Originally appeared in Chesterfield Living Magazine

By Steve Cook
Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a resort can be? Perhaps I should start by admitting, that while I had heard many good things about Kingsmill Resort & Spa, located in Williamsburg, through the years, I always thought that perhaps it was just a bit too exclusive…too stuffy, if you will.
A recent visit to Kingsmill proved my fears to be totally unfounded. True, this spectacular resort, owned and operated by Anheuser-Busch, definitely offers the amenities one would expect to find in only the most exclusive of resorts, but as for stuffy…”absolutely not,” says the resort’s brand manager, Lara Bernhardt, who took me on a three-hour tour of the facility recently. “We call it ‘comfortable luxury’,” she says. Indeed, the staff members I met during my visit could not have been friendlier, and always at the ready to render service to guests and visitors.
While Kingsmill offers a host of activities and special getaway packages for couples as well as families, I told Bernhardt that I was interested in doing a story on a romantic getaway. It just so happens that Bernhardt and her husband, who live in Yorktown, had recently enjoyed such a weekend getaway at the resort, themselves. “It feels like a millions of miles from everything,” she said, “and yet close to home.” The same is true for those of us in this area. Kingsmill Resort & Spa is only about an hour’s drive east of the metro area, and yet, as you walk the grounds of the 2,900-acre complex, past rolling hills, beautifully landscaped grounds, along the banks of the James River, you definitely could feel as if you’re millions of miles away from the worries and cares of everyday life.
Evidently, the folks at Kingsmill believe in making a great first impression. From the moment you enter the Resort Center and head over to the registration desk, you know you’re in a very special place. There’s someone to greet you with a friendly welcome when you step out of your car. The entrance lobby features a somewhat Asian look, which, while somewhat surprising, is very welcoming. After checking in, you may wish to linger in the center. At the far end, overlooking the James, you’ll find the casual, yet comfortable Bray Landing lobby bar. Perhaps, a cappuccino, a favorite adult beverage, or a quick snack from the light fare menu, might be a good first step in your “get-away-from-it-all” unwinding process. You’ve entered a special world of relaxation, recreation, and pampering. Settle down in a comfortable chair and let the cares begin to fade.
Now, that you’ve begun to orient your thinking to the Kingsmill lifestyle, it’s time to head to your villa. Each of the resort’s 425 rooms and suites (one to three bedrooms), has recently undergone extensive renovation. The villa I visited featured a spacious living/dining area, decorated with Thomasville furniture. On into the bedroom, the beautiful king-size bed demands your attention. The pillow-top mattress and 360-count satin strip bed linens, along with the plush white cotton robes are somewhat seductive. But bedtime will have to wait. Even though this is a relaxing, romantic weekend, there’s so much to see and do.
Speaking of romance, dinner in the Bray Bistro would be a nice way to kick off this romantic getaway. With an emphasis on fresh, indigenous ingredients, your first meal at Kingsmill promises to be very special. The Bistro also offers a Sunday brunch and its famous Chesapeake Seafood Buffet on Sunday evenings.
Following a scrumptious meal, and perhaps a few moments on the patio to breathe in the spring air and to listen to the sounds of the river under a star-lit sky, it’s back to the villa. If there’s still a late winter, or early spring chill in the air, call room service. Have them come and start a fire in your wood-burning fireplace. Lounge by the fire in your plush robes before turning in for the night.
After a great night’s sleep, you may want to make your first full day a day of sports. Did you know that Kingsmill is the state’s largest golf resort, offering three great courses, including the River Course, home of the LPGA’s Michelob ULTRA Open, held in May of each year? As you play the River Course, you’ll notice a variety of historical markers. Even before English explorers settled at nearby Jamestown, in 1607, consideration was given to making the site, their first home in the New World. Four centuries ago, the land now known as Kingsmill Resort & Spa featured the homes of prominent citizens, including Richard Kingsmill, a member of the Virginia Company. Gathering places and business ventures, as well as Indian villages also existed on this beautiful site, and Kingsmill Resort does a fabulous job of honoring the land’s rich heritage.,
But back to the golfing at Kingsmill, in addition to the three 18-hole championship courses, there’s also Bray Links, a nine-hole, par-3 course that’s very popular with all types of players from beginners to low-handicappers. The Golf Academy, a first-class instructional facility is also onsite.
If tennis is your sport of choice, Kingsmill’s Tennis Center boasts fifteen courts, including six new Hydro Courts™. Two of the courts are lighted for nighttime play.
There are plenty of other recreational activities from which to choose at Kingsmill, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, racquetball courts, as well as both men’s and women’s wet suites offering Jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.
Of course, don’t forget, you’re right on the banks of the James, and, at Kingsmill, that means, boating, kayaking, and fishing, as well as a marina. And, although this is a couples’ weekend getaway, take note of all the activities for the kids. A family getaway to Kingsmill may be next on your agenda.
After an invigorating day on the links, or the tennis courts, or in the fitness center, a hearty dinner is in order. Replenish those calories you’ve burned off during the day with a great steak at Eagles, Kingsmill’s steak and chophouse featuring exclusive beechwood-smoked cooking. You’ve heard for years that Budweiser beer is beechwood aged. Don’t forget that the same folks who bring you Budweiser and several other of your favorite adult beverages, also own Kingsmill. In fact, Eagles offers a nightly pairing of their specially smoked meats with, as their menu puts it, “…the finest beer on the planet.”
If you’ve worked up a real appetite, the 18-ounce St. Louis strip steak will certainly satisfy that. And for the ladies, may we suggest the 8-ounce filet topped with a Budweiser and bleu cheese sauce? The extensive menu also offers a wide variety of lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood dishes as well, but, whatever you choose, save room for the crème brulee, or a slice of New York cheesecake.
If your desire for recreation hasn’t yet been sated, there’s always the game room featuring ping-pong, pool, air hockey, and footsball, as well as your favorite arcade games. There’s also a quiet sitting room right off the game room. Go ahead, look in the armoire. There’ll you find a host of box games, such as chess or Monopoly.
Now that you’ve spent a whole day “a million miles away” from the rest of the world, you’ll probably sleep even more soundly on this your second night. Perhaps you had better set the alarm to sound just a bit earlier than the time you want to get up in the morning. That down-filled comforter is going to be hard to climb out from under upon awakening.
Your second day at Kingsmill, might be a day of pampering. A visit to the spa would be just the thing, especially if your muscles are feeling the results of yesterday’s activities.
The Spa at Kingsmill has been designed with total body wellness in mind. From the moment you enter, you feel the serenity. This is definitely a place for total relaxation. As Lara Bernhardt says, “It’s the sort of place where you just naturally want to whisper.” Actually, she whispered that to me.
“I agree,” I whispered back.
Real men may not eat quiche, but for this romantic getaway, you may want to join your wife in enjoying a couple’s massage. Among the many spa packages from which you may choose, is the “Day for Two” package, featuring the couple’s massage, accompanied by European facials, manicures, and pedicures for two. It also offers a Spa Cuisine lunch for two as well.
There truly is something for everyone at Kingsmill Resort & Spa. And, as your romantic getaway draws to a close, you may already be planning what you want to do the next time…perhaps when you bring the kids.
With Busch Gardens Europe right next door, you may wish to consider the Dream Vacation or Family Vacation packages, both of which include admission to the European-themed park, as well as the wild and wet Water Country USA. The Dream Vacation package also includes admissions to Colonial Williamsburg. Oh, by the way, complimentary shuttle service to Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and Colonial Williamsburg, is provided at Kingsmill Resort.
As you pack up the car, and head back home, keep in mind, you’re only an hour or so away. Yes, just a one-hour drive and, once again, you and the ones you love can enjoy all that is Kingsmill Resort & Spa. There truly is so much to love about Kingsmill. Yes, it’s so very close, and yet, if you’ve ever been, you know that really it’s “a million miles away.” u

To learn more about all that Kingsmill Resort & Spa has to offer, visit them on the web: www.kingsmill.com.