaurant with fabulous views.”
Couples love to come for a romantic weekend and enjoy a massage together, but that’s not all. “In the wintertime, the Fireside Couples Massage is just what the doctor ordered,” Logan Weber says. This includes the traditional Therapeutic Relaxation massage service for you and your partner, enhanced by the warm glow of a fireplace and a keepsake Huckleberry Candle.
If you want a package deal, the French Manor offers Spa Getaway packages for a few of your besties or a romantic escape, always including spa credits and the ability to customize the trip with dinner reservations and onsite or offsite activities.
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Because The French Manor is an intimate spa retreat, it does not accommodate spa groups of more than eight people. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t make space for your large party in the inn. The Royal Chateau Package includes exclusive use of their mountaintop chateau, all 19 accommodations, meals, spa credits, welcome baskets in each room or suite, all staff to cater only to your group, and more. The two-night package is incredible and can suit up to 40 people.
Logan Weber’s tip for those coming to The French Manor? “It's never too early to book your spa getaway.” She recommends booking your spa treatments for during your stay at least two weeks prior to your arrival to ensure availability. For popular holidays like Valentine’s Day, that period may be even longer.
Given the unforgettable food, staff that exceeds expectations, elegant suites (each with a unique, upscale twist and amazing views), it’s no surprise The French Manor is a hotspot regardless of the season. “Our previous guests that come every year love that we keep our rooms and suites updated and fresh,” Logan Weber says. “There’s always something new to enjoy.”
Next year, expect a Springtime Chef’s Table dinner with wine pairings, Summertime Tuesdays on the Terrace with live jazz dinners, and other novel experiences.
570-676-3244 | 50 Huntingdon Dr, South Sterling, PA
Inn and Spa at Intercourse Village
Nestled about 10 miles outside of Lancaster City lies the Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village, an Amish Country favorite that gives guests a reason to return time and time again.
The inn in downtown Intercourse, an esteemed Select Registry property, consists of 12 separate guest rooms, ranging in theme and style (including varying amenities such as fireplaces, queen or king beds, tubs, suites, entertainment setups, and more).
Inn owner and chef Carl Kosko says the customer-centric focus really sets them apart. That’s not to mention Kosko’s own food creations—he’s known for unbeatable breakfasts. “I am a chef by trade, so we
tend to push the buttons a little bit on breakfast items,” Kosko says. "We have three breakfast options every day. One is a chef special. One is eggs, meat and toast. And the last one is actually a gluten-free pancake offering.”
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On the spa side, spa owners Tina Siar and Brian Murr have created an environment beyond reproach. “Guests just love being pampered,” Siar says, which is why treatments like massages with seasonal essential oils, scalp and facial massages, foot soaks, and more are
there for the taking. Siar adds that Murr and herself strive to make the spa a quiet, serene, relaxing place after a day of shopping, being in the city, or simply enjoying all the beauty the inn has to offer right across the way.
For couples, romantic add-ons like rose petal turn downs, in-room chocolates, a dozen long-stemmed roses, and more only seal the deal. The spa can also accommodate smaller groups with advance notice. “We are in constant communication with all our clientele to serve them the best that we can, in any way that suits them,” Siar emphasizes.
See what The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village is planning for the seasons to come at inn-spa.com, and follow along on Facebook at @innandspa for more updates.
Lodging: 717-768-2626 | Spa: 717-768-0555 | 3542 Old Philadelphia Pike Intercourse, PA
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey, dubbed The Chocolate Spa, is no ordinary retreat experience. Shian Wing, who has served as Spa Director since 2012, says it’s “truly a resort spa experience unlike any other in the area.”
Their signature chocolate treatments (cocoa facial, chocolate fondue wrap, and more) are not just novel, but of an exceptional quality. Wing says, “Cocoa is rich in antioxidants and promotes optimal skin health by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.” Guests can also get traditional and seasonal treatments, plus treatments with a focus on Cuba (where Milton Hershey owned sugar mills from 1916–1946). “Our spa experience is rooted in the rich history of our founder Milton Hershey and our sweet town,” says Wing. That’s clearly evidenced far beyond the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini you can have in hand between treatments.
Guests can book overnight packages, which include accommodations at The Hotel Hershey, a relaxing experience at the Chocolate Spa, and a fixed spa credit to use on services or products. Wing emphasizes other perks for overnight guests, including steam rooms, saunas, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, fitness center, four relaxation lounges, and a restaurant called The Oasis, reserved specifically for spa guests. That’s not to mention free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience.
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The Chocolate Spa has larger groups covered, too. Wing says, “We have a dedicated team of spa agents who personally take care of all of our groups. They provide a customized experience and elevated personalized service, to ensure that the entire group’s needs and requests are seamlessly coordinated with expert planning and attention to every detail.” Whether guests come as a group or individually, Wing says many return not only for a relaxing escape, but also for the incredible guest service the team provides.
If you want to make sweet self care a regular thing, consider joining the Chocolate Spa Club, an exclusive membership that grants you benefits like a spa credit, complimentary mid-week overnight stay at The Hotel Hershey, guest passes, discounts, and more.
The Chocolate Spa has big plans for 2023. Follow along at The Spa at the Hotel Hershey on Facebook, @ChocolateSpa on Instagram, and chocolatespa.com to learn more.
Lodging: 844-330-1711 | Spa: 844-330-1797 | 100 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA
