[Greetings from the water slide in the Biosphere Pool Complex at Grand Cascades Lodge]
Imagine the usual east coast winter, with snow on the ground and a chill in the air, yet you’re poolside in the Biosphere, surrounded by tropical plants and radiating warmth from a special retractable glass roof, that features 100% light transmission for year-round Vitamin D possibilities. Glance outside of the glass complex and you can’t help but take in the incredible mountain view from the Appalachian Valley, either from a lounge chair, the indoor or heated outdoor pool, from the jacuzzi, or on your way down the swirling Biosphere slide. This much needed respite is located under 50 miles from New York City, in Hamburg, New Jersey, and although utilizing the facility as a winter getaway seems the ultimate use of the place, during the summer months the possibilities for relaxation and entertainment seem equally endless.
[A scenic view from a 1-bedroom suite at Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort]
The property includes six golf courses, a spa, over 80 fitness classes, restaurants, and access to dozens outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, paddle boards, paddle boats, archery, kayaking, and biking. You can certainly come to relax, but there’s no reason to ever say “I’m bored!” while visiting. I came for the Biosphere, but learned that there was so much more to the resort than I ever could have imagined!
[Inside of the Biosphere Pool Complex]
During our stay, Fashion Pulse Hubby and I spent as much time in the Biosphere Pool Complex, with dinner and breakfast in the Crystal Tavern, which opened up to views of the mountains above, golf course below, and wedding happening off to the side in the garden. The food and service was exceptional with each meal; we felt like the only ones in the restaurant, although it clearly was busy with other hotel guests. We were greeted with a well-edited beer and wine list, and the culinary options featured largely locally grown ingredients, which certainly enhanced the dining experience beyond our expectations. Our breakfast was perfectly cooked and presented, and came with our own mini French press coffee maker, a nice incentive to stay for a while and ease into the day while soaking in that astounding view, and absolutely erasing the thought of returning at the end of the day to that overcrowded urban metropolis that shall remain nameless, at least for a few more hours.
[A view of the pool from the underground aquarium, inside of the Biosphere]
The Biosphere complex is accessible to guests of Grand Cascades Lodge, while Crystal Springs’ other property, Minerals Hotel, has its own indoor/outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, sauna, steam room, a Tiki Bar and restaurant, indoor tennis courts, and more.
Full Disclosure: Complimentary and discounted services and amenities were provided to Fashion Pulse Daily as part of the stay at Crystal Springs resort.
