Sheila C. Johnson’s vision for the former horse farm of renowned Washington D.C. socialite Pamela Harriman was to create a country estate that incorporates uncompromising quality, sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles to benefit resort guests and the Middleburg community alike. Set to become one of the nation’s first new luxury resorts to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, in support of sustainability and environmental sensitivity.
Salamander Resort & Spa opens on August 29, 2013 as a new 168 room destination resort. With the refined sophistication of a luxurious country estate in Virginia's horse and wine country. For the first time ever, this Virginia getaway brings together today’s sought after key elements of time-saving accessibility, authenticity of cultural and historical experiences, unique culinary and wine programming, and an innovative spa and wellness concept that combines relaxing treatments in a luxury resort setting with personalized integrative and alternative medicine.
Sheila C. Johnson. All photo credits Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Sheila C. Johnson, Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, has drawn inspiration from her own Virginia country estate and horse farm to create an authentic luxurious destination resort with all of the residential touches of a fine home.
Features and Benefits:
Middleburg, Virginia
Just 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, the 340-acre resort is located within the historic 18th century village of Middleburg, VA, which houses more than 100 unique shops, restaurants, surrounding wineries and equestrian fields and provides the backdrop for one-of-a-kind leisure and group stays as well as spectacular wedding and social events.
A Grand Entrance – A 340-Acre Equestrian Estate
The winding London Plain tree lined road, with its expansive views of the Bull Run Mountains, equestrian center, paddocks, and wild flower meadows, leads guests directly from the Main Street of Middleburg to the resort’s front entrance. As in a fine home, guests enter into the Living Room overlooking the Grand Lawn and surrounding woods, with miles of trails and outdoor activities that begin to introduce you to the mystique of the equestrian world and lifestyle.
The Library – An Intimate Setting, Perfect for Small Gatherings
Immediately to the left of the Living Room is a traditional Library with an eclectic collection of books, including works by some of the region’s famous writers. These stories capture the development of the Virginia wine country, the area’s equestrian heritage, and the storied history and roles that Northern Virginia and Middleburg have played from early Colonial Days, through the tumultuous 1800’s, the area’s rebirth in the 1900’s and into today’s prosperous and exciting 21st century.
The Gold Cup Wine Bar – Casual, Authentic Wine Country Experience
As guests of the Virginia hotel wander down the hallway to the right of the Living Room, they discover the brick-floored Gold Cup Wine Bar with its expansive wall mural that pays homage to the Virginia Wine Country and appropriately recognizes the area as where America’s first vineyards were planted. Here, guests enjoy flights of Virginia wines as well as other domestic and international favorites paired with small plates of Piedmont inspired cuisine. Visiting winemakers chat with guests and discuss the uniqueness of the more than 60 area wineries.
The laughter and energy from the adjacent Billiard Room attracts guests looking for a special late afternoon and evening gathering spot. Featuring billiards, game tables and HD monitors showing the latest in sports, it's one of the best places to eat in Loudoun County.
Harrimans Highlighted by Virginia Piedmont Cuisine
Continuing to explore the public spaces at this Middleburg resort, guests advance down the enclosed walkway that leads to the Signature Restaurant. With views overlooking the Grand Lawn, woods, and paddocks, guests are pleasantly surprised to come upon the Cooking Studio. This unique facility opens directly into the resort’s kitchen and provides the opportunity for visitors to partake in cooking classes, watch a celebrity chef’s demonstration or enjoy a special meal with friends that they themselves have helped to prepare.
Just past the Cooking Studio is the entrance to the spectacular Signature Restaurant with its soaring 42-foot ceiling, octagonal design and panoramic views. For diners seeking to dine at one of the freshest new restaurants in Loudoun County, the Signature Restaurant serves Piedmont region inspired cuisine, using produce and herbs from the nearby Culinary Gardens, as well as meat, poultry and seafood from local sources in all of its seasonal dishes.
The private dining room just off the Signature Restaurant is ideal for a more intimate setting for a family gathering, rehearsal dinner or any other event.
The Salamander Spa – One of the Most Unique Luxury Resort Spas in America
Returning down the walkway towards the Living Room, and past the Library, the sound of softly babbling water draws you to the entrance of the Spa and Wellness center. Entering, you see the infinity edge spa pool and cabanas, and decide to have a light spa lunch while waiting for your scheduled treatment. Enjoy a relaxing massage on one of the private outdoor patios, available in half of the 14 treatment rooms, or in the other treatment rooms warmed by the glow of the fireplaces. There are many options available to rejuvenate and realign in a comfortable, luxurious setting, and on a schedule that fits. Integrative and alternative approaches merge with the traditional in a program that ensures guests leave the resort feeling better, and with a customized, consultative follow up plan.
168 Guest Rooms & Suites
In keeping with the country estate design, all 168 rooms and suites of this Middleburg, VA, hotel are spacious at a minimum size of 545 square-feet, and also include a separate casual relaxation corner, dining table, full-size desk, and outdoor patio or balcony with dining options. The luxurious bathroom includes a marble shower with body jets, pedestal tub, dual sinks and enclosed water closet.
Spectacular Indoor & Outdoor Event Venues
With more than 50,000-square-feet of unique indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a 5,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, Salamander Resort & Spa offers a wealth of smart and sophisticated private venues for your high-level corporate conference, incentive celebration, romantic wedding, or an intimate gathering.