The Charlottesville, Virginia, area has no shortage of pastoral estates—you may have heard of Monticello?—and one of the grandest is now a modern luxury hotel. Keswick Hall was founded as a family estate in 1912, and after stretches as a private home and a country club the 600-acre property opened in its current guise in late 2021, offering a brand-new spa, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, and many other contemporary amenities. Here are four reasons to check in today.
Artsy Accommodations
Robert and Molly Hardie, who bought the property in 2017 and then embarked on a multiyear renovation, sought to blend regional history and modern comfort with the resort’s design and decor. The 80 rooms and suites are done up in a palette of soft blues and creams, with decorative touches such as potted orchids and decks that offer views of the Full Cry golf course. The art collection, meanwhile, features the work of locals including Cate West Zahl, Andrew Shurtleff, and Isabelle Abbot.
Fantastic Food
The only restaurant in Virginia from world-renowned French chef Vongerichten, Marigold by Jean-Georges showcases local ingredients (many from the nearby Oakdale Farm) on its seasonal menu. Recent highlights include spring pea potstickers with Sichuan chili oil, burrata with strawberry compote and black pepper, and grilled prime beef tenderloin. The 220 seats are spread across indoor and outdoor spaces, with spots near the stone fireplace perhaps the most desirable (especially for a romantic dinner). For a nightcap—or a game of billiards—stop by the hotel bar, Crawford’s.
Activities Galore
Guests won’t get bored here. Athletic types will relish playing 18 holes on the Pete Dye–designed golf course or tennis on the red clay courts (the clay is imported from Spain). Those looking to relax, on the other hand, can chill in the adults-only, dual-level infinity pool (strategically located on the other side of the main building from the family pool) or get a massage or a facial in one of the eight treatment rooms at the Keswick Hall Spa, which also boasts a sauna and steam room.
Charlottesville’s Web
You may have a hard time pulling yourself away from Keswick Hall’s manicured grounds, but a variety of attractions are within a 20-minute drive, including the Monticello historic site, the stately University of Virginia campus, and numerous wineries (among them Blenheim Vineyards, owned by local rock star Dave Matthews). Close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains affords opportunities for hiking—check out the Humpback Rocks Loop, which intersects with the Appalachian Trail. After getting in your steps, you’ll be that much more excited to fall into the Duxiana mattress in your room.
From $375, keswick.com
