Farmington, Pennsylvania, is not what you’d call a “bucket list” destination, but Nemacolin, a luxury getaway nestled in the Laurel Highlands should be.
Three exquisite hotels, two world-class golf courses, a posh spa and unique holistic center, as well as a crazy variety of activities, are spread out on 2,200 bucolic acres of woodlands where the pace is relaxed and scenery is spectacular.
After a picturesque three-hour drive from Baltimore our arrival is nothing short of breathtaking.
Have we time traveled to 19th-century France? We are overwhelmed by the grandeur of The Chateau, oozing style and decadence, with adjacent, lush gardens reminiscent of Versailles.
It is big and imposing. The beauty triggers every receptor in my brain. Inspired by the famed Ritz in Paris, The Chateau’s massive vaulted ceiling, magnificent crown moldings, soaring archways and immense floral displays add to its wow factor.
At the same time, a delicious scent permeating the air puts us at ease. If you have nostalgic hankerings for a touch of France (sans jet lag), The Chateau is the next best thing.
Apologies for going on and on, but this place is a knockout. With over 300 glistening chandeliers, several by Baccarat, a soft moody glow lights every space.
Even the coffee shop has six outrageous sparkling gems overhead! (Insider tip: Do not leave without seeing the three-tier Baccarat chandeliers in the ballroom. Massive in size, we’re told each one weighs a ton!)
Our king-size room is equally opulent with every imaginable bell and whistle, including a fancy barista-quality espresso coffee maker with milk steamer, Frette towels and an oversize marble bathroom with plenty of perks, such as an electronically controlled toilet with heated seat.
An iPad-like tablet provides high-tech controls for everything from draperies to lights, plus a call button for our butler (yes, one comes with our room).
The heart and soul of Nemacolin lies in its artwork displayed throughout the entire complex. Over 1,000 fine paintings, sculptures, antiques, Tiffany lamps, plus glassworks and historical artifacts, including a piece of the Berlin Wall, are exhibited in hallways, bars and lobbies and sprinkled outdoors.
The Hardy Family Art Collection seamlessly combines current and classic art and sculpture, many by name-dropper artists, including seven works by Alexander Calder. Don’t miss Dale Chihuly’s Violet Mystique Chandelier.
Chihuly describes it as a “gravity defying encounter with color, light and form.” Directly across from the elevators, spend time pondering “Purple Heart,” a large sculpture by Italian artist Mauro Perucchetti. It represents the heart’s explosive and volatile nature.
Even the most jaded traveler would be impressed by the overwhelming level of luxury and variety of things to do.
Perhaps the complex maintains such a high level of excellence because it is privately owned.
Nemacolin began in 1987 when the billionaire founder of 84 Lumber Company, Joseph A. Hardy III, purchased the resort as a gift for his daughter Maggie.
Since then, she has expanded and maintained the level of attention to detail in every nook and cranny. There is even a private plane landing strip should you prefer to fly in.
Rarely do you find a resort that works for a romantic getaway, gal-pal retreat, high-end golf buddies’ trip or family vacation.
With three distinct hotels — one adult-only and another family-friendly, plus three estates and eight homes — the cliché “something for everyone” is no exaggeration. Every hotel, restaurant or activity is a short shuttle ride away. Once you arrive you never need a car.
Roaming around the complex is an adventure, revealing must-see discoveries at every turn.
On one walk we stumbled across the Shell Room with hundreds of artistically displayed shells, including specimens from all four classes of mollusk. Other strolls reveal high-end shops, a meditation chapel, car museum and cozy nooks for day dreaming.
Golf plays a starring role. Nemacolin’s two world-class golf courses, Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, both designed by Pete Dye, boast 36 holes of championship play.
Mystic Rock is known for its PGA designation and has hosted the 84 Lumber Classic for several years. It is ranked in the top 100 for U.S. golf courses by Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines. Shepherd’s Rock stretches across the beautiful Pennsylvania Allegheny Mountains and is challenging but fun.
Casual players need not be intimidated. If your swing needs tweaking, Nemacolin’s Golf Academy will come to the rescue with club fitting specialists using the latest Trackman and Swing Catalyst technology.
Dining options are mind-boggling. From over-the-top gourmet to casual family friendly salads, pizza and burgers, the place has you covered.
It goes without saying that your stomach will be sated everywhere, but gourmet experiences await at Gusto, an Italian treasure; Fawn & Fable, featuring a farm-to-table menu; or Aqueous at Falling Rock, where your spirit will be restored with outstanding seafood served overlooking expansive views of the 18th hole of the prestigious Mystic Rock Golf Course.
Wherever you dine, save room for an outrageously delicious chocolate chip cookie left in your room at turndown. With the press of a button, the butler will heat it for you.
While some reach for a glass of the bubbly to relax and chill out, we head to the spa to savor the steam room, sauna, whirlpool and indoor pool.
The serene Woodlands Spa incorporates a feng shui design to balance and harmonize the flow of energy using the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water. After lingering in the fireside lounge nibbling snacks and sipping tea, my treatment begins — 90 minutes of sheer bliss as I’m scrubbed, wrapped and massaged.
Don’t skip the resort’s Holistic Healing Center where treatments include acupuncture, salt water float therapy, infrared light therapy, cryotherapy and Nova THOR PBM red-light therapy — experiences not usually found in typical resort spas. But this place is hardly typical.
Opting for acupuncture, Dr. Lin, doctor of Chinese medicine, spends time evaluating my concerns (stomach and anxiety) before ultra-thin needles (most I don’t feel) are inserted into my head, feet, ear, hand and remain in place for about 30 minutes. Afterwards I feel great, hoping the mellow stress-free feeling stays with me forever.
The list of things to do is endless. Skeet shooting, Jeep off-roading, horseback riding, fishing, miniature golf, axe throwing, bike riding, tennis and pickleball, art classes and, in the winter, skiing and assorted snowy activities.
Did I mention the Wildlife Habitat Center, home to Iranian red sheep, buffalo, tigers, lions, and smaller exotic animals? And there’s even a casino!
So what’s the downside of the east’s chicest haven? The wallet-shrinking rates. It’s pricey. Room rates at The Chateau begin around $1,000 a night but other options are less eye-popping.
After three glorious days at Nemacolin we didn’t experience half of what is offered. A good reason to return.