Discover our favorite luxury resorts in Virginia, perfect for leisure or hosting your own private events. From the historic Homestead in southwestern Virginia to the newly renovated Keswick Hall in Albemarle County and the timeless charm of the Salamander Resort & Spa in picturesque Middleburg, Virginia is home to unparalleled resorts and hotels. Experience upscale indulgence in some of the most scenic spots that Virginia has to offer.
An Historic Virginia Wine Country Resort
History knows no bounds at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. Since its founding in 1766, the Homestead has hosted 23 presidents, more than any other hotel currently in operation. For two and a half centuries, southern hospitality and elegant charm have been a cornerstone of the guest experience at the Homestead.
Accommodations at The Homestead Resort
The Queen Anne, Colonial Revival building is a National Historic Landmark. Walking through the lobby feels like stepping back in time. Beautiful antique furniture adorns the venerable rooms, filled with cheerful color. With 483 guest rooms and suites along with a lazy river and several pools, the entire family will enjoy a stay at the Homestead.
The Allegheny Mountains set a stunning backdrop for the spectacular red brick architectural gem. Natural splendor surrounds this family-friendly Virginia resort. Guests can venture out and bathe in the largest hot springs in the commonwealth.
Activities at The Homestead Resort
Summertime brings verdant life to the mountain town. Guests kayak on the Jackson River or bike along trails and soak in the vistas. Guests also have access to unique experiences. Options include learning about falconry from local experts and taking the Cascades Gorge Hike. The mountainous region provides winter guests the chance to ride up the two-person lift and ski down the oldest ski slope in Virginia.
Golf enthusiasts can spend hours on the two championship golf courses onsite. The “Old Course” is the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use, dating back to 1892. The Virginia resort course has grown from its original 6-hole course to a full 18-hole course. Noted golf course architects such as William S. Flynn and Donald Ross have contributed to its expansion. The “Cascades Course” is legendary in its design and is consistently ranked among the Top 100 Courses by golf magazines. Sam Snead, one of the greatest golfers of all time, launched his career on this course. The thoughtful design combined with the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains makes for a lovely walk.
Food and Wine at The Homestead Resort
Both fine and casual dining are available at the Homestead Resort in Virginia Wine Country. The hotel has also curated the Virginia Wine Experience where guests learn about viticulture in Virginia. Wine growing in Virginia dates back to before the time of Thomas Jefferson. The Homestead showcases the rich history dating back to our founding fathers and has a wonderful monthly Virginia Wine Event Series and a spectacular annual Homestead Epicurean Classic filled with wine talks, cooking demonstrations, tastings and wine-paired meals.
The Homestead Resort balances its rich history with a welcoming spirit. This renders the resort the ideal location for a family vacation or a romantic mountain getaway.
A Premier Resort in Virginia Wine Country
The newly renovated Keswick Hall has been the talk of the town and continues to draw in visitors from around the globe. This world-class Virginia resort is surrounded by outstanding vineyards and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Amenities and Activities at Keswick Hall
Once a private home known as Villa Crawford, owners Molly and Robert Hardie have expanded and renovated Keswick Hall. The resort now boasts 80 luxurious rooms and still delights its visitors with its splendor and style. While the renovation has added modern comforts, the history and charm of Keswick Hall remain prominent. The Hardies transformed guest rooms and added thoughtful touches to the guest experience. Enjoy artisan chocolates from Thierry Atlan before resting on the opulent Duxiana mattresses. Luxuriate between the soft, smooth comfort that Frette sheets offer.
During their stay at this Virginia resort, guests can choose from an array of activities. From a round of golf on the award-winning course Full Cry to a match of tennis on the European style red clay courts, possibilities are endless.
A swim in the Horizon pool is a must. Two separate pools, each with its own temperature-controlled environment, meld to create the perfect ambiance. Swim laps or enjoy the water while looking over the infinity ledge toward the golden green rolling foothills.
Marigold Restaurant by Internationally Acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges
This exquisite resort in Virginia Wine Country has incorporated several unique dining experiences. The Counter serves fresh coffee, house-made breads and artisanal grab-and-go snacks. This is a favorite with those looking for something easy on their way out the door to explore all that Keswick has to offer. Guests can enjoy Happy Hour at Crawford’s. The urban chic lounge boasts farm-to-shaker beverages, inhouse created infusions, rare liquors and small plates. Chef Jean-Georges’ triumph, Marigold, is a culinary adventure with a view overlooking the estate. More than a century after its original creation, Keswick Hall continues to delight and surprise all that visit this historic and lovely estate.
Things to Do on Charlottesville’s Monticello Wine Trail
Access to the outdoors, historic landmarks and Virginia wine country are only a few of the attractions that guests will enjoy during their stay at Keswick Hall in Charlottesville. The Monticello Wine Trail, Shenandoah National Park and scenic Skyline Drive are a mere 40 miles from the front entrance of Keswick Hall. Recreationalists can hike up to cascading waterfalls and 360-degree panorama views. Tourists can bring the entire family to drink in the natural beauty from any one of the 75 lookouts on Skyline Drive.
History buffs will love to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and James Monroe’s Highland all in one day. Wine lovers can wander over to Keswick Vineyards for a crisp glass of Viognier. Keswick’s winemaker makes this wine from the signature grape of the region. There are over 40 wineries in the Charlottesville area, making it one of the nation’s top wine-producing states.
A Luxury Resort in Virginia’s Famed Hunt Country
A trip to Middleburg is not complete without a visit to the spectacular Salamander Resort & Spa. In 2022, the stylishly decorated 168-room resort received the prestigious Forbes Five-Star designation for the fourth consecutive year, making it the only five-star destination resort in the D.C. area. With artfully designed facilities, unparalleled experiences and scenic views, walking onto the property feels like coming home. The upscale, relaxed ambiance envelopes and welcomes guests from the moment they step onto the property in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country.
Luxury Equestrian Accommodation
Classic comfort and tasteful touches at this Virginia wine country resort are due in large part to the vision of owner Sheila Johnson. Johnson, one of the foremost business leaders in America, opened the Salamander as part of her venture to acquire, manage and develop luxury hotels and resorts. The mission of the Middleburg getaway is to create a resort that integrates into and encapsulates the spirit of this one-of-a-kind town. Johnson took inspiration from her own country estate when designing the resort and visitors can enjoy her own personal design touches in each room.
Visitors find a warm and welcoming color palate that incorporates subtle equestrian-themed elements. This is a nod to the resort’s location in the heart of premiere equestrian country. Rooms feature the latest technology for those that need to work on the go. Spacious bathrooms offer sumptuous bathrobes for those looking for relaxation. Outdoor patios and balconies allow guests to admire the countryside from the comfort of their own room. Johnson’s resort imbues modern comfort into every aspect of the rooms. Classic taste dominates the ambiance to complete the cozy homelike feel.
Activities at Salamander Resort and Spa
Each room at the exclusive Salamander Resort in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country flows into the sprawling 340-acre estate via an adjoining balcony or terrace. Guests can spend time rejuvenating at the Salamander Spa, a Forbes five-star spa offering individually tailored health and wellness programs. The location features private stone treatment terraces, aromatic steam rooms, couple’s suites and an elegant infinity-edge pool and cabanas that allow the mind and body to fully relax.
The resort also offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure with activities like tree-top zip lining, tennis, nature hikes, golfing, lawn games and archery. The 340-acre property offer guests a plethora of activities, whether that be exploring new activities, enjoying a romantic escape or bringing the family together.
Other notable features of the Salamander include on-site cooking classes, horseback riding adventures across 25 acres of the property and the availability of pet friendly rooms. After working out in the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center, swim at the world-class indoor pool or relax with a variety of yoga and meditation classes.
The Salamander Resort & Spa is home to The Family Reunion, an immersive experience celebrating diversity in the hospitality community. The event highlights the industry’s top talent with panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, family meals and recreational activities. Johnson is the only African-American woman to wholly own a Five-Star resort in the country, making Salamander Resort & Spa the ideal partner for The Family Reunion.
The culinary offerings also don’t disappoint with the rustic Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill offering local flavor and seasonal dishes and the Harrimans Cooking Studio giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a private chef’s table or take cooking classes. The Gold Cup Wine Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and delicious Virginia wines after a long day of adventures. With endless possibilities for relaxation, adventure, dining and shopping, the Salamander in Middleburg offers something for everyone.
Visit Middleburg Horse and Wine Country
Middleburg is famous for its charming shops, delectable dining experiences, accessibility to outstanding Virginia vineyards and of course, its status as the nation’s horse and hunt capital. The Salamander captures the character of life in Middleburg. It provides the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the allure of this quintessential small-town experience.
ABBY MEREDITH ARMISTEAD is a lifelong equestrian, an artist, and a Double Hoo. Abby spends her time freelance writing and running her stationery company.
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