Spas of America, recently had the pleasure to sit down with Nancy Deaton, Spa Director of The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania.
Who are you?
I grew up in New Jersey and in the Poconos. I got my start in the industry in Vermont, and have now been back in Pennsylvania, working at The Lodge at Woodloch for the past 15 years. I really love what I do, helping my staff create the guest experience. I’m married and a mother of two boys.
What is your first job in the industry?
I started in hospitality at The Equinox Resort & Spa in Manchester, Vermont, at their front desk. After about six months, the job really wasn’t working out for me. SSo, I transferred to the Spa and worked with the late Susan Wheeler as a trusted and inspirational mentor. Susan hired me as a spa concierge and after three years, I worked my way up to supervisor.
Why do you love your job?
First and foremost, it’s the guest experience at The Lodge at Woodloch. We provide a variety of options for our guests. You may want to come and just relax … sit in a corner with a good book. We understand that health and wellness is a journey and not a destination. We are not only narrowly focused on health/calorie count but want to meet the guest where they are on their path. We pride ourselves on offering choice and balance in their wellness journey. For us, it’s important to have a well-rounded offering for our guests to help them create whatever experience they need in their life. Everybody needs something different.
What keeps your guests returning to The Lodge at Woodloch?
We really are a small intimate property, with only 58 guest rooms. We can provide one-on-one service to our guests and make them feel well taken care of, and not overwhelmed with other guests. It’s a nice, quiet experience for them. We’ve been able to make guests feel as if they’re guests in our own home.
How do you integrate wellness into your life?
I’ve come to realize that it’s so important to take time for myself. I get up very early, typically at 4 am in the morning. Before the kids are up, I try to walk three miles every morning. I have found that it helps clear my head. My job is all about helping and supporting others, and what I have realized getting older and maturing is that you can’t continue to pour from an empty cup. So I make sure I have enough time to recharge. I also try to take a midday nature break.
What’s the best advice you’ve given or received?
Many years ago, when I was living a life on autopilot, being a wife, a mom, and a spa director, I was reminded by a co-worker to “get back outside.” He had heard stories about how I used to love the outdoors, such as going to Yosemite National Park for my honeymoon. Sometimes we get caught up doing so much for other people or forget to do things that are important to us. It’s important to get back to the things you love.
Where was your favorite spa experience?
I was lucky enough to visit Miraval Arizona with Kristi Konieczny of The Spa Buzz. It was an amazing experience. Miraval is a special property. I had some outstanding services and experiences when I was there, including “The Mother’s Blessing,” which was with a faith healer. It was an awakening experience and one that will always stay with me.
Is there a spa you would like to visit?
I would like to visit Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee. I really appreciate being outdoors and being in nature. It seems like a very special property and one that speaks to me.
What is next for The Lodge at Woodloch?
We are very excited about our new snow room. We’re working with a company from Italy and looking forward to announcing the completion soon. We recently brought in Haia Wellness by Mike Bruggeman. Our guests and estheticians love the new line and it’s been a great fit for us. For next spring, we’re focused on our garden. It’s an area that our guests just love to interact with, and we’re planning more garden dinners and harvest lunches.
Why is taking time for spa and wellness important?
If we are taking care of ourselves, we can take care of others better. If we prioritize self-care and putting ourselves first, then everyone else who is around us feels like we’re putting them first.
