Every honeymoon destination has its icons. In the Poconos, it's the heart-shaped tub. Cove Haven Resort, on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in northeastern Pennsylvania, credits itself as the birthplace of both the heart-shaped tub and the seven-foot Champagne Tower whirlpool. More than six decades on, it is still proudly, gloriously devoted to romance with a wink.
This is not a minimalist design hotel. That is the point. Suites come with round king beds, log-burning fireplaces, whirlpools for two and, in the top categories, private heart-shaped pools and saunas. Days are filled with pedal boats, archery, mini golf and lake cruises; nights bring live bands, comedians and DJs. The resort is couples-only and sold as an all-inclusive escape, typically bundling meals and activities at a price far below most luxury honeymoon resorts. If you love a bit of retro kitsch, hate planning and live within driving distance of New York or Philadelphia, Cove Haven is pure, giggly fun. If you want polished luxury or serious food, pick somewhere else: some suites show their age and the dining is hearty rather than refined. Couples who come for retro fun are the happiest here.
Highlights at a glance
- Couples-only resort on Lake Wallenpaupack
- Seven-foot Champagne Tower whirlpool suites
- Heart-shaped tubs, round beds and fireplaces
- Private in-suite pools and saunas in top suites
- Included activities from kayaks to archery
- Evening entertainment with live bands, comedians and DJs
Life on Lake Wallenpaupack
Cove Haven sits on Lake Wallenpaupack, one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania, surrounded by the forested hills of the northern Poconos. The setting is classic summer-camp-for-grown-ups: lawns rolling down to the water, boats bobbing at the shore and trees blazing red and gold in the fall.
The resort is self-contained by design. Once you arrive, there is little need to drive anywhere, since dining, bars, entertainment, pools and activities are all on site. That makes it an easy, stress-free long weekend, especially for couples who have just come off the whirlwind of a wedding. When you do want to explore, the wider Poconos offer waterfalls, hiking trails, ski slopes and small towns worth a stop within a reasonable drive.
The Suites: A Field Guide
Cove Haven has about 200 suites; choosing one is half the fun. Every category is built for two, with a round king bed and plenty of red.
- Cove Harbour: about 550 square feet with a heart-shaped whirlpool for two and a log-burning fireplace, the classic entry point.
- Juliette: a split-level suite with a heart-shaped whirlpool and fireplace.
- Garden of Eden Apple: more than 1,300 square feet with a heart-shaped whirlpool, private in-suite pool, dry sauna and fireplace; note that it has no windows, which makes it feel even more tucked away.
- Champagne Tower: the legend, a four-level suite of more than 1,200 square feet with the seven-foot champagne glass whirlpool, a private heart-shaped pool, a dry sauna, a fireplace and a massage table.
If you are going to do Cove Haven, splurge on the Champagne Tower at least once. It has been winning couples over since 1984. The photos alone are worth it.
Dining, Drinks and Nightlife
The resort has two restaurants and several bars and lounges. The Restaurant is the main dining room for breakfast and dinner, while Spooner's Bar & Grill, the outdoor TanLines Bar & Grill, Cupid's Corner and the Lookout Lounge cover casual bites and cocktails with lake views.
Nonalcoholic drinks such as soda, juice, coffee and tea are included with breakfast and dinner. Alcohol is extra and you must be 21 to drink. Evenings are lively, with live bands, comedians and DJs, so it is easy to linger after dinner, dance a little and then retreat to your whirlpool. Because packages and meal inclusions can vary by offer and season, confirm exactly what is covered when you book.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Activities are included and plentiful; many have no rental fee. On the water, you can kayak, fish, take out a pedal boat or join a staff-driven pontoon cruise around the lake. On land, there is mini golf, archery, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, a golf driving range, duckpin bowling, billiards, an arcade and an outdoor game zone with lawn games. Nature trails wind through the woods. There is an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days, plus an outdoor pool in season.
Winter brings ice skating and snowshoeing, while nearby ski areas make it easy to add a day on the slopes. The on-site spa offers massages and body treatments, ideal after an afternoon of friendly competition. And if you want a night out, casinos such as Mount Airy and Mohegan Sun Pocono are within driving distance.
Why Couples Love It
Guests tend to arrive expecting kitsch and leave genuinely charmed. The suites are the star of most reviews, particularly the Champagne Tower and the private heart-shaped pools, which couples describe as silly, romantic and wildly memorable all at once.
People also love the ease of it all: no planning, no driving and a packed schedule of activities if you want it. The couples-only crowd creates a friendly, celebratory vibe, often a mix of honeymooners and long-married pairs back for an anniversary. Reviewers frequently mention fun evening entertainment, friendly staff who make a fuss over celebrations and the beautiful lakeside setting, especially in the fall.
Good to Know
- Cove Haven is couples-only; guests must be 18 or older to stay.
- Alcohol is not included in packages; budget for drinks at the bars.
- A service charge is added to stays, plus a deposit to confirm and an incidental hold at check-in; check current terms before booking.
- Check-in starts at 3:30 p.m. Check-out is at 11 a.m., but you can keep using the facilities until 5 p.m.
- The resort is rural, with limited taxi service, so driving is easiest; parking is free.
- Netflix and Hulu are not available on suite TVs, so bring a downloaded movie if you want one.
- Day passes are sold through ResortPass, so the public areas may see some day visitors.
- Ticks live in the Pocono woods in the warmer months, so do a quick check after walking the nature trails.
Insider tips
- Book the Champagne Tower suite for at least one night, even if you switch categories.
- Visit in early to mid-October for fall foliage over the lake.
- Take advantage of the 5 p.m. stay-and-play on check-out day.
- Look for multi-night offers, which often bring better per-night savings.
