Getaway To Salamander Resort & Spa In Middleburg, VA

8/21/2014

by Claudine Kurp

The Getaway

It has been a hectic summer with a busy 9-year-old and an active toddler. With my husband’s work schedule and a young child that seems to be allergic to travel, I threw my hands up at the idea of an extended vacation. Still, this was my 10-year wedding anniversary and I wanted to do something special for this milestone occasion.

When I secured a sitter for an overnight trip, I started looking into local options for a quick getaway. I considered Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the beautiful Virginia countryside. Through some friends, I discovered a gorgeous destination, Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA. After doing some research on the resort, I was a little surprised that this jewel wasn’t more widely known.

With my due diligence complete on hotel options, I booked a room and planned for a dreamy, albeit quick, visit to Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia.

Image Credit Salamander Resort & Spa - Downtown Middleburg

The Journey

One thing that always continues to amaze me about the DC Metro area is just how quickly you can be taken from urban chaos to rural relaxation. That holds true if you have a penchant for Virginia horse country, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna and the lists goes on. In a mere 45 minutes I had escaped the hustle and bustle of Rt. 66 and landed on a tranquil one-lane portion of Rt. 50 heading toward Middleburg, VA. Charming to say the least. I passed the quaint Village of Aldie, replete with gristmills, Civil War era stonewalls and the historic Mount Zion Baptist Church. Be careful, blink and you may miss it.

A few short miles later I was in Middleburg, VA. I love this little town. I have made a few trips to Middleburg in the past. It is beyond charming. Antique shops, stores, restaurants, and art galleries dot the picturesque main street in Middleburg (a.k.a. Washington Street). You feel as though you have traveled for hours to be so far from the sites, sounds, and insanity of the city. For tired city dwellers (myself included) it is an intoxicating feeling. Bonus, the journey was less than hour from Northern Virginia!

The First Impression

Unlike many large resorts that demand an extended trip well outside the city center, Salamander Resort & Spa is less than a mile from Washington Street. Tucked away off Pendleton Street, the resort is within walking distance to nearby shops and restaurants.

As you enter the grounds you are immediately struck by the inviting nature of the property. Set on 340 lush acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you are transported away from city life to a calming retreat. Idyllic pastures with grazing horses surround the striking 14,000-square-foot stable. Quick…someone paint this scene! From there you can either continue to the main entrance to drop off your luggage and valet park or simply self-park. Wow, a resort that actually provides free parking, that is a first for me.

As I entered Salamander Resort and Spa, I was struck by how gracious the staff was to every visitor. I could see that guests came in all shapes and sizes. There were corporate clients, a group of women sharing a lunch at the Gold Cup Wine Bar, DC Metro locals that were coming for a spa day as well as happy hotel guests. The doormen, front desk attendants and wait staff treated every guest with 4-star hospitality and outstanding customer service.

The Resort & Accommodations

After gliding through the stately Sundlun Library and inviting resort living room, we had a quick meal at the Gold Cup Bar. I was quickly falling in love. With keys in hand and our bags already in the room, the hubby and I headed to our suite. As I opened the door I got that giddy feeling of pure delight. I squealed as I walked into the Dressage Suite. I looked up to find an official welcome on the TV above the fireplace. I threw myself on the exquisite bed. And what do I see, is that cast iron pedestal tub?

Oh God…please don’t ever make me leave! Before I could fall deeper in love with the room, I looked out the window. The sprawling Grand Lawn, the fire pits surrounded with Adirondack chairs, manicured paths to the deeper trails and a lovely view of the Old Stallion Barn. It all made me swoon. Despite the luxurious digs, I needed to get out and discover the resort.

The Zip Line Experience

Image Credit: Empower Tree Top Zip Tour

Activities and excursions were at the top of my list when researching resorts and hotels. It isn’t often I get time away from my kids, with my husband. I was determined to do something beyond nap and eat.

Salamander Resort & Spa has no shortage of unique and appealing activities. I opted for the Salamander Tree Top Zip Tour by Empower. Nothing like gliding 670 feet through the trees to get your adrenaline going!

To be honest, I was harnessed in and listening to the safety overview before I really thought about the height and distance I would be exposed to for the zip tour. If I had ANY fears they all dissipated when I met my group. My husband and I met an awesome father, son and daughter team that would join us for our outing. The kids were incredible. They showed absolutely no fear! Olivia (7) and Christian (12) embraced the challenge and even asked to go first on some of the lines.

I can’t say enough about the staff at Tree Top Zip Tours by Empower. Chris and Zack at Empower were incredibly knowledgeable and provided a thorough safety overview of the course. They also proved to be a calming influence on the group. We were even given a history lesson at various parts of the trail. It was a great day and an amazing experience. I highly recommend it!

A few notes, use the restroom before you start your tour, there is no turning back. Wear comfortable pants or long shorts. If you have serious fears, voice your concerns before starting on the first line. For me, this was beyond fun and so kid-friendly that I plan on returning with my 9-year-old for a day trip.

The Stables

After doing my research on Salamander, I knew it was worthy of a blog. How could I not share this property with you? After contacting the resort, the folks at Salamander were gracious enough to offer me a personal tour of the stables. Note, if you are an equestrian enthusiast, I highly recommend asking for a tour. Sheryl Jordan, who runs the equine facility, avails herself to any visitor who wants to learn more about the horses, the stables and the equine programs.

I quickly discovered that Salamander Resort & Spa boasts one of the finest equestrian facilities and equine programs in the country. Set in the grandeur of Virginia horse country, Salamander's equestrian facility has 25 on-site acres dedicated to programs including: Horses 101, Countryside Trail Rides, Mindfulness Trail Rides, Human/Horse Synergy Rides and standard riding lessons for ages 7 and up.

Salamander Resort & Spa has an exceptional equestrian offering for all ages and skill levels. Experienced riders have access to the scenic Virginia countryside and 340 acres on the property. Little ones can enjoy gentle ponies for rides and lessons.

For those not quite ready for a full interactive equine experience, you can opt for a carriage ride. James Houston, experienced English coachman, takes guests on a trip through the quaint town of Middleburg, local horse farms, wineries, and the stunning resort property.

While time did not permit me to experience an equine activity, I am going back in the fall for a carriage ride with my children. I can’t wait to share the property with my kids. What an amazing way to soak up the surroundings!

The Resort Activities

Beyond the zip line tour and extensive equestrian programs, there are a dizzying amount of activity options that guests and day trip visitors can take advantage of at the resort. Trail rides, golf, tennis, basketball, nature hikes, winery visits, family activities, camps and even a Yappy Hour (happy hour) for guests and their dogs. I have attached the Summer 2014 Fun Checklist that shows some of the kid-friendly fun for young and adult. The checklist for Fall 2014 will be available soon.

Salamander Resort and Spa also offers full access to a state-of-the art fitness center, an indoor heated pool, a sauna and an inviting outdoor family pool. For those that want to go a bit more far afield, there is a complimentary car service that will take guests to and from the town of Middleburg and the surrounding wineries within a five-mile radius. Cheers to the Salamander Resort & Spa Event Coordinator. There is no excuse for boredom at the property!

BONUS: You can see a list of all the resort and local the activities at this link.

The Dining Experience

Before dinner we wandered the grounds and then headed back to our room. The room was pure relaxation and indulgence. I admit it I took a nap. The room was just so inviting. Oh to awake to that amazing view. Heaven!

For dinner, we made our way to Harriman’s Restaurant. I didn’t want to over complicate such a quick trip so we choose the onsite restaurant. Harriman’s Restaurant was a home run! Lobster ceviche, mozzarella caprese, and filet mignon…yes please! Even the dessert menu had a bit of flare. The head chef, Food Network famous Jason Reeves (he will be on King of Cones on August 25, 2014), boasts a famous Baked Alaskan Fireball. To my surprise, the restaurant was even participating in DC Restaurant Week.

Beyond the food, you could not find a more gracious and friendly staff. If you want something a bit lighter, the Gold Cup Wine Bar is perfect. I had a tasty sushi roll along with a glass of champagne when I arrived at the resort. I noticed a number of daytrippers enjoying lunch with friends, possibly post spa visit. The Gold Cup Wine Bar also has gorgeous outdoor seating.

The Evening Fun

After dinner we headed to the fire pit and Adirondack chairs I spied during my earlier walk. You can actually order the s’mores for two ($20 per kit) that comes with a Lindt Chocolate Bar, graham crackers and marshmallows. If you are in the restaurant you can place your order for dessert and the staff will deliver it to you at the fire pit. For those not dining at Harriman’s Restaurant, you can simply order a s’mores kits from the Gold Cup Wine Bar. It was a lovely memory of the trip.

The Spa

As if my stay wasn't enchanting enough, I ended my visit with a massage. I needed it. My neck, my back, even my feet just hurt. Why is motherhood so hard on our bodies? Without knowing it, I saved the best for last.

Even the smell of the spa draws you in from the lobby. Think plush robes and slippers, serene relaxation lounges filled with specialty teas, strawberry and cucumber infused water, dried fruit and nuts and today’s paper. That is just the beginning of the journey.

The Salamander Spa also includes a private spa pool and terrace with a hot tub and fire pit. The interior includes: Aroma Infused Steam Rooms (think of lavender surrounding you as the steam envelops the room), Vitality Pool with Hydrotherapy Jets, heated Tepidarium Loungers (a luxurious curved chair encrusted with mosaic tiles and heated to a perfect temperature), and a locker room with every possible amenity you could need to get ready.

That is just the appetizer. The massage, done on a heated bed complimented with insanely soft sheets, was amazing. I send many thanks to Angela for managing to get all of my many knots. As one would expect there is a full menu of wonderful spa treatments.

Hint, even if you can't get a weekend away, grab your husband, friend or yourself and head out to the Salamader Spa for a treatment followed by lunch and then arrive home before the bus gets there or go on the weekend. You don’t even have to stay at the resort to enjoy it! Hint, rates are cheaper during the week and if you have school age children you could even sneak away during the day.

The above picture shows the Salamander Spa Pool & Lounge. The fire pit can be seen just beyond the chairs. Food and drink can be served poolside. This is my idea of a perfect girls' weekend or just a girls' day out.

To see all of the heavenly options visit this link.

The Ideal Stay For Families

While I didn’t take my children, I plan on going back with them. I was pleasantly surprised at the resort’s family-friendly atmosphere. There is a daily line up of activities for children. In addition, Salamander offers cooking classes, animal tracking, and Kids Night Out sessions that include: dinner, snack, craft and special themed activity.

The resort also offers Camp Salamander for kids ages 4-10. The resort can also help arrange childcare with a local agency that provides on-site services at an additional cost.

Zip lines, carriage rides, Camp Salamander, riding lessons, an inviting resort pool and making s’mores by the fire, now that is terrific lineup for kids!

The Review

In a previous life, I worked closely with my company’s event planning group. I have also done some extensive personal travel in the US, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. I have been to a number of impressive hotels and resorts, Salamander Resort & Spa ranks at the top of my list. While you won’t find a beach, there is no shortage of activities and ample outdoor adventures that you can experience in and around Salamander Resort and Spa.

The resort's high price tag is typical of other high-end resorts in the Mid-Atlantic area. Peak Season resort pricing (April, May, June, September, October) starts at $475 per night; Non-Peak Season (all other months) rates start at $275 per night. Given the accommodations, amenities, and activity offering the cost is reasonable.

For additional details and find out more about the upcoming first birthday celebration, you can visit this link.

MORE REVIEWS & PHOTOS:
TripAdvisor has a robust list of 3rd party reviews and photos .

The Salamander Story

I would be remiss if I didn't give you some history about this gorgeous property. Sheila C. Johnson, Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, worked tirelessly to see her vision realized. A longtime resident of Middleburg, Ms. Johnson spent almost a decade working toward her dream of opening the Salamander Resort & Spa. Ms. Johnson's main home sits a few miles from the resort and is named Salamander Farm. Many of the fresh produce and herbs come from Ms. Johnson's garden .

The name Salamander can be traced back to one of the previous owners of Salamander Farm, Bruce Sundlun. Mr. Sundlun was a war hero and two-term Governor of Rhode Island. During WWII his military code name was Salamander. He named the property years before Ms. Johnson bought the estate. Inspired by the name, Sheila C. Johnson retained the name for her home and many of her business holdings.

Ms. Johnson endured years of permitting issues and special requests from the Town of Middleburg before she could finally break ground on the resort. She can often be found at the resort. She has even put many of her own books in the resort's Sundlun Library. For more biographical information about this amazing woman, visit this link.

Image Credit:

Salamander Resort & Spa
Empower Tree Top Tour

The Salamander Resort & Spa Public Relations Department, after being notified of my visit, extended a complimentary overnight stay, massage, zip line experience and a free dinner in exchange for writing this article. We always disclose whenever a product or service is offered for compensation and all opinions are our own.

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