Image: How the resort's spa courtyard will look

Salamander Hotels and Resorts, the privately-owned company founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C Johnson, is to open a new resort in Virginia, US, in August 2013.

The 168-bedroom Salamander Resort and Spa is being built in the village of Middleburg and will contain a 23,000sq ft (2,137sq m) Salamander Spa with 14 treatment rooms.

Half of the treatment rooms will offer a private outdoor terrace and the other half will house gas fireplace. A couple's suite will boast a private terrace, a whirlpool and a shower.

In addition to the treatment rooms, there will be two treehouse treatment rooms that overlook the surrounding woodlands and a secluded courtyard with infinity edge pool and whirlpool.

The Salamander Spa will also incorporate a 10-station nail and hair salon; locker rooms and waiting areas with whirlpools and water features; and a fitness centre with indoor pool. BluSpas of Whitefish, Montana, is consulting on the spa element.

Elsewhere, Salamander Resort and Spa will include a 110-seat equestrian-themed restaurant and Market Salamander – providing picnic baskets for dining on the resort's 340-acre (138-hectare) grounds.

Construction work is already approximately 65 per cent complete and the resort is aiming to achieve the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings when open.

Johnson said: "This property has been my passion ever since I set foot on it nearly a decade ago. It is unmatched in ease of access and equestrian heritage, and it promises to be the finest new destination to open on the East Coast in many years."

Details: www.salamanderhospitality.com

Image: Salamander Hotels and Resorts