Middleburg
Grand Virginia country estate — equestrian-forward, genuinely outdoorsy, but with the polish of a world-class luxury resort. The vibe skews sophisticated rather than stuffy, with a roaring library, fire pits, and a miniature horse named Cupcake greeting guests on weekends.
Book equestrian activities 2–4 weeks in advance — they fill fast, especially on weekends
Why It Matters
One of only five properties in the U.S. to hold separate Forbes Five-Star ratings for its hotel, restaurant, and spa simultaneously. One of the very few Black-owned luxury resorts in America, built from the ground up by Sheila Johnson on the former Harriman estate. Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond.
A 340-acre Forbes Triple Five-Star resort in Virginia's horse and wine country, about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Owned by BET co-founder Sheila C. Johnson — making it one of very few Black-owned luxury hotels in the U.S. — the property sits in the Blue Ridge foothills amid paddocks, vineyards, and old-money equestrian estates. All 168 rooms have balconies or terraces. The sheer breadth of on-site programming is what sets it apart: a 23,000-square-foot Five-Star spa, a full equestrian center with 22 stalls, a treetop zip line course, and the one-acre Champions Pool are all yours without leaving the grounds.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Blue Ribbon Suite
Corner suite with a secluded countryside view of the Virginia landscape. Stone balcony or terrace with outdoor seating, optional fireplace, and a king-sized bed. The corner positioning makes it one of the more private suite options.
King
Dressage Suite
Scenic views of the Grand Lawn with a stone balcony or terrace and outdoor seating. Optional fireplace. Stylish bedroom with a king-sized bed and elegant equestrian-inspired appointments.
King
Estate King or Double Queen
Extraordinarily spacious guestroom opening onto a stone balcony with outdoor seating. Features elegant décor with a King bed or two Queen beds. All rooms include 100% Supima cotton linens, Nespresso, Bluetooth speaker, in-room safe, and thick terrycloth bathrobes.
King or Double Queen
Estate King or Double Queen with Fireplace
Same spacious layout as the Estate rooms, upgraded with a working fireplace. Stone balcony with outdoor seating, elegant décor.
King or Double Queen
Grand Prix Suite
Spectacular Virginia countryside views from a stone balcony or terrace. Features a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, one-and-a-half bathrooms, with the master including a pedestal tub, experiential shower with body sprays, and dual marble vanities.
King
Owner's Suite
The resort's flagship suite, personally curated by founder Sheila C. Johnson with items from her personal collection — ranked by Elite Traveler as one of the world's top 101 suites. Sweeping Grand Lawn views, separate living and dining areas, oversized whirlpool tub, experiential shower with body sprays, dual vanities, two working fireplaces, and state-of-the-art A/V equipment. Truly residential in feel.
King
Terrace King or Double Queen
Opens out onto a large stone semi-private terrace with outdoor seating, featuring scenic resort or Grand Lawn views. Extraordinarily spacious with elegant décor. Dog-friendly options available.
King or Double QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
45-minute strenuous guided hike deep into resort trails. Prepare to work up a sweat. $25/person.
45-minute moderate-pace guided hike focused on learning about the resort, Middleburg, and the countryside. Ages 12+. Complimentary.
45-minute beginner-to-intermediate archery class covering fundamentals, marksmanship, and safety. Ages 8+. 'Zombie Archery' variant ($65) adds zombie targets for extra fun.
Guided axe throwing session with multiple throwing technique instruction, followed by a friendly competition. Ages 18+.
Off-site activity about 40 minutes from the resort. Available year-round (weather permitting). Two-person minimum. Ages 12+.
An evening zip line experience offered on select dates — glide through the canopy under the night sky. Ages 7+.
A guided zip line experience through the treetop canopy spanning 20 acres and more than half a mile. Features 5 zip lines ranging from 275' to 675' and 2 suspension bridges. Led by trained professionals. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance.
Full basketball court located next to the Putting Green and Tennis Courts. Equipment pickup at the Fitness Center; first-come, first-served. Complimentary. Youth basketball lessons available: $35/person, 30 minutes.
Court rental $25/court including paddles and balls. Private 30-minute lessons available for $35/person.
60-minute private lesson or hit lesson with a certified instructor from Blue Chip Tennis Academy on courts overlooking the woods. $125/person.
Guided outdoor program for children ages 4–10. Activities include outdoor exploration, scavenger hunts, and educational programming. Half day (9 AM–1 PM or 12–4 PM): $99/child. Full day: $149/child. Resort guests only; advance reservations required.
A one-acre outdoor heated multi-tiered pool holding approximately 145,000 gallons of purified water, integrated into the surrounding woodlands. Private cabanas available for rent. Open to resort guests.
Located within the Fitness Center, open daily. Adult lap swim 7:00–8:30 AM daily. Water aerobics Mon & Wed 8:30–9:30 AM; Water Yoga Tue & Thu 8:30–9:30 AM. Children welcome with parental supervision.
Guided one-hour ride through wooded trails at a walking pace on gentle trail horses. Ages 10+, weight limit 220 lbs. Weather permitting.
One of the finest equestrian facilities in the country: 25 dedicated acres, a 14,000-sq-ft stable with 22 stalls, 9 paddocks, and an outdoor riding arena with ThorTurf footing. Open daily 9 AM–3 PM. Advanced reservations of 2–4 weeks required. Overnight stabling available ($165/night per horse).
Personalized instruction aboard seasoned lesson ponies. Includes grooming, horse safety introduction, tacking, and riding in the outdoor arena. Ages 5+, weight limit 220 lbs.
Meet Cupcake, the resort's resident miniature horse. Free public meet & greet on the Grand Lawn, Fridays and Saturdays at 4:00 PM. Private Cupcake sessions also available (from $175).
Saturdays only. An immersive introduction to falconry with trained birds of prey — guests receive handling instruction and engage with free-flying hunting birds outdoors. 2-hour experience. Four-person minimum payment required. Single family or single party only.
First-come, first-served fire pits on the grounds. S'mores kits (with gourmet chocolate) available for purchase from Gold Cup Wine Bar.
Complimentary lawn games on the Grand Lawn including croquet, bocce ball, cornhole, and life-sized chess.
Exclusive access to The Club at Creighton Farms, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, arranged through the resort concierge. Additional partnerships with Bull Run Golf Club, Evergreen Country Club, and Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club.
Complimentary putting green located near the family pool and tennis courts. No reservation required.
2–4 hour private guided float on the Shenandoah River via custom raft with padded swivel seating. Kayak and canoe options available. Snacks and beverages included. For 2 guests; $25/additional guest (up to 6).
Reserve a Peloton Cycling Bike delivered to your room. $75 first night, $50 each additional night (plus tax and service charge). Must be reserved 24 hours in advance. Not available for double queen guestrooms.
One-hour personal training session in the Fitness Center. Includes health assessments, injury prevention guidance, and individualized workout programming. $100/hour.
45-minute guided meditation classes in the Fitness Center. Reduces stress and improves concentration. $20/person. Advance reservations required.
Over 20 wineries within a 30-minute radius. The concierge can arrange transportation and curate itineraries. RdV Vineyards is a notable nearby partner offering VIP access.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple meeting and event venues ranging from intimate to large group spaces. 24-hour business center available.
Complimentary WiFi in all public areas and guestrooms.
Full gourmet room service menu available. Hypoallergenic bed linens and daily newspaper delivery also on offer.
Guests may bring their own horses. $165/night per stall in a 12x12 box stall with ceiling fan, daily cleaning, hay, and turnout. Professional massage and grooming services available as add-ons.
Multiple venue spaces for weddings from intimate to grand, with dedicated planning team and catering.
State-of-the-art equipment in a naturally lit space with countryside views. Complimentary for resort guests. Movement studio for fitness classes.
Cozy on-property library with 2,500 books, stuffed leather chairs, a roaring fireplace, equestrian memorabilia, and window seats. Complimentary for all guests.
On-site billiards room for guest use.
Free self-parking in main lot. Light poles throughout lot have standard 110V (Level 1) outlets — complimentary EV charging providing ~4–5 miles of range per hour. Guest must bring their own cable.
$20 for day/event parking; $43 plus tax per night for overnight. Tesla charging stations (3 stations, 30 amps each) available via valet — Tesla vehicles only.
Select rooms are dog-friendly. Call to inquire about dog-friendly suite options specifically.
One-acre multi-tiered outdoor heated pool holding ~145,000 gallons of purified water. Integrated into the surrounding woodlands. Private cabanas available.
Located in the Fitness Center. Open daily; adult lap swim hours 7:00–8:30 AM. Water aerobics and yoga classes available.
On-site resort gift shop stocking curated merchandise, apparel, and Salamander-branded items.
Courts overlooking the resort woodlands. Private lessons available with Blue Chip Tennis Academy instructors.
Located within Salamander Spa. Manicure, pedicure, and hair styling services available.
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