Festive Friends' Getaway at The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia

I booked an Estate Two Queen room for my friend and me, and we were delighted with the lovely fourth-floor view overlooking the resort’s rolling estate. There was plenty of room for the two of us, and we thought the bathroom was incredibly elegant—we were pleased there was a separate water closet, shower, and bathtub. The room was ideally located, making it easy to walk everywhere on property, and the little balcony was a welcome bonus. We were especially delighted by the thoughtful welcome amenity—champagne paired with exceptional chocolate-covered cherries, which immediately set the tone for the stay.

Estate Two Queen Room

The resort’s dining venues, including the Gold Cup Wine Bar, provide inviting and casual spots to enjoy fresh, locally inspired fare. For lunch, we enjoyed the fresh sushi and hamachi crudo paired with fine Virginia wines—the food and service were excellent.

Welcome amenity—champagne and chocolates

Salamander’s Forbes Five-Star Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments designed to soothe and rejuvenate, making it an ideal retreat. We had booked massages and pedicures, both of which were excellent. My friend, an experienced global spa-goer, remarked it was in the top three massages she has ever had. I was similarly impressed with the services, as well as the treatment areas and relaxation lounges.

Spa relaxation lounge. Photo courtesy of the Salamander Resort

You are welcomed to a changing area with sizable lockers, spa slippers, and a robe, and invited to relax in the spa and sauna areas (steam room, sauna, rain bath, whirlpool tub, and heated loungers) or in the relaxation lounge. The lounge had spa water as well as a selection of teas and small snacks, along with books to enjoy on comfy loungers. We did not utilize the outdoor pool and hot tub unfortunately as it was too cold outside—maybe next time.

Spa pool. Photo courtesy of the Salamander Resort

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Harriman’s—a special four-course sit-down meal that was relaxed. It was mostly adults at dinner (families mostly chose the buffet in the ballrooms) and some people dressed up, but it was not stuffy. In the evening, we also sampled the Gold Cup Bar’s wine offerings, which we took into the Living Room for relaxed people-watching in a cozy, elegant setting. Our stay included a breakfast credit at Harriman’s, and breakfast did not disappoint. We loved the Greek yogurt bowl with fresh fruit and mint picked from the garden, along with perfectly executed non-dairy cappuccinos, and took the decadent monkey bread to go as it was simply too much food to finish at the table.

Breakfast at Harriman’s with a view of the estate

Due to time constraints, we did not take advantage of their full array of equestrian activities and holiday events, such as Brunch with Santa or the Christmas Day Grand Brunch (which appeared to be mostly extended families) in the resort’s beautifully decorated ballroom. They also had a little Cocoa Cottage house set up in the Living Room where you could create your own customized hot chocolate with toppings or spike it to your liking. The hot cocoa looked amazing, but we were too stuffed to sample it.

The seasonal Cocoa Cottage in the Living Room

For me, Salamander is the perfect holiday-time escape with a friend because it was indulgent and comforting without being a scene. My friend and I could truly slow down—lingering over meals, spending unhurried time at the spa, and enjoying the cozy, festive atmosphere. Other customers at the resort similarly seemed like they were enjoying laid-back festive time together, without feeling the need to overdress or put on a show. I left feeling rested, spoiled, and stuffed, and already thinking about when I could return!

A festive Christmas tree in the Living Room

The Salamander team was very responsive to my requests prior to check-in, and were able to accommodate an early check-in (your room is guaranteed by 4 pm) so that we could drop off our bags and enjoy the spa without them. The waitstaff were also incredibly accommodating of our food preferences (we asked for no oysters at dinner) as well as dairy and other preferences.

If you are too busy for a sit-down breakfast, in the mornings there is an area set up at the Gold Cup bar where you can grab pastries and coffee or tea and take them to go. This was especially thoughtful for other customers who seemed like they were taking advantage of other resort amenities or departing.

We were also too stuffed to partake in the Holiday Afternoon Tea as well, although I do recommend it if you schedule ahead for a weekend afternoon. The hot tea is perfect when it is cold outside, and it is a very classy event and rather a lot of food. Families are welcome, too!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Virginia page.