Luxury Virginia
VIRGINIA OFFERS A DISTINCT TYPE OF LUXURY!
Embark on this luxury tour of Virginia linking five-star accommodation with beautiful sights, scenic byways, history, fun and adventure all whilst allowing you enough time to relax, sip and to savour the fine wines and award-winning cuisine the state has to offer.
Come tour Virginia and realize the true meaning of luxury.
2 nights Arlington/Washington, DC - 2 nights Middleburg - 1 night Hot Springs - 2 nights Charlottesville -
1 night Richmond - 1 night Williamsburg - 2 nights Virginia Beach - 1 night Alexandria.
Days 1 & 2: Arlington / Washington, DC
On arrival you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Arlington. Located just 25 minutes away from Washington Dulles International Airport and a stones throw away from Washington, D.C Northern Virginia’s Arlington, known for iconic landmarks such as the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, is an eclectic urban hub of culture and history. Since being part of the original ’10-mile square’ surveyed in 1791 to be the U.S. capital, Arlington has been at the centre of many pivotal moments in history including the Civil War, Watergate, 9/11 and more.
Perfectly placed along the Potomac River with spectacular views of Washington, DC, Arlington is home to dynamic, lively ‘Urban villages’ that mix soaring high-rises and turn-of-the-century homes with high-end shopping and funky boutiques. Enjoy views of the Washington, DC skyline from one of Arlington’s numerous rooftop bars like Buena Vida Social Club or Whitlow’s on Wilson.
Arlington is a shopper’s mecca, mixing major neighbourhood shopping venues with charming local speciality stores. The county is also home to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Pentagon Row, Market Common Clarendon, and the exciting new Ballston Quarter, all offering world-class shopping.
Award-winning cuisine is found in abundance in Arlington. The culinary scene is reflective of the friendly, laid-back vibe and includes the most diverse selections of cuisines and outdoor dining options, from American to Asian, Indian to Italian and Mediterranean to microbrews. Favourite dining spots include Mussel Bar & Grille, a Belgian-inspired eatery in Ballston, Jaleo in Crystal City, inspired by internationally recognised culinary innovator José Andrés, which vibrantly showcases the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine, and Cheesetique, an award-wining cheese and wine boutique.
Washington, DC is easily accessible via the region’s Metrorail system, taxi, foot, bus, and Capital BikeShare, so visitors can experience the best of both worlds, the power city of DC and the friendly, laid-back vibe of Arlington.
2 Nights – Arlington, VA staying at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
This luxury hotel is connected to Fashion Centre mall at Pentagon City, Guests love the hotel's convenience as Pentagon City Station is just steps away.
The hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre and a bar/lounge. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a 24-hour business centre, coffee/tea in a common area. All 365 rooms offer comforts such as pillowtop beds and premium bedding, plus 24-hour room service and Smart TVs with satellite channels. For a bit of entertainment, TVs come with Netflix, and guests will also find wireless Internet access (surcharge) and free newspapers.
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Day 3: Middleburg / Loudoun Valley, VA (50 miles)
Today you pick up your rental car and leave the big city skyline behind you as you head for Loudoun County , known as DC’s Wine Country. Rolling green hills, where horses roam and little winding roads take you far away from the day’s troubles. Salamander Resort and Spa sits surrounded by beautiful countryside, wrapped in serenity. Take a tour of the numerous local wineries, serving award-winning vintages. Visit the spa for a soothing massage followed by a soak in the elegant infinity-edged pool. Tempt your taste buds with a culinary trip through the Virginia Piedmont with the chef’s curated tasting menu. Then end your night relaxing by the outdoor firepits as fireflies dance through the air.
Day 4
Start your day with a brisk morning ride, part of Salamander’s equestrian program. Move on to a cooking class in the special demonstration kitchen or grab your clubs and enjoy exclusive golf privileges at nearby Creighton Farms. Take a wine and painting class, or with nature as your classroom, experience the thrill of partnering with a raptor in an Ultimate Falconry Experience. Stroll down the shaded streets of Middleburg and shop in the exclusive boutiques, then dine at the historic Red Fox Inn, favoured by Jackie Kennedy.
2 Nights – Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Virginia
Set on 340 acres nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid Virginia's famed horse and wine country, Salamander Resort & Spa is an opulent and homelike destination. In keeping with the country estate design, all 168 rooms and suites are comfortably spacious and include an outdoor patio or balcony. The plush bedding is accented by the linens and throws that have been personally designed by Sheila C. Johnson, incorporating hints of the seasons and equestrian life.
Discover exciting adventures, romantic escapades and plenty of family-friendly activities right on the property. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a complimentary putting green for aspiring golfers, full equestrian centre, and lawn games including croquet, bocce ball, corn hole and life-sized chess. Also, discover the surrounding area and browse local boutique shops, explore local wineries, zoom down zip lines, enjoy exclusive golf privileges at Creighton Farms. Your options for fun in Middleburg are nearly endless.
Salamander Spa offers a unique health and wellness journey tailored to your specific well-being needs. Featuring integrative and regionalized treatments as well as holistic and result-driven therapies, we are committed to providing you with insight to a better, healthier lifestyle.
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Day 5: Hot Springs, VA (250 miles via Skyline Drive)
Get ready today to have the ride of your life! Skyline Drive, part of Shenandoah National Park, runs north-south for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive provides access to numerous trails, including the Appalachian Trail, and is also used for biking and horseback riding. You can stop at one of 75 overlooks along the way to take in breath-taking views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Driving south along Skyline Drive from the north entrance, make Dickey Ridge Visitor Centre your first stop. The staffed visitor centre offers a film and exhibits that will familiarize you with the many recreational and educational opportunities available, from hiking and horseback riding to rock climbing and wine tasting. There’s also a picnic area nearby.
Get out of the car and hike the magnificent Whiteoak Canyon. With six waterfalls ranging from 35 to 86 feet in height, each fall ends in a swimming hole. Trails to the upper falls are strenuous. For those seeking a shorter hike, the two-mile trail to the lower falls is ideal.
The only accessible trail in the park, Limberlost Trail was originally designed to allow visitors to view the hemlocks. Today, the trail serves as an example of the devastation of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, an insect which sucks sap from hemlocks. Follow the trail to see how the forest is regenerating.
Since its discovery in 1878, Luray Caverns has become the most popular cave in the eastern half of America. Guided tours lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers are filled with towering columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear pools.
The visitor centre at Big Meadows features interactive exhibits relating to Shenandoah National Park’s history. Meander through the meadow and observe a variety of birds and other wildlife.
At highway 64 you leave Skyline drive and head for the charming village of Hot Springs, home of the world famous Omni Homestead Resort.
What makes Hot Springs so significant is that it contains elements of "resort" and "rural". Many of the village's buildings exist today in the same form as they have for 150 years or more. This quaint village is home to the post office, market, and apothecary which have been fixtures on the street for over a century. Stroll, shop, and enjoy a variety of dining options along a picturesque Main Street.
1 Night – The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia
Experience the southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made this resort a premier destination for 23 U.S. presidents. Located on 3,000 acres in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Hot Springs, Virginia, this historic hotel has provided luxurious amenities and recreational activities since before the American Revolution.
The Homestead offers designer-appointed rooms with fine upholstered furnishings and perfectly plumped down featherbeds and pillow. Select suites have sun porches and working fireplaces, which enhance their Southern charm.
Enjoy 2 championship golf courses, horseback and carriage rides and a world-class shooting club. Visitors can also go fly-fishing instructors, walking or swimming in the indoor or outdoor pools. After a full day of fun, relax with a massage at the Homestead's spa.
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Day 6: Charlottesville, VA (150 miles via Natural Bridge & Waynesboro)
On the way to Charlottesville visit Natural Bridge - the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge; beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendour.
Next stop is the pedestrian-friendly city of Waynesboro, nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is home to shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries and places to stay. The South River – one of only two urban fisheries in Virginia – runs right through downtown. Must-sees in Waynesboro include the Shenandoah Valley Art Centre, the Civil War-era Plumb House and the Waynesboro Heritage Museum.
You are just 30 mins away from Charlottesville now and by now you must be getting thirsty !, no trip to this region would be complete without a stop at Veritas Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned and run farm winery nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Andrew, Patricia, Emily, George, and Chloe Hodson share the common goal of making wines of the highest quality from the rich Virginia terroir. The winery offers our guests an intimate view of the winemaking process, book a tasting, Sit on the sun-drenched deck and take the opportunity to relax, enjoy the beauty of Virginia, The terrace offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, charcuterie and cheese plates from 11 am – 5:00 pm daily.
Onto Charlottesville - Once you’ve arrived and settled in at Boar's Head, renew your body and soul with a healing plant treatment at the Inn's luxurious spa; explore their extensive network of nature trails; or enjoy the state-of-the-art racquet and fitness club. Finish your evening at the renowned Old Mill Room restaurant, built from the recovered timbers of an 1834 grist mill.
Day 7
Spend your morning on Birdwood Golf Course, Audubon-certified and the official home course of the University of Virginia. Or let the concierge help you arrange an off-site hot-air balloon ride; fly-fishing adventure; winery tour and tasting; or historical site tour of nearby Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier or James Monroe’s Highland. Find yourself in Downtown Charlottesville as the day winds down, where you can shop for local art and dine on regionally inspired cuisine paired perfectly with Virginia wine.
2 Nights – Boar's Head Resort, Charlottesville, Virginia
Boar's Head Resort offers 170 forms of air-conditioned accommodation with a safe and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay-per-view films. Bathrooms include baths or showers and hairdryers.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
3 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, other recreational amenities include a health club.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include facials, body treatments and manicures and pedicures. The spa is equipped with a sauna and a steam room.
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Day 8: Richmond, VA (70 miles)
On to Richmond where The Jefferson Hotel waits to welcome you. Authentically opulent and eternally relevant, The Jefferson has provided guests with an extraordinary travel experience for more than a century. Take a trip downtown to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for a personally curated tour of their remarkable collection of more than 35,000 works of art, including their renowned collection of Fabergé. Savour the moment with The Jefferson’s Southern Afternoon Tea, under the magnificent Tiffany stained glass of their Palm Court lobby. Visit the tasting room at Reservoir Distillery and sip some of their award-winning aged bourbon. Discover the unique local boutiques along Cary Street. The culinary delights of Lemaire await you back at The Jefferson before you retire for the night.
1 Night – The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
A Southern icon, The Jefferson Hotel has enchanted guests with its architectural grandeur and impeccable service since 1895. While retaining the glory of its early days, the Beaux Arts masterpiece has garnered AAA Five Diamond status and welcomed famous guests from music icons to former presidents. Step into the breath-taking lobbies and marvel at the soaring stained-glass ceilings, the sweeping Grand Staircase and the intricate design details, before heading to your lavish guestroom. Unwind with a visit to the salon, a relaxing swim in the indoor pool or a rejuvenating workout.
181 guestrooms, each combining heritage style and contemporary comfort with Marble bathrooms complete with deep soaking tubs and in-mirror TVs, Explore a menu of refined Southern classics in Lemaire, the elegant fine-dining restaurant, Dip into the palm-lined indoor pool, naturally lit by an elegant atrium roof, Explore Richmond using the hotel’s complimentary bikes or car transfers.
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Day 9: Williamsburg, VA (60 miles)
Williamsburg beckons, one of the nation's top golf destinations, boasting more than a dozen courses designed by some of the most notable architects. Stay at the Kingsmill Resort, where luxurious riverfront accommodations await along with exclusive golf privileges, a sumptuous spa, and tantalizing dining options. For more than three decades, the resort’s River Course has hosted the world’s best players on both PGA and LPGA tours. Or experience the elegance and sophistication of the historic Williamsburg Inn and gain access to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club to play five-star, club-quality courses without membership in an exclusive, colonial setting.
Visit colonial Williamsburg - Explore dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience. You’ll feel as if you've travelled back in time.
1 Night – Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia
Located on 2,900 acres next to the James River, this sprawling resort has three 18-hole golf courses, 15 tennis courts, a small marina, and numerous walking trails. The rooms, suites, and cottage homes are scattered in different parts of the resort, so plan on waiting for a shuttle or walking to get around. Typical clientele are families, sports lovers, and couples.
One of the most popular spots in the summertime is a huge outdoor pool on the waterfront with its own lazy river, artificial beach, waterslide, and food and drink service. An array of water sport rentals provides ample opportunity to explore the river, or guests can go golfing, fishing, biking, or even Segway-riding around the property.
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Day 10: Virginia Beach, VA (60 miles)
Time to head to the coast - Virginia Beach, home to The Historic Cavalier Resort and Beach Club, where U.S. presidents and celebrities stayed and played for nearly 100 years. The iconic hotel has been reimagined and beautifully restored to its original grandeur, offering travellers all the elegance of yesterday, with the comfort of today's modern amenities. Let the talented therapists at the on-site Seahill Spa work the kinks out of your tired muscles, then dine on vibrant local fare at the sophisticated Becca. Wind down the day with a glass of bourbon from Tarnished Truth Distilling Co., the nation’s only craft spirits distillery located inside a luxury hotel.
Day 11
You are at the beach so relax - you will soon be back at work in a few days ! - Enjoy private access to the Oceanfront's most exclusive and contemporary beach club at your hotel. Kayak with dolphins for an up close and personal experience with some of the area’s well-known locals.
Virginia beach famous for its iconic 3 mile boardwalk, is where you’ll find restaurants, bustling nightlife, live entertainment and year-round events. To the South, not far from the Resort Beach, Sandbridge Beach exudes island-like charm, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The sand dunes house stunning beachfront rental homes, beach comb, paddleboard or feast on freshly caught blue crabs.
2 Nights – The Cavalier, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club has welcomed travellers to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for nearly 100 years. Today, following a 4-year, multi million-dollar renovation, the hotel has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur, offering travellers all the comfort and elegance of yesterday, with today's modern amenities and conveniences.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel gives a nod to both its past and present. Eighty-five completely reimagined guest rooms and suites each feature plush fabrics, gleaming bathrooms and tasteful room appointments. Guests also enjoy a long list of luxury amenities, from a classic indoor "splash" pool and private beach club to world-class dining and a full-service spa.
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Day 12: Alexandria, VA (205 miles)
Last stop, On the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria delights travellers from around the world. A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, experience a walkable mile recognised as one of the “Great Streets” of America with over 200 restaurants, boutiques, historic museums and a vibrant waterfront.
Explore historic sites like Gadsby’s Tavern Museum where the nation’s first president dined and drank, or hop on a bike or boat to his former estate at Mount Vernon, the most visited historic estate in the U.S. Dine and drink in historic buildings at chef-inspired restaurants frequented by U.S. presidents past and present. Sip on handcrafted cocktails at a speakeasy or catch live music in a pub. Discover hidden treasures like the skinniest historic home in America and a 1700s apothecary and see working artists at the Torpedo Factory Art Centre, a former World War II munitions factory. Boat, bike or Metrorail to DC, just minutes away. Awarded a “Must-Visit U.S. Hotspots for 2017.”
1 Night – Morrison House Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Settled in the heart of the city, this hotel provides an unrivalled location moments from the cobblestone roads of King Street, as well as destinations such as Waterfront Park, the National Science Foundation and George Washington's Mount Vernon. After a day exploring, unwind in your spacious accommodations, where stylish décor, plush bedding and Italian marble bathrooms offer ultimate relaxation. Peer out your room's expansive windows to admire breath-taking views of the sites surrounding this charming hotel. The hotels restaurant features a seasonal menu of small plates expertly paired with masterfully created cocktails, as well as live entertainment.
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Day 13: Washington, DC (30 miles)
Washington Dulles International Airport is just a 40 mins drive away so as your flight home will be overnight you still have the majority of the day to explore lovely Alexandria.
Fly home or extend your stay!
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Changes: Our self-drive tours are totally flexible so if you would like to make any changes ie reduction in nights, additional destinations or extra nights within the itinerary please let us know and we will be happy to tailor-make your perfect Virginia holiday just for you.
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