Salamander Resort & Spa

Overall there were several service shortfalls such that we will probably not return. First the positives - the property is gorgeous with many things to do, the staff are pleasant and try, the lobby is a great meeting-hang out area, the suite and the room (we had both) were superb, the location is very convenient, and the Harriman's restaurant was topnotch. Now the negatives - when we pulled up mid Saturday afternoon there was no one to greet and take car/bags, in the room the phone was broken and in the suite the remote was broken, housekeeping came whenever even though I make a point of calling and saying when we are out and they can service the room, they ran out of towels at the pool, there was only one server for the whole lobby-library area such that they were overwhelmed, the concierge was not well informed about the various activities. One particular annoyance for me but others may not agree, the spa does not offer a pass so that you can use the pool, sauna etc - you have to purchase a service. Finally, the pricing - overall it is what we expect at 5 star properties. However our room and suite seemed to be a good deal whereas spa services and certain other activities were ridiculous.

This was hands down one of the best "get-aways" I've been on! It was perfect for a Mother/Daughter trip. Beautiful location, amazing spa, and fabulous food.

Everything was exquisite. Housekeeping, the atmosphere, the rooms and the service was consistent. We come back again!

The Salamander Resort and Spa, in marvelously quaint Middleburg, Virginia, is sublime, serene, and superior in every way dreamed and hoped possible! The Dynamic Duo of Managing Director Scott Little and Resort Manager Gemma Brown have teamed to lead a stellar team of hospitality professionals, collectively offering up a pristine slice of paradise — whose sole objective is to create beautiful, lifelong memories for all fortunate enough to visit! Every step you take on this perfectly kept 340-acred property echoes the dream of its co-owner, Sheila Johnson, who named the property after the mythical fire-walking salamander, because it symbolized various life challenges she overcame. Fun fact: Former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun was the original property owner, naming his farm “Salamander Farm.” A World War II bomber pilot, he was shot down over Belgium and escaped into France. The French Resistance gave him the code name “Salamander.” From the moment you enter the friendly confines, you quickly realize just how special this triple Forbes 5-Star rated resort is … beautifully designed and decorated surroundings are sculpted from a colorful palette which more than helps beckon you into a world which is very much unlike the one you left behind in exchange for a couple of joy-filled days! Gemma Brown’s staff passionately mirrors her strong, unwavering commitment to providing a first-class experience for all — including those with special needs! Our special needs adult daughter never felt so comfortable away from home than she was during our stay. (Gracie, her emotional support dog, was also pampered!) For others with special needs, I strongly suggest booking the ADA rooms on the 1st floor that offer a door that leads outdoors, allowing easy access to walk the dog, without disturbing other guests. So convenient! You’d be hard pressed to find a harder working housekeeping staff! Our room was ALWAYS clean, well-stocked, and beautifully arranged! They even helped lower my daughter’s bed so she could navigate it without out any difficulty. So responsive to any and all requests! Food? Wow! Where to begin? I certainly would not miss a meal in Harriman’s (Fun Fact: the restaurant is named in honor of another previous owner, Pamela Harriman, a diplomat and daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill.) Our server, Muhammad, was personable, humorous, kind, attentive, and worked very hard to make every meal an experience not soon to forget! My wife’s birthday meal was a 4-course offering of pure joy! Opt to eat in? In-room dinning is not your typical fare, nor is it prepared that way. My French toast should have been framed, not consumed, as it most certainly was! The Spa is beyond any adequate description—a heavenly treat that blissfully transports the body to another time and place — one where stress oozes, and serenity engulfs! Spaaaaaaaaah! Their new Champion pool? Well, wish I could spend my entire summer there … much thought and preparation obviously went into seeing this watery masterpiece a reality! So perfectly clean, manicured, and incredibly inviting! Proof that a resort can get a pool right — if you work at it, like those at Salamander obviously have. Kudos to Salamander’s magnanimous Managing Director Scott Little, the joyful Resort Manager Gemma Brown, and visionary founder Sheila Johnson! The Salamander Resort and Spa will offer you the vacation escape that you will never forget! WOW! Just about sums it up.

The location was nice and serene and the bed in the room was very comfortable. We also loved our breakfast at Harriman’s. Where the resort fell short was with the activities. Yes, there are quite a few but I would have expected that somewhere before or during check-in, we would be asked if we wanted to do any additional activities. I would have also expected that we would be provided a link to activities for the duration of our stay. The experience was underwhelming.