Virginia is replete with gracious homes, manicured gardens and historic sites that have notable lineage, but it’s not every day that you visit a brand new resort that has the look and feel of a distinguished country house that has hosted gentrified guests for generations. Such is the new Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. Set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid picturesque horse and wine country, the Salamander Resort just opened in August 2013 and is already making a name for itself with gracious service, a relaxed ambiance and exceptional cuisine.

Salamander Resort Accommodations

The 168 guestrooms and 17 suites at the Salamander Resort & Spa are of generous proportions. They all have a spacious sitting area, dining table for two, and an executive desk. The king-sized bed is crowned with a lighted cornice and drapery hanging from a high ceiling. Half of the rooms have a gas fireplace that adds to the romantic feel. A private stone balcony or ground-level terrace has seating for two and a cocktail table overlooking the sprawling, manicured lawn or more naturalized countryside views.

The Salamander is a dog-friendly resort. Guests with dogs are put on the first floor so they have direct access to the outside from their terrace. The dog guest fee includes a doggie bed, a care package, bowls and comfort bags. The resort is also horse-friendly – although guests’ horses stay in the impressive 14,000 square foot stable – and the décor throughout the entire resort is horse-themed.

Normally, a balcony with a view is my favorite feature, but I must say, the bathrooms at the Salamander were nearly perfect. Double doors opened to a large room with double sinks. Ladies will appreciate the large mirror, lighted make-up mirror and a real hairdryer. A large, rolled-top soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower big enough for two with European nozzles, a rain shower head and built-in marble shelves were superb. The lavatory was also of ample size and had its own door. Fluffy white robes and towels and high-end toiletries raised the luxury meter to lavish.

Amenities of Salamander Resort

For those who just want a weekend away from the hubbub of the city to relax in genteel comfort, there is a large, open Great Room with seating areas artfully arranged for opportunities to mix with other guests or have a quiet cup of tea by the huge fireplace. It opens to an expansive stone terrace overlooking the Grand Lawn where a giant chess board and croquet are available. Two gas fire pits on the lawn are another gathering place at night.

 

On one side of the Great Room is a large, paneled library lined with books that guests are welcome to borrow. Leather chairs and card tables give it a handsome, club ambiance. On the other side is the Gold Cup Wine Bar and Billiard Room. They have an extensive wine list and serve locally-inspired light fare throughout the day. Harrimans Grill is the fine dining restaurant, featuring Virginia Piedmont-influenced cuisine from an impressive gastronomic team of chefs. To complement the horse décor of the resort, Harrimans is designed to resemble a stable and the adjacent private dining room is reminiscent of a tack room.

The Culinary Center is a fabulous, high-tech kitchen and classroom space that offers interactive cooking classes four times a week and has a visiting celebrity chef once a month. A large Culinary Garden supplies many herbs for the resort’s restaurants, as well as serving as an educational resource. They also plan to have a beehive next year to produce local honey.

Salamander Spa

The Salamander Spa is focused on increasing health and wellness with a holistic approach, based on individual needs. They offer numerous treatments and therapies, including couples rituals, rider’s relief massage, skin treatments for men and women and salon services. ‘Wet rooms’ include beautiful locker rooms, aromatic steam rooms, vitality whirlpools, tepidarium chairs and experiential showers.

Outside spa space is open year round and includes a secluded courtyard with an infinity edge pool, whirlpool, fire pit and private cabanas. Private couple’s rooms have their own courtyards. A day spa package allows guests to enjoy these facilities without booking any treatments.

There is an advanced fitness center, too. A cardio and weight room has the very latest equipment facing a wall of windows with a picturesque view; a movement studio hosts aerobics and other movement classes.

Activities near Salamander Resort & Spa

With the Salamander Resort & Spa in the heart of Northern Virginia’s horse and wine country, you shouldn’t be surprised that there are plenty of equestrian- and oenophile-related activities, both on resort and in the surrounding area. There are over 400 annual horse events in the area, including steeple chases, polo and celebrated horse shows. The Salamander has a beautiful 22- stall barn, practice ring, riding trails and instruction for their multiple equestrian programs. If riding isn’t for you, a horse-drawn carriage can deliver you to the charming gift shops, boutiques and restaurants of nearby Middleburg.

If wine is more your cup of tea, there are over 50 Virginia wineries within an hour of the resort. The Salamander even provides a shuttle to four or five of them within a few miles. You can enjoy vineyard tours, live music, outdoor tastings and fire pits. Virginia is now the sixth-largest wine region in the country and Virginia wine is gradually making a place for itself at the table.

The Salamander Resort has exclusive golf privileges at a nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and other courses for the golf enthusiasts. History buffs will enjoy the national heritage of the area that lies on the 180-mile Journey Through Hallowed Ground that runs from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Who Goes to the Salamander Resort & Spa?

The Salamander Resort & Spa is a tranquil respite from a busy world in a spectacularly scenic part of Virginia. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, or you can just while away your time sitting on the terrace with a drink in hand. The staff are genuinely happy to be of service, making visitors feel like privileged house guests. Although the Salamander has only been in operation for a couple months, it has the gracious air of a practiced hostess who knows how to make each guest feel special.

While there I met a group of 10 women from all over the country who had convened for a Girlfriend’s Getaway, citing the wine and spa as a draw. There were several corporate meetings taking advantage of the excellent event space, and an extended family was celebrating the 85th birthday of their matriarch. I met a couple who routinely travel with their well-behaved and adorable boxer, as well as a couple who brought their own horses for a romantic weekend of trail rides. (Travel Maestro tip: The Salamander Market prepares delicious gourmet picnic baskets) I think the Salamander would also be a stunning backdrop for a destination wedding!

If you see yourself in any of these travelers and would like to visit the Salamander Resort & Spa, contact the Covington advisors for rates and availability.

Disclosure: Salamander Resort graciously invited me to be their guest for a night; however, the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.