Why not try Virginia??
Not many people in Europe would think of Virginia in the USA when planning a warm, sunshine holiday – unless they were already intending to visit the States for some other reason. As it happened, we were in this category with a week to fill in between two important weekend functions – first in Washington DC and then a wedding in Charlottesville, VA.
On an Internet search, we found the Tides Reach Inn – and it could not have been better if we had gone to the Caribbean, the Seychelles or Bali! We were there at the end of September and into October, with clear blue sky and 75-degree sunshine every day! So put Virginia on your list.
The Tides Reach is at Irvington on the Northern Neck of Chesapeake Bay, about a 3½ hours drive south from Washington’s Dulles airport; or 1½ hours from Richmond airport. It is promoted as an “activities” resort, with boating (from yachts to kayaks), a marina, Bay cruises, bicycles, golf, tennis, fully-equipped spa, etc. But after Labour Day in the USA – the first Monday of September – the school holidays are over and most people have gone back to work. And it is all there, ready and waiting for Silver Travellers!!!
And it certainly lives up to its recognition as Conde Nast’s “best resort of 2017 in Virginia.”
The hotel has been run for the last ten years by Gordon Slatford, a genial and experienced English general manager, who has worked in some of the best UK hotels and he maintains high standards throughout. The style of the rooms and public areas is more traditional than modern American and there are attractive and spacious terraces and lawns to relax and enjoy the views (and service) while looking out towards the wide Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay beyond.
The practice at the hotel was to play modern music as background for those using the terrace during the day – but this did become somewhat intrusive for those wanting to just rest, chat and read; but it was possible to go down to the loungers around the pool area, fortunately quiet at this time of year, to escape the incessant music!
The staff in all departments, from valet parking and reception to the restaurant and bar, the spa and activities, could not have been more welcoming or helpful – though they might have been more stretched if the hotel had been full of demanding families.
Irvington itself is a village community, with one other hotel, a few shops and several dining options in the wider area – as well as many luxury homes. There is, of course, much more to see in this part of the USA including Civil War history, Presidential homes, the Outer Banks where the Wright Brothers made their first flight, and the famous Autumn colours notably on Skyline Drive (one of the routes from Virginia to Washington).
So why not Virginia as a holiday option?
