You don’t have to wait for an amorous occasion to plan a romantic weekend getaway. Virginia is for lovers all year round, and whether you are looking for a country cabin or a luxury resort, there are plenty of destinations you should consider for a weekend away. Find a couple’s vacation spot to suit your lifestyle and start planning your trip today.
—CABIN FEVER—
If you prefer a stay closer to the Great Outdoors, these cabin-style lodgings are right up your alley.
Mountain Lake Lodge—Pembroke
You might recognize some of your surroundings at the Winter Cabins at Mountain Lake Lodge—scenes from the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing were filmed here! Several of the lodge’s charming cottages and cabins were built as far back as 1912, but the interiors reflect more modern times. The lodge offers many activities for adventurous couples, including geo-caching explorations and trails for mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or hiking in the surrounding picturesque landscape.
Royal Oaks Retreat—Love
Located in aptly named Love, Virginia, Royal Oaks Retreat is the perfect place for an intimate trip for two. Book one of the cozy cabins or reserve a sprawling chalet for a more lavish hideaway. Royal Oaks provides canoe rentals and hosts frequent campfires for guests to socialize. This rural destination is located on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and is a popular spot for avid bird watchers. Fly fishing in nearby creeks is also prevalent in the area.
Shadow Mountain Escape—Luray
Shadow Mountain Escape borders the Shenandoah National Park and provides exquisite views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stay in one of the four oak cabins, decorated with traditional antique furniture. Take a walk along the woodland trail, relax beside the mountain stream, or just enjoy the scenery at the fish pond, all located on the resort’s 51-acres of property.
The Lodge & Cottages at Primland Resort—Meadows of Dan
The Lodge & Cottages at Primland Resort have scenic treehouses perched on the edge of the mountains. Surrounded by nature, you can take in the sweeping panoramic views and enjoy sunsets over the pristine mountain ranges from your private deck. These treehouses have all the amenities of a resort, but add a rustic charm that you won’t find at most upscale hotels.
—FEELS LIKE HOME, WITH AN UPGRADE—
Foxfield Inn—Charlottesville
The Foxfield Inn is located in Virginia’s horse country right outside of Charlottesville. This tasteful bed & breakfast has five uniquely decorated guestrooms that each have a fireplace and two-person Jacuzzi tub. Get away from the hectic pace of everyday life at this peaceful country inn.
Salamander Resort—Middleburg
Just an hour outside of Washington, D.C., Salamander Resort is situated on 340 acres of equestrian countryside. The estate surrounds visitors with the best that nature has to offer, including rolling wild flower meadows and expansive views of the adjacent Bull Run Mountains. Each room features a gas fireplace, marble shower with body jets, pedestal tub, and a private balcony with vast countryside views. Visit the Salamander Spa and book the Couple’s Suite for relaxing spa treatments with your sweetheart or stop by the world-class stalls to try your hand at horseback riding.
Clifton Inn—Charlottesville
Clifton Inn is a boutique hotel that recalls the appeal of an elegant Virginia mansion. Fewer than 20 uniquely appointed rooms and suites are available, and world-class dining is at your fingertips at the Clifton Inn. The inn sits on 100 acres of manicured grounds that are often used for weddings throughout the year. If you’re looking for romance, the Clifton Inn should be on your radar.
L’Auberge Provencal Bed & Breakfast—Boyce
The L’Auberge Provencal Bed and Breakfast has been recognized by USA Today as one of Seven Irresistible Country Retreats. This French-style country inn is located in Virginia’s Wine Country and offers guided tours to the region. The L’Auberge Provencale French Restaurant is ZAGAT rated and holds AAA Four Diamond status.
Goodstone Inn & Restaurant—Middleburg
The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant sits in the midst of Virginia’s hunt country. The sophisticated lodgings bring to mind a feeling of a romantic bygone era where life was much simpler, yet still luxurious. The on-site restaurant has a fine farm-to-table menu of French Country cuisine.
—TIME-TESTED RETREATS—
The Jefferson Hotel—Richmond
Built by renowned millionaire and Richmond resident Lewis Ginter in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel was the most extravagant hotel in America at the time. This historic building is still known for its grandeur and breathtaking architecture. The hotel has been recognized by the AAA organization as a Five Diamond Award Winner for 18 years in a row and by Mobil with the highly sought-after Five Star award. Only a few hotels in the U.S. have been awarded these prestigious titles. When planning your visit, make sure you book reservations at the hotel’s fine dining establishment, Lemaire Restaurant, for an unforgettable meal that highlights Virginia-grown products.
The Ritz-Carlton—Tysons Corner
The Ritz-Carlton caters to your needs with a full service spa and upscale dining. Located beside the well-known Tyson’s Corner shopping area, guests can experience luxury without sacrificing location. End your day with an indulgent bubble bath in the room’s marble bathtubs and take in the Virginia mountain scenery or Washington, D.C. skyline views from your windows.
The Omni Homestead—Hot Springs
The Omni Homestead has over 45 acres filled with endless activities that keep guests busy during their stay. The grounds have two mineral hot springs for a restorative and relaxing soak. During the winter, visit nearby Snowshoe resort during your stay for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. This huge hotel has everything you could ever want to make your romantic getaway unforgettable: Indoor and outdoor pools, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a movie theater, and a first-rate spa.
The Inn at Wise—Wise
Located off the famous Crooked Road, The Inn at Wise has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. Since the building’s complete restoration, the hotel still has a storied history, but it feels far from old. Book a stay for a cozy getaway in the Heart of Appalachia.
—MOD BUT NOT MODEST—
Quirk—Richmond
In the heart of downtown Richmond, Quirk is the perfect destination for those looking for a more contemporary hotel. Refinished hardwood flooring and original modern artwork give the bright, airy rooms a sophisticated appeal. Dine at Maple & Pine, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and try dishes created using locally sourced products.
Lorien Hotel & Spa—Alexandria
Lorien Hotel and Spa in Old Town Alexandria is a luxury boutique hotel that is sensible yet stylish. Sip on elegant cocktails at the hotel’s brick bar, then make dinner planners at BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier, the Lorien Hotel’s on-site Belgian restaurant.
Hotel Cape Charles—Cape Charles
Is there anything more romantic than watching a Virginia sunset with your special someone? Get a front-row seat to one of the best sunset scenes in Virginia when you plan a stay at the Hotel Cape Charles. This contemporary Chesapeake Bay hotel blends modern accommodations with classic Virginia taste.
—HISTORIC HIDEAWAYS—
Inn at Little Washington—Washington
On the highly esteemed Relais & Châteaux list, the Inn at Little Washington has been an essential romantic Virginia destination since 1978. But the history of this charming inn goes back much further than that. The town of Washington dates back to 1749, when founder George Washington surveyed and planned out the original village streets. The Inn’s dining rooms have been granted the Five Diamond Award by the American Automobile Association for 28 consecutive years and rated Five Stars by the 2015 Forbes Travel Guide for 24 years in a row.
The Martha Hotel & Spa—Abingdon
Built in 1832 as a residence for General Francis Preston’s family, The Martha Hotel & Spa still has much of the original architecture. The home was sold and converted into the Martha Washington College in 1858 and operated well through the Civil War, eventually becoming a hotel in 1935. The hotel’s rich history makes it a prime location for history buffs looking for a romantic destination.
The Inn at Willow Grove—Orange
The Inn at Willow Grove is a sprawling 18th century home that has been renovated into a beautiful inn. The bucolic 37-acre estate is the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll for two. After a refreshing night of sleep in one of the inn’s gorgeous rooms, wake up to locally-roasted Fresh Press coffee and homemade beignets brought directly to your room by the full-service staff.
Which romantic style fits you and your significant other? Leave us a comment to let us know which of these stunning Virginia destinations you plan to visit!
Nancy Bauer
Recently stayed at the cottages at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Really perfect – beautifully decorated, full kitchen, deck and best of all…panoramic views of the winery, vineyards, and mountains beyond.
Katherine Addington
House Mountain Inn is another good one in a great area close to Natural Bridge
Bob Gemmell.
As for cabins, remember all our wonderful State Parks.