Farmington
Pennsylvania


The Experience

With 2,800 wooded acres hidden among the foliage of Pennsylvania, 335 rooms and its own airstrip, Nemacolin can hardly be called a "resort" -- "city" is more like it. Like a small city, everything from a luxury boutique property (Falling Rock) to an RV park is here, along with golf courses, horse trails and endless options for dining. In fact, everything you could ever imagine you'd like to do with your day (or night) is available within the confines of the resort; the trick is finding your bearings, and finding the time.

The Rooms

Rooms are scattered across three main buildings; the best option is to stick with Falling Rock. Inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, its 42 contemporary (yet comfortable) rooms use earth tones, stone and wraparound glass windows to bring the outdoors in (though the 1,200-thread-count sheets may make you forgo the outside, anyway). Stick to the suites, which offer teak furniture, fireplaces and balconies. The Chateau LaFayette rises up like a proper grand chateau and is decked out with chandeliers and patterned wall covering -- rooms are only for the traditionalist. The oldest nook of the resort is the 1987 Lodge; its English Tudor style and Cotswald cottages may sound romantic, but feel outdated. Skip it.

The Service

Experts roam the property like professors on campus. Over here is a golf pro, there a paintball instructor having a pint with the Hummer teacher, over in the woods you can find a gaggle of therapists from the spa (which is the reason most people come here in the first place). Personal butlers come with every room at Falling Rock.

The Highlights

The resort feels like an upscale community, offering everything from an off-road driving academy to a car dealership. The complete list is intimidating, but includes an equestrian center, a kids' program with babysitting and Mystic Mountain ski area. There are also 14 places to dine. Needless to say, all this attracts lots of families as well as a slew of conferences. But there are ways to find your own slice of Nemacolin, whether it's perusing the $45 million art collection, teeing off on the Pete Dye-designed 18-hole course or just walking through a remote corner of the small city impersonating a small resort.

-- Heidi Mitchell

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»