Luxury Amid Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
Trip Recap byDanielle Dybiec, Nine Muses Travel
Calliope Collective is a curation of independent luxury hotels, golf resorts, and yachts that offer discerning travelers unforgettable experiences. In August 2025, I had the pleasure of joining a FAM trip hosted by Calliope Collective to experience Nemacolin firsthand and discover what makes it so special—and which clients would appreciate it most.
Nestled in the pristine beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin spans 2,200 acres filled with adventure, relaxation, and exceptional hospitality.
My visit was perfectly timed: I arrived a little early in Pittsburgh (1.5 hours drive) to surprise my father on his birthday and to celebrate Nine Muses Travel’s seven-year anniversary. Our evening began with some fun at the Nemacolin Casino, open to the public, seting the tone for an unforgettable stay.
Over the next few days, I explored the resort’s remarkable accommodations. From a gorgeous king room at The Chateau, to the two-bedroom Penthouse at The Grand Lodge with sweeping mountain views and space for ten guests, every option was impressive. Family-friendly 2-5 bedroom townhomes offered parking at your doorstep, convenient access to playgrounds, and proximity to the wildlife area, while Falling Rock, designed by an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright in the Usonian style, featured stunning Tiffany lamps and a sophisticated, design-forward atmosphere.
The property offers an incredible variety of activities. Our group enjoyed afternoon tea in the hidden The Bleu Room, clay shooting (where I hit two out of three targets despite never firing a gun before), and a visit to a private rental home where we had a chef-prepared breakfast and a watercolor technique class on the back deck overlooking rolling green mountains. We met Gideon the Bengal tiger along with wolves and goats in the wildlife area, tried axe throwing, virtual reality laser tag, cosmic bowling, and pinball. We also discovered the private art collection throughout the property, which includes works by local artists, a Calder mobile, priceless chandeliers, glass art including a custom Chihuly, and even the actual football from the Immaculate Reception.
Every guest is sure to find new ways to stay busy and indulge in unique experiences at Nemacolin, whether that means trying your hand at a new activity, exploring the natural beauty nearby, or simply relaxing in luxurious surroundings. The Laurel Highlands region itself is rich with American history, stunning landscapes, and architectural treasures, including Laurel Caverns, Fort Necessity, Ohiopyle State Park, and two iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian homes, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.
For those seeking further indulgence, the resort offers dining ranging from casual to up-scale at 12 restaurants, multiple bars, cabaret performances, championship golf courses, mini-golf, horseback riding, casino gaming, obstacle courses, climbing walls, ziplines, off-road ATV adventures, heated pools, and even a vintage car collection. Nemacolin even has its own airstrip for private arrivals. Falling Rock is an adults-only retreat with a private infinity pool and complimentary access to the Holistic Healing Center, featuring acupuncture, massage, yoga, salt-water float therapy, infrared light therapy, cryotherapy, and more. Complimentary shuttles allow guests to travel across the property safely and conveniently, making wine or whiskey tastings completely worry-free.
Safety, comfort, and warmth are central to the Nemacolin experience. From the gated property to the staff who greet every guest with genuine smiles, the resort exudes hospitality. I ended my stay with a facial at the spa and a swim in the private pool, feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for this luxurious, immersive escape. Nemacolin is more than a destination—it’s a place to explore, indulge, and create memories that last a lifetime.
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