Middleburg, Virginia is a gem of a town, with the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains serving as its backdrop. Known as “The Nation’s Horse & Hunt Capital,” Middleburg boasts a sprawling countryside, large estates, a quiet ambiance, and one of the most idyllic places to host a country wedding celebration. At Salamander Resort & Spa, couples as their guests can take over the resort for an entire week or weekend of celebrations without ever having to leave the property. With an exciting list of activities, world-class cuisine, and luxe spa services, Salamander Resort & Spa is easily Virginia’s best all-inclusive wedding destination.
To give loved ones the most exclusive guest experience, couples will want to book out the property about a year in advance to ensure they secure their perfect wedding date. Once they have their date set, the real fun can begin when planning out each portion of the wedding weekend. While many all-inclusive wedding destinations offer the same packages to their guests, Salamander is unique in that every part of a couple’s wedding experience is bespoke. From welcome parties, to group activities, to post-wedding spa days and farewell brunches, Salamander Resort caters to each detail and event.
“All of our events and amenities are curated specifically to the couple,” says Lindsay Forseth, Director of Weddings & Special Events. “Popular activities for couples and wedding guests are axe throwing, golf, and clay shooting!”
The variety of activities and experiences at Salamander Resort are unmatched, as the all-inclusive wedding destination clearly has something for everyone. For artsy types and those who want to take home a tangible piece of the wedding weekend, art classes are available, led by the resort’s “Artist-in-Residence,” Mary Jennings. Mary’s award-winning art is on display at local art galleries, and she will oversee Salamander’s signature classes such as Brushes & Bellinis (a 2-hour class) and Sip & Sketch (a 90-minute class). Other artistic options are creating a pyro-graphic Salamander keepsake, during which guests will learn the incredible craft of woodburning; and then there’s glass fusing, when Big Dog Pots Art Studio will come to the resort and teach a minimum of ten guests how to glass fuse.
Lovers of the outdoors will be thrilled to partake in a half-day adventure, floating down the lower part of the Potomac Gorge. With Salamander Resort being just a short distance away from the nation’s capital, it’s a prime location in one of the country’s most naturally beautiful regions. There’s also a half-day white water rafting trip available at Harper’s Ferry Adventure Center, which is a great option for beginner and intermediate level paddlers alike. This incredible 7-mile stretch of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers highlights a unique location, where the two rivers and three states- Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland - all come together.
Of course, no trip to Virginia’s countryside would be complete without a meaningful interaction with the Salamander horses. Couples and their guests may opt for a Zip & Ride experience, involving a one-hour Treetop Zip Tour, followed by a one-hour trail ride with a gentle group of trail horses. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the surroundings and relax before or after the big day. There’s even an adorable miniature horse named Cupcake who is available for meet and greets, which would quite possibly be the cutest addition to any welcome party or rehearsal dinner.
Visitors may have a preference as to when they’re in the mood for an indulgent spa experience; but whether it’s before the wedding ceremony, or the morning after an all-night afterparty, there are two particular treatments the Salamander Resort team recommends. The first is a Citrus Drench Wrap, specifically recommended for brides before the wedding day, as it brightens and smooths the body, leaving skin with a hydrated glow. During this treatment, Vitamin C emulsions are applied to protect the skin from dryness and premature aging. It also includes a full body exfoliation and a wrap to restore the skin’s elasticity. The final step is a full body application of Natura Bisse’s Vitamin C Body Cream before sending the bride off to her hair and makeup appointment – services which are also available on the property.
When the wedding rush is over, the Calming Antara Ritual allows couples to wind down with the ultimate wellness experience. The 90-minute ritual begins with a full body dry brushing exfoliation before being cocooned in a velvety organic shea butter, infused with organically grown CBD restore balm. While sinking into a therapeutic wrap, guests will receive a relaxing scalp and neck massage. Designed to address dehydrated skin, achy muscles, and body soreness, it’s the best way to conclude a busy wedding weekend.
“At Salamander Resort & Spa, it is our mission to ensure our guests experience a rich and carefree stay,” says the team. “Our Five-Star resort is the ultimate place of discovery and the epitome of luxury.”
Visit salamanderresort.com for more information.