It’s safe to say that 2020 didn’t go exactly as intended. Like so many of us, you probably had big plans to travel, which were postponed and postponed again, until eventually, they were canceled indefinitely. “Staycations” during these unprecedented times were all the rage, and while this was widely uncharted territory, we ended up making the best of it and were surprised at just how wholesome this quality family time could be without leaving the house! 

However, there is something to be said about getting a change of scenery. Every now and again, to truly revitalize your mind and soul, an escape is needed! For those who wanted a safe getaway close to home, a special place called The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA, came through as the hero that saved all those canceled vacations. 

Situated in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, The Salamander is a Five-Star Resort brimming with historical ties to the Revolutionary War and America’s premiere Horse Country.  The equestrian motif is apparent throughout the facility—integrated into the architecture and interior design, you will find remodeled stables, fancy ironwork, and memorabilia decorated throughout. If anyone knows how to balance elegant style with an equestrian-themed flair, it’s founder, Sheila Johnson, who attended The New School for Design in New York and even funded the college’s Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. 

Her dream of creating a destination spa in the Washington, DC, Metro Area took off in 2013 to include a 23,000-square-foot spa, featuring 14 treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard with a heated pool. In addition, Salamander has one of the finest equestrian facilities and programs in the country, with 25 on-site acres dedicated to riding and a 14,000-square-foot stable. You can saddle up one of their horses for a guided trail ride or bring your own to board overnight and help yourself to the property’s 340 acres of trails. 

The culinary arts also play a huge role in Salamander’s extravagance—from the rustic Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, named after the family who used to own the property, to the multi-experienced cooking studio, you will have the ultimate dining experience and an opportunity to learn how to recreate it at home. A well-appointed wine bar, a jovial billiards room, zip-lining, tennis, nature hikes, archery, and an abundance of other activities all set the tone for an adventurous and relaxing vacation close to home! 

Whether or not you have vacations planned in 2021, we hope you can make time to experience something new, even if it’s just an hour away. The Salamander saved vacations in 2020, and they’re likely to keep doing so throughout all of 2021 with their unique take on the luxury “staycation.” Who would have thought such a luxurious escape could be so close to home?