History + Busch Gardens + Shopping = Perfect Getaway!
While I was excitedly traveling to Virginia to go back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, I was also looking forward to a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, shopping at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, and browsing unique holiday items at The Christmas Store.
I had not visited Williamsburg in quite some time. In fact, the last time I visited the area, I travelled with my son who was nine years old and not very excited about walking around a historic town. This new weekend trip was my chance for a Williamsburg do-over.
Upon a recommendation, I booked a condo at the Kingsmill Resort, located adjacent to Busch Gardens and a quick 10-minute drive to Colonial Williamsburg. This is a 4-star resort set on 2,900 acres along the picturesque James River with golf courses, full-service spa, magnificent fitness center, outdoor and indoor pool as well as onsite restaurants.
I picked a winner! The location, resort, and staff were top notch!
Kingsmill Marina and Beach Onsite
This resort includes direct access to a beautiful marina and beach onsite that provides guests of all ages with many activities.
>> Kayaking
>> Ride jet skis
>> Paddle boarding
>> Fishing
>> Rent boats/pontoons
Enjoy a lazy day on the private beach or schedule a few marina activities (fee). The marina director is always happy to answer any questions you may have. At night, there is a fire pit to make s’mores, the perfect ending to an active day in Williamsburg.
Pamper Yourself at the Kingsmill Resort Full-Service Spa
The amenities offered at Kingsmill are very impressive as is the full-service spa. Select from the offered massages, body treatments, facials, manicures or pedicures, the perfect relaxation among your busy Williamsburg schedule of activities.
Enjoy a Round of Golf at the Kingsmill Plantation Golf Club
As an avid golfer, I know the convenience of having a golf club onsite for resort guests. While we were too busy to golf during our weekend at Kingsmill Resort, I was impressed to see there were three golf courses: The River Course, The Plantations Course and The Woods Course. There is also a golf driving range, pro shop, clubhouse and you can even schedule golf lessons. The resort can help you set up tee times around your schedule. As you can expect, there is a fee for golf activities.
Pools, Fitness Center, Tennis Courts & More
We used both the outdoor (seasonal) and indoor pools, but the hot tub was my favorite! The pool area atmosphere was quiet, a lifeguard was on duty, and the resort had plenty of guest towels. The fitness center is huge and offers fitness lessons. If you enjoy tennis, be sure to reserve a tennis court. Kids can enjoy an arcade and game room, a waterslide and a lazy river. There are hiking and bicycle trails. One note: Be aware that there is a resort fee included in your vacation package that is separate from the fees for some resort activities.
Wonderful Staff and Extra Amenities Add to an Amazing Experience
What helps to make this resort special is the friendly staff and excellent service from check-in to check-out. The Kingsmill Resort takes pride in a responsive staff that is helpful and kind to guests. Even when there is a snafu, they go over and above to make it right.
Extra amenities include:
>> Free wireless internet access
>> Babysitting
>> Pets allowed – fees/restrictions apply
>> Service animals allowed – exempt from fees/restrictions
>> Smoke free property
>> Free self-parking
>> RV, bus, and truck parking
>> Electric car charging station
>>Hair salon
>> ATM/banking
>> Fireplace in lobby
>> Outdoor entertainment area
We stayed in a 2-bedroom condo. The rooms were spacious, clean, quiet and the beds were super comfortable. There was a flat-screen television, but we didn’t even turn it on with so many fun Williamsburg activities planned. I did, however, appreciate the complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. As an added bonus, the lake view from our room was amazing. There was even a washer/dryer and dishwasher. Please note that housekeeping or change of towels is only available with a 24-hour advance request. That was fine with us since it was only a quick weekend stay.
Great Food, Great Service
After walking our feet off at Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and shopping at the Premium Outlets, we returned to the Kingsmill Resort hungry for dinner! There are four restaurants onsite and the option of room service during limited hours. Elements 101 serves a hot and cold breakfast buffet daily, beverages and appetizers later in the day and a special dinner menu. We immensely enjoyed the wings and the prime rib at the James Landing Grille along with a breathtaking sunset. Eagles Restaurant was a bit more casual with a great selection of appetizers, sandwiches, or salads. Great service and food.
Buffet breakfasts are available daily for a few hours in the morning and you can purchase snacks at the coffee cafe. The Mill, a full-service bakery and coffee shop, was convenient and had the most delicious pastries!
The bar staff at the restaurants, beach bar and poolside bar provided great service. My friend said her martini was the best she ever had! They were kind enough to offer me a non-alcoholic fruit punch since I don’t like the taste of alcohol.
Kingsmill Resort: Perfect Location and Proximity to Many Attractions
Although my trip was planned as a 3-night weekend to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and shopping, I should I should have planned a full week at the Kingsmill Resort in order to take advantage of all the nearby attractions.
>> Busch Gardens Williamsburg – 1.9 mi
>> Colonial National Historical Park – 2.5 mi
>> Water Country USA – 4.9 mi
>> College of William and Mary – 4.3 mi
>> Powell House – 4.7 mi
>> Bassett Hall – 4.7 mi
>> Capitol Building – 4.7 mi
>> Bruton Parish Church – 5.2 mi
>> Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – 5.2 mi
One last recommendation: If you visit Williamsburg during Christmastime, there’s a special event at Busch Gardens Williamsburg called, “Christmas Town” that apparently displays millions of lights, holiday-themed shows, food selections and attractions.
We Can’t Wait to Go Back!
The Kingsmill Resort was a great place to stay in Williamsburg, Virginia. The meticulously maintained, beautiful grounds, comfortable and clean condos, marina, golf, and spa really provides an upscale experience. We truly enjoyed everything about our stay from peaceful morning walks on the private beach before our busy day of sightseeing, to sitting around a campfire at night to wind down an active day and rest our aching feet. The friendly staff definitely added an extra special touch to the resort’s environment. The only complaint that you’ll have is that you didn’t stay long enough to enjoy everything the resort has to offer.