During the Cherry Blossom Festival last year Miles and I took Fefe to Middleburg for an afternoon. We enjoyed the beauty of the country, had a nice lunch outside, walked the quaint main street, shopped around, and finally stopped in at Salamander Resort & Spa. Seeing the posh establishment and learning that it was dog friendly we kept it tucked in our minds for a future weekend excursion. And with two special occasions for us in February, Middleburg being voted among Top 10 Most Romantic Destinations by Travel + Leisure, and Salamander running a series of deals Miles called up and booked one of the dog friendly rooms on the first floor.

Just an hour and twenty minutes from Old Town on a Friday afternoon we arrived at the resort just after sunset. We valeted the car and didn’t see it again until check-out. We were greeted at check-in with that day’s selection of fruit infused water and after seeing that we arrived later than anticipated the front desk clerk pushed our dinner reservation back to give us time to relax a bit. We found the service at Salamander flawless. They anticipated needs we didn’t even know we had and made our stay a truly decadent experience.

We arrived in our room, unpacked, had a cocktail on the couch, and got Fefe settled-in to her surroundings. And what lovely surroundings! Our dog friendly room had floor to ceiling windows so Fefe could look out and a patio with green space just beyond for those dogs that need to go potty outside (Fefe is a three pound Yorkie and goes on a puppy pad). With Salamander being dog friendly we found that the resort attracted dog lovers as well and Fefe got lots of attention when we walked around. And when she stayed in the room there was a “Please *Paws* Before Entering – Doggie in Room” sign that we could hang on the doorknob.

Just like the Please Paws sign, every detail at the resort has been meticulously thought-out. As Salamander is nestled into horse country it’s only appropriate that among its traditional comfortable elegance are nods to the equestrian lifestyle in the décor.

With so much to do at the resort we never ventured into town during our stay as I initially thought we would. Salamander has something for everyone from the equestrian activities, fitness center, zip-line, wine tastings, luxurious library and plush spa. In addition to all of that Harrimans (fine dining) and Gold Cup (casual with a bar, billiards, and television) served some of the best meals we’ve ever tasted.

Some of our Trip Tips for Salamander are:

• Check Salamander’s packages online (especially during their non-peak times) and call the resort for deals. We ended-up with a buy two nights get one free deal. And that third night made us feel like we really got away from home.
• Book spa appointments way in advance. There is only one couple’s suite at the spa and unfortunately for us it was booked. On massage day we had to book separate appointments and catch-up with each other later. In fact, if there is a specific treatment you are interested in it would be best to checking the availability prior to making room reservations. We were very surprised how much was booked especially since it was off season.
• We highly recommend the Couples Rasul. A unique sensual and pampering treatment of Moroccan origin. It’s the two of you covered in mud while there is music set to a light show syncronized with a steam and shower treatment that dances around you in a private ceramic dome.

• Every Sunday from 2-4 is a complimentary wine tasting at Gold Cup featuring a Virginian winery.
• The In-Room Dining Menu has a special section for Doggie Dining.
• And last but not least, if you get a massage make sure you give your pooch one too: