Tucked away in Pennsylvania’s picturesque Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin has been a cherished retreat for discerning East Coast families for nearly four decades. Though some may recognize it as the backdrop of a memorable season of The Bachelor, this family-owned, four-season property offers much more.
The resort’s distinct accommodation styles range from modern private homes to three unique resorts: Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Falling Rock (inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater nearby), the Four-Star Chateau (modeled after classic European-style resorts like Five-Star Ritz Paris) and the family-centric Grand Lodge.
After a $500 million renovation, including significant updates to The Grand Lodge in late 2023 and The Chateau this summer, the resort has reemerged, more luxurious than ever. With these transformative updates, Nemacolin has reaffirmed its reputation as a premier luxury escape. Here are five key highlights to entice your next visit:
New Rooms Offer Elevated Comfort and Style — and Butlers
The recent room makeover at Nemacolin introduces a chic modern aesthetic while preserving the resort’s classic charm. Falling Rock now features art deco-inspired interiors, The Chateau pays homage to Europe’s grand resorts and The Grand Lodge embodies its name with a fresh, playful twist. Sumptuous, custom-made beds and bespoke furnishings grace each room, enveloping you in a cocoon of serene opulence.
Upgrades to The Grand Lodge suites include smart home systems for personalized room control, Dyson dryers and personalized butler service across most accommodations.
A New Level of Leisure
One of our favorite aspects of Nemacolin is the near 24/7 excitement for the whole family. In favorable weather, you can unwind by the newly renovated pool area, take on one of two Pete Dye-designed golf courses or embark on an adrenaline-pumping day at The Peak, the resort’s adventure complex with activities like a high ropes challenge course, an off-road Jeep outing and paintball. Unique experiences include an animal safari featuring rehabilitated lions, tigers and bears.
Nearly every activity has been refreshed, including a new fitness center, updated live entertainment by the pool and even a Rod & Range Club for sporting clays, fishing and other outdoor fun. If you can dream it, you can do it at Nemacolin. Did we mention there’s even a casino?
From Finger Foods to Fine Dining
The operative word is “choice” when exploring Nemacolin’s updated dining outlets. The highlight is the reimagined Five-Star Lautrec, a tasting-menu experience with a nod to the creative artwork of Toulouse-Lautrec, whose lithographs adorn the walls. We also love the whimsical Fawn & Fable, a steakhouse that engages the whole family with dishes like “Snow White’s Oysters” and a playful roasted fowl dubbed “Chicken Little.”
And for those in-between times, the Bleu Room, set in a stylish all-blue lounge, offers a fun interpretation of afternoon tea, while sundaes at PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor or creative evening cocktails at the aptly named Nightcap make for the perfect indulgence. A new Italian concept, Gusto!, will open later this year. The biggest challenge could be staying long enough to try it all.
An Artist’s Oasis
Everywhere you look, Nemacolin is a living art gallery. Take an outdoor driving tour or an indoor art walk (self-guided or with an on-property curator) to discover fine art and sculptures by legends such as Fernando Botero, Alexander Calder and Norman Rockwell, plus historical treasures like a chunk of the Berlin Wall. The luxury resort also hosts a rotating selection of contemporary fine artists through an artist-in-residence series.
The resort encourages art in all forms. Exciting live entertainment — Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé even performed at the resort’s reopening party this summer — and creative art classes for adults and children regularly fill the schedule.
As a cherry on top, you can explore the private airplane hangar featuring a fully restored 1931 PA-8 Pitcairn Super Mailwing once belonging to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, or visit the “auto toy store,” home to the owner’s 1913 Ford Model T Speedster, a 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II, a 1995 Bentley Continental Convertible and other gems from his private collection of luxury cars.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit
If there’s one thing Nemacolin excels at, it’s throwing a spectacular celebration. Whether it’s a Halloween House Party (October 26), a decadent Thanksgiving weekend (November 28 to December 1), an over-the-top holiday village and light display (November 29 to December 23) or even a supersized Super Bowl watch party (February 9), the resort goes all out for special occasions. We highly recommend planning a weekend around one of these major events, as the festive atmosphere at Nemacolin is simply unparalleled.
