8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway

Virginia offers distinctly elegant and historically relevant experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a romantic anniversary retreat to celebrate a big milestone in your marriage or simply in need of a relaxing spa day at an upscale resort, these eight Virginia trip ideas offer the ultimate in luxury and unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
 

Where Do You Want To Travel?

Virginia Beach | Chesapeake Bay | Blue Ridge Mountains
Virginia Wine Country | Little Washington
Williamsburg | Horse & Hunt Country | Richmond
 

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Luxury

Where to Stay in Virginia Beach

Discover luxury on the shores of Virginia when you book a stay at the Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach.

The Cavalier evokes memories of the Roaring 20s with old-world grandeur and a timeless sense of southern charm. Originally opened in 1927, the Historic Cavalier Hotel joins two other properties to make up the Cavalier Resort. The hotel features three upscale restaurants, a private beach club and bar, a full service spa, and beautiful saltwater pools, and is also the only hotel in the United States to have an on-site distillery. 

Fine Dining in Virginia Beach

Dine at Becca and The Hunt Room at the Cavalier, where you'll enjoy garden-to-table dining and rustic pub fare, respectively.

Nearby restaurants we recommend: 

• Zoës – For seafood, steaks, and a wine list curated by renowned sommelier Marc Sauter
• Terrapin Restaurant – Fresh flavors and a four-course tasting menu 
• The Atlantic on Pacific – Oyster and craft cocktail bar on the oceanfront
• Orion's Roof – Asian-fusion small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and spectacular ocean views

For drinks, visit the Cavalier’s distillery, Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, or grab a cocktail from the Hunt Room’s bar. There are also a wide array of  breweries in the Virginia Beach area if you’re looking to sample Virginia’s impressive craft beers.

For more Virginia Beach dining options, consult our complete local dining guide. 

Upscale Activities in Virginia Beach

Get a real taste of Virginia’s world-class oysters on a Chef's Table Tour with Pleasure House Oysters. This oyster experience is more than waterfront — the tour puts you knee-deep in the waters of the Lynnhaven River as you feast on oysters pulled out of the water only a few yards away. Hosted by the owner and oyster farmer, the three-to-four hour private dining event includes a picturesque boat ride to the oyster farm and an educational lesson in Virginia’s oysters.

Pro Tip: Bring a bottle of your favorite Virginia wine to pair with the succulent oysters for an unforgettable foodie experience.

For outdoor lovers, take a kayak tour of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or the Atlantic Ocean offered by Surf & Adventure. The wildlife refuge tours last approximately two hours and give you a chance to see the preserved waterways around Virginia Beach, where you may spot dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, or other aquatic wildlife native to the region.

If relaxation is on your agenda, spend some time at the Cavalier Beach Club or SeaHill Spa, where you can book massages, body wraps, facials, couples treatments, and a wide variety of soothing spa packages.

Keep planning your luxurious coastal trip with our complete guide to visiting Virginia Beach.
 

Discover Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay

Where to Stay in the Chesapeake Bay Area

The lesser-known waterfront region of Virginia’s River Realm is a decadent destination for travelers looking to explore the Chesapeake Bay area. For a luxury experience, book a stay at The Tides Inn. 

The Tides Inn sits on Carter’s Creek, an inlet off the Chesapeake Bay in Irvington, infusing the expected Southern hospitality of Virginia with the centuries-old traditions of watermen in the region. The resort offers more than comfortable accommodations, but the its true luxury lies in the amenities and experiences offered.

Guests can rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the surrounding waterways themselves, or they can sign up for guided sunset cruises, mixology classes, oyster roasts, bike rides, jet ski rentals, and even sailing lessons. The inn has a disc golf course, tennis courts, a lavish spa on-site, and a stunning outdoor pool area where you can lounge in the summer sun.

Fine Dining in the Chesapeake Bay Area

On-site at the Tides Inn, dine at Salt & Meadow and enjoy a stunning view with your decadent seafood meal. There's also Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, a casual raw bar steps from the water. 

Nearby restaurants we recommend:

• Adrift – Owned by a husband-and-wife team that both formerly worked in the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington
• Merroir Tasting Room – Riverfront gourmet oyster tasting
• The Colonnade – Enjoy multiple seasonal courses prepared by Chef Meseret Crockett at the Hope and Glory Inn

Upscale Activities in the Chesapeake Bay Area

Don’t miss the Tides Inn’s Chesapeake Gold Oyster Excursion, an immersive class that begins with a short lesson on the history of Virginia’s oyster industry, the ecology of the Bay, and harvesting methods. You’ll then head out on a boat with a traditional Virginia waterman for a one-hour harvesting excursion where you'll hold the oyster tongs, feel live oysters right out of the beds, and choose the best oysters for fine eating. After returning to the inn, you’ll get a lesson in shucking, preparing, and pairing your oysters with flavorful sauces and complementary wines. 

Another option for water enthusiasts is the Sailing School through Sail & Surf Adventures. Captain Clay offers several courses, so even beginners can get out on the water and become confident skippers. Multi-day courses and hourly lessons are available — or let someone else do the work and enjoy a catamaran charter. 
 

A Luxurious Outdoor Retreat

Where to Stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Located at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 12,000 expansive acres, The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection offers luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, exquisite farm-to-table cuisine, a tranquil spa, and a level of outdoor adventure that is unrivaled on the east coast.

A secluded property in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, The Lodge at Primland sets a high bar when it comes to luxury. In addition to the refined rooms in the main building and private cottages with every amenity you’d expect from a top resort, Primland boasts treehouses perched on a bluff 3,000 feet high with views of the Kibler Valley and mountains beyond. With Auberge Resorts Collection’s highly personalized service, Primland is an inspiring escape all year long.

Fine Dining in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Savor the tastes of Appalachia at several restaurants on the grounds of The Lodge at Primland. The Lodge at Leatherflower offers refined dining, while Stables Saloon will provide a more relaxed Southern supper. 

For an intimate experience, indulge in a tasting in the Schlumberger Wine Cellar, or dive into some spirits history with a Bourbon & the Blue Ridge class. Cheers to a day of luxury with a craft cocktail at Laurel Bar. 

Upscale Activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains

You'll never be bored at The Lodge at Primland. Try your hand at sport shooting on the range with clays, or hunt wild game with guides including turkey, whitetail deer, or Orvis-endorsed seasonal wingshooting for pheasant, quail, and chukar. If aquatic game is more your style, Primland offers fly fishing on the remote banks of the Dan River, which has large native populations of brown, brook, and rainbow trout, as well as three ponds stocked with trout, bass, and channel catfish. 

Play a spectacular round of golf on Primland’s 18-hole Audubon-certified bentgrass greens course, carved from the natural landscape of the mountains by renowned golf course architect, Donald Steel. The course was ranked by GOLF Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” and is a can’t-miss course for passionate golfers visiting Virginia.

More on-site activities include horseback riding and biking on over 20 miles of trails connected to the resort, an 18-hole disc golf course, RTV trail riding, and kayak and paddleboard trips on the Dan River. Unwind at The Spa at Primland with pampering treatments like massage, body wraps, scrubs, and nail packages. In the evenings, head to the resort’s fully equipped observatory for an epic deep-space stargazing experience, viewing the unusually clear night skies above the rural resort through a high-powered telescope.
 

The Historic Roots of Virginia’s Wine Country

Where to Stay in Virginia Wine Country

With over 300 wineries, many of them winning medals in international wine competitions, the Commonwealth is quickly becoming a top destination for wine enthusiasts on the East Coast. Explore the renowned Monticello AVA with a luxurious home base at Keswick Hall. 

Keswick Hall is the epitome of luxury, featuring Marigold, the fine dining restaurant created by world-famous Chef Jean-Georges, an on-site spa, an 18-hole golf course designed by legendary golfer Pete Dye, and a horizon pool with impeccable views of the rolling landscape. This secluded Central Virginia property is only a few miles from several notable wineries, including Keswick Vineyards, Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, and Southwest Mountain Vineyards.

Find more luxurious places to stay in Virginia Wine Country: 

• Boar's Head Resort – Located on over 500 acres of bucolic countryside, known for exceptional service and world-class recreational activities
• Inn at Willow Grove – Minutes from James Madison's Montpelier, a historic inn with timeless elegance and an on-site Forbes four-star restaurant
• The 1804 Inn – Lounge in the comfort of two Georgian villas or cozy cottages at Barboursville Vineyards

Fine Dining in Virginia Wine Country

Enjoy fine dining at Keswick Hall's Marigold, which features a sustainably-focused and fresh menu that changes with the seasons. There's also the comfortable lounge environment of Crawford's, where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and small plates.

Nearby restaurants we recommend: 

• The Mill Room – AAA four-diamond restaurant at Boar's Head Resort
• 1799 Restaurant – Farm-to-table dining in a romantic atmosphere at The Clifton Inn 
• The Alley Light – Classic French shared plates and craft cocktails tucked off Charlottesville's Downtown Mall
• The Ivy Inn Restaurant – Seasonal American dining inside a restored 19th century home
• C&O Restaurant – Upscale French establishment rooted in Charlottesville since 1976
• Fleurie – Intimate, prix fixe dining with modern French cuisine
• Palladio — Refined Northern Italian menu at Barboursville Vineyard

For more local restaurant selections, consult our Charlottesville dining guide. 

Upscale Activities in Virginia Wine Country

Take the time to explore the Monticello Wine Trail, recognized by Wine Enthusiast as the 2023 Wine Region of the Year. The trail consists of more than 40 acclaimed wineries, so book a tour if you plan on doing several tastings. A trip with Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co. lasts about five hours and include stops at your choice of three or four wineries in the area. Opt for a tour on horseback with Indian Summer Guide Service, which offers tours at several vineyards.

For a taste of inspiring American history, travel to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Tour the mountaintop home as well as the gardens and grounds to get a holistic view of the Founding Father's life as well as others who lived and labored at the plantation. After seeing Monticello, spend a few hours walking the grounds at the University of Virginia, founded and designed by Jefferson.

Get more presidential history at James Madison’s Montpelier, about 30 minutes outside of Charlottesville. Plan your trip in early November to attend the annual Montpelier Hunt Races, an event almost a century old.

Still looking for a little extra luxury during your Virginia Wine Country vacation? Boar’s Head offers hot air balloon rides that give you incredible views of the gorgeous countryside in and around Charlottesville.

Keep exploring all Virginia Wine Country has to offer, from wineries with onsite lodging to unique wine experiences. 
 

Michelin Star Dining in 18th Century Style

Where to Stay in Little Washington

Savor the subtle flavors of Virginia like never before at the Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington, located in a charming small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of only 42 inns or restaurants in the U.S. to be named an esteemed Relais & Chateaux property, The Inn at Little Washington is located in Washington, a charming small town that was surveyed and founded by George Washington in 1769.

All of the 23 rooms and suites at the inn provide elegant accommodations, but for over-the-top opulence, book room six, which was inspired by the plush Ritz Hotel in Paris. All stays include a welcome cocktail upon arrival, afternoon tea, house breakfast, complimentary valet parking, and a guaranteed dining reservation each evening at the inn’s restaurant, which has been awarded two Michelin stars.

Fine Dining in Little Washington

The obvious choice for luxury dining is The Inn at Little Washington Restaurant. Helmed by James Beard-winning Chef Patrick O’Connell, the restaurant has been rated the number one inn in North America and number two in the world in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards. 

A more casual, but still upscale, dining experience can be found at Patty O's Cafe & Bakery. The former gas station was converted into a sidewalk cafe featuring inviting dishes from Chef O'Connell's childhood. 

Spend a day wine tasting when you visit The Inn at Little Washington. Nearby Fauquier County is home to several stunning wineries, including Barrel Oak Winery, Morais Vineyards, and Crimson Lane Vineyards. Schedule a visit to Lost Mountain Vineyards, an exclusive appointment-only winery where your visit entails an in-depth tour of the property and an intimate tasting.
 

Historic Elegance in Virginia’s Colonial Capital

Where to Stay in Williamsburg

History comes alive during educational and hands-on tours at the famed Colonial Williamsburg. If you're interested in a little extra luxury during your visit, stay at The Williamsburg Inn, just steps away from the Revolutionary City. 

The pet-friendly establishment offers world-class dining, recreation, and amenities, such as a full-service spa, tennis courts, three pools, and a complimentary shuttle service around the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg. Child care services can also be arranged by request.

For another luxurious option, explore Wedmore Place at The Williamsburg Winery. 

Fine Dining in Williamsburg

Dine on-site at the Williamsburg Inn in the Rockefeller Room, open seasonally. The luxurious concept specializes in fine cuisines and wine. For a more casual meal, opt for a table in the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms, or savor a drink and unwind at Restoration Bar.

At Wedmore Place’s Gabriel Archer Tavern, you can sample Coastal Virginia wines and farm-to-table dishes that highlight the bounty of the region. 

Nearby restaurants we recommend:

• Fat Canary – Upscale sister to Williamsburg staple The Cheese Shop
• Le Yaca French Restaurant – Traditional French cuisine in a cozy, luxurious environment 
• King's Arms Tavern – Immersive historic dining experience with several special events throughout the year 

Upscale Activities in Williamsburg

Visit Colonial Williamsburg and wander the colonial streets just outside of the Inn. Reserve a carriage ride to explore the historic area in style or book a behind-the-scenes tour for a private excursion filled with little-known facts and secrets of America’s early leaders.

Golfers should fit in a round on the links of Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, which features three pristine courses to total 45 unique holes. The Gold Course at the club has been ranked as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest.

Venture outside the historic area to visit Kingsmill Resort, another luxury property in Coastal Virginia, which features three 18-hole golf courses surrounded by a lush natural landscape. 

Keep planning your colonial retreat with our complete guide to visiting Williamsburg. 
 

The Equestrian Experience in Virginia’s Horse Country

Where to Stay in Horse & Hunt Country

Virginia's Horse Country is the true essence of luxury travel, containing everything you need for an elegant countryside retreat. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Salamander Middleburg is a countryside estate that promises the best in adventure and comfort.

Book a deluxe room at the resort, or for special occasions, consider upgrading to one of their 17 lavish suites. The resort features an equestrian center with fully-equipped stables and practice ring, a pool and outdoor cafe, hiking and biking trails, archery, fishing, zip lining, tennis and basketball courts, a disc golf course, and even falconry lessons. Book treatments at the resort’s spa, an indulgent 23,000-square-foot facility that sees to your every comfort.

Find more luxurious places to stay in Horse & Hunt Country: 

• Goodstone Inn – A romantic country inn offering elegant guest rooms, suites, and award-winning French-inspired cuisine 
• L’Auberge Provençale – A meticulously transformed a historic farmhouse likely to have been slept in by George Washington, now a quintessential French Country Inn with exceptional dining and pastoral views 

Fine Dining in Horse & Hunt Country 

Experience bold, local flavors at Harrimans Grill, the main dining room at the Salamander. For a more unique option, plan a dinner at Harrimans Cooking Studio, where your party will enjoy a private Chef's Table experience with cooking demonstrations and sommelier-led wine tastings. 

Nearby restaurants we recommend: 

• La Table Provençale – Farm-to-table fine dining inspired by the leisurely styles of Provence 
• The Conservatory at Goodstone Inn – Greenhouse-style restaurant with tasting menu helmed by Executive Chef Paul Verica
• Hunter’s Head Tavern – Sustainable gastropub dishes made in the heart of Hunt Country 
• Red Fox Inn & Tavern – Intimate dining area with a seasonal four-course dinner menu featuring local game and seafood dishes
• Tremolo Bar – Modern wine bar and small plates from James Beard-nominated sommelier and chef Jarad Slipp

Upscale Activities in Horse & Hunt Country 

Salamander offers an extensive list of on-site activities, so we recommend spending at least a day on the property to get the full experience. For the horse lovers, there are several equestrian programs that you can sign up for, whether you take in the pristine countryside during a trail ride, learn the basics of horseback riding during private lessons, or book a half or full-day package that includes all of the above and more.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss meeting Cupcake the miniature horse, the resort’s resident celebrity — she was featured in People magazine!

The charming town of Middleburg centers around the historic Main Street, lined with quaint boutiques and many well-established antique shops. Stop by Red Fox Inn & Tavern for a little local history. Dating to about 1830, it is believed to be one of the oldest continuously running inns in Virginia.

At National Sporting Library & Museum discover the rich history behind equestrian, angling, and field sports, including archery, shooting, steeplechasing, polo, and foxhunting.

While the region is widely known for its equestrian roots, the countryside is also home to several noteworthy wineries. Greenhill Vineyards, Boxwood Winery, and Chrysalis Vineyards are all a short distance from Salamander Resort. You can also sip on cider at nearby Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery.

Get the most out of your trip to Horse & Hunt Country with our complete guide to visiting Middleburg.
 

An Iconic Stay in Virginia’s Capital City

Where to Stay in Richmond

Visit Virginia's capital city, Richmond, and stay at the classic Jefferson Hotel for an unforgettable experience.

Since 1895, the Jefferson has been the epitome of luxury, with breathtaking architecture both inside and out. While the rooms offer plenty of amenities — think televisions built into the bathroom mirrors, Molton Brown shower products, and plush bathrobes — the real showstopper sections of the hotel are the lobby areas. 

The two-story Rotunda Lobby is lined with massive marble columns and adorned throughout with sumptuous furnishings, and the main entrance lobby, called the Palm Court, is illuminated by an expansive Tiffany stained-glass dome. Just off the hotel lobbies are two restaurants, a full-service salon, an indoor pool and fitness area, and even a florist.

Fine Dining in Richmond

Enjoy an upscale dinner at The Jefferson’s Lemaire. On Sunday mornings, don’t miss the hotel’s Champagne Brunch, an all-you-can-eat meal complete with custom-made omelets and waffles, fresh seafood, and tables full of seasonal fare. This isn’t your average buffet, it’s a lavish feast filled with every brunch menu item you could possibly desire.

Nearby restaurants we recommend: 

• L’Opossum – Fine French cuisine in an eclectic atmosphere 
• The Roosevelt – New Southern fare with a charming neighborhood restaurant vibe
• Shagbark – Focuses on fresh ingredients with a seasonal menu and craft cocktails
• Lost Letter – Italian dishes and small plates in an intimate setting
• The Jasper – Speciality cocktail bar with snacks and sandwiches
• Can Can Brasserie – French bites and drinks in iconic Carytown district 

For more dining options, check out our Richmond restaurants guide. 

Upscale Activities in Richmond

First settled by colonists as a town in 1742, Richmond is teeming with historic sites. Visit the grand Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1788, and Historic St. John's Church, the site of Patrick Henry’s iconic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.

Maymont, a 100-acre American estate bequeathed to the city by the affluent Dooley family, frames the history of the property within the picturesque grounds, which contain Japanese and Italian gardens, and a Nature Center that showcases Richmond’s abundant wildlife.

Experience Richmond’s burgeoning culinary scene with a Discover Richmond Food Tour. Centered around the city’s biggest foodie neighborhoods, private tours can be customized to your taste and appetite.

Richmond also has outdoor activities in spades, including kayaking the James River, mountain biking on over 50 miles of trails, and biking or hiking along the Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved trail that connects Richmond to Williamsburg with notable historic sites all along the way.

Your capital city getaway just got easier — here's our complete guide to visiting Richmond. 

There's more luxury to discover. Keep exploring our favorite resorts and make the vacation of your dreams a reality in Virginia.