Salamander Resort & Spa

MIDDLEBURG, VA - September 3, 2013 - With a simple snip of her scissors, Sheila C. Johnson cut through the equestrian-inspired ribbon before her and consigned a decade of planning into memory.

Salamander Resort & Spa was open, and one of the most anticipated hospitality projects of recent memory had become reality.

"I am so extraordinarily thankful for everyone's patience, perseverance, and fortitude," said Johnson, the resort's owner, and Founder and CEO of

Salamander Hotels & Resorts. "In addition to its courageous traits, the salamander serves as a symbol of renewal, which is especially meaningful to me today."

The only new luxury destination resort in the United States to open in 2013, Salamander Resort & Spa features a previously unattainable collection of equestrian, spa, culinary, winery, nature and historic experiences for its visitors.

Located in the historic village of Middleburg on 340 picturesque acres in the heart of Virginia's famed horse and wine country, the resort is only 35 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport and only an hour's drive from downtown Washington, D.C.

Designed to blend into the surrounding rolling countryside and respect the traditions of Johnson's own nearby Virginia farm, which served as the architectural inspiration, Salamander Resort & Spa features 168 luxurious, spacious rooms and suites that far exceed the typical size for a luxury resort. With a full-service equestrian center and an array of programming that includes riding instruction and clinics from the area's world-class riders, Salamander Resort & Spa embraces the region's geographic culture, including jumping and polo. Just a short trot from the property's 22-stall stable, ThorTurf riding ring and nine paddocks are miles of trails on which riders can easily spend a full day. Equine enthusiast guests even have the opportunity to board their own horses.

Drawing on the inspirational venue with treatments that incorporate the surrounding area's rich bounty, the Salamander Spa features 14 spacious treatment rooms with private stone treatment terraces and fireplaces, while the locker rooms include extraordinary vitality whirlpools, aromatic steam rooms, stone Tepidarium chairs and experiential showers. Capping the spa's incredible spatial offerings is a tranquil outdoor courtyard, featuring an infinity pool, private cabanas, whirlpool, fire pit and dining café.

Salamander Resort & Spa's culinary program is overseen by a collection of stellar chefs: Culinary Director Todd Gray, Executive Chef Sean McKee, Chef de Cuisine Chris Edwards and Pastry Chef Jason Reaves. At Harrimans Grill, which features a soaring 42-foot-high ceiling and enjoys a panoramic view of the Bull Run Mountain Range, the cuisine celebrates Virginia's Piedmont region, including a robust selection of steaks, chops, fruits and vegetables. The Gold Cup Wine Bar, designed like a winery tasting room with brick floor and wood-beamed ceiling, features flites of wine from around the world and a creative menu that offers small plates inspired by the Italian Piedmont. Just a few short steps away from the kitchen is a two-acre culinary garden, while the resort also features a state-of-the-art Cooking Studio with a retractable wall affording a view into the resort's working kitchen and three video cameras.

Salamander Resort is positioned at the center of Northern Virginia's emerging wine country, commonly known as D.C.'s Wine Country. There are over 50 wineries located within a 60-minute drive and the closest is only two minutes away from the resort's front doors. Area winemakers will regularly offer tastings at the resort, while private vineyards tours can be arranged for guests, who can enjoy country picnic baskets filled with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine from the resort's kitchen. There is no shortage of other activities to relish at Salamander Resort & Spa, including nature tours of the area, falconry, an outdoor pool area for families, tennis courts, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf experience at nearby Creighton Farms Estates.

One of the driving forces behind Johnson's decision to build Salamander Resort & Spa was the relative absence of a luxurious and private meeting retreat in the greater Washington, D.C., region. Therefore, the resort features an array of facilities designed with corporate and association meetings in mind, as well as social functions and destination weddings. This includes the 5,000-square-foot Middleburg Grand Ballroom, the exquisite Hamilton Boardroom, and a variety of stone courtyards with stunning views.

The resort's design architect is WATG from Irvine, CA, while the architect of record is Architecture Inc., of Reston, VA. Project Management was provided by MGAC of Washington, D.C., while the general contractor was Turner Construction Company of Washington, D.C. Interior design inspiration was supplied by Thomas Pheasant, and interior design completion was provided by Kent Interior Design of Atlanta.

For more information about the resort, visit www.SalamanderResort.com or call 866-938-7370.

About Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Salamander Hotels & Resorts is a privately owned and operated company based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila C. Johnson in 2005, the company has a portfolio that features a collection of three stellar golf resorts including the Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Reunion Resort in Orlando and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast; and the luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, a 340-acre equestrian-inspired property near Washington, D.C. For additional information, call (540) 687-3710 or visit www.salamanderhotels.com.

Tucked away on 340 acres in Middleburg, Va. sits the latest addition to Sheila C. Johnson’s Salamander Hotels & Resorts portfolio (which includes Hammock Beach Resort, Innisbrook and Reunion Resort). It’s been a long time coming—Johnson first stepped foot on the grounds 10 years ago—but Salamander Resort & Spa is set to open its doors on Aug. 29. Surrounded by the beauty of Virginia’s Horse Country, you’d be hard pressed to find a better locale for a luxury resort with an equestrian flair. Throughout the 168-room hotel, there’s a definite equine flavor; but it’s the perfect balance between elegance and theme. And if anyone knows how to craft a classy horse retreat, it’s Sheila C. Johnson, who serves on the board of governors of Parsons The New School for Design in New York and even funded the college’s Sheila C. Johnson Design Center.

Prefer to combine a little music with luxury? Check out our blog for three hotels that host fantastic summer concerts.


Salamander Resort & Spa, photo courtesy Salamander Resort & Spa

It began with her desire to create a destination spa in the Washington, D.C. region—something that the area has been lacking. Salamander Resort & Spa is a quick (and beautiful) hour drive from the nation’s capital, offering the opportunity to make it a day trip or experience the lavish accommodations by staying overnight. The Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker envisioned her newest property as an iconic respite with a focus on two important parts of her life: her daughter Paige’s love of horses and wellness—with a hefty dose of luxury, of course.

As for the design of the resort, Johnson pulled inspiration from her own home just a few miles down the road. A walk around the resort will unveil striking similarities (for example, the spa courtyard looks a lot like Johnson’s own pool terrace). When you drive down the tree-lined driveway, it feels as if you’re arriving at an old Virginia manor—thanks to the oversized porte-cochère, slate walkways, brick façade, and the steeple on top. In fact, aside from the part that the building is no more than six years old, nothing about the resort shouts “brand new,” which is something Johnson strives for here. Step inside and rather than walking into a traditional lobby, you’ll enter a welcoming living room that appears to be generations old (another aspect that’s completely on purpose).

It’s hard to comprehend how much thought is put into a property such as Salamander Resort & Spa, but a closer look at various parts reveals a lot. For instance, in the living room, the wide-planked oak flooring was deliberately spaced to seem as if it had expanded and contracted over time, and there are quoins underneath the boards to allow for a bit of bounce that you’d find in worn wood floors. Two massive stone fireplaces stand guard on either side of the living room; so beautifully finished that you may be tricked into believing they were imported from an old French mansion—yes, those are new, too.

But not everything on property is brand new: A 150-year-old stallion barn has been converted into a private dining room that’s large enough for 24 guests, and all of the books in the resort’s library were purchased from the Middleburg Library, meaning that locals have been checking out these tomes for years. The small historic town was part of President John F. Kennedy’s Camelot, and Jackie O. would ride horses on the land where Salamander Resort & Spa now stands. While historic aspects are part of what makes the resort so interesting, it’s the way the culture and surrounding environment has been woven throughout that really makes it unique.


Guest room at Salamander Resort & Spa, photo courtesy Salamander Resort & Spa

The four levels of guest rooms are broken down by seasonal theme with fall being on the top floor, offering the best views of the area’s vibrant foliage come October. Aside from the different color schemes, each floor is decorated with photographs taken by none other than Johnson herself of various horse scenes and landscapes corresponding to the season. Taking advantage of the beautiful environment, each of the 168 rooms boasts a furnished balcony (complete with a horse cutout in the ironwork), and 50 percent have working fireplaces.

The 17 suites are named after some of Johnson’s daughter’s favorite horses, while room categories are equestrian themed—think Dressage and Blue Ribbon. But for a real taste of luxury and a deeper look into Johnson’s life, book the 1,680-square-foot Owner’s Suite that’s outfitted with various antiques and collectables from her personal art and furniture collection.

The equine characteristics and exclusive touches continue into the inspiration for this luxury destination resort: wellness, in the form of a 23,000-square-foot spa that’s open to both hotel guests and the public. When you head into the locker room, you’ll walk through an octagonal space, reminiscent of a barn’s frame. The embrace of the surrounding areas is certainly present in the spa, as well; many of the treatment rooms have private terraces—yes, you can have your massage outside if the weather cooperates—and some even boast fireplaces. Spa guests can live the lavish life outdoors by the infinity-edge pool, which as we mentioned before is strikingly similar to Johnson’s personal pool terrace. The tranquil area is lined with cabanas beneath a wooden trellis; it’s sure to attract many leisure seekers.


Salamander Resort & Spa, photo courtesy Salamander Resort & Spa

While the horse motif is apparent throughout the resort, the most equestrian space is Harrimans, Salamander Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant. Named after the family who used to own the property, Ambassadors Averell and Pamela Harriman, the Virginia Piedmont-inspired eatery is modeled after the Harriman’s former barn—notice the octagonal shape of the dining room, the stable-like ironwork atop the banquettes and the tack room-esque private dining room that’s adorned with a handful of Johnson’s daughter’s equestrian trophies and other memorabilia. In addition to flaunting the most equine décor, Harrimans may just have the best view on-site: a 220-degree vista of the property, with the stable on one side and the 100,000-square-foot Grand Lawn on the other.

Cuisine will play a large part in the overall experience of a stay at Salamander Resort & Spa; not only is Harrimans regionally influenced, but chef Todd Gray (of Equinox in Washington, D.C.) plans to use plenty of ingredients from the culinary garden just outside of the restaurant. Next door to Harrimans sits the state-of-the-art cooking studio that will host classes—which by the way can be streamed to guest room televisions if you can’t get out of bed—and incorporate a visiting chef program. We have a good feeling this lineup will be pretty stellar, though nothing is set in stone yet.

Juxtaposing the newness of the cooking studio is the classic Gold Cup Wine Bar (a nod to the famous equestrian event), where visitors will be able to take advantage of the resort’s Virginia vintners program. Weekly sessions with partner wineries (think Barrel Oak Winery and RdV Vineyards) allow budding oenophiles to learn a thing or two about the up-and-coming Virginia Wine Country by chatting with the winemakers and sipping vino. The brick floor—5,500 pounds to be exact—is strategically chipped to look as if it has been there for years, and the bar has metal plates engraved with the partner wineries’ logos. Topping off the Virginia theme is the mural of Loudon County (where the resort is located) highlighting the various vineyards throughout the region that was painted by local artist Tom Neel.


Salamander Resort & Spa's 22-stall stable, photo courtesy Salamander Resort & Spa

It’s all about leisure at Salamander Resort & Spa. Guests can partake in all kinds of activities, both indoors and out. If a culinary class isn’t appealing, perhaps a game of billiards is—between the cooking studio and Gold Cup Wine Bar sits the billiards room, which looks as if it could be part of an old mansion (just like everything else on property). With so many surrounding acres, including 200 that have not been cleared, there’s an endless amount of fun to be had in the great outdoors. Venture down to the 22-stall horse barn—don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own stallion along, though you certainly can—and set out on a guided horseback ride through the miles and miles of trails. Active travelers can work up a sweat on the tennis courts, then cool off in the resort pool, while bocce ball offers a calmer form of entertainment.

Many things are still in the works, but that only gives us more to look forward to: A treetop canopy tour (we’re talking aerial walkways and viewing platforms) will be completed in the fall, adding yet another way to enjoy the beautiful environment. And the spa plans to take advantage of the trees in a similar, yet much more relaxing, way; Salamander Resort & Spa plans to debut its tree-house treatment rooms in spring 2014. So while much of what we’ve been waiting for will finally be presented on Aug. 29, the luxury resort continues to add more, giving its guests a best-in-show experience.

August 5, 2013
As workers scurry to prepare for the August 29 opening of Salamander Resort & Spa. founder/CEO Sheila C. Johnson previewed her long-anticipated, luxurious resort.

On a winding half-mile driveway outside the storied village of Middleburg, Virginia, America’s newest destination spa is preparing for its first guests.
One of the most eagerly-anticipated hospitality projects in recent memory, the luxurious property features a previously unattainable collection of equestrian, spa, culinary, winery, nature and historic experiences, and is the only new luxury destination resort in the United States opening in 2013.

A decade in the making, the resort is located on 340 picturesque acres in the heart of Virginia’s famed horse and wine country, 35 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, an hour’s drive from downtown Washington, D.C.

Previewing the newly-built structures, Sheila C. Johnson said Salamander Resort was designed to blend into the surrounding countryside and respect traditions of Virginia hunt country. Johnson’s nearby farm served as architectural inspiration for the main lodge, which features 168 rooms and suites originally fashioned by renowned designer Thomas Pheasant.

Throughout the property, a residential theme blends seamlessly with techniques that create the impression the building has evolved over the course of centuries.
The style is eminently prominent in the resort’s Living Room, which is the first space you enter. Featuring two grand fireplaces, intimate groupings of furniture and wide, distressed oak-planked flooring, the room opens onto a large stone terrace and a sweeping Grand Lawn.

Guestrooms and suites reflect the quality details found in a fine Virginia estate: 10-foot ceilings, canopy bed, sitting area with corner sofa, a round dining table for two, executive writing desk, and a 40-inch flat-panel, high-definition television. Many rooms include a working fireplace, while all feature a balcony or terrace. The bath area offers a large marble shower with body jets, pedestal soaking tub, stone and metal vanity stand with dual sinks, enclosed water closet, and a flat-screen television.

Each of the four floors is themed by season: summer, spring, winter, and fall. On the walls, photographs taken by Johnson reflect the corresponding time of the year. The resort’s 17 suites are highlighted by the 2,000-square-foot Owner’s Suite, with antiques and collectables from Johnson’s personal art and furniture collection.

The Salamander Spa features 14 spacious treatment rooms with private stone terraces for al fresco treatments, while the locker rooms include extraordinary whirlpools, steam rooms, heated stone loungers, and experiential showers. There is also a Couples Suite with private patio and hot tub. Capping the spa’s design is a tranquil outdoor courtyard with infinity-edge swimming pool, private cabanas, whirlpool, fire pit, and dining café. Workouts in the sun-lit fitness facility include an indoor pool, cardio and weight equipment, and movement studios for yoga, tai chi, and other classes.

Finishing touches at the spa salon include hair styling, makeup, manicures and pedicures.

“From the moment I stepped foot on this serene land 10 years ago, I fell in love with it and envisaged creating an iconic retreat – one where guests would enjoy life-changing experiences complemented with exceptional service,” said Johnson, whose vision and unfailing persistence has endured. “As the resort approaches completion, I am extraordinarily proud of what we have created. It will be a gathering point for the community, a political retreat for Washington, D.C., and an exciting new destination for travelers from all over the world.”

For a spa menu, visit www.salamanderresort.com or call 866-938-7370.

Salamander Resort & Spa, Virginia
Set on 340 acres of land amid Virginia’s horse country and vineyards, Salamander Resort & Spa is a a 30-minute drive from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport and an hour from the nation’s capital, Salamander Resort & Spa is a 168-room resort. It features a spa with private courtyard and infinity pool, a restaurant overseen by chef Todd Gray, a cooking studio, wine bar and numerous conference and event facilities. It opens on August 29.
www.salamanderhospitality.com
Picture: Salamander Resort

Sheila Johnson speaks about the opening of Salamander Resort and Spa

by Jasmine Armstrong on 4:01 pm in Home, Show Guests

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WASHINGTON, DC (JCHayward.com)— Founder of BET, CEO of Salamander Hospitality, and owner of Salamander Resort, Sheila Johnson came to visit WUSA9 News today to talk about the opening of her resort on August 29th. Salamander Resort and Spa is an 11-year-project that is finally coming into fruition in Middleburg, Va. This luxurious resort has 168 rooms and suites, televisions in every bedroom and bath, 14 deluxe treatment rooms, an equestrian area with 22 horses, Virginia Piedmont-inspired dining and so much more!

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Owned by Sheila C. Johnson, long-anticipated, luxurious resort in the storied village of Middleburg is newest addition to Virginia's fabled horse and wine country.

Salamander Resort & Spa, one of the most eagerly-anticipated hospitality projects in recent memory, will open on August 29, 2013, in the storied village of Middleburg, Virginia.

Owned by Sheila C. Johnson, Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxurious property features a previously unattainable collection of equestrian, spa, culinary, winery, nature and historic experiences, and is the only new luxury destination resort in the United States opening in 2013.
A decade in the making and located on 340 picturesque acres in the heart of Virginia’s famed horse and wine country, the resort is only 35 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, while there are private airports in the nearby towns of Leesburg and Winchester. Historic Middleburg is also only an hour's drive from downtown Washington, D.C.

Designed to blend into the surrounding rolling countryside and respect the traditions of Johnson’s own nearby Virginia farm, which served as the architectural inspiration, Salamander Resort & Spa features 168 luxurious, spacious rooms and suites originally fashioned by renowned designer Thomas Pheasant.
Throughout the property, which is characteristic of the horse country, a residential theme blends seamlessly with techniques that create the impression the building has evolved over the course of centuries. This style is eminently prominent in the resort’s Living Room, which is the first space a guest encounters upon entering. Featuring two grand fireplaces, intimate groupings of furniture and wide, distressed oak-planked flooring, the room opens onto a large stone terrace and a sweeping Grand Lawn.

“From the moment I stepped foot on this serene land 10 years ago, I fell in love with it and envisaged creating an iconic retreat – one where guests would enjoy life-changing experiences complemented with exceptional service,” said Johnson, whose vision and unfailing persistence has endured. “As the resort approaches completion, I am extraordinarily proud of what we have created. It will serve several purposes to many, including a gathering point for the community, a political retreat for Washington, D.C., and an exciting new destination for travelers from all over the world.”

In 2005, Johnson founded Salamander Hotels & Resorts to manage the development of the project. The company, which includes numerous hospitality executives who have opened Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated properties, now also operates Innisbrook, Reunion and Hammock Beach resorts in Florida. Well known as one of America’s top entrepreneurs and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), she is a partner and vice chair of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

Just over 50 years ago, Middleburg captured the nation’s attention. Despite already serving as the nation’s unofficial equestrian capital and playing prominent roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, when then-President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy began spending their White House weekends in the village, the world’s media watched – then followed. An avid equestrian, Jackie would spend hours riding – including on the Salamander property – while the President even held press conferences in the village. Today, Middleburg still remains a one-stoplight-village which espouses the equestrian lifestyle with quaint stores, beautiful galleries and historic sites. And now, at the end of a winding, half-mile driveway, awaits one of the world’s finest new resorts – one which will open its restaurants, spa and an array of recreational activities to members of the community, is registered for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and has 200 of acres into a conservation easement.

Salamander Resort and Spa’s luxurious guestrooms and suites reflect the quality details found in a fine Virginia estate and, measuring 545-575 square feet with 10-foot ceilings, they far exceed the typical size for a luxury resort guestroom. Features includes a unique adaptation of the traditional canopy bed, a sitting area which features a full-sized corner sofa, a round dining table for two, executive writing desk and a 40-inch flat-panel, high-definition television. Many include a working fireplace, while all feature and gracious balcony or terraces. The bath area offers a large marble shower with body jets, pedestal soaking tub, stone and metal vanity stand with dual sinks, enclosed water closet and a flat-screen television. Each of the four floors is themed by season: summer, spring, winter and fall, and the guestrooms and guest hallways feature photography taken by Johnson reflecting the corresponding time of the year. The resort’s 17 suites are highlighted by the 2,000-square-foot Owner’s Suite, which features numerous antiques and collectables from Johnson’s personal art and furniture collection.

With a full-service equestrian center and an array of programming that includes riding instruction and clinics from the area’s world-class riders, Salamander Resort & Spa embraces the region’s geographic culture, including jumping and polo. Just a short trot from the property’s 22-stall stable and riding ring are miles of trails on which riders can easily spend a full day. Equine enthusiast guests even have the opportunity to board their own horses. Using the resort as a base, there are endless ways to experience Virginia’s Horse Country – from attending steeplechase races headlined by the Virginia Gold Cup to world-class show jumping events like the Upperville Horse Show.

Driving Johnson’s original vision was the opportunity to create the Washington, D.C. region’s first world-class destination spa, a special retreat that embodied her passions for uncompromised quality, creative design and a healthy lifestyle. And, she succeeded, creating a unique wellness program in a setting of luxurious elegance. Drawing on the inspirational venue with treatments that incorporate the surrounding area’s rich bounty, the Salamander Spa features 14 spacious treatment rooms with private stone treatment terraces and fireplaces, while the locker rooms include extraordinary whirlpools, steam rooms, heated stone loungers and experiential showers. There is also an innovative detoxification Rhassoul wet treatment and a spectacular Couples Suite with private patio and hot tub. Capping the spa’s incredible spatial offerings is a tranquil outdoor courtyard, featuring an infinity pool, private cabanas, whirlpool, fire pit and dining café. The Salamander Spa also features a luxurious salon for hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures, as well as a sun-lit fitness facility with indoor pool, cardio and weight room and movement studios for yoga, tai chi and other classes.

Salamander Resort & Spa’s culinary program is overseen by award-winning Chef Todd Gray of the acclaimed Equinox restaurant in Washington, D.C., who has identified a defined synergy between his classical training in Italy’s Piedmont region and his upbringing in the Virginia Piedmont, where the resort is located. At Harrimans Grill, which features a soaring 42-foot-high ceiling and enjoys a panoramic view of the Bull Run Mountain Range, the cuisine celebrates Virginia’s Piedmont region, including a robust selection of steaks, chops, fruits and vegetables. The Gold Cup Wine Bar, designed like a winery tasting room with brick floor and wood-beamed ceiling, features flites of wine from around the world and a creative menu that offers small plates inspired by the Italian Piedmont. A forefather of the farm-to-table movement, Chef Gray was instrumental in the creation of a two-acre culinary garden, just steps from the resort’s kitchen, where much of the produce will be picked and many of the daily cooking classes will begin. Those classes culminate in a state-of-the-art Cooking Studio, which features a retractable wall affording a view into the resort’s working kitchen. The studio will also host the resort’s exclusive visiting chef program.

Salamander Resort is positioned at the center of Northern Virginia’s emerging wine country – commonly known as D.C.’s Wine Country – and there are over 50 wineries located within a 60-minute drive. The closest vineyard is only two minutes away from the resort’s front doors, and the area’s topography and award-winning varietals have prompted favorable comparisons with California’s noted wine regions. The area’s winemakers will regularly offer tastings at the resort, while private vineyards tours can be arranged for guests, who can enjoy country picnic baskets filled with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine from the resort’s kitchen.

There is no shortage of other activities to relish at Salamander Resort & Spa, including an ecologically oriented tree top canopy tour that includes aerial walkways and intermediate viewing platforms. The resort also offers nature tours of the area, falconry, an outdoor pool area for families, tennis courts, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf experience at nearby Creighton Farms Estates. For history buffs, a short drive from Middleburg are numerous other visitor attractions including Civil War battlefields, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway. Perfect for day trips are the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Trail and the Shenandoah National Park.

One of the driving forces behind Johnson’s decision to build Salamander Resort & Spa was the relative absence of a luxurious and private meeting retreat in the greater Washington, D.C., region. Therefore, the resort features an array of facilities designed with corporate and association meetings in mind, as well as social functions

Driving into the courtyard of the Salamander Resort and Spa, it's hard to tell the state-of-the-art facility houses 168 rooms on the property.

Spread across 340 acres in picturesque Middleburg, the resort stands above the town like a majestic castle.

Nothing in the resort screams brand new, a vision of its owner Sheila Johnson.

Walking through the large, predominantly glass doors, the walls look to be a high class marble. Upon closer inspection, the walls are not in fact stone at all, but a custom paint job using rough style paints.

Through the next set of doors is an experience of warm, comfort living, not a boring hotel room lobby.

The grand foyer or living room resembles not a resort or hotel atmosphere, but the experience of a mountain cottage or the coziness of a vintage bed and breakfast.

The floors don't resemble a new varnished, shiny wood, but a worn wide-planked oak.

Keeping with the vintage feeling, the floor was installed with a sleeper system, which allows the floors to give under weight and provides a mirage of creaking wood.

Moving into the adjacent wine bar and passing by one of two stone fireplaces, visitors move onto a brick surface. The bricks again follows the vintage feel with chips gone from each brick, providing a used look.

On the wall is a large map of Loudoun County wine country highlighting the many vineyards in the area.

It has been nearly 10 years since the Salamander Resort and Spa was first proposed and in just six weeks, the dream resort of Johnson will be a reality.

“The last thing to come in is going to be the furniture and artwork and that is really going to set things off and give the room its character,” Prem Devadas, president of the Salamander Hospitality Group said during a recent tour. “The artwork here has been commissioned by dozens of Virginia painters and it is really going to be a gallery of art paying homage to the equestrian world.”

Littered throughout the enormous facility are little details found by Johnson from all parts of the world. For instance, the entrance courtyard will have large Italian flower pots.
Unlike many exclusive and private resorts, all amenities in the hotel, including the spa, are available to the community as well as hotel guests.

Expertly designed, the resort features rooms and suites inspired by the renowned designer Thomas Pheasant, which will contain a lavish 23,000-square-foot spa, a full-service equestrian center with a 22-stall stable, 12,000 square feet of conference space and a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom.

Salamander Resort and Spa will be the only new luxury destination resort to open in the United States in 2013.

Final preparations

Final preparations are in full swing at the resort as wood trim, paint and much more are arriving.

In the grand restaurant, wood dividers and equestrian-based trim are under installation.

In the residential side of the resort, crews are hard at work preparing each room for paint and furniture.

Daily shipments of chandeliers, carpet and other details are common place during this busy time at the resort.

Entering the property and just before reaching the vast courtyard, machinery is at work developing the small putting and chipping green available for guests.

Another necessity currently being dealt with is the appointment of major management positions and the hiring of all necessary staff to run the daily operations.

Trey Matheu was recently named general manager of the resort. Matheu comes to the Salamander executive team after spending six years as the general manager of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pa.

Penny Kriel was also named as the inaugural spa director after spending the last seven years as the spa director at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C.

The next stage of preparations is hiring 225 employees to work the day-to-day operations.

“We are still searching for every position in the resort ranging from servers to guest services agents to spa therapists. Most of our spa positions have been filled because we have seen such a huge interest, but there are still some positions available,” resort president Devadas said. “We have had two career fairs and there will be one more in Purcellville. All of our employees will go through seven intensive days of training leading up to the opening.”

With a full-service equestrian center and an array of programming that includes riding instruction and clinics from the area’s world-class riders, Salamander Resort & Spa embraces the region’s geographic culture, including jumping and polo. Just a short trot from the property’s 22-stall stable and riding ring are miles of trails on which riders can easily spend a full day. Equine enthusiast guests even have the opportunity to board their own horses. Using the resort as a base, there are endless ways to experience Virginia’s Horse Country – from attending steeplechase races headlined by the Virginia Gold Cup to world-class show jumping events like the Upperville Horse Show.
Just over 50 years ago, Middleburg captured the nation’s attention. Despite already serving as the nation’s unofficial equestrian capital and playing prominent roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, when then-President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy began spending their White House weekends in the village, the world’s media watched – then followed. An avid equestrian, Jackie would spend hours riding – including on the Salamander property – while the President even held press conferences in the village. Today, Middleburg still remains a one-stoplight-village, which espouses the equestrian lifestyle with quaint stores, beautiful galleries and historic sites. And now, at the end of a winding, half-mile driveway, awaits one of the world’s finest new resorts – one which will open its restaurants, spa and an array of recreational activities to members of the community, is registered for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and has 200 of acres into a conservation easement.
“From the moment I stepped foot on this serene land 10 years ago, I fell in love with it and envisaged creating an iconic retreat – one where guests would enjoy life-changing experiences complemented with exceptional service,” said Johnson, whose vision and unfailing persistence has endured. “As the resort approaches completion, I am extraordinarily proud of what we have created. It will serve several purposes to many, including a gathering point for the community, a political retreat for Washington, D.C., and an exciting new destination for travelers from all over the world.”
Designed to blend into the surrounding rolling countryside and respect the traditions of Johnson’s own nearby Virginia farm, which served as the architectural inspiration, Salamander Resort & Spa features 168 luxurious, spacious rooms and suites originally fashioned by renowned designer Thomas Pheasant. Throughout the property, which is characteristic of the horse country, a residential theme blends seamlessly with techniques that create the impression the building has evolved over the course of centuries. This style is eminently prominent in the resort’s Living Room, which is the first space a guest encounters upon entering. Featuring two grand fireplaces, intimate groupings of furniture and wide, distressed oak-planked flooring, the room opens onto a large stone terrace and a sweeping Grand Lawn.
Salamander Resort and Spa’s luxurious guestrooms and suites reflect the quality details found in a fine Virginia estate and, measuring 545-575 square feet with 10-foot ceilings, they far exceed the typical size for a luxury resort guestroom. Features includes a unique adaptation of the traditional canopy bed, a sitting area which features a full-sized corner sofa, a round dining table for two, executive writing desk and a 40-inch flat-panel, high-definition television. Many include a working fireplace, while all feature and gracious balcony or terraces. The bath area offers a large marble shower with body jets, pedestal soaking tub, stone and metal vanity stand with dual sinks, enclosed water closet and a flat-screen television. Each of the four floors is themed by season: summer, spring, winter and fall, and the guestrooms and guest hallways feature photography taken by Johnson reflecting the corresponding time of the year. The resort’s 17 suites are highlighted by the 2,000-square-foot Owner’s Suite, which features numerous antiques and collectables from Johnson’s personal art and furniture collection.
In 2005, Johnson founded Salamander Hotels & Resorts to manage the development of the project. The company, which includes numerous hospitality executives who have opened Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated properties, now also operates Innisbrook, Reunion and Hammock Beach resorts in Florida. Well known as one of America’s top entrepreneurs and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), she is a partner and vice chair of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
Driving Johnson’s original vision was the opportunity to create the Washington, D.C. region’s first world-class destination spa, a special retreat that embodied her passions for uncompromised quality, creative design and a healthy lifestyle. And, she succeeded, creating a unique wellness program in a setting of luxurious elegance. Drawing on the inspirational venue with treatments that incorporate the surrounding area’s rich bounty, the Salamander Spa features 14 spacious treatment rooms with private stone treatment terraces and fireplaces, while the locker rooms include extraordinary whirlpools, steam rooms, heated stone loungers and experiential showers. There is also an innovative detoxification Rhassoul wet treatment and a spectacular Couples Suite with private patio and hot tub. Capping the spa’s incredible spatial offerings is a tranquil outdoor courtyard, featuring an infinity pool, private cabanas, whirlpool, fire pit and dining café. The Salamander Spa also features a luxurious salon for hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures, as well as a sun-lit fitness facility with indoor pool, cardio and weight room and movement studios for yoga, tai chi and other classes.
Salamander Resort & Spa’s culinary program is overseen by award-winning Chef Todd Gray of the acclaimed Equinox restaurant in Washington, D.C., who has identified a defined synergy between his classical training in Italy’s Piedmont region and his upbringing in the Virginia Piedmont, where the resort is located. At Harrimans Grill, which features a soaring 42-foot-high ceiling and enjoys a panoramic view of the Bull Run Mountain Range, the cuisine celebrates Virginia’s Piedmont region, including a robust selection of steaks, chops, fruits and vegetables. The Gold Cup Wine Bar, designed like a winery tasting room with brick floor and wood-beamed ceiling, features flites of wine from around the world and a creative menu that offers small plates inspired by the Italian Piedmont. A forefather of the farm-to-table movement, Chef Gray was instrumental in the creation of a two-acre culinary garden, just steps from the resort’s kitchen, where much of the produce will be picked and many of the daily cooking classes will begin. Those classes culminate in a state-of-the-art Cooking Studio, which features a retractable wall affording a view into the resort’s working kitchen. The studio will also host the resort’s exclusive visiting chef program.
Salamander Resort is positioned at the center of Northern Virginia’s emerging wine country – commonly known as D.C.’s Wine Country – and there are over 50 wineries located within a 60-minute drive. The closest vineyard is only two minutes away from the resort’s front doors, and the area’s topography and award-winning varietals have prompted favorable comparisons with California’s noted wine regions. The area’s winemakers will regularly offer tastings at the resort, while private vineyards tours can be arranged for guests, who can enjoy country picnic baskets filled with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine from the resort’s kitchen.
There is no shortage of other activities to relish at Salamander Resort & Spa, including an ecologically oriented tree top canopy tour that includes aerial walkways and intermediate viewing platforms. The resort also offers nature tours of the area, falconry, an outdoor pool area for families, tennis courts, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf experience at nearby Creighton Farms Estates. For history buffs, a short drive from Middleburg are numerous other visitor attractions including Civil War battlefields, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway. Perfect for day trips are the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Trail and the Shenandoah National Park.
One of the driving forces behind Johnson’s decision to build Salamander Resort & Spa was the relative absence of a luxurious and private meeting retreat in the greater Washington, D.C., region. Therefore, the resort features an array of facilities designed with corporate and association meetings in mind, as well as social functions and destination weddings. This includes the 5,000-square-foot Middleburg Grand Ballroom, the exquisite Hamilton Boardroom, a restored century-old Stallion Barn and variety of stone courtyards with stunning views.
“Salamander Resort & Spa may be in one of the most exclusive locations in the country, but its access from major cities around the world is unparalleled,” said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. “In addition to the close proximity to Dulles, it is only 60 minutes from Reagan National Airport and 90 minutes from Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The resort’s geography, facilities and setting complement each other beautifully, and there is now an exciting new option for meeting or wedding planners seeking a one-of-kind, undiscovered destination.”
Salamander Resort & Spa is offering a Revive, Ride & Dine opening package. Guests who book between August 29 and December 5, 2013 will receive a $100 resort credit per night that may be used for spa, equestrian program

Salamander Resort & Spa Plans August Opening

By Andrea Doyle
June 3, 2013

Salamander Resort & Spa is set to open this August in the heart of Virginia wine and horse country, in the quaint 18th century village of Middleburg.

Set on 340 acres of farmland, the brand new luxury resort will include 168 guest rooms and suites; a culinary program led by Chef Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant in Washington, D.C., including two restaurants, a wine bar, a cooking studio and a two-acre culinary garden; a spa with 14 treatment rooms and a couples suite; and an array of activities, including an onsite equestrian program that will include a 22-stall barn, practice ring, riding trails and instructional classes. Additionally, the property will boast tennis courts and an outdoor pool complex, and guests will have privileges at the nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Plus, 50 wineries are within an hour’s drive, as are opportunities for whitewater rafting, sporting clays and raceway spectating.

Salamander Resort is the ideal destination for a destination meeting or event. The property features a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as more intimate settings, including an 1,800-square-foot junior ballroom, executive boardrooms and breakout rooms, hospitality suites and a 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite with an entertainment balcony. The Equestrian Barn event room, the Stallion Barn, a 100-plus-year-old stone building adjacent to the Grand Lawn and the Cooking Studio all can be reserved by groups for private events.

By JEFFREY PODOLSKY

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA is an unlikely power hub. But when Sheila Johnson established a base of operations there on a 200-acre horse farm, she created an entire industry fueled by her own pursuits—in a countryside best known for fox hunts.
A Day With Sheila Johnson


As cofounder of BET (launched in 1980 with her then-husband, Robert; they divorced in 2002 after selling the first African-American cable network to Viacom for $3 billion), Johnson helped shape its programming, producing an Emmy-winning show that targeted teens with motivational messages. "We saw an opportunity to give African-Americans a voice," she says. Today, her portfolio encompasses sports organizations (she is the only African-American woman to hold a stake in three professional teams: the NBA Wizards, WNBA Mystics and NHL Capitals); luxury resorts owned by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, including the top-ranked Innisbrook Golf Resort and Spa near Tampa; private jets (ProJet Aviation); and a line of scarves.

Although she's always supported women's athletics, her investment in sports was meant to create exposure for the Salamander brand, which she takes canny measures to promote. An airport in Leesburg, Virginia—housing ProJet planes for charter—conveniently allows jet-setting guests access to the Salamander Resort & Spa, opening this August. And as a longtime movie lover—she produced Kicking It, a documentary about the Homeless World Cup soccer game, as well as this fall's feature The Butler, a star-studded historical drama set in the White House—Johnson will host the first Middleburg Film Festival in October, another draw for visitors.

When Johnson—a no-nonsense, 5-foot-1 mother of two adult children, remarried to the circuit court judge who presided over her divorce—recently took up golf, she discovered that most private courses were closed to her. So she bought one, and became a member of the U.S. Golf Association's executive committee. Now Innisbrook is the only top-ranked course in the country with an African-American pro. "I never had access to golf until I owned a resort," she says. "You have to diversify to grow. I'm not afraid to take risks and fail."

Corrections & Amplifications
Sheila Johnson's husband is a circuit court judge. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said he is a federal judge.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323716304578479450637825178.html#ixzz2VHCqU5NN

Sneak peek at Sheila Johnson’s new resort set to open in August
April 05, 2013 8:50 AM

By Paula C. Squires

News Just a few minutes away from Middleburg’s main drag on West Washington Street, one of the newest luxury resorts in the U.S. is taking shape. Sheila Johnson’s $100 million plus, 168-room Salamander Resort & Spa in on schedule to open Aug. 29, just in time for Labor Day weekend.

It’s situated behind Johnson’s gourmet store, Market Salamander, down a long and winding drive that transports visitors to what looks like an equestrian estate. A grand lawn and circular drive set off the resort’s exterior of stucco, slate and fieldstone. While the outside is finished, workers still are toiling on interior finishes.

“We’re coming down the home stretch. It’s about 85 percent complete,” said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, Johnson’s hospitality company that owns a portfolio of several properties. Once the resort opens, it will employ about 300 full- and part-time workers, he adds.

During a recent hard-hat tour, Johnson and guests maneuvered around cables, ladders and bins of sand that construction workers use to set the stone in place on many of the property’s terraces.

Set amid 340 acres in Loudoun County’s rolling horse country, the Salamander Resort and Spa was named by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 20 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings in the world in 2013. According to Devadas, the resort already has booked eight weddings and small and large conferences.

One amenity that sets this resort apart: Guests can bring their horses. Designed to complement the traditions of Middleburg — where Johnson has lived since 1996 — the property includes an equestrian center with a 22-stall stable, a practice ring and miles of trails with views of the Bull Run Mountains.

Johnson, a well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur, doesn’t horse around when it comes to perks for people, either. “People who have enjoyed The Homestead and the Greenbrier, they will find that level of luxury and even more,” she says.

The 260,000-square-foot property includes a library, billiards room, wine bar, small retail shop, grand ballroom and conference rooms and a signature dining room with a 42-foot, peaked roof that will offer views of the horsing area outside.

Then there’s a 23,000-square-foot spa with fountains and a 14-foot, tiled glass and stone waterfall feature that drops into a whirlpool tub. It sits below a ceiling outfitted with hundreds of tiny white lights to evoke a starry sky. The price for all this luxury? Rates during the peak season will range from $425 to $575 per night for a 540-square-foot guest room. Prices for larger suites will go from $775 to $3,500 per night.

Along the tour, Johnson and Devadas show renderings, which illustrate what rooms will actually look like when the work is done. Johnson is particularly excited about the kitchen area. It will be a culinary teaching area, she said. “You’ll be able to look into the main kitchen. We want to offer cooking classes. We will have monitors, and they can watch the meal being made for the day.”

Johnson, CEO and founder of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, founded the company in 2005, shortly after her divorce from Robert Johnson. They were the founders of Black Entertainment Television (BET), which was sold to Viacom in 2000 for about $3 billion.

Originally, Johnson had hoped to open the resort in 2010. A series of obstacles, including the recession, the construction of a new wastewater facility for Middleburg that could accommodate the spa’s water needs as well, and the reinstallation of most of the resort’s custom windows, delayed the opening.

“It’s been a long journey,” says Johnson. To read more on how her project evolved, see the June issue of Virginia Business, which feature an expanded story and interview with Johnson.

Barbara DeLollis, USA TODAY
The newest crop of luxury hotels scheduled to open in 2013 includes a former palace in St. Petersburg, Russia; a property in Paris with views of the Arc de Triomphe; a hip resort in Maui and a country resort with horse stables near the nation's capital.

A surprisingly large number of luxury lodgings from both chains as well as independents will open in the coming year. I say surprising, because some big-budget projects were killed off during the recession when financing evaporated. Of course, that's not stopping high-end travelers from seeing the world.

So, what exciting new options will tomorrow's luxury travelers find? Below are eight high-profile hotel and resort openings that have caught my attention:

Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown (January)

Legendary Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze is in the final stages of creating a small, exclusive boutique hotel in Washington D.C.'s tony Georgetown neighborhood, right up the block from the Ritz-Carlton and upscale boutiques. Located on the historic C&O Canal, it will have just 49 rooms that come packed with amenities. The hotel saves much of its space for paying patrons. Its guest-only rooftop, for instance, features an infinity pool, sundeck and lounge with panoramic views of the nation's capital. Also reserved for guests is a lounge staffed with an assistant, where guests can hold meetings, read a book by the impressive onyx fireplace or order cocktails. If you get a chance, check out the extra-large circular bathtub in some of its top suites.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (February)

One of the most over-the-top Ritz-Carlton properties to open this year is a waterfront resort in Abu Dhabi, which is set against a backdrop of the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The hotel will have 447 rooms, plus 85 private villas. Set on 54 acres, the resort consists of a variety of buildings arranged in a crescent formation that's landscaped with water features and manicured gardens. In terms of dining, guests won't lack for variety. The resort has an ambitious dining program that consists of 11 restaurants, including three signature restaurants (Lebanese, Asian and a steakhouse) and two pool bars and a gelato cafe. Interesting to note: The outdoor swimming pool, at about 17,000 square feet, is almost as large as the spa, at about 22,000 square feet. Families will find a kids' club located directly on the beach.

The Quin Hotel, New York(March)

Located in a prime location in Midtown Manhattan, the Quin Hotel will open in late March with 205 rooms including a triplex penthouse suite. It's just two short blocks from tony Central Park South, close to rivals such as the Peninsula and Ritz-Carlton Central Park South. Expect the Quin — located a short walk to Carnegie Hall and the Museum of Modern Art — to play up its artistic heritage. It's located in a restored hotel that once housed Metropolitan Opera greats Giuseppe De Luca and Giovanni Martinelli. Expect a high-energy restaurant and bar, which is being created by the same company that operates several BLT Steak restaurants. Guest rooms have Nespresso coffee machines. Holy Breuche, the Quin's general manager, promises that the hotel will offer guests unusual concierge service.

Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Russia(May)
Guests can live like Russian royalty once this colorful palace, designed in 1817 by French architect Auguste de Montferrand, opens for business as a Four Seasons hotel. Once called home by a princess, the hotel has an enviable location in the heart of the city in the historic Admiralteysky district, just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum. It will have 177 rooms, two signature restaurants (the Italian Percorso and the Asian Sintoho) and a spa that features a traditional Russian steam room. The rooms feature iconic St. Petersburg views, such as of the Alexandrovsky Garden and the Admiralty building to the north and St. Isaac's Cathedral and St. Isaac's Square to the south. Rooms on the fifth floor will have personal terraces with sweeping cathedral views.

Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London(May)

If you're an architecture buff or simply like the idea of living large high above London, then you'll want to put the contemporary Shangri-La hotel on your 2013 list. The hotel is being built in the 95-story glass Shard skyscraper, which at 1,016 feet high is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. Guests must take elevators to check in and access the hotel as it's located on floors 35 to 52. Expect the hotel's 202 rooms to have unrivaled views, the latest in-room technology and hi-fi equipment and a signature bed that uses body-contouring technology. The hotel also will have a fitness center and an indoor infinity pool with panoramic views. Dining options include a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, and a cafe that offers a choice of multiple cooking stations serving cuisine — with dramatic flare — from around the world.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and Spa (Summer)

Located on 15 acres, the Andaz Maui will be interesting to check out not just because it will mark the first resort for Hyatt's contemporary, boutique-style chain. The resort also will be the first to bring hip, alternative-style luxury to an area known for traditional luxury, plus it's being created by a high-profile team that automatically sets expectations high. The 290-room hotel, which also offers seven luxury villas, was designed by noted design firm, Rockwell Group. Also, acclaimed chef andIron Chef star Masaharu Morimotowill open Morimoto Maui, where he'll fuse Japanese techniques with Hawaiian ingredients. Expect cascading outdoor infinity pools, a 15,000-square-foot spa with a private adult pool, several bars said to feature innovative cocktails, a quality gym and an on-site water activity center. Located on Mokapu Beach, the Andaz was built with environmentally friendly features.

Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Va.(August)

Located just an hour from Washington D.C., this long-anticipated, sprawling country resort in Virginia's tranquil horse country is set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Salamander will have 168 rooms, a 23,000-square-foot spa with unusual, tree-house treatment rooms that overlook the woods and a stream, and plenty of meeting space. The resort's most unusual amenity, however, is a stable for guests who bring their horses. For dining, expect an equestrian-themed restaurant and wine bar that focuses on Virginia wines. The Salamander was built to meet environmentally friendly standards. It's rare that women run big-budget luxury hotels, let alone develop them, yet Salamander is the brainchild of Sheila Johnson, a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who co-founded the BET network.

Peninsula Paris(December)

In the city with a number of palace hotels, the Hong Kong-based Peninsula luxury chain expects to open its own landmark property in late 2013. Suspense has been building since work commenced back in September 2010 on transforming the century-old Majestic Hotel on Kleber Avenue into the Peninsula Paris, according tohotel company financial reports. When the hotel does open, Peninsula guests can expect a unique location that's just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées. The Beaux-Arts building will have 200 guest rooms, a lobby with a terrace and bar, and five restaurants, including a Chinese eatery with private dining space. The hotel will be the only luxury hotel in Paris with two entrances, one for vehicles and one for pedestrians. The hotel also will have a rooftop restaurant and bar that has views of the Arc de Triomphe.

20 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2013
Amanda Arnold Amanda Arnold, Contributor

If bunking in a buzzy new luxury hotel is on your bucket list for 2013, then you’ll have plenty of extravagant choices. From the mountain forests of China’s Zhejiang Province and the grassy plains of Kenya to the bustling streets of Manhattan, a slew of decadent hotels will open their doors and try to wow the world. Our Startle.com editors curated a list of 20 of the top resorts and hotels to debut in 2013—read on to see which hotels are most worth a visit in the New Year.


Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Va.
Set on 340 acres in the picturesque countryside of Virginia’s Loudoun County (just an hour from Washington, D.C.), the Salamander Resort & Spa is slated to open in August 2013. The sprawling resort will include an equestrian center and 22-stall stable (for those who want to bring along their horses), a 23,000-square-foot spa with “treehouse” treatment rooms overlooking the woods and nearby stream, and indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a 100-year-old restored barn. An equestrian-themed restaurant with wine bar and terrace boasting views of Virginia’s wine country will serve Virginia Piedmont-influenced cuisine.

Read Entire Article - http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2012/12/10/20-most-anticipated-hotel-openings-of-2013/?ncid=40881

MIDDLEBURG, VA - September 18, 2012 - Next August, the highly anticipated Salamander Resort & Spa will become the only luxury resort to open in America in 2013, making it one of the country’s most accessible destination resorts.

Located on 340 picturesque acres in the historic 17th century village of Middleburg, VA, the 168-room resort is only a 30-minute tranquil drive from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the Mid-Atlantic’s gateway to the world which serves 23 million passengers a year from 125 destinations.

The resort is also only a one-hour drive from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which serves 18 million passengers a year and 80 destinations, and the same distance from the nation’s capital with its many attractions and monuments. And, it is only a 90-minute drive from Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which serves 21 million passengers a year and 76 destinations.

In addition, there are also several area private air options: Leesburg and Winchester airports provide private jet access and are only 25 and 40 minutes respectively from the resort, which is situated in the heart of Virginia’s famed horse and wine country.

“This resort is in one of the most exclusive locations in the country, but our access from major cities around the world is unparalleled,” says Sheila C. Johnson, the resort’s owner and Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the hotel company overseeing the design, development and management of the resort.

At nine million, the Greater Washington, D.C., area has one of the largest populations in the country, and its residents will soon be able to enjoy the first major destination resort built in the mid-Atlantic region in many years.

Upon arriving in the town of Middleburg, visitors discover that the country lifestyle makes time tick a little more slowly. But, despite the serene setting, there is a plethora of nearby and resort-based recreational activities from which to choose. Salamander Resort is also positioned at the center of Northern Virginia’s emerging wine country – commonly known as D.C.’s Wine Country, and there are over 50 wineries located within a 60-minute drive. The closest vineyard is only two minutes away from the resort’s front doors, and the area’s topography and award-winning varietals have prompted favorable comparisons with California’s noted wine regions. In addition to offering a Grape Escape package, the resort will also arrange private tours to vineyards and provide country picnic baskets filled with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.

Loudoun County, where the resort is located, has more horses than any other county in Virginia. Olympic riders live and train in the area, while Kentucky Derby winners were born and groomed locally. There are endless ways to experience Virginia’s Horse Country – from attending steeplechase races headlined by the Virginia Gold Cup to world-class show jumping events like the Upperville Horse Show. The resort will include a full-service equestrian center and an array of programming, while the property’s 22-stall stable will even offer equine enthusiasts the opportunity to bring their horses along on vacation.

For history buffs, a short drive from Middleburg are numerous other visitor attractions including Civil War battlefields, the famed Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway.

Designed to blend into its natural environment and respect the architectural traditions of Virginia’s countryside, Salamander Resort & Spa features luxurious rooms and suites inspired by renowned designer Thomas Pheasant, an exquisite 23,000-square-foot spa with one-of-a-kind features such as “treehouse” treatment rooms, Virginia Piedmont-inspired restaurant and banquet dining overseen by Washington, D.C. Chef of the Year Todd Gray, a media-ready Cooking Studio, Wine Bar and Culinary Garden.

The resort also features 12,000 square feet of indoor conference and event facilities, including a 5,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and unique outdoor spaces like the Grand Lawn, Courtyard Garden and a restored 100-year-old Stallion Barn. Already registered for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the Salamander Resort & Spa sales team is now accepting group bookings for 2013 and beyond.

Johnson founded Salamander Hotels & Resorts, which operates five other resorts in Florida and the Dominican Republic, in 2005, when she brought on respected hospitality executive Prem Devadas as the company’s president. She has ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. She is also well known as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET).

Rates during peak season at Salamander Resort & Spa range from $425 to $575 per night for a deluxe 540-square-foot guest room, depending on views and unique features such as working fireplaces. Suite pricing ranges from $775 to $3,500 per night. Special group rates, pre-opening packages and creative teambuilding options are also available. For more information about the resort, visit www.salamanderresort.com, e-mail info@salamanderresort.com or call 866-938-7370. For group sales, call 866-471-2813.