Devoted guests at Woodloch Pines Resort have a favorite description for their beloved vacation spot: “It’s like taking a cruise on land.”

It’s easy to see why they say that. Woodloch has all the exciting entertainment, fabulous food, pampering service, endless activities and comfortable accommodations of a big luxury liner. But it doesn’t have the ocean, the confined space and sometimes stomach churning waves.

Instead, the 250-acre Woodloch is located on a private lake in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. A four-season resort, Woodloch provides year-round spectacular sights courtesy of Mother Nature.

“It’s so beautiful up here that you can taste the air,” says Laurie McEvoy at Woodloch Pines. “That may be a strange thing to say, but if you’ve been here, you know what I mean. The air is so clean that you can taste it.”

From its humble beginnings as a boarding house in 1958, Woodloch Pines has grown into an award-winning resort. The original founding family, the Kiesendahls, believe in treating each guest “as if they are company in our own home.”

Today, the Kiesendahl family still abides by that sentiment. This tradition of excellence has earned Woodloch Pines many awards, including being named by Better Homes & Gardens and Parents magazines as “one of America’s favorite vacation resorts.” Family Circle magazine recently chose Woodloch Pines as “one of the six best all-inclusive resorts.” Woodloch also was named the No. 1 Place to Work in Pennsylvania. Not surprisingly, 30 percent of the resort employees have been with Woodloch for over a decade.

“It’s an incredible family resort,” Laurie says. “We have the most amazing guest base. We have fourth-generation guests at the resort. Some of our guests came here as children and now they’re bringing their children and grandchildren.”

Accommodations at Woodloch are immaculate and tastefully decorated with a variety of choices to suit any size family or group. The Classic Standard rooms are the most affordable and popular, with some overlooking the lake. Nicely decorated with cedar paneling, the rooms have divided living/sleeping areas and feature a queen bed and a pullout sofa.

The Deluxe Lakeview rooms have two queen beds, a pullout sofa and a private balcony with a marvelous view of Lake Teedyuskung. The Edgewater Suites are luxurious one and two bedrooms in the Mt. Laurel area with impressive views of the lake from both the bedroom and living areas. Guests Homes in the nearby golf community of Woodloch Springs, only five minutes away, offer two to five bedroom homes with a private bath for each bedroom.

Three scrumptious meals a day are part of the traditional Woodloch dining experience. No reservations are necessary. Simply stroll over to the Dining Room and enjoy an abundant, family-style meal with many choices – and service with a smile. The Non-Traditional Plan is perfect for those families who prefer to make their own dining arrangements or use the kitchen facilities in their rental homes. Woodloch features four on-site restaurants so choices are abundant.

The Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch Pines is the impressive setting for Broadway-style theme shows. Seating over 500 guests, the nightclub offers professionally produced musicals with state-of-the-art effects and lighting. On other nights, the Heritage features swing bands, comedians, magicians and other talented performers.

Woodloch activities and amenities would fill a notebook: Lake Teedyuskung with all its water fun and beachfront, Jacuzzis, saunas, gym areas, fishing, hayrides, tennis courts, batting cages, a full-feature pro shop, basketball, bicycles, boat rides, bumper boats, card room, bocce ball, bingo, nature trail, canoeing, game rooms, go carts, dancing, mini golf, movies, paddle boats, rowboats, racquetball, indoor and outdoor pools, volleyball, waterskiing, and much more – all on site.

Recognized as one of America’s best courses, the championship course at Woodloch Springs is semi-private. Guests and members have preferred tee times at this 18-hole, par 72, environmentally friendly golf course. A new 16-acre driving and practice range is a great place to sharpen golf skills.

Opened in spring of 2006, the Lodge at Woodloch is a destination spa dedicated to offering the most advanced spa programming in an elegant lodge environment. A rejuvenating oasis for the mind, body and spirit, the spa provides privileged access to spa treatments and services to guests staying at Woodloch Pines and Woodloch Springs.

“It’s a phenomenal spa with the best treatments you can find anywhere,” Laurie says.

Numerous meeting rooms make business a pleasure at Woodloch. Facilities for parties, reunions, weddings and corporate functions make Woodloch the perfect choice for memorable gatherings.

This is the old-fashioned Poconos where people say hello and remember your name when you come back next time. And guests do return – year after year. At checkout, about 80 percent of guests make a reservation for the same time, next year.

“It’s a tradition for so many families,” Laurie says. “Some people come here two or three times a year, some have met their husbands or wives here. The people who own Woodloch Pines are the nicest people in the world. This is their life and they make you feel like part of the family.”