Join Girls on the Run for some Fun on the Run on our first
Girls on the Run Getaway
March 2nd - 4th, 2024
Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA
A Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Resort
Join Girls on the Run for some Fun on the Run on our first Girls on the Run Getaway!
We are kicking off Women's History Month right this March with a WAT Weekender. Women's Adventure Travels/WAT has partnered with the Lancaster, PA, Girls on the Run chapter for a fun-raising event. We are headed to Virginia's premier wine region for two nights and three days, with R&R on the agenda.
We will be Raising the Roof on the fun front in Virginia and Raising funds for our girls on the home front!
Space is extremely limited as this is an intimate trip, and we book on a first-come basis. So, secure your spot today and join Girls on the Run, their friends, family, and fans of this incredible GOTR chapter on a Girls on the Run Getaway.
We could not have picked a better locale, as this Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort is the ultimate place of discovery and the epitome of luxury, combining artfully designed facilities with unparalleled experiences, all resting on 340 acres framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, lush Virginia vineyards, and bucolic horse farms.
Salamander is dedicated to health and wellness, with an expansive 23,000-square-foot spa with fourteen treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard with a heated pool.
The culinary program also does not disappoint with the rustic Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, a multi-experience cooking studio, and a well-appointed wine bar. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and pickleball.
Aside from the endless adventures and stunning property, the nearby town of Middleburg is charming and surrounded by women-run wineries. The Middleburg Historic District, comprising the 19th-century center of town, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So, this trip ticks off many of the WAT boxes.
In the spirit of Women's History Month and in line with WAT creating trips so guests can see a destination through a feminine lens, we could not have picked a more perfect place than the Salamander. Sheila Johnson heads Salamander Resorts. She made history as the co-founder of BET, Black Entertainment Television, and America's first Black female billionaire.
Sheila Johnson has broken barriers and found success as an entrepreneur, a business leader, a hotel mogul, and co-owner of multiple professional sports teams. Let the inspiration begin. We are in the right place to raise fun, funds, and our vibration to celebrate all things women this weekend.
Join us as we forge new friendships, renew and deepen old friendships, and do what all women should do in March: celebrate ourselves and each other, in Women's History Month.
The total price per person for the weekend's shared accommodations starts at approximately $1,250
That is including a deposit - $350 - a direct donation to GOTR/Girls on the Run
For the 2-night stay at Salamander Resort - Approximately $1,800/room - Price PP for the room, for a 2-night stay is $900
$900 + $350 = $1,250
Drop us a line if you are interested in this FUN-raising!
Email Jennifer Middleton West, Executive Director of GOTR Lancaster, directly ASAP to Secure Your Spot by sending her the $350 deposit.
Once your deposit is secured, Jen will revert you to us at WAT, as WAT's Adventuress in Chief, Karen Loftus, will take over from there, booking your room and coordinating all of your curated details for the itinerary and this extraordinary weekend.
See below for more details!
Why Work With WAT
Karen Loftus launched Women's Adventure Travels (WAT) in 2018. WAT is a boutique travel company specializing in small, customized trips for women. WAT supports women-owned businesses and celebrates women of influence and distinction in each market.
When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it's all about who you know. Karen has the connections, knowledge, and first-hand experience, having traveled to 70+ countries and all seven continents as a travel writer and a travel advisor to ensure that her travelers receive the best treatment and experience.
As a luxury Virtuoso travel advisor, Karen and her clients can access exclusive benefits, including unique experiences, special deals, complimentary perks, and VIP treatment. For this particular trip, some of those benefits include:
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Complimentary breakfast each day of your stay
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$100 resort credit per room
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Complimentary room upgrade where available
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Early check-in/late check-out where available
An Independent Affiliate of Cadence Travel
A Virtuoso Agency
Adventure Details
About the Trip
What is this?
This is an empowering women's trip wrapped up in fun and the simple act of gals gathering and celebrating ourselves and each other.
What are we doing?
There isn't a tight set schedule here, but rather several options for activities on and around the resort, be it relaxing and recharging or raising the roof on the fun or the run front.
What do I have to do?
All we need you to do is simply show up. Trust in the trip as the transformation is in the travel. Hop in the car and we'll see you in Virginia!
Who else is going, and why are they going?
More than anything, this trip is about this community getting together for fun and simply giving back to each other and themselves.
This is a very impassioned and driven community. The women behind the scenes and on the teams and those front and center and the many donors, fans, and friends of Girls on the Run make it the great success that it is as they commit and give so much of themselves, from their time to their energy and their resources.
This is for them. It is for those who love GOTR and those involved with GOTR, and for those who love to raise up women and girls at home and around the world. This community loves each other. Let's take our love of GOTR and each other and hit the road!
What do I have to do?
The resort has many unique on-site activities, including an indoor pool, pickleball, zip-lining, falconry, and a luxury spa. Nearby activities and attractions include hiking, wineries, golf, and exploring the more than 100 unique shops and restaurants in the village of Middleburg.
There isn't an extensive to-do list or set schedule for this getaway, per se. There will be a group itinerary for you to participate in and jump in and out of on this trip.
It will be individually curated for each person with the group dinner each evening, the can't-miss meeting, and the event of each day.
We believe that the transformation is in the travel and want you to take the time to do what you enjoy!
Why March?
What better weekend than the kick-off to Women's History Month? It's the perfect time to come together and show the immense impact that an impassioned group of women can make!
Why this property?
The Salamander Resort is women-owned. Owner Sheila Johnson is America's first Black female billionaire and co-founder of BET. Sheila has broken barriers and found success as an entrepreneur, a business leader, a hotel mogul, and co-owner of multiple professional sports teams.
How does this benefit GOTR?
One of WAT's core tenants is their Give-Back Factor and they've teaming up with non-profits since 2018. In this case, the deposit of the trip goes directly to Girls on the Run Lancaster. Think of it like a vacation with a built in donation!
What if I need to cancel?
The $350 deposit is per person and non-refundable. If you need to cancel your stay, please contact Karen directly. Please include your name, phone number, and email with your deposit so that we can contact you to book your room and activities.
Do I need to book now?
Yes! The hotel will sell out. It's a hot property. Groups, weddings, and retreats take up big blocks. So, space is extremely limited. You need to book your room ASAP to ensure your spot!
What else?
Send your check for $350 to Jen at GOTR with memo "GOTR Getaway" and call or email Karen to get your room booked, discuss the trip, and have all of your questions answered.
Trip Basics
Dates - March 2nd - 4th, 2024
Days - 3 Days/2 Nights
Timing - The start of Women's History Month
Style - Adventure, Empowerment & Culture
with a side of Sass, Spa, Wine, & Fun!
Location - Middleburg, Virginia.
It is a historic town in Virginia's wine country, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Needs - $350 nonrefundable deposit per person, paid directly to GOTR. Due ASAP!
Email Jennifer West at jwest@gotrlancaster.org
Please include your name and phone number with your deposit so that we can contact you to book.
Once your deposit has been received, a WAT representative will contact you to book your room.
Treats - Stunning property, women-run wineries, local shopping, great hiking everywhere.
Extras - Horseback riding, Golf, Pickleball and Ziplining.
Accommodations - This resort is the 1st destination resort in the D.C. area to receive the Forbes Five-Star Award and the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Virginia!
Hosts - Girls on the Run, Jennifer West and Women's Adventure Travels, Karen Loftus
Fees - Rates start at approximately $1,800 per room for a two-night stay.
All other expenses, including travel there, food and beverage, activities, and tips, are additional and paid separately by you.
Price Breakdown - Single Accommodations
Room Rate - $1,800*
Non-Refundable Deposit - $350
Price = $2,150
Price Breakdown - Shared Accommodations
Half of Room Rate - $900*
Non-Refundable Deposit - $350
Price Per Person = $1,250
*Provided as an example based on rates at time of publication. Room rates vary depending on the timing of booking, selected room, and availability.
For questions regarding the trip, contact
Karen Loftus - womensadventuretravels@gmail.com
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1 | March 2nd, 2024
Arrivals, Town Tours, Wine Tastings & Group Dinner
We will have a running itinerary where you can drop in and out of all the weekend activities. You are not obligated to attend any activities, but you are welcome to join all of them. The one place that we do want to see everyone is at the two evening dinners, both on-site at Salamander.
Check-in is at 3 p.m. on the property.
As Karen Loftus is a Virtuoso Luxury Travel Advisor, early check-ins, late check-outs, and automatic upgrades on the rooms, based on availability, are extended to everyone.
This is a buzzing property, so we will not know if this is a go until closer to check-in. However, we recommend that you make an early go of it and head down to the property to enjoy as much of the property and the weekend as possible.
If the rooms aren't available for early check-in, we can check our bags at the desk and carry on with the day.
Depending on size and interests, the exact itinerary will be shared once we have our committed guests.
On Saturday, we will likely head into the town of Middleburg and the surrounding area, visiting women-run wineries and eateries. We will have special guests throughout - TBA. Others can linger and hike or ride on the property or head to one of the state parks in the area. Information and options will be provided.
Once back, we can check in, freshen up, and head to the fire pits for drinks at 6 p.m. Dinner in the restaurant will follow.
(Food, beverage, and activities are at your own expense.)
Group dinner at 7pm.
After dinner, relax and mingle.
Photo courtesy of Salamander Middleburg
Day 2 | March 3rd, 2024
Yoga, Hike, Spa, Savor the Salamander
Early morning yoga on the property, if interested.
Breakfast at leisure at Harriman's at the hotel.
Complimentary breakfast for two on the property is a Virtuoso benefit with this hotel booking.
For those interested, we will head out on a big hike in the area as we have the Blue Ridge Mountains and several parks in the area. The exact park(s) and length of the hike(s) will be determined by the interest of the group.
Others are welcome to stay behind and enjoy activities at their leisure on or off the property. Choose from a variety of exciting activities, including hiking on-site, exploring the town of Middleburg, relaxing at the spa, riding horses, taking a cooking class, or wine tasting, to name but a few!
This resort is known for its spa. We can't take over the spa per se, but we can get booked in this window in the afternoon (for those interested). Once your treatment is complete, you are able to linger in the spa area and use the facilities for two hours. So, this is a great window for us to gather, destress, and decompress spa-side.
We will gather around the firepit again for drinks at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner, nibbles, and drinks at the resort at the Gold Cup Wine Bar at 7:00 p.m.
After dinner, linger, relax, and savor the Salamander property.
All food and beverage (except for breakfast) and activities, including spa and yoga, are at the guest's expense.
Photo courtesy of Salamander Middleburg
Day 3
Breakfast, Linger & Leave
Breakfast at the resort at Harriman's at your leisure. Complimentary breakfast for two on the property is a Virtuoso benefit with this hotel booking.
As was mentioned in the check-in, one of your Virtuoso benefits will be a late checkout, which is at 4:00 p.m., which we will likely get as it is a Monday. So, the option is to linger there a bit more if interested. You can depart any time, as needed, at your leisure.
Check out.
Head home...
Accommodations
Salamander Middleburg
Nestled within the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country, just one hour from Washington, D.C., on over 340 breathtaking acres, Salamander Middleburg is the first destination resort in the D.C. area to receive the Forbes Five-Star Award and the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Virginia. Exuding supreme luxury with equal parts gracious hospitality and historic charm, Salamander Middleburg offers boundless and inspiring activities that delight guests, including treetop zip-lining, the renowned Salamander Spa, and outstanding wineries.
In addition, Salamander has built one of the finest equestrian facilities and programs in the country, with 25 on-site acres dedicated to riding and a 14,000-square-foot stable.
There is also a winery and cider tour, foraging hikes, guided mountain bike tours, and more.
The property is pet-friendly.
Photo courtesy of Salamander Middleburg
Rates & Availability
SHARED ACCOMMODATION
$1,250 USD
Accommodations can be upgraded for an additional fee. Single supplements are also available at an additional price.
Please inquire if you are interested.
Please note: A $350 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
This deposit will be made directly to Girls on the Run Lancaster. Contact Jen at GOTR ASAP to secure your spot.
Please be mindful that this highly coveted property sells out often and immediately for groups, weddings, and events. There are enough rooms for our group now; however, no rooms are being held for us. So, it is best to secure your spot ASAP. A full refund is available up to seven days prior.
Space is limited. Email us ASAP to Secure Your Spot!
The Virtuoso Benefits associated with this particular booking are -
Early Check-In, Late Check-Out, Automatic Upgrade (if available), Complimentary Breakfast (up to 2 per room), and $100 resort credit.
You must book your room with Karen Loftus in order to get the above Virtuoso benefits.
Email - womensadventuretravels@gmail.com / (917) 576 3110
Inclusions
2 nights shared accommodations at Salamander Resort
Complimentary breakfast daily
$100 resort credit
Early check in and late check out where available
Complimentary room upgrade where available
Exclusions
Lunch and dinner daily
Alcoholic beverages
Activities or Spa Services
Gratutites
Transport to an from the resort
Your Host
Karen Loftus is a well-known and respected luxury travel and lifestyle writer and photographer with a sense of humor, a wicked sense of adventure, and an insatiable appetite for off-the-beaten-path endeavors.
She hit her international stride twenty-plus years ago as an award-winning feminist playwright. She was also a groundbreaking comedian in the US, Europe, Asia, and The Middle East.
She also ran her nonprofit, Body Comedy, where she used humor to heal. She worked with thousands of survivors of physical and sexual violence, women, and children in many facilities, juvenile halls, prisons, and shelters.
Ten years later, Karen ended up on Hollywood's red carpet, interviewing the celeb set and writing about travel, fashion, beauty, food and wine, and the Hollywood lifestyle. Since then, she has traveled to 70+ countries while working as a writer and photographer.
Her compelling and entertaining stories have appeared in Vogue, Architectural Digest, Forbes, Robb Report, American Way, The NY Daily News, The Globe & Mail, South China Morning Post, Huffington Post, and Men's Journal, among many others.
Lofty loves hitting the road, sharing her wild stories and entrepreneurial endeavors with other women. In addition to WAT, she arranges well-curated travel for individuals and groups under her travel advisor umbrella, Lofty Traveler. Lofty Traveler is a part of Cloud 10 Travel - An Independent Affiliate of Cadence Travel, a Virtuoso Agency.
Girls on the Run Lancaster
At Girls on the Run Lancaster, teaching critical life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs.
Girls on the Run inspires individuals of all abilities to recognize their unique strengths while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable team members to adapt to whatever comes their way. At the end of the season, the team completes a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.
If you can't make the trip but want to donate to GOTR, please contact Jennifer West directly. Mention that you want to make a donation to GOTR. Mention The WAT POP UP when doing so.
Final Notes
What an empowering way to kick off Women's History Month on the month's first weekend!
If you are new here with WATand on our site, you will see that Women's Adventure Travels/WAT is passionate about partnering with like-minded organizations that empower women and girls, which is why we are thrilled to announce this recent partnership with Girls on the Run's Lancaster Chapter. We hope this is the first of many collaborations.
This allows us to support women and girls locally and globally, at home, on the road, on the trail, and life's path. We firmly believe that two hands, theirs and ours, joining together and joining forces are far better than one. This is a win-win worldwide for women and girls.
WAT supports women-owned, operated, and women-run businesses and celebrates women of influence and distinction locally and globally. We cheerfully shine a light on all, from a female hotelier to a chef, artisan, conservationist, sheepherder, or a village woman or girl defying the local and global odds.
You will see that there is a feminine thread meticulously woven into every trip, as every destination is seen through a feminine lens.
