Photo by Matt Dandy
Salamander Middleburg Champions Pool
Dreaming of warmer weather? This spring, Salamander Middleburg will officially unveil its new Champions Pool, a landmark amenity that represents a vibrant new chapter for the iconic triple Forbes Five-Star resort located about an hour's drive west of Alexandria.
Situated on 340 scenic acres in historic Middleburg, the 168-room resort is one of five properties in the United States and 16 worldwide to earn separate Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star distinctions for its accommodations, restaurant and spa.
Set amid the shaded woodlands and rolling hills of Virginia’s historic horse country, the spectacular Champions Pool will open mid-April and reimagines the traditional resort pool setting as a multi‑tiered natural experience designed for connection, replete with family and adult pool decks and a new outdoor dining venue: The Stirrup Cup. It is accessible exclusively to resort guests and Residences at Salamander homeowners.
“Champions Pool reflects the spirit and direction of Salamander Middleburg’s future,” said Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection. “From the beginning, my vision has been to create fun spaces where people can connect deeply—with nature, with each other, and with themselves. This newest addition continues that promise. It further elevates our standards, expands the ways guests and Residences Members can experience the beauty of Middleburg, and symbolizes the next chapter for our resort. I am incredibly proud of what we have built and look forward to opening this extraordinary new oasis.”
Across the stunning new space, 145,000 gallons of purified water gently flow through a series of heated bodies of water, anchored by a dramatic 40‑foot infinity‑edge waterfall linking the upper‑level family pool to the tranquil adults‑only pool below. A retail boutique offers stylish accessories and premium sun protection.
The new Champions Pool reinforces Salamander Middleburg’s role as a premier destination for luxurious getaways, family vacations, group meetings and special events. Daily surprise‑and‑delight touches—from wellness smoothie shots to sun-care services, sunglass cleaning, frozen fruit and Shenandoah white oak–infused cold towels—enhance the guest experience. Morning yoga, floating sound baths, sensory micro‑treatments and technology focused on guest wellbeing add opportunities for renewal.
Within the exquisitely crafted new surroundings are tastefully decorated cabanas equipped with fans, fridges and luxurious amenities. At the adults-only pool, there are wellness-specific cabanas designed for restorative treatments and sensory wellness experiences. All seating, including the numerous daybeds and loungers, are draped with custom-sewn, Egyptian cotton coverings, while both pools feature in‑pool loungers and hot tubs.
With a history rooted in the surrounding equestrian heritage, the story behind the Champions Pool reflects Salamander’s brand: welcoming, refined and unmistakably warm. Like other similarly monikered locations at the resort, the name draws inspiration from Johnson’s deep personal connection with the surrounding equestrian community.
Complementing the pool is The Stirrup Cup, a new 2,000‑square‑foot outdoor dining experience serving an elevated poolside menu and featuring a full‑service kitchen and bar. Designed by the resort’s Five-Star culinary team, the menu will feature a selection of salads, small plates, pizzettas, burgers, sandwiches, desserts and frozen treats, while beverage options will showcase a wide array of cocktails, mocktails, Virginia wines and craft beers. With ample poolside seating and space for 20 at the fire pit, The Stirrup Cup creates an inviting all‑day environment.
“At Salamander Middleburg, our focus is to elevate the experience in meaningful ways every day,” said Resort Managing Director Scott Little. “Champions Pool and The Stirrup Cup embody that promise—uniting thoughtful design, attentive service, and moments of genuine delight. We are also enhancing our health and wellness programming to meet the evolving needs of today’s leisure, family, and group travelers. The resort’s nearby sports and pickleball courts allow for seamless recreation opportunities and a unified lifestyle zone.”
The entire Champions Pool deck has a private‑event capacity of up to 400 guests and is ideal for special events and celebrations, corporate outings, weddings and rehearsal dinners. The area was specially engineered to accommodate three tented locations including a lawn space and a VIP Village. Additionally, it includes two ADA ramps and ADA‑accessible bar seating, ensuring inclusive access, outdoor showers, and separate men’s and ladies’ restrooms.
Designed to blend into the surrounding rolling countryside, Salamander Middleburg offers a suite of immersive experiences—from Harrimans Restaurant and its award‑winning Salamander Spa to a tree‑top zip line course and 22‑stall equestrian center with riding arena. The recently introduced Residences at Salamander offers luxury, built-for-sale homes within a pristine landscape with exclusive access to the resort’s amenities.
FAQs
- When will Champions Pool open? Mid-April 2026.
- Who can use the pool? Overnight resort guests and Residences at Salamander homeowners
- How large is the pool area? One acre, with approximately 145,000 gallons of water.
- What amenities are included? Heated pools, in‑pool loungers, hot tubs on each deck, wellness cabanas, family and adults‑only cabanas with fans and mini fridges, a 20‑person fire pit, two outdoor showers, and expanded seating.
- What dining options are available?The Stirrup Cup, a full‑service outdoor dining experience
- Is the facility ADA accessible?Yes. The complex includes ADA ramps, poolside seating and lifts, and ADA‑accessible bar seating.
- Is Champions Pool and The Stirrup Cup available for private events? Yes—for up to 400 guests.
- How can people reserve cabanas or daybeds? Book with the resort’s concierge
