Friday, August 30, 2013

Salamander Resort and Spa: A Southern Gem In Virginia's Wine/Horse Country

Set in the vintage town of Middleburg, Virginia stands a remarkable resort that anticipates bringing serenity and personalized accommodations to locals and tourists, while embracing Virginia’s wine and equestrian countryside.  The Salamander Resort and Spa has been an extensive dream of former BET co-owner, Sheila Johnson, and now the vision has broken ground and anticipates opening its doors to the world!  The luxurious estate stands tall along green pastures lined with rustic wild flower shrubbery to maintain the town’s local garden flair.  Much of the resort’s design resembles a beautifully manicured carriage house, stroked with earth tones and crisp white hues furnished with rich, dark wood flooring and design.  In efforts to resemble Ms. Johnson’s personal home, also located in Middleburg, a number of the design pieces and décor are her personal possessions. 

The resort features an east and west wing.  The east wing accommodates lodging and spa/beauty accommodations, while the west wing provides dining and banquet services.  While making your way down the private driveway through the resort’s main gates, guests are welcomed and escorted inside the front entrance leading to the grand living room.  The grand living room sets the stage for the resort, offering plush seating for guests to await friends and family or take time for some R&R.  To its left, guests are escorted to the front desk for check-in and baggage assistance.  The front desk strays from the typical platform position in the front lobby.  Its location is private, but visible and accommodating.

Guests are then led to their lodging quarters.  Each standard suite offers a canopy King/Two Queen beds with a spacious seated living area, a private terrace, his/her closets, and a state-of-the-art marble bathroom designed with authentic equestrian decor to accentuate the resort’s elegant charm.  Once finish unpacking, guests have the option of pampering themselves at the luxurious spa.  The spa not only offers a unique experience with deep saunas and balmy hot tubs emerged with sensual aromas to calm the mind, body, and soul, but it also offers salon and exercise services (an indoor pool, a full gym, yoga, and exercise classes).  Once the senses are eased, guests are invited outdoors to lounge poolside inside a private cabana, offering concierge food and wine services.  Or, if guests feel the need to engage in a full course meal, they are welcome to enjoy the west wing by dining at The Piedmont Grill (breakfast, brunch, and dinner) or at the Gold Cup Wine Bar (open until 12 a.m.).  In keeping close ties with the Middleburg community, guests are welcome to enjoy a more leisure dining experience at The Market in town, where freshly baked goods are served as well as lite lunch fare.  Yet, if one’s evening schedule includes private time inside their quarters, 24-hour room service is a mere call away. 

The Salamander Resort and Spa not only offers exceptional lodging and dining accommodations, but it is highly capable and eager to manage corporate affairs and special events.  Whether you are seeking a resort to host your next team building getaway or you are looking for a peaceful, serene backdrop for your wedding ceremony/festivities, Salamander has the perfect team, amenities, and ambience to handle your momentous occasion. 

Salamander Resort and Spa is ready to serve, pamper, and achieve great success in providing luxury accommodations for you and yours.  Thank you, Mrs. Rebecca Stannard, Salamander Resort and Spa Sales Manager, for the exceptional tour and providing keen knowledge.  As stated in the resort’s website video message, Mrs. Johnson, I anticipate the Salamander Resort and Spa being “the thumb print you’re trying to give as a gift to the world!”  Cheers on a job well done!

Salamander Resort and Spa Property Images
Note: Destinations Reached's private inspection was conducted prior to the grand opening of the Salamander Resort and Spa.  Some areas of the resort were incomplete at that time.  For a full view of complete renovations, please visit their website: http://www.salamanderresort.com/

Equestrian emblem on private suite terraces

A beautifully designed banquet room
Feature: Room capacity up to 300 people

Banquet Room foyer
Feature: Beautifully crafted iron light fixtures and ample natural lighting.

Private cabanas
Feature: Drapes for private spa services and food/wine services 

Private Cooking Classes
Feature: Great for team building seminars and pre-wedding festivities

Exterior of private cooking class

Exercise room on the Spa level

A fire pit near the cabanas/outdoor pool

Front Desk

Resort grounds from a suite terrace view

The Great Lawn
Features: Great for corporate/special events.  Approx. 100,000 sq. ft. with walking trails and private fire pits

The Grand Living Room's back porch
Features: Perfect setting for evening relaxation/wine and tea service.  Located right off the Golden Cup Wine Bar for personal service

Fully equipped gym with new, state-of-the-art equipment with flat screen TVs on selected machines.

The Herb Garden
Feature: Organic herbs/vegetables used for quality food preparation

Equestrian Program/Lessons on site 
Courtesy: BlackMeetingsandTourism.com
Note: The program/lessons are available to guests and the public.  Precedence is given to hotel guests. 

Spa entrance with water troughs that emulate a genuine horse stable.  True attention to detail!

Deep, spacious hot tubs
Feature: Interchangeable lighting for special effect

Heated Spa Chairs

Private Women's Lounge Area
Feature: Perfect for relaxation after spa services

Indoor pool with individual laps

Exquisite marble bathrooms in each suite
Feature: His/her sinks and authentic equestrian decor


The Library (Lobby level)
Feature: Perfect for an afternoon/evening read and wine savoring
  
The Piedmont Restaurant

Beautiful, hand-crafted fixtures

Personal photography taken by Ms. Johnson herself 
Feature: Personal touches to welcome you as one of Ms. Johnson's personal guests!

Private Dining Room off The Piedmont Restaurant


A private terrace adjacent to the private dining room
Feature: Perfect for corporate/special events

Couples Spa Room
Feature: A hot tub on a private terrace outside of the room

Retail Store
Feature: Selling personal and customized items of Ms. Johnson as well as Ms. Donna Karan herself.

Golden Cup Wine Bar

Beautiful artwork emulating Middleburg's beautiful countryside

Additional section behind the Golden Cup Wine Bar
Feature: Additional seating for individual and/or private events


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