Deerfield Spa
East Stroudsberg, PA, (800) 852-4494

Deerfield Spa is fun, it’s friendly and it’s small. There are 32 guests and 52 staff, so the service has an extremely personal touch. The location is set on 14 beautiful acres and it’s incredibly relaxing; my blood pressure must have gone down about ten points!

The food is very healthy and delicious; it’s under 1000 calories a day and and includes chicken quesadillas and turkey reubens. I lost a pound a day effortlessly.

The activities are also wonderful: everything from water aerobics to boxing; you can work out six hours a day and never repeat. There was also a terrific dance party one night and the hiking is fantastic. Beware of the intermediate one though! It’s really the Bataan death march. I also recommend the Thai massage; it is an unbelievable experience.

Deerfield Spa is exemplified by a few things for me: when you arrive, they give you a little tiny address book and a pen so you can stay in touch with all the friends you’re going to make. You’ll need it! Also, when I went to check in, they told me my room wasn’t ready; they hadn’t finished washing the cushions on the rocking chair! Talk about immaculate. And last, 60% of the guests are return visits.

Deerfield Spa is close to New York, it’s relatively inexpensive, hospitable, and amenable for various levels of fitness and energy. It is also charming and personable with great food and a rustic ambiance. I highly recommend it.