Staycation at Black- Owned Hotel: Salamander Resort and Spa

I think it is safe to say that 2020 was unpredicatable. So many things happened this past year that caused us to stand still in our thoughts, learn new habits, and iron out our goals.

Honestly, I haven’t been on a plane since Africa because I am too paranoid to be around a lot of people and I watch the news way too much. Well, I work in news, too, but you get the point. LOL The best way of being “safe” was taking a “staycation.” In other words, staycation is the combination of the words “stay” and “vacation”. The idea is that one would stay in the country for holiday instead of travelling abroad. This includes taking a trip to other cities or go on a countryside vacation. Staycation is generally against mass tourism. And, yes, driving is the way to go instead of flying!

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), is the owner of the 168-room Salamander Resort & Spa. It’s no surprise that this luxurious 340-acre property, located in the Virginia countryside, took a decade to build and design, opening its doors in August 2013. In addition to its 23,000-square-foot spa, this resort offers fun outdoor activities, including zip-lining, hiking, archery, and horseback riding, as well as an equestrian program. Guests can bike throughout the property and into town and to wineries, too. Johnson also serves as the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the parent company that owns and manages a total of five properties in Middleburg, Virginia, Destin, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Tampa Bay, Florida. So, vacationers have a few options when planning a luxury getaway for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Do they have package deals?

Yes, I think the best deal is to pick the self-care staycation package. Celebrate the season of self care with a tranquil mid-week escape. You will receive 25% off luxurious accommodations for stays Sunday through Thursday while you relax and rejuvenate. The spa will ask what type of tea and snacks you would like. I chose the Ginger Peach Tea and dried fruits with crackers. For my treatment, I chose the mudbath because it was safe and you can put it on yourself. After your treatment, you can go to the infinity-edge pool and cabanas for about an hour. Take your pampering a step further with 30% off 90-minute body and facial treatments at the award-winning Salamander Spa for total mind and body relaxation.

Dining

Harrimans Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They do have their private dining section dome. You will see the igloo shaped sections outside on the patio. For dinner, it is $150 to reserve. Fun fact: Go for breakfast and you can sit in the dome (igloo) for FREE, but make reservations for this. I ordered the Sundlun Omelet (Asparagus | Spinach | Tomato | Swiss | Breakfast Potatoes | Choice Of Toast) and a hot chocolate.

Gold Cup Wine Bar serves lunch and dinner. We had lunch there and ordered the Salamander Burger with a Spiced Pear Margarita. It was so good!

In-Room Fine Dining is always a good option because you can order food and it be delivered to your room. The menu is located on the TV.

Salamander Market is located outside of the resort and it serves happy hour, lunch, dinner, and breakfast. If you get tired of eating on the resort, then I would suggest to go here to switch it up.

Activities

Click here to check out their activities page. I would recommend the archery class and the hiking trail for activities. During COVID, I have found a new love for hiking now. It always puts me in a peaceful mindframe and it’s a good workout. The archery class was fun because I am always down to try something new. They show you how to aim and position the arrow and bow correctly.

Vineyards and Eateries in Middleburg

The resort offers FREE shuttle/car service to go into town. If you wanted to walk, It is about a 5 -7 minute walk from the resort. Middleburg is a small town that caters to tourism. It reminds me of Martha’s Vineyard. Some eateries include, Red Horse Tavern, Red Foxx Inn, Goodstone Inn, Red Bar Sushi, Thaiverse, and King Street Oyster Bar. I was more focused on the wine. Greenhill Vineyard is the most popular vineyard because of the scenery. I ordered Seyval Blanc (white wine) and crackers. They do have firepits out back and it’s not crowded if you go during the week. Mt. Defiance Cindery Barn and Distillery just renovated and it looks amazing. They had great customer service as well. I ordrered a 3 sample flight and chose Apple Brandy, Rum (white), and Amaretto Liqueur.

This staycation was much needed for the New Year! It was very different from hopping on planes and traveling abroad, but it was much needed. The resort has been very strict of COVID guidelines. You have to wear your mask at all times and they have hand sanitizing stations everywhere on the resort. Also, I have to stress this is a Black-owned resort! Let’s make sure we support our community. Moral of the story is, book that “staycation!”