Focus On: Cavalier Hotel Virginia Beach

by Angela Fairhurst

Virginia Beach has been enjoying a rebirth, with a landmark hotel that has undergone a beyond original renovation, setting a new luxury standard for the town. Established in 1927,  The Cavalier Hotel had architectural and design elements that surpassed other hotels of the era.    After an $85 Million 4-year renovation, the hotel re-opened its doors in March 2018.

The results are spectacular with every detail meticulously restored to its charismatic past while incorporating modern-day luxury amenities.  Fresh flowers changed weekly adorn the entrance and public spaces.

The reception area itself has dark wood with red velvet seating in an intimate library-type setting including a vintage radio and shelves with a collection of antique telephones.

The women’s public restroom has a wall of gold vintage mirrors and white subway tiled pony wall.   You’ll have to explore the men’s room for yourself.

There are 85 rooms and suites that have been styled to a tee, with colorful art, contemporary furnishings and a retro mix of pieces such as an amenity cabinet, gold mirror, and a fuchsia velvet club chair.   Rooms have views of the garden, estate or ocean.  Frette Italian linens adorn the comfortable beds, with the same quality robes and towels.

Grey and white marble bathrooms have round lighted mirrors over the double-vanity sinks allowing for a lovely glow.   The amenities are Molton Brown products.

The Raleigh Room is the Cavalier’s social space, combining old world Southern charm with modern style.  Surrounded by verandas overlooking the estate, the garden-style furnishings, lanterns and rolling planters allow the hotel gardens a closer feel.  Mornings offer a comfortable spot to enjoy coffee or a croissant.   Imbibe on some cocktails in the evening, and listen to piano live in the lounge nightly, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea Thursday through Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

Becca serves farm-to-table inspired cuisine, created from fresh local ingredients grown in the chef’s garden.  Décor is elegantly modern, warm and unpretentious.

In the Hunt Room is the  Tarnished Truth Distilling Co., which pays homage to bourbon whiskey’s roots in the American south.  Tarnished Truth offers finely made bourbons and Ava Vodka, sold on site and used throughout the hotel in signature craft cocktails. In addition to offering its bottled spirits available for sale, the distillery offers private tours and a bourbon tasting room.

The Sea Hill Spa is coastal Virginia’s most luxurious destination resort spa.  The 6,200 square foot facility has a full range of treatments including massages, body wraps, facials, and couple’s treatments in its nine treatment rooms.  Unique treatments include Hydrotherapy room, Himalayan Salt Room, Bourbon Tea Nutria-Body Wrap and an Ocean Crystal facial just to name a few. Soaking tubs, a retail boutique and full-service salon with blow-dry bar accommodates as many as five manicures and pedicures, as well as five hair stations, at any given time.  Architectural details like milk-glass tile, satin-finished wood and neutral warm tones provide a serene and dream-like ambiance.

The Cavalier Beach Club offers an oceanfront atmosphere where guests from the hotel are exclusively served.  The offerings include Cavalier beach access with shuttle service from the hotel; Oceanfront Infinity Pool and Hot Tub; beach side bar featuring local cuisine with poolside service; cabanas, private beach chairs and loungers; towel and umbrella service; live music and stunning views.