cooking studio at the salamander resort
Courtesy of Justin Kriel
Cooking studio at the Salamander Resort
54
December 2013
(top) Spa Vitality Pool and Blue Ribbon Suite; (bottom) spa relaxation area, couple’s suite and Gold Cup Wine Bar
The Salamander Resort Middleburg, Virginia
Courtesy of Justin Kriel
Approaching the town of Middleburg, you’ll understand why this idyllic land is a magnet for the affluent. For decades, the well heeled have migrated to Virginia’s elite fox hunting capital to ride horses and maintain their privacy. One of Middleburg’s most enthusiastic resident-hostesses, billionaire media mogul, Sheila Johnson, sought a way to share Middleburg’s genteel lifestyle, while helping to preserve the pastureland. So in August 2013, she opened a resort on a sprawling estate where Jackie Kennedy once rode. Now, you can be her guest—at Salamander Resort & Spa. It’s not an exaggeration to say, “Be her guest,” because that’s what Johnson intends. The resort was designed to resemble her own manor home, but on a scale large enough to accommodate a herd of visitors. You’ll notice the equestrian-themed public spaces are decorated with comfort and relaxation in mind—stone fireplaces, a library full of books, cooking studio for classes, or for watching her culinary team at work. A team that includes D.C.’s Todd Gray and pastry master Jeff Reeves. These chefs don’t travel far to achieve farm-to-table cuisine, thanks to Salamander’s culinary garden and abundance of nearby farms. Harriman’s, a fine dining restaurant named for former
Less Than an Hour Drive Ac t i v i t i es
(on premises):
Wine tasting / Horseback riding / Spa treatments / Outdoor pool
(Off premises)
National Sporting / Library / Civil War battlefields / Polo / Vineyards / Hunting / Antique shopping
Pac k ages :
Bed and Breakfast: one night stay, breakfast served in room or resort restaurant, use of fitness center, saunas, pools, hot tub, lawn sports Rate: $365-$415
owners of the estate, has a panoramic view of the grounds, and a menu influenced by Virginia’s Piedmont heritage. For a more rustic experience, dine at Gold Cup Wine Bar, which highlights Virginia wines and offers weekly sampling events. Situated on the property is a classic 22-stall horse barn. The staff encourages guests to try riding—beginner or experienced. There’s even Horse 101— a program that teaches grooming and interacting with these thoroughbreds. Ready to be pampered? Salamander’s Vitality Spa is unparalleled. It’s a cocoon of indulgence, with rain rooms, bubbling pools, scented steam rooms and private salons. The sizable guest rooms are all superluxurious with plush sofas, extravagant bedding and views of the countryside. Many have fireplaces. The bathrooms contain walk-in showers and soaking tubs. You could hibernate here all day, but the town is so charming, go explore. Middleburg boasts posh boutiques, antique stores and a host of independent eateries. Some local favorites include Julian’s French Bistro, Common Grounds and Teddy’s Pizza. Visit the nearby village of Aldie, or the area’s vineyards, historic mills and polo fields. Every December, there’s a Christmas parade and wine crawl. While touring, you’ll realize how cleverly Johnson pays tribute this illustrious land—it’s in every detail of her resort, from the architecture to artwork. Open now, just one hour away, your country estate awaits, at the Salamander Resort. // The Salamander Resort, N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, VA, 20117; 540-6873600; salamanderresort.com —RS www.northernvirginiamag.com
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Cooking studio at the Salamander Resort
54
December 2013
(top) Spa Vitality Pool and Blue Ribbon Suite; (bottom) spa relaxation area, couple’s suite and Gold Cup Wine Bar
The Salamander Resort Middleburg, Virginia
Courtesy of Justin Kriel
Approaching the town of Middleburg, you’ll understand why this idyllic land is a magnet for the affluent. For decades, the well heeled have migrated to Virginia’s elite fox hunting capital to ride horses and maintain their privacy. One of Middleburg’s most enthusiastic resident-hostesses, billionaire media mogul, Sheila Johnson, sought a way to share Middleburg’s genteel lifestyle, while helping to preserve the pastureland. So in August 2013, she opened a resort on a sprawling estate where Jackie Kennedy once rode. Now, you can be her guest—at Salamander Resort & Spa. It’s not an exaggeration to say, “Be her guest,” because that’s what Johnson intends. The resort was designed to resemble her own manor home, but on a scale large enough to accommodate a herd of visitors. You’ll notice the equestrian-themed public spaces are decorated with comfort and relaxation in mind—stone fireplaces, a library full of books, cooking studio for classes, or for watching her culinary team at work. A team that includes D.C.’s Todd Gray and pastry master Jeff Reeves. These chefs don’t travel far to achieve farm-to-table cuisine, thanks to Salamander’s culinary garden and abundance of nearby farms. Harriman’s, a fine dining restaurant named for former
Less Than an Hour Drive Ac t i v i t i es
(on premises):
Wine tasting / Horseback riding / Spa treatments / Outdoor pool
(Off premises)
National Sporting / Library / Civil War battlefields / Polo / Vineyards / Hunting / Antique shopping
Pac k ages :
Bed and Breakfast: one night stay, breakfast served in room or resort restaurant, use of fitness center, saunas, pools, hot tub, lawn sports Rate: $365-$415
owners of the estate, has a panoramic view of the grounds, and a menu influenced by Virginia’s Piedmont heritage. For a more rustic experience, dine at Gold Cup Wine Bar, which highlights Virginia wines and offers weekly sampling events. Situated on the property is a classic 22-stall horse barn. The staff encourages guests to try riding—beginner or experienced. There’s even Horse 101— a program that teaches grooming and interacting with these thoroughbreds. Ready to be pampered? Salamander’s Vitality Spa is unparalleled. It’s a cocoon of indulgence, with rain rooms, bubbling pools, scented steam rooms and private salons. The sizable guest rooms are all superluxurious with plush sofas, extravagant bedding and views of the countryside. Many have fireplaces. The bathrooms contain walk-in showers and soaking tubs. You could hibernate here all day, but the town is so charming, go explore. Middleburg boasts posh boutiques, antique stores and a host of independent eateries. Some local favorites include Julian’s French Bistro, Common Grounds and Teddy’s Pizza. Visit the nearby village of Aldie, or the area’s vineyards, historic mills and polo fields. Every December, there’s a Christmas parade and wine crawl. While touring, you’ll realize how cleverly Johnson pays tribute this illustrious land—it’s in every detail of her resort, from the architecture to artwork. Open now, just one hour away, your country estate awaits, at the Salamander Resort. // The Salamander Resort, N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, VA, 20117; 540-6873600; salamanderresort.com —RS www.northernvirginiamag.com
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