Renew Yourself in Middleburg
Where: Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Va.; 540-687-3600.
What’s special: The 168-room luxury property, built by BET cofounder Sheila Johnson, wants guests to feel as though they’re visiting a posh country estate. The main floor has a library, a billiards room, and a living room. Guest rooms are large (545 to 575 square feet) and have terraces or stone balconies. The bathrooms feature pedestal tubs, large walk-in showers with body jets, and 19-inch TVs. Plush bedding and throws evoke the seasons and equestrian life. At the spa, you can choose from a variety of treatments; a ceramic steam room has delicate aromas that change with the time of year. In keeping with the “country home” theme, the resort is dog-friendly.
The deal: Washingtonian readers receive 10 percent off the Restore & Discover Path, one of the new spa packages. It includes accommodations, a heart-healthy breakfast in your room or the restaurant, access to the fitness center (including exercise classes), a 50-minute spa service of your choice each day, a $125 “wellness credit” per night per person that can be used toward any activity on the property (including winetastings and cooking classes), and complimentary car service within five miles of the resort, including to area wineries. Prices for the three- and four-night packages start at $754 a day for single occupancy, $540 a person for double occupancy. Use the promo code RDPWASH.
When: Valid in June for stays Sunday through Thursday.
Wine in Style
Where: The Inn at 400 West High, 400 W. High St., Charlottesville, Va.; 434-981-0458.
What’s special: Located in the heart of Charlottesville, five miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and a short drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Inn—a member of Select Registry—features bright spaces and whimsical decor and art, much of it by local artists. Each morning in the sun-filled Gathering Room, guests enjoy a breakfast featuring such choices as Belgian waffles, omelets, quiches, fresh fruit, and locally roasted coffee. Afterward, you can step outside and take in the flower-filled garden terrace before spending the day visiting Monticello, hiking or biking, or shopping.
The deal: Mention the Luxury Wine Tour package and get, exclusively for Washingtonian readers, two nights’ accommodations for two, a bottle of Virginia wine with two monogrammed wineglasses, and a five-hour tour of three wineries with a custom-designed itinerary, a tour guide, and a gourmet snack featuring local fare (cheese, olives, and crackers). The cost of the two-night package is $880, a $120 savings.
When: Valid for stays in June and July 2014.
Almost Heaven
Where: North Fork Mountain Inn, 235 Canyon View La., Cabins, W. Va.; 304-257-1108.
What’s special: In the Monongahela National Forest, this inn offers wonderful views. Co-owner Ed Fischer is a chef and sommelier; his wife, Carol, is a baker. Gourmet breakfasts feature such choices as eggs florentine and Sleep Late French Toast. If you wish, they’ll create a gourmet picnic lunch ($25 for two). Saturdays, they prepare a fine-dining dinner ($40 a person); casual dining is offered all other evenings ($25). Between meals, you can relax on the wraparound porch, enjoy the outdoor hot tub, or go hiking, bird watching, golfing, rock climbing, fishing, and ziplining, all nearby. Other local attractions include Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.
The deal: With a two-night minimum stay, Washingtonian readers get 20 percent off rooms Sunday through Thursday and 10 percent off Friday and Saturday nights. They also receive a free bottle of wine. Rates before the discount are $150 to $245 a night. Mention Washingtonian when making a reservation. The special applies to new reservations only.
When: Book by June 30 for stays June through August 31, 2014.
New York Experience
Where: Excelsior Hotel, 45 W. 81st St., New York, N.Y.; 212-362-9200.
What’s special: This renovated Upper West Side landmark is perfectly situated near Central Park, where you can stretch out on a blanket and enjoy concerts by the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, Counting Crows, and more. The hotel overlooks the American Museum of Natural History and is walking distance to Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theatre, and the subway. You’ll find great restaurants and boutique shopping in the neighborhood, and the hotel offers a fitness center.
The deal: Washingtonian readers receive 15 percent off the best available rate and a free upgrade (a value of $80 to $100), based on availability at check-in. Rooms start at $179. Mention the promo code “Washington” when booking; contact reservations@excelsiorhotelny.com or call 212-362-9200.
When: Valid for stays June through September 1, 2014.
Downtown Fun in Miami
Where: B2 Miami Downtown, 146 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla.; 855-336-2594.
What’s special: This hotel in downtown Miami features chic guest rooms, some with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. The hotel is within walking distance to American Airlines Arena for concerts and Bayside Marketplace shops and restaurants, and it’s minutes from South Beach and Miami International Airport.
The deal: The B in the Center of It All package for two includes accommodations in a B Enhanced Junior Suite, free full breakfast, two drink vouchers at the hotel’s Biscayne Tavern, and free parking. Also included is a cruise on Biscayne Bay, by Island Queen Cruises, past homes of the rich and famous. Prices start at $275 a room, a savings of more than $100. Use the code “Miami” when making your reservation.
When: Valid for stays in June 2014, Sunday through Thursday.
Play Where the Pros Play
Where: Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, 2 Grasslawn Ave., Hilton Head Island, S.C.; 843-681-4000.
What’s special: This oceanfront resort just underwent a $30-million renovation. Guests can enjoy gorgeous sandy beaches, dip into three swimming pools, bike and explore the area, be pampered at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, golf on three spectacular 18-hole courses, or play tennis at the Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club along the Atlantic coastline. The area also offers fishing, sailing, boat tours, kayaking, and a zipline.
The deal: The exclusive Heritage Collection Washingtonian Stay-and-Play Package includes three nights’ accommodations, three rounds of golf at any of the seven Heritage Golf Collection courses on Hilton Head, complimentary resort drinks for two with a welcome appetizer, a discount card worth 20 percent off at the Heritage Golf Shops, and complimentary golf-range balls. The package is $225 a person a night, based on double occupancy, a $400 savings per person. The package includes all taxes and fees. To book, call Vanessa at 843-681-1706 or e-mail vcastaneda@heritagegolfgroup.com and mention Washingtonian.
When: Valid for stays June 1 through July 25, 2014; not valid July 4 weekend.
