When my husband and I decided to take a last minute spring break getaway, we wanted to relax without having to fly or drive for many hours. My coworker knew my criteria for the perfect vacation and suggested the Rocky Gap Lodge and Resort in Cumberland, Maryland. As soon as I checked it out online, I made reservations and packed our bags.

After a two hour drive, we arrived on a Thursday afternoon. The resort, conveniently located off Interstate 68, is situated on the 243-acre Lake Habeeb and nestled in Western Maryland’s lush forested Rocky Gap State Park. The lodge resembles a mountain cabin – on a grand scale – and sits on an incredible golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The lobby and common areas were cozy and the staff was very helpful and friendly. Our room was clean, comfortable, spacious and well insulated from outside noise. We upgraded to a room on a higher floor overlooking the lake. The added fee was well worth it – there are no power boats on the lake, so the room was extremely peaceful. Guests also may choose rooms with views of the golf course.

In addition to the golf course, resort amenities include the Rocky Gap Garden Spa – which offers massages, pedicures, manicures and facials – tennis courts, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, marked hiking trails through Rocky Gap State Park, an aviary, and fishing and boating on Lake Habeeb. Guests also have easy access to the Rocky Gap State Park Beach.

I also was impressed with the amount of outdoor activities they offer through their property-based activity partner, Western Maryland Adventures (www.wmdadventures.com) – horseback riding, rappelling, paintball, rock-climbing, guided fishing trips, whitewater rafting, sporting clays, canoeing on the Potomac, whitewater kayaking lessons and more!

My son, Nicolas, really enjoyed swimming in the indoor pool and roasting marshmallows at the evening campfire. Kids Night Out, offered for 2 ½ hours on Friday and Saturday evenings, was our favorite activity by far. My husband and I were able to dine by ourselves, while Nicolas made friends and participated in activities like making homemade slime and rockets. Kids Night Out is for children ages 5-12, and we found the rate to be reasonable – $30 per child with dinner included.

For dining, guests may opt for either a formal or casual setting in one of the resort’s three restaurants. The elegant Lakeside Restaurant, with its panoramic views of Lake Habeeb, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers special buffets and an a la carte menu as well as a selection of fine wines. On Sundays, Lakeside features a phenomenal brunch – $18 for adults and $9 for children – which includes steamed shrimp, oysters on the half shell, a whole roasted pig, plenty of hot and cold selections, an omelet station and homemade desserts. The other restaurants – Signatures Bar & Grill and poolside patio – offer a reasonably priced casual menu with plenty of healthy options.

One night we went into the town of Cumberland for dinner and discovered Puccini Restaurant (12901 Ali Ghan Road NE, Cumberland, Md. 301-777-7822). Puccini is a pleasant, casual dining restaurant known for its excellent wood-fired oven pizza. Also on the menu are a variety of dishes all of which looked very good coming out of the kitchen.

Overall, we had a very quiet, enjoyable four-day experience. I would recommend this hotel to others looking to escape the city; the Rocky Gap Resort is the perfect place for a relaxing week or a weekend getaway. It has everything you need, all in one spot. There is no wonder why the property has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award for six consecutive years. The resort is definitely at the top of our return list.

Resort rates start at $129-$150 per night. Ask about specially priced packages for romance, bed and breakfast, spa and golf. On May 2-4, they are offering a women’s experience package filled with a variety of activities: yoga, hikes, meditation, healthy foods, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling and much more!