Take These 10 Unforgettable Vacations In Virginia If You Feel Like Really Splurging
By Anna Strock|Published August 04, 2015
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Anna Strock
Author
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Vacations are the best, right? But sometimes, they can leave us more exhausted than before we left. That’s why every now and then, it’s nice to kick it up a notch and splurge on some world-class pampering. If you’re looking for a special escape this summer or fall, these 10 spots in Virginia provide luxury, activities, and total relaxation – all within a short drive from home. With options that range from family fun to mountain retreats to city escapes, it’s easy to find the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a place to put your feet up, relax and enjoy Virginia for awhile.
Keswick Hall and Golf Club offers a 600-acres of pristine beauty in the heart of central Virginia’s wine country. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, the resort features a golf course designed by World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye, as well tennis, 3 pools, complimentary bicycles, on-site fishing, hot air balloon tours and miles of walking, hiking and jogging trails.
The Villa Crawford, the former Italian villa-styled private estate of the Crawford family built in 1912, makes up the northern wing of the inn which features a total of 48 luxurious rooms, a full-service spa, gourmet dining and their own private wine label. With a Forbes Five Star Award, a AAA Four Diamond Award and countless other accolades, Keswick Hall provides a truly luxurious experience in a perfectly appointed location.
This world-class luxury resort, perfectly situated along the James River, offers something for everyone. Featuring a premium golf course, full spa services, a River Pool complex, game rooms, playgrounds and water sports, it’s the perfect spot for a family vacation, a romantic getaway or long weekend with friends.
Kingsmill is the only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort in historic Williamsburg, and offers luxury guest rooms, condos, cottages and vacation rentals – each with top-of-the-line amenities and access to the resort’s 4 restaurants, activities and guest services.
Truly a destination getaway, The Homestead serves up good ol’ southern elegance with luxurious accommodations, 9 dining options from gourmet to casual to in-room, a full-service spa, a 2-acre water park and pools, 2 hot springs and 45 acres to explore.
With four-season activities available, there's no wrong time to visit this mountain retreat. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating at Allegheny Springs. In the summer, take advantage of world-class golf, clay-court tennis, horseback riding, hiking and walking trails and so much more. No wonder U.S. presidents have been coming here since 1818.
This luxury resort on Virginia's history-rich Northern Neck was recently named Virginia Living's #1 Best Resort. And it's easy to see why. Featuring a luxurious inn, golf courses, tennis, a spa, water sports, local expeditions like oyster harvesting and wine tasting and a marina, The Tides is quickly becoming hotspot for family vacations and romantic retreats alike.
Situated on its own peninsula. The Tides Inn is surrounded by the Potomac River to the north, the Rappahannock River to the south and the historic Chesapeake Bay to the east. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat, a pampered getaway or a chance to explore some of Virginia's most beautiful and historic sites, The Tides Inn is the place to do it.
This beautifully appointed resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers everything a luxury resort should – a stunning lodge and suites, cottages, golfing, spa facilities and much more. In fact, Travel and Leisure ranked Primland among the "Top 50 Best Inns in the World" and #4 in the United States.
And if you’re truly looking for something different, try one of Primland’s premium treehouses. These luxurious suites are a far cry from Swiss Family Robinson with king beds, soaking tubs and panoramic views. I’ll warn you, they’re not cheap. But some things are just worth it.
Located along the Potomac River in the heart of wine country, this 550-acre resort offers luxury amenities for the whole family. With 296 guest rooms, including 14 suites with breathtaking views, Lansdowne also offers the Spa Minérale, a premium spa with 13 treatment rooms and a full-range of services.
Surrounded by lush countryside and countless vineyards, yet only miles away from D.C. sites, you can escape to nature, visit the city or simply stay put and enjoy 5 pools, golf courses, tennis courts and 4 on-site restaurants. It's easy to see why this stunning destination resort has received the the AAA Four Diamond Award every year since it opened.
While this is the only one of two non-resort accommodations on our list, it is well-desrving of its place. Built in 1895, The Jefferson is Old World elegance in the heart of Richmond and one of the finest hotels in America. Walk down the grand staircase into the sweeping halls of marble, velvet and stone and it’s all too easy to feel like the belle of the ball.
Each beautifully appointed room offers premium amenities and guest services, plus you can take advantage of 5-star gourmet dining at the LeMaire or pamper yourself with the Jefferson's famous Sunday Champagne Brunch. Best of all, the Jefferson is perfectly situated in downtown Richmond, allowing easy access to the rich history and culture of Virginia's capital.
Located only 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, Salamander Resort and Spa offers 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with full access to Virginia's horse country, wine country and some of the most beautiful views anywhere.
The resort features 168 luxurious rooms and suites with private balconies, a premium spa with 14 treatment rooms, a full-service equestrian center, tennis courts, exclusive gourmet dining, cooking classes and demonstrations in a dedicated cooking studio, a wine bar and so much more. Schedule wine tours, go site seeing or just stay put and let yourself be pampered -- at the Salamander Resort, the choice is yours.
As one of the state's most acclaimed inns, the Inn at Little Washington is as well-known for its world-class cuisine as for its luxurious accommodations. The Inn is the only other non-resort on our list, but like The Jefferson, more than deserving of recognition. The Inn's 24 guest rooms and suites feature the design of Joyce Evans, a London stage and set designer, and many of the furnishings were shipped from England and assembled on-site.
At the on-site restaurant, Chef Patrick O'Connell's offers gourmet French-inspired cuisine, that when combined with The Inn's award-winning wine cellar, makes for a dining experience that is nothing short of amazing. The Inn has been awarded the Forbe's 5-star rating for 25 years, the AAA 5-Diamond award and countless others awards and accolades. Located in Virginia's rural countryside, The Inn at Little Washington is an experience you won't want to miss.
For a getaway that’s perfect for the whole family, Great Wolf Lodge delivers year-round water park fun. Featuring water slides, splash and spraygrounds, a current river, pools and hot tubs, the water park stays at perfectly controlled 84 degrees year-round. Plus, when you get tired of the water (as if), the resort has a full array of kid-friendly attractions like arcades, theaters and mini-golf.
BUT…don't worry mom and dad. There's more than enough for you, too. Great Wolf Lodge also provides premium spa services, shopping, dining and fitness facilities. With a full-range of unique rooms and suites, including mini-log cabins, caves with bunk beds, plus whirlpools and fireplaces for the grown-ups, Great Wolf guarantees a family vacation like no other.
If these places don’t make you feel like packing your bags right now, I’m not sure what will. Yes, they are a splurge, but sometimes, it’s just worth it. Let us know about your favorite luxury getaways in Virginia. Have we left some good ones off the list? Tell us in the comments below!
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