Nemacolin to reopen with limited occupancy, private butlers

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington plans to partially reopen its five-star hotel — Falling Rock — on May 8.

Private butlers will provide each guest with a customized itinerary and will be available 24/7 via phone call, text or video for assistance.

All guests will receive a mask, hand sanitizer and prepackaged snacks and drinks. They will be able to play golf, tennis and basketball. There will be spa services, room service and private dining, the resort said.

Guests also can access walking and biking trails, and the resort’s galleries of art, airplanes, cars and seashells. Pet grooming and shopping will be offered.

Nemacolin’s director, Christopher Baran, said the resort stayed within the state lodging guidelines to reopen.

“We have taken all the right steps and we’ve worked smart on this return,” he said. “We have the space to have people leave their rooms to enjoy an outdoor space.”

The Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Nemacolin Woodlands Spa remain closed, he said. But some spa services are available on an individual basis in one of the spa suites.

Owner Maggie Hardy Knox said in a statement it is her responsibility to employees and the community “to reopen as soon and as safely as we can.”

“We have the ability to get our people back to work and give back to the community, all while giving a limited number of guests an opportunity to safely take a break from the stress of the last month,” she said.

On Friday, May 8, Falling Rock at Nemacolin is opening to a small number of guests for an exclusive resort experience. We invite you to be a part of this rare opportunity as a way to find calm and reset. For more information and booking: https://t.co/ylvPApUTui pic.twitter.com/cRlkkAkW0j

— Nemacolin Woodlands (@Nemacolin) April 28, 2020

What she calls the “Find Your Oasis” experience will be limited to 40 guest rooms. There will be pre-assigned parking spots and a keyless/no interaction check-in.

Nemacolin said it is following guidance from public health authorities regarding social distancing, cleaning and personal protective equipment.

Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an infectious disease expert from Penn State University, visited Nemacolin to train employees on infection prevention and control, the resort said.

“Covid-19 is going to force the travel and tourism industry to make some very difficult and fundamental changes,” Macgregor-Skinner said in a statement. “Adults learn by doing, and Nemacolin has made necessary changes and trained its staff using drills and exercises in order to protect its guests from the coronavirus while still providing a safe, first-class experience.”

Employees will use a separate entrance and have their temperature taken and use proper sanitizing and personal protective equipment.

Baran said the resort had 18 room reservations as of 1 p.m. Thursday.