Searching for a fast, romantic winter getaway? On this Swiftwater Lodge assessment, I’ll share how this new property within the Pocono Mountains shocked us with one thing distinctive – personal heated plunge swimming pools proper in your suite and a surprising indoor/outside heated pool the place you’ll be able to swim whereas snowflakes fall round you.
Sure, you learn that accurately.
Think about having your personal private pool and entry to a bigger heated pool that allows you to glide seamlessly between indoors and out, even in winter. However these exceptional pool experiences are just the start of what makes this luxurious mountain retreat within the Poconos so particular.
The Journey: A Scenic Pocono Mountain Escape
Winter views from The Delaware Water Hole, on the best way to The Swiftwater Lodge. | Picture: Higher Residing
The drive from Delaware to The Swiftwater Lodge set the proper tone for our getaway. It’s slightly below two hours of scenic mountain views and charming roadside retailers, with zero site visitors to spoil the temper. For Philly residents, it’s an equally straightforward journey, and Manhattan dwellers can attain the property in about two hours as nicely.
The Swiftwater’s location hits that candy spot – far sufficient to really feel like an escape, shut sufficient to succeed in with out trouble.
First Impressions: Trendy Mountain Luxurious
The Swiftwater Lodge’s putting mountain structure | Picture: Higher Residing
Driving up, The Swiftwater Lodge’s exterior makes an instantaneous assertion with its dramatic stone and wooden chalet-inspired design.
The boutique property, which opened in June 2024, blends rustic mountain structure with fashionable class. A coated entrance with wood beams welcomes you, whereas floor-to-ceiling home windows mirror the encompassing panorama.
The Swiftwater Lodge’s grand foyer showcases fashionable mountain luxurious. | Picture: Higher Residing
Examine-in was easy, and the foyer’s luxuriously swanky design stopped us in our tracks. A built-in stone wall hearth serves because the centerpiece, with putting art work and comfy furnishings. The marble flooring distinction fantastically with heat wooden accents, whereas complimentary espresso, water, and flavored water stations add a considerate contact obtainable to company 24/7.
The Plunge Pool Suite: A Non-public Pool Expertise
The personal Plunge Pool Suite that includes a heated pool and leisure space at The Swiftwater | Picture: Higher Residing
When reserving a keep at The Swiftwater Lodge, company can select from 100 rooms and suites unfold throughout 5 flooring. Whereas the upper-level rooms on the rear of the lodge provide beautiful forest views, we opted for one thing actually particular—a Plunge Pool Suite on the primary flooring.
The spotlight of our suite was the personal, glass-enclosed, saltwater heated indoor pool, straight connected to the room. Simply to be clear, this isn’t a sizzling tub or whirlpool. It’s a correct 4-foot-6-inch deep pool the place you’ll be able to really swim, making it excellent for a refreshing winter dip. And don’t fear, the crystal-clear water is examined each day. Plus, it’s saltwater, so that you received’t should take care of the scent of chlorine in your room.
The pool is fantastically designed with patterned tile flooring, slate partitions, and a zen waterfall characteristic that provides each magnificence and tranquility. The soothing sound of the waterfall even lulled us right into a deep sleep every night time.
The heated lounge space seamlessly blends with the pool, sustaining an ideal temperature that makes it comfy to get pleasure from in a swimsuit, even when there’s snow on the bottom exterior. Two massive wicker lounge chairs with plush seaside towels present the perfect spot for stress-free after a swim, having fun with a guide, or indulging in room service. Talking of which, there’s even a room service sushi menu from Desaki subsequent door. It’s a must-try, particularly when loved poolside.
Our verdict: Extra lodges want these!
The dwelling space of the Plunge Pool Suite at The Swiftwater | Picture: Higher Residing
Trendy facilities within the suite embody lightning-fast WiFi (each wi-fi and hardwired), a 65-inch TV with an Apple TV show system, and a laptop-sized secure. The lavatory is equally spectacular, with wood-look tile bathe partitions, illuminated round mirrors, and quartz double floating vanities. Considerate premium touches, like verbena-scented L’Occitane toiletries and plush robes, make the expertise really feel like staying in a luxurious spa. After a soothing rainfall bathe, slipping into one of many ultra-soft robes was the proper method to wind down.
Spa-inspired rest room with premium facilities | Picture: Higher Residing
Mornings had been made even higher with a espresso station that includes regionally sourced, signature espresso and complimentary bottled water—excellent for fueling up earlier than a morning swim. The suite itself exudes luxurious, with The Swiftwater’s signature mattress wearing high-thread-count Frette linens and a complicated impartial and forest inexperienced colour palette, accented with pure wooden touches that complement the mountain setting.
The Concierge Lounge: An Surprising Spotlight
The Concierge Lounge at The Swiftwater | Picture: Higher Residing
Concierge degree rooms and Plunge Pool Suites include entry to the lodge’s Fifth-floor Concierge Lounge. And it turned one among our favourite spots.
The elevated area incorporates a roaring hearth, beautiful lotus-inspired chandelier, comfy seating, and a library-like environment with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and desk video games.
Open 24/7, the lounge presents complimentary treats all through the day – contemporary fruit, native packaged pastries, chips, yogurt, and through cocktail hour, a collection of hors d’oeuvres. You’ll additionally discover bottled water, juice, beer, and occasional. Take them to go, or get pleasure from them within the lounge.
Native wildlife viewing from the Concierge Lounge | Picture: Higher Residing
However the true present occurs simply earlier than sundown. The lodge maintains three feeding stations for native wildlife, and watching dozens of deer descend the mountain for his or her night meal turned our each day ritual. These peaceable creatures go to all through the day, however they’re most lively at nightfall, after they all collect round to get pleasure from their nightly snack. It’s to not be missed!
The Concierge Lounge is accessible to company staying within the Plunge Pool Suites and the Swiftwater Suites (21+).
Pocono Pool Paradise: Swimming in Winter
The indoor pool space presents year-round leisure | Picture: Higher Residing
Past our room’s personal plunge pool, the lodge’s foremost heated indoor/outside pool amazed us.
Lacking these summer time pool days? Effectively, through the chilly months, you’ll be able to calm down within the heated indoor space earlier than swimming out into the open air.
Yr-round swimming on the indoor/outside pool with mountain views | Picture: Higher Residing
The pool options dramatic lighting that modifications colours all through the night, making a magical environment enhanced by water options and mountain landscapes. We really swam whereas it was snowing! It was a surreal and rejuvenating expertise, due to the pool’s excellent temperature and heated indoor space that you would be able to enter and exit from.
The poolside cozy outside firepit space | Picture: Higher Residing
A separate firepit space options massive, cushioned rocking chairs, excellent for warming up after a swim with a glass of wine whereas gazing on the stars.
The place to Dine at The Swiftwater Lodge
The boneless braised brief rib appetizer at The Olivet | Picture: Higher Residing
The Swiftwater elevates Pocono Mountain eating with two standout choices: The Olivet, simply off the lodge foyer, and Desaki, proper subsequent door. Each eating places impressed us with their excellent delicacies and environment, making each meal an expertise to recollect.
The Olivet: Refined Mountain Eating
The Olivet’s elegant eating room | Picture: Higher Residing
The Olivet, the lodge’s signature restaurant, delivers an distinctive eating expertise for breakfast and dinner. The area combines woodsy accents with a luxuriously smooth design. Along with its eating room, there’s additionally a heated outside patio the place you’ll be able to dine poolside close to the firepit.
Even the patio flooring are heated for complete consolation.
Dinner at The Olivet
The Beetroot Burrata appetizer at The Olivet | Picture: Higher Residing
Our dinner kicked off with a little bit of leisure—watching the expert mixologist put together their signature Dante’s Inferno Margarita. This cocktail, with its black salt rim and contemporary jalapeño, struck an important stability of spicy, bitter, and candy flavors. The bar additionally presents distinctive choices like “Manhattans across the World” and the “Martini Olive Journey” for these seeking to attempt one thing totally different. If you happen to don’t drink alcohol, there’s a artistic mocktail menu as nicely.
For appetizers we started with the Beetroot Burrata, a surprising composition of Lollo Rosa lettuce, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved radish in apple cider French dressing. The plating itself was art work, with the creamy burrata offering an ideal distinction to the earthy roasted beets.
The Braised Quick Rib, served bone-out, was remarkably tender and plated over celery root puree with roasted celery root, kale, and pearl onions in a grape brandy demi-glace. Every part complemented the others completely, making a dish that was each refined and comforting.
Seared diver scallops with seasonal accompaniments | Picture: Higher Residing
The Seared Diver Scallops arrived completely caramelized, organized artfully with vibrant inexperienced asparagus spears over a vibrant beet puree. Dots of blood orange gel added each visible attraction and vibrant citrus notes that balanced the dish fantastically.
For pasta lovers, the Outdated World Italian Sunday Gravy showcases home made hand-cut pappardelle in a wealthy tomato meat sauce with meatballs, Italian sausage, and braciola. The portion was beneficiant sufficient to share, although you won’t wish to.
Tableside Bananas Foster preparation at The Olivet | Picture: Higher Residing
The service all through the night was excellent, due to Alex and Brookel, who went above and past to make our expertise memorable. Dessert introduced one other spherical of tableside aptitude with a traditional Bananas Foster, expertly ready and flambéed by our server Brookel on a gleaming copper cart. It was each a present and a deal with.
To cap off the meal, we additionally loved the Apple Bread Pudding—served heat with toffee ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. It was the proper candy ending to an unforgettable eating expertise.
Breakfast at The Olivet
The Olivet’s signature Brûléed French Toast | Picture: Higher Residing
Breakfast at The Olivet the following morning maintained the excessive requirements set the day earlier than, due to Chef Mike’s impeccable contact.
The Brûléed French Toast arrived trying like a murals, topped with caramelized strawberry coulis, lemon ginger crème anglaise, and whipped mascarpone, garnished with contemporary berries. Sure, it’s basically dessert for breakfast, but it surely’s value each calorie.
Shrimp and Grits at The Olivet | Picture: Higher Residing
The Shrimp and Grits – our brunch favourite, featured sautéed collard greens, pickled peppers, and Parmigiano Reggiano stirred into creamy grits. Even the Basic Breakfast impressed with notably high-quality Applewood smoked bacon and completely ready eggs.
The property even serves their very own signature mix of espresso from native roasters, obtainable for buy within the foyer to take residence.
Desaki: Japanese Delicacies and Leisure
Chef Vino’s spectacular hibachi efficiency at Desaki | Picture: Higher Residing
Only a 30-second stroll from the lodge, Desaki presents a completely totally different however equally spectacular eating expertise. And it’s plenty of enjoyable too.
The restaurant’s title means “vacation spot” in Japanese, and it lives as much as that that means. The area is huge, that includes a number of hibachi stations, however we adopted the locals’ tip to go to for weekday lunch when the environment is extra intimate.
We began with their well-known Fireball Shrimp – completely crispy tempura-battered shrimp tossed in a spicy cream sauce that delivers simply sufficient warmth with out overwhelming.
The signature Desaki roll at Desaki | Picture: Higher Residing
The sushi right here deserves particular point out. The Desaki specialty roll combines shrimp tempura, yellowtail, and spicy tuna with tobiko, eel sauce, and spicy mayo, whereas the Katana roll wraps spicy tuna and kani with avocado in a tempura coating, topped with seaweed salad and their house-made Ninja sauce. Each rolls arrived fantastically offered in wood sushi boats, and the parts had been so beneficiant that we ended up taking our whole hibachi order residence.
Talking of hibachi, our chef Vino turned lunch into leisure. Every hibachi meal comes full with edamame, fried rice, contemporary greens, and lo mein noodles, all seasoned with their signature spice mix and served with each garlic Yum-Yum sauce and ginger sauce. And the parts are large.
Hibachi dinner that includes jumbo shrimp and hen teriyaki | Picture: Higher Residing
Our server, Brianna, was incredible—attentive, pleasant, and all the time prepared with a advice. Along with Chef Vino’s energetic efficiency, she made the meal much more pleasurable.
The restaurant goes past simply eating – on household enjoyable nights it options karaoke, a dance flooring, full bar, and even complimentary PlayStation and Xbox gaming stations.
Past the Swimming pools: Actions and Facilities
Whereas The Swiftwater’s pool would possibly tempt you to by no means go away the property, the lodge presents lots extra.
The state-of-the-art health heart incorporates a Peloton bike, an interactive TV treadmill, a Mirror coach, and free weights.
For wellness, they’ve partnered regionally with each the Magnolia Wellness Heart and Pure Day Spa, providing all the things from conventional Swedish massages to cutting-edge therapies. They’ll even organize for in-suite therapeutic massage providers. For a singular excessive vibe expertise and widespread native vacation spot, guide a soothing halotherapy session on the Crystal Backyard’s salt cave lower than 3 miles from the lodge In addition they provide different holistic therapies like reiki and sound bathtub remedy. Afterward, browse their store for crystals and jewellery.
Winter Actions
The Poconos actually shine in winter, and The Swiftwater places you near all of the motion. Lower than 5 miles from the lodge, Camelback Mountain presents premium snowboarding, snowboarding and tubing (attempt their galactic tubing at night time), whereas a number of native lakes rework into pure ice skating rinks. Promised Land State Park’s snowy trails present a peaceable setting for winter hikes or snowshoeing.
Out of doors Adventures
Minutes from The Swiftwater, Mountain Creek Driving Stables presents one of the romantic methods to discover the Poconos. Their guided path rides take you thru serene mountain woods, excellent for each newcomers and skilled riders.
Massive Pocono State Park, moments from the lodge, supplies breathtaking panoramic views that change with every season. Mountaineering trails vary from straightforward walks to difficult climbs, all rewarding you with spectacular photograph alternatives. In winter, the park transforms for snowboarding, whereas summer time brings alternatives for rafting and household picnics. The park space additionally options distinctive native eateries and bars, making it straightforward to spend a full day exploring.
There are such a lot of superb issues to expertise close to the Swiftwater Lodge.
The Swiftwater Concierge
The principle foyer and concierge desk at The Swiftwater | Picture: Higher Residing
Don’t miss the chance to speak with the pleasant lodge concierge in the primary foyer. It doesn’t matter what you wish to do whereas visiting, The Swiftwater’s concierge can assist you intend the proper native journey so you may get essentially the most out of your keep. And there’s so many issues to do within the Poconos, it’s unbelievable.
Whether or not you wish to go snowboarding, horseback using, hike one of many beautiful Pocono state parks or tour and style your means by way of the Pocono Mountains wineries and breweries, they’ll deal with all of the preparations.
The concierge right here offers you suggestions for all of the native gems and finest eats. We even received a tip on the very best tacos within the space (it’s Tacos Los Morros, by the best way).
If you happen to want a little bit remedy of the retail type, there are many purchasing close to The Swiftwater to discover regionally. The Pocono Premium Retailers with over 100 shops, are solely a 6 minute drive (3.1 miles) from the lodge. All through the realm there are charming boutiques, specialty retailers all through the area providing all the things from craft candles and soaps to antiques and extra. No matter you wish to do, the Concierge at The Swiftwater can assist you intend the proper purchasing day.
Romance within the Mountains
The outside pool transforms at night time with colourful lighting | Picture: Higher Residing
For {couples} planning a Valentine’s Day escape or romantic getaway, The Swiftwater presents thoughtfully curated packages with elegant room décor, contemporary roses, champagne, and indulgent chocolate-covered strawberries. As night time falls, the outside firepit space transforms into a comfortable retreat, full with rocking chairs and tender, colourful lighting.
The lodge focuses on creating unforgettable moments—whether or not you’re taking a non-public swim, watching deer at sundown from the Concierge Lounge, or sipping cocktails by a glowing hearth. Nonetheless you select to spend your time, The Swiftwater supplies the proper setting for love.
The Last Phrase
The Swiftwater Lodge has achieved one thing exceptional – they’ve introduced true luxurious to the Poconos whereas sustaining the nice and cozy, inviting environment that makes this area particular. The mix of distinctive facilities (these plunge swimming pools!), glorious eating choices, and considerate service creates an expertise that units a brand new commonplace for mountain getaways.
What impressed us most was how the property works equally nicely as a soothing retreat or an journey base. You’ll be able to spend your whole keep having fun with the swimming pools, spa providers, and eating places, or use it as an expensive residence base for exploring all of the Poconos has to supply. There’s no strain both means – the workers excels at serving to you create precisely the expertise you need.
Able to Plan Your Personal Swiftwater Getaway?
The Swiftwater Lodge’s illuminated night entrance | Picture: Higher Residing
➡ Go to TheSwiftwater.com to guide your keep.
My recommendation?
Take into account splurging on one of many Plunge Pool Suites for a really distinctive expertise, and don’t skip eating at each The Olivet and Desaki. Pack your swimsuit whatever the season – you received’t wish to miss the heated pool experiences, particularly throughout snowfall.
The Swiftwater Lodge delivers a mountain getaway that manages to really feel each luxurious and utterly relaxed, a mixture that’s surprisingly uncommon and completely value experiencing.
