Summary
Virginia attracts a diverse range of visitors with its extensive coastline, rich historical significance, cultural landmarks, and striking mountain vistas. Known as the Old Dominion State, Virginia captivates with its profound historical narrative, from Williamsburg’s colonial structures to Richmond’s impressive architecture, showcasing a compelling chapter of the nation’s heritage. Additionally, the state features a variety of exquisite resorts tailored to accommodate all visitor preferences.
Families are invited to enjoy properties abundant with entertainment, such as game rooms, children’s clubs, and water parks. Meanwhile, couples can indulge in romantic escapes complete with upscale dining options, charming accommodations, and comprehensive spa services. Whether seeking adventure or luxury, the 15 resorts highlighted below cater to every visitor’s desires.
1. Primland Resort
Primland Resort is strategically positioned within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Meadows of Dan. This elevated site provides breathtaking panoramas of the expansive 12,000-acre property and its stunning natural surroundings. The resort caters to outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of activities including wing-shooting, hunting tours, horseback riding, and ATV excursions.
Additionally, Primland features an 18-hole golf course, a luxurious spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Accommodations are spread across multiple buildings with options of rooms, suites, houses, or cottages, each uniquely adorned yet elegantly furnished.
Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/primland/
2. Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort is situated centrally within the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, bordered by the Alleghenies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property provides exceptional views of the natural landscape. A key attraction is the family-friendly Massanutten WaterPark, featuring an impressive 130,000 square feet dedicated to indoor and outdoor enjoyment for all ages.
The resort also includes a Family Adventure Park offering climbing walls and zip-lining, alongside two outstanding golf courses and a comprehensive spa. During winter, the facility becomes a haven for skiing enthusiasts, with over 70 acres of slopes, a 900-foot tubing hill, and an outdoor ice rink for an array of winter activities.
Website: https://www.massresort.com/
3. Salamander Resort and Spa
Salamander Resort and Spa is ideally located less than 50 miles from Washington D.C., yet feels like a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The resort features an inviting atmosphere, expansive grounds, and numerous amenities.
The accommodations highlight colonial aesthetics with hardwood flooring and traditional furnishings, all while embodying luxurious details. Spacious guest rooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen televisions, and provide sweeping views of the resort’s lush landscapes and surrounding mountains. The resort also features a comprehensive equestrian center, and for ultimate relaxation, guests can enjoy a lavish spa, fitness center, infinity pool, and an exquisite on-site restaurant.
Website: http://www.salamanderresort.com/
4. Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen Resort is positioned on 11,000 acres of the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, boasting panoramic views of the peaks in the distance. Renowned for its variety of family-oriented activities, the resort is a prime destination for those traveling with children, making family vacation planning straightforward.
Adventurous options abound, including zip-lining, fly-fishing, tubing, mini-golf, bungee trampolining, and an indoor arcade, ensuring that children are entertained while caregivers can unwind and enjoy their stay. Its proximity to ski slopes further establishes it as an ideal choice for winter sports lovers.
Website: http://www.wintergreenresort.com/
5. Keswick Hall and Golf Club
The prestigious Keswick Hall and Golf Club has been a cornerstone of accommodations in Charlottesville, housed within a stunning Tuscan-style mansion on a sprawling 600-acre estate. The resort features picturesque trails, multiple swimming pools, and a meticulously designed golf course by Pete Dye.
Health-conscious visitors will appreciate the fully-equipped fitness center featuring group classes, complemented by steam rooms, saunas, and an on-site spa, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. Dining options include Villa Crawford for a delightful afternoon tea experience, while the acclaimed Fossett’s restaurant offers fine dining.
Website: http://www.keswick.com/
6. Mariner’s Landing
Mariner’s Landing seamlessly combines the allure of mountain living with scenic waterfront experiences, ideally located along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County. The resort community spans 1,000 acres and offers beautiful beaches, three distinct pool complexes, and opportunities for various water sports.
Additionally, this area features an 18-hole championship golf course suitable for novices while providing enough challenges for experienced players. It is essential to note that Mariner’s Landing operates as an individually-owned resort community without daily housekeeping. However, its impressive array of amenities and prime location far outweigh this consideration.
Website: http://www.marinerslanding.com/
7. The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort is recognized as one of the most couples-oriented options on this list, while still accommodating families and business travelers comfortably. Its captivating location in the Allegheny Mountains of Hot Springs is highly attractive, and the hotel features an extensive range of activities and amenities.
Guests can enjoy two championship golf courses, shooting ranges, a movie theater, an equestrian center, falconry experiences, multiple swimming options, and an exclusive adults-only spa garden targeted at couples. The luxurious guest rooms are equipped with premium amenities, including feather beds, down pillows, large flat-screen televisions, and in select accommodations, working fireplaces.
Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
8. Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill Resort is situated on the banks of the James River, providing a picturesque backdrop for a vast array of activities and facilities. The resort features three golf courses, a fully-equipped marina for water sports and boat rentals, five diverse on-site dining venues, and a pool equipped with water slides and a lazy river.
The resort also offers shuttle services to local attractions, placing it just minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and numerous other notable destinations, making Kingsmill an ideal base for sightseeing, assuming guests can be persuaded to leave the premises.
Website: https://www.kingsmill.com/
9. The Tides Inn
Situated along Carter Creek in Irvington and in proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, The Tides Inn emphasizes aquatic enjoyment. Families take pleasure in the beach and swimming pools, complemented by activities and offerings available at the on-site marina, including various watersport schools.
For couples, the inn provides intimate Cove Cruises, along with options for golf and indulgent spa experiences. Accommodations feature luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, Wi-Fi, elegant bathrooms with generous tubs, and more amenities for a soothing stay.
Website: http://www.tidesinn.com/
10. The Founders Inn and Spa
The Founders Inn and Spa, located in Virginia Beach, offers a serene getaway that couples will adore, featuring amenities such as romantic fireplaces, spacious indoor and outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. The resort accommodates pets and offers specially designated rooms within the York River Lodge, supplemented by facilities like the Bark Park, a 30,000-square-foot dog park.
The on-site dining options provide a casual experience at the Hunt Room and a more refined dining atmosphere at the Swan Terrace Grill, both emphasizing traditional American cuisine rich in local produce and Chesapeake Bay seafood.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orffiup-the-founders-inn-and-spa/
11. Lansdowne Resort
Located in Leesburg, this award-winning resort is well-suited for both couples and families. Couples can appreciate Spa Minerale, a 12,000-square-foot wellness facility, alongside a golf course and fitness center. The expansive outdoor areas also provide sporting facilities and multi-use trails ideal for biking and hiking.
Families frequently rave about the property’s aquatic complex featuring five spacious pools, offering limitless enjoyment for children. The property enjoys a prime location near the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, one of Northern Virginia’s premier shopping destinations, and is conveniently close to regional wineries and Washington D.C.
Website: https://lansdowneresort.com/
12. Boar’s Head Inn
This recently renovated resort in Charlottesville is renowned for its dedication to Southern hospitality and its exceptional on-site dining. Active visitors can take advantage of four seasonal outdoor swimming pools, an Audubon-certified 18-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art sports facilities including tennis and squash courts, and a comprehensive fitness center.
For relaxation, guests can indulge in spa treatments or attend the complimentary afternoon tea events featuring freshly baked pastries. The Old Mill Room, an award-winning restaurant at Boar’s Head, has gained recognition that surpasses even the resort’s reputation. For those fortunate to secure a reservation, the culinary offerings and extensive wine selection are absolute must-haves.
Website: https://www.boarsheadresort.com/
13. Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge, located in Williamsburg, is particularly favored by families thanks to its renowned indoor water park, operational throughout the year. The facility features several water slides, splash pads, play areas, a lazy river, swimming pools, and hot tubs. While many visitors are drawn primarily to the water park, a plethora of additional family-friendly amenities and activities are also available, including mini-golf, a movie theater, and arcade gaming.
Despite being focused on family fun, the resort also offers numerous options for adults, encompassing diverse dining experiences, shopping opportunities, and fitness facilities, as well as a full-service spa. Rooms are designed with a rustic theme, highlighting unique features like log cabins, bunk bed caves, and fireplaces.
Website: https://www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg
14. The Berry Hill Resort
Established in 1728 and designated as a National Historic Landmark, this resort in South Boston was originally an antebellum plantation estate and currently sprawls across 650 acres of beautiful land, effusing rich history and Southern charm.
The resort and conference center features a comprehensive list of activities including golf, a European spa, casual and fine dining, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, and tennis. Guestrooms are luxuriously appointed, boasting antique furnishings, sleigh beds, towel warmers, and other upscale details. For an extra touch of luxury and privacy, guests can reserve one of the property’s exclusive miniature mansions.
Website: http://www.berryhillresort.com
15. Wedmore Place
Wedmore Place is situated on Wessex Hundred, a 300-acre estate overlooking the James River and near the historic area of Jamestown. This site, settled in 1615, is reminiscent of a European manor, surrounded by vineyards, meadows, and woodlands, creating a soothing retreat atmosphere.
Accommodations comprise 28 uniquely designed suites and rooms, each adorned with antique decor representative of various European provinces. With multiple dining options, a swimming pool, and other amenities, Wedmore Place provides an idyllic romantic escape for couples.
Website: https://williamsburgwinery.com/stay/