Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, Pa.
Located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region, this 2,000-acre property — including three onsite hotels and seven private residences — just finished a $50 million renovation. Part of the revamp included repaving all roads and lining them with flowers, adding a second Pete Dye golf course (to be unveiled this fall), renovating the tennis complex and adding a carousel. In guest rooms, pillows now feature a 44-ounce custom fill and down feather mattress pads on new Stearns and Foster beds, while suites were given 400-thread-count 100% Egyptian cotton linen and, in the Falling Rock Hotel, custom towels from Rivola Carmignani in Italy.
The Paradise Pool complex has been redone, with a refinished hot tub; new tiling on bars, swimming pool and fountains; expanded decks with new furniture; and updated landscaping. There’s also a new adult pool complex featuring a hot tub, fire pit and pool house with healthy menu offerings like crab and avocado wraps and agave-laced cocktails. During summer there are complimentary passed amenities like lavender mist, fruit skewers and mocktail samples.
The most extensive renovations were made to Chateau Lafayette, modeled after the Ritz in Paris. Guests now enjoy a grand new entryway featuring a plaza of 72,000 tulips, 8,000 liriope plants, 1,000 boxwoods and 900 rhododendron bushes circling a grand granite fountain.
Another notable onsite revamp was to Arden Estates, the largest of the private vacation homes housing up to 22 people (and where Jojo’s suitors stayed on The Bachelor). The lower space showcases tables for billiards and poker as well as a bar, all connected to a two-tiered deck with two hot tubs. Starting rate: $349 per night, though private residences start at $3,500 per night (Arden Estates).
