Romantic Winter Respites

By Natalie Kaar

When it’s cold outside and the nights are long, it’s hard to beat snuggling up to your sweetie. But while doing so in the comfort of your home is nice enough, you’re surrounded by bills begging to be paid, laundry that won’t wash itself and a slew of other chores.

Responsibility is admirable, but every couple deserves a break. That’s why we’ve assembled a group of romantic winter destinations that will have you saying, “Tootles!” to those to-dos and, “Hell-o-o-o-o!” to your honey! The bonus: These spots are all fairly local, so no pining away at the pump.

Our Starring Four
Featuring down-home country goodness, rich history and gorgeous Blue Ridge views, the Marriott Ranch (www.marriottranch.com; 540-364-2627) in Hume, and Remington’s The Inn at Kelly’s Ford (www.innatkellysford.com; 540-399-1779) are ideal for those who appreciate the casual elegance of Virginia’s Hunt Country and enjoy Civil War history or equestrian events. The Goodstone Inn and Estate (www.goodstone.com; 877-219-4663), in Middleburg, features privacy, posh accommodations and fine dining sans stuffiness, and Wisp Resort (www.wispresort.com; 800-462-9477) makes for a winter wonderland perfect for adrenaline-filled days outdoors and relaxing nights by the fire.

As your parents have always told you, though, you can’t judge a book by its cover. The descriptions you just read only begin to convey how these places could make your dreams for a romantic winter rendezvous come true.

Sleeping Accommodations
At the Inn at Fairfield Farm on Marriott Ranch, dating back to 1814, couples may choose to stay in the Manor House, where each stately room upstairs includes a fireplace and private bath or shower, and downstairs there is a library, living room and large dining room for those who wish to socialize.

For added privacy and modern accommodations, others prefer the Carriage House, where all three rooms feature private ground-floor entrances and full baths. The Fairfield Suite is especially enticing with a king-sized bed.

Rates: $199 to $229 per night for a room in the Manor House, $129 to $229 in the Carriage House—hearty country breakfast included.

About 30 miles away, at The Inn at Kelly’s Ford, the options are impressive as well. While the main house offers two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, fireplace, balcony view, large antique tub and terrycloth robes, there are also six large suites featuring all the special features of the rooms plus a Jacuzzi, king-sized bed and sleeper-sofa.

What’s more, The Inn at Kelly’s Ford also rents out The Silo, a.k.a. their “Honeymoon Suite,” featuring a full wet bar, indoor fountain, gas stove and unbelievable view of the estate.

Rates: $175 per night for a Main House room, $200 for a suite and $250 for The Silo—plus an additional $25 May 1 through Dec. 31st, Friday and Saturday nights. Prices include breakfast with the option of breakfast in bed.

And in Middleburg, at The Goodstone Inn and Estate, the overnight accommodations are perfectly suited for starry-eyed couples. While the attractive options at the luxurious estate are numerous, The Bull Barn and The Hayloft are most romantic.

Just opened last month, The Bull Barn is “very private, cozy and beautifully decorated,” according to Goodstone spokesperson Denise Benoit. It has a king-sized bed, large two-person sunken tub with bay window, grand stone fireplace, sitting area, wet bar and beautiful farm view.

Meanwhile, The Hayloft screams romance, with a plush queen-sized bed and large bathroom with oversized Whirlpool tub and separate walk-in shower with marble loveseat. And, a private roof deck serves as the perfect spot to watch the sun rise over Goose Creek.

Winter rates: $285 per night Sunday through Thursday, $385 Friday through Saturday for The Hayloft; $495 per night Sunday through Thursday, $595 Fridays and Saturdays for The Bull Barn—continental and full hot breakfast included.

And, last but not least, Wisp affords couples fantastic overnight choices, too. While the newly remodeled Wisp Resort Hotel features 67 guest rooms and 102 two-room suites with views of the slopes and golf course, booking a private cottage through the Lodging Partner Program is also a great option. Plus, the award-winning Lake Point Inn, of the Select Registry, is only a quick walk away.

As for the charming ski-in/ski-out Wisp Resort Hotel itself, the six King Luxury Suites are the all-stars. They feature pillow-top California king mattresses, access to the VIP lounge, truffles presented upon check-in, evening turn-down service with fresh-baked cookies and milk; and, no children are allowed. The hotel also features two Fireplace Suites.

Winter rates: $249 per night for the King Luxury Suites and Fireplace Suites Sunday through Thursday, $369 on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

Dining
Of course, when it comes to a relaxing romantic getaway, a good meal is almost as important as a good bed. Here are just a few of the dining options for each destination.

Marriott Ranch: While you’ll start your day with a hearty country breakfast onsite, ultra-romantic dining options nearby beg to be explored, too, including the legendary Inn at Little Washington and Ashby Inn.

The Inn at Kelly’s Ford: If you have room for lunch after your breakfast in bed, you may enjoy grabbing a bite in nearby Culpeper or Warrenton, but save room for an intimate dinner in the main dining room at Kelly’s Ford, where you’ll enjoy exquisite cuisine from Chef Jean Paul Pessaint—and then head to Pelham’s Pub, also onsite, for some local acoustic tunes.

The Goodstone Inn & Estate: After a hearty breakfast and perhaps some shopping in Middleburg, you may wish to take a picnic lunch to a winery mid-afternoon, but make sure to save calories for the fine dining experience at Goodstone’s Hilltoppers for dinner. The restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine from esteemed chef Tarver King and a knockout wine list.

Wisp Resort: Sloshing in the snow, you’ll work up quite a hunger. Fortunately DC’s Bar and Restaurant, featuring one of the largest wine cellars in Deep Creek, will have you covered morning to night, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a rustic setting that director of marketing Lori Epp describes as “the perfect complement to any day on the mountain.”

Popular Activities
Of course, the bedroom and dining table aren’t the only settings suitable for celebrating your love. At Marriott Ranch, The Inn at Kelly’s Ford and Goodstone, couples enjoy horseback riding, wine tastings and antiquing. Visitors of The Inn at Kelly’s Ford also enjoy sleigh and carriage rides while Goodstone guests look forward to afternoon tea. And, at Wisp, in addition to downhill skiing and boarding, couples simply adore snowmobile rides, tubing, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides (at nearby Pleasant Valley Dream Rides).

Special Packages
As if you needed more reason to book a trip today …

Marriott Ranch will host a Valentine’s weekend package, including an overnight stay, five-course wine dinner, trail rides for two and a keepsake picnic basket; and, The Inn at Kelly’s Ford is planning a New Year’s Eve Gala, German Wine Dinner (in January) and Valentine’s Dinner and Dance.

At press time, Goodstone had not finalized their winter romance package; however, it typically includes: deluxe accommodations, champagne, afternoon tea, dinner for two, turn-down service with fresh roses and pillow gift, chocolate-dipped strawberries and breakfast.

For information on romantic lodging specials at Wisp, see www.wispresort.com.

(December 2008)

Tags: Great Escapes, Travel