A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Va. Driving the 40 or so miles west out of Washington, DC, one almost feels as though they are transported into another time and place of past. Middleburg was originally known for it’s involvement in some of the smaller battles of Gettysburg. Now thought of as the “horse and hunt” capital, it boasts many large horse estates, wineries and fine restaurants and inns. I could write a whole post on the town itself.
Driving into The Salamander Resort, I felt like I was visiting an old Virginia manor or Southern Estate. The valet comes out to greet you in his “riding gear”. The lobby oozes old world southern charm with a modern touch.
I was invited to experience the fitness center and the spa-it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it. The fitness center was well stocked with waters and towels as well as state of the art fitness equipment. Larger than the average hotel fitness center, The Salamander Resort also has daily fitness classes for resort guests.
After our workout in the gym, we headed over to experience everything the spa had to offer for it’s guests. We were scheduled for deep tissue massages and spent about 45 minutes before our treatments enjoying the “pre-treatment spa experiences”. Use of the spa facilities (including Aroma Infused Steam Rooms, Vitality Pool with Hydrotherapy Jets, heated Tepidarium Loungers, locker room amenities and Relaxation Lounges) are included with spa treatments.
I have to say, I could have stayed in the pre-treatment area for another hour at least. We first tried the Aroma infused steam room. It wasn’t as hot as other steam rooms I have been in which for me, was perfect. From the steam room, we headed to the Vitality Pool which was a traditional jacuzzi tub kept at a more “bath tub” like temperature so that you could soak for longer. During this cold day in January, I was the only one in the jacuzzi and it was fabulous. I then headed over to the “heated Tepidarium Loungers”. I’ve not seen anything like these before and I can only describe them as heated stone lounge chairs. These were my favorite and I wish I could have lounged there all day but alas, it was time for my deep tissue massage.
This is the waiting area for treatments and also the relaxation area post treatment stocked with flavored waters, teas, fruits and nuts. Of course we all have different preferences for massages, but I can honestly say, this was one of the best deep tissue massages I have ever had. My therapist, asked me lots of questions about my expectations and provided exactly what I was looking for. In the warmer months, there is an outdoor pool right off of the spa area.
We were then treated to lunch at the Gold Cup restaurant which is open to resort guests and visitors. Here you can find a large selection of Virginia wines as well as locally sourced fruits and vegetable dishes. I was impressed by the southern inspired menu which offered both heartier and lighter options. Much to my delight, there were a great deal of vegetarian items as well. I had a falafel wrap with hummus and kale and was very pleased with it. The dining area is open and bright. The menu boasts a great selection of cheeses and meat antipasti as well.
The Salamander also has formal dining area for breakfast and dinner, high tea and a state of the art cooking school for groups and classes.
Only having the afternoon to spend here, we only scratched the surface of all there is to do at Salamander. In addition to the spa & fitness activities, Salamander offers:
Equestrian activities, cooking classes, winery tours, ziplining, golf, tennis and historical tours to name a few.
I would love to come back for a romantic getaway with my husband or a fun girls weekend. If you are looking to escape the Washington area for a few days, this resort offers everything you could ask for and more. It is hard to do it justice in a short blog review so if you are looking for a special getaway near the Washington, DC area, please check out their weekend packages and special events.
(I was provided services in exchange for my review however, all opinions are my own)
Do you have a favorite Weekend Getaway spot? Have you ever heard of The Salamander Resort?
I have never heard of the salamander resort. Sounds like a perfect weekend getaway. There is nothing better than a deep tissue massage. I bet that was just heavenly.
It was! The resort is just beautiful and great escape for the day.
Nice! Sounds like a fun afternoon for you.
It was fabulous-can’t wait to go back
Oh, wow! My mom used to live out there and ride horses, but I haven’t been to Middleburg in ages. I’ve watched the story behind the resort – glad you enjoyed it!
It’s truly gorgeous out there. You should take a ride out and see. I bet it’s a great place to ride bikes also.
I love resorts like this! Salamander Resort looks soooo nice! Perfect for a weekend trip.
I can’t wait to go back with my husband for a long weekend. There is so much to do there.
That place sounds amazing and like the perfect spot for a weekend (or longer;) getaway!!!
So cool that you were able to experience the fitness areas and the spa!! I will have to remember this for the next time we are in the DC area!!!
A great place to get away for a day or a weekend.
I have never heard of this but it looks amazing. I may have to subtly tell my hubby about it…. 🙂
You would love it! I think I was telling you about it that night at dinner a few weeks ago. It’s a great place to escape to for a night or a weekend.
This looks glorious! My boyfriend and I go up to his family’s lake house every now and then. No spa or fancy restaurants, but we light a fire, watch movies, and just relax. It’s so nice.
That does sound fabulous! It’s nice to escape it all for a night isn’t it?
Oh my–I so need a vacation like this right now!!!
It’s a fabulous place to go for a weekend and I am sure even more beautiful in the spring.
That looks lovely! Actually, I’d love to visit the whole town! It looks like a great getaway. Maybe I could interest my sister in a long weekend for our annual sister trip!
That would be a fun idea! The little town is gorgeous and quaint.
This looks so pretty. I would have to say when the hubby and I want to getaway, we love going to Asheville, NC and visiting the Biltmore (this is where we went on our honeymoon). It’s so beautiful up there 🙂
Oh yea that’s a great area to vacation as well. It was a beautiful property and I’d love to go back.
Looks heavenly! My sister and law and her hubby live in DC – I will definitely tell them about this place and when we come to visit, maybe we can stop here. 🙂
Great post!
Thanks! Oh you should tell them about it and when you stop in DC you should call me so we can hang out IRL
Wow, wow, WOW!!
I will not be jealous, I will not be jealous, I will not be jealous…..
Seriously a great way to spend the day with a friend. We all need a spa day once in a while right?
That right there looks amazing. I have never heard of it and have never gone but it definitely sounds like a nice close spot to vacay w/ the hubster! That looks really nice.
Oh yeah not too far for you and you would love it! So much to do and lots of southern charm.
Sounds amazing! It would make a great romantic weekend!
It absolutely would!
I haven’t head of the Salamander Resort but it looks like wonderful place for a getaway weekend! The spa sounds amazing!
The spa was incredible-could have stayed there all day!
Well hello heaven! That place looks AMAZING.
Exactly! It was a great place to spend an afternoon
Looks like a great getaway! My hubby a nd I love to run away to St. Augustine- about 3 hours. History, jazz bars, wine and relaxation!
Oooh that’s a nice escape too.Sometimes you just have to get away for a few days.
I haven’t heard of this resort before, but that first aerial view of the resort in the country setting, pretty much sold me that If I am ever in the area I would love to visit. Actually all the pictures make the place look beautifully fabulous!
I know they really don’t do it justice it’s a beautiful property.
Wow! That looks like a gorgeous resort. You must have been in heaven at that spa. Wish I was closer so I could schedule a visit. You have me sold!
Absolutely a heavenly place to escape to for a day.
Whoa baby! I would never ever want to leaveeeee!
My favorite weekend spot?? Um… My bed or… Someone elses? HA HA HA AH HA AH!
It was hard to leave! Love to hear about your spots LOL
Oh what a fun getaway spot! I don’t get away often… only for running races 😉 I haven’t heard of that place… but it looks nice!
It was gorgeous! Hope you get a chance for a small getaway soon yourself
Ok I’ve never heard of the city or the place but this is worth checking out! That spa is heaven.
It was one of the nicest spas I’ve ever seen!
i’ve read a lot about the resort – it was nice to hear your experiences. it seems absolutely fantastic!
It’s a beautiful property. Not too far for you to go check it out for a little getaway.
WOW! This is so beautiful! I would love to visit! Looks like an amazing place! Love the gym too!! 🙂
The gym and the fitness center were bliss. I can’t wait to go back and spend a little more time.
That resort looks heavenly! Sounds like some place I need to visit without my husband so I can be left alone to relax LOL
ha well that’s an idea too! It is a beautiful place to escape
Oh wow… I could live in that spa. What a magical looking place!!!
Ha I could live there too!
Never heard of it, but that spa looks fantastic!
Oh it is gorgeous and a great escape!
What a beautiful resort! It sounds like it would be an amazing place to stay 🙂
It’s a great place to escape to!
Fun, good to know! Would be nice for a weekend getaway.
You should drive out some time and take a look it’s gorgeous!
I love Middleburg! My mom used to take us there in the fall, and we’d stop at Scruffy’s for ice cream. Great review, I’m adding this place to my list of places to visit. Happy Friday!!
Oh it was so beautiful! Hope you get to check it out
LOVE this, perfect for a getaway!!
It’s a beautiful property