MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Driving along Route 611 near Mount Pocono, it's hard to miss the massive structure taking shape on the property of Desaki.
The building is The Swiftwater, Poconos' newest boutique hotel.
Dante Trapasso, one of the people in charge of the project, says opening the Swiftwater has been a dream years in the making.
"It was the honeymoon capital, and now there's the waterparks. But we sensed there was something lacking where people don't see the Pocono Mountains as a luxury destination. And it has all the qualities of being a luxury destination, but we aim to bring more of that high-touch service, concierge-based mindset," Trapasso said.
Work started at the hotel last January and is expected to wrap up at the end of April.
The hotel features 100 rooms, plunge-pool suites, a breakfast and cocktail lounge, heated indoor and outdoor pool, and specialized concierge service.
Trapasso says those amenities separate The Swiftwater from other hotels in the area.
"What we want is to curate experiences as much or as little as guests want just so that we're able to kind of show off the Poconos," Trapasso said. "I've lived here my entire life. We want to highlight all the beauty that the Poconos has to offer and the Poconos business."
The hotel is looking to hire more than 40 people for a variety of jobs.
Trapasso says they are working with several businesses across the Pocono Mountains to ensure guests get the full experience without having to lift a finger.
"What we're aiming to do here is if a guest comes to us and says, 'Hey, I want to click the thrill seeker package or the thrill seeker experience, we'll coordinate and curate an itinerary for them where they're able to sunset range and have a private shooting lesson or go skydiving or take a flight tour of the area as well as go to Pocono Raceway, race a NASCAR."
Bookings are now being accepted for May 1 and beyond on their website.