About Us

Staying at our flagship property, Mystic Pines, is like having your own private million dollar vacation home tucked away in a stunning mountain retreat. But did you know that we now have a smaller deluxe vacation home called Little Bear? Also, no matter which property you choose, we provide the services and amenities of a five star hotel inside your private vacation residence!

While a guest, your personal concierge will attend to your every need, arrange dinner reservations, tee times, Virginia Wine Country tours, horseback riding, In-Cabin Massage, In-Cabin Yoga, guided fitness hikes, pantry stocking, all-inclusive meal plan packages and more. Whatever you desire, your comfort and enjoyment is our highest priority. Located within 90 minutes of Washington D.C., River Bend Retreats is a vacation experience like no other.

Since we offer the only luxury accommodations in The Shenandoah Valley our nights book very quickly. Please call Melissa Elsea at 866-456-4600 at your earliest convenience to reserve your space. We also invite you to visit our official website. Descriptions of our bedrooms, rates and our exclusive specialty services are listed below.

Little Bear

At Little Bear, you'll enjoy all the features and amenities of home in a secluded, romantic, forest setting that features private access to the majestic Shenandoah River! This light-filled, log cabin is a wilderness oasis perfect for relaxing with the ones you love. Little Bear is a 1300 square foot, newly built log cabin with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, one Queen Bed, one Full Bed with Twin Bunk on top, floor to ceiling stone fireplace in great room, TV, and DVD. Both bedrooms measure 15' x 12'. Each rental includes private use of the home, including the use of both bedrooms and both baths. This property is great for couples or small families who wish to have it all--including a hot tub--in a beautiful and secluded forest setting!

• Large deck with Hot Tub
• 2 acres of wooded property on 500 acres
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Wood Burning Fireplace
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Dishwasher & Microwave
• Gas grill
• Coffee maker
• Heating & AC
• Linens provided
• Washer/dryer
• Telephone (Local calls free)
• Maximum occupancy 4

Meet Carol Toba, RBR's Fitness Instructor

Featured in The Over 40 Women's Fitness Book and numerous articles in Prevention Magazine, River Bend Retreats fitness instructor, Carol will lead you and your guests on a hike to remember. Trek to waterfalls and little known vistas. Experience the first blooms of our beautiful mountain flora. Rediscover nature and get back in touch with your body and mind. Carol's 30 + years of experience as a fitness instructor and her vast knowledge of the history, folklore, flora, fawna and wildlife of The Shenandoah Valley make her the perfect guide for a hike through this beautiful region. Her love and respect for the wildlife found here, her passion for sharing her vast knowledge of the surrounding woodlands and her incredible warmth, make her a priceless addition to the River Bend Retreats family. Guests of all ages and fitness levels will enjoy spending time with this energetic and spirited lady!

Carol's Offerings Include:
Fitness Hikes (all skill levels)
Nature Discovery Walks
Ballroom Dancing

Specialty Services

At River Bend Retreats, we believe in nourishing body, mind and spirit. We look forward to helping you achieve total relaxation through our extraordinary accommodations and the following specialty services. If you would like to make a reservation or schedule an In-Cabin Service, please contact Melissa Elsea at 866-456-4600.

CONCIERGE SERVICE
Let our concierge reserve a table for an unforgettable country meal, arrange tickets for a popular attraction, secure reservations for horse back trail rides, or set up a limousine sight seeing tour of The Nation's Capital or Virginia's Wine Country. We can even secure car and driver for restaurant transport. Whatever you need, just ask. Your comfort and enjoyment is our highest priority.

Concierge Service is complimentary. Tickets, meals and activities described above are at an additional rate.

FEEL LIKE GOING OUT?
Let us make reservations for you at the best restaurant in the Valley. Chefs David & Stacy Gedney (formerly of The Inn at Little Washington) create culinary masterpieces before your very eyes. Watch them on TV monitors from your table in the cozy little dining room or visit the open kitchen to watch first hand. This charming little restaurant holds only 16-18 diners and is housed in an ex-apartment above J's gourmet shop, thus the name, "Apartment 2g." Dinner Friday and Saturday night with a Prix Fixe menu ($45 per person). Tappas on Wednesday and Thursdays a la carte. Call us at 866-456-4600 for reservations. We can also arrange car service if you don't wish to drive. Book early, space is already limited at this rising star! PLEASE NOTE: Dinner takes three + hours and may not be suitable for small children. Menu is a set menu so please let us know if you have special dietary requirements and we will inform the chef.

PANTRY STOCKING SERVICE
Let us save you the hassle of finding the cooler, buying ice, rummaging through the freezer and stopping at the grocery store. Simply choose grocery items from our list and let us know if you prefer organic, non-organic, simplistic or gourmet selections. Then, arrive at your residence to find your desired grocery items put away and ready for use!

> Non-Organic and Non-Gourmet Groceries: Cost of grocery items plus a $30 stocking fee.

> Organic and Gourmet Groceries: Due to the distance from the property to a store that carries certified organic and gourmet selections, we must pass along a fuel charge of $20 in addition to the $30 stocking fee.

MEAL PLAN PACKAGES
River Bend Retreats' Meal Plan Packages save you the worry of planning and preparing meals while away. In addition to our complimentary Daily Breakfast Service we will stock the refrigerator with pre-made lunch and dinner selections that can be served cold or heated in the microwave. Ask your concierge for today's menu selections.

> Lunch and dinner for 2
$140 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 3
$210 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 4
$280 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 5
$350 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 6
$420 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 7
$490 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 8
$560 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 9
$630 / per day

> Lunch and dinner for 10
$700 / per day

CHEF FOR A DAY
If you prefer to be the culinary star, River Bend Retreats' Chef for a Day program makes cooking fun. We'll do the prep work, measure and label all of the ingredients then stock your refrigerator. You simply follow the provided recipes of your choice to create an enjoyable cooking adventure for two or more. Includes, entre, two sides, salad with dressing and a pre-made desert. Please ask our concierge for a list of current menu selections.

> Ingredients & Recipes for 2
$ 90 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 3
$ 135 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 4
$ 180 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 5
$ 225 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 6
$ 270 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 7
$ 315 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 8
$ 360 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 9
$ 405 per day

> Ingredients & Recipes for 10
$ 450 per day

BACKPACK PICNIC LUNCHES
Let us prepare a beautiful picnic lunch for you to enjoy in nature. We'll provide the food and backpack, you bring the wine! Keep River Bend Retreats' sturdy, yet elegant, insulated, 2 person, picnic backpack with detachable wine tote as a souvenir of your trip. 1 picnic backpack, 2 wineglasses, 2 cloth napkins, cold entre, side salad, fruit, desert, water and iced tea (Wine not included.) Perfect for the wine tour!

> 1 Backpack filled with lunch for 2
$115

> 2 backpacks filled with lunch for 3
$160

> 2 backpacks filled with lunch for 4
$180

> 3 backpacks filled with lunch for 5
$250

> 3 backpacks filled with lunch for 6
$270

> 4 backpacks filled with lunch for 7
$340

> 4 backpacks filled with lunch for 8
$360

> 5 Backpacks filled with lunch for 9
$430

> 5 Backpacks filled with lunch for 10
$450

*Additional backpacks can be purchased (without lunch) for $59 ea. Makes a terrific gift!

ROSE BOUQUET
Special occasion or simply because . . .surprise your loved one with an elegant rose bouquet. Prior to arrival, we'll place one dozen beautifully arranged fresh roses in the room of your choice. We'll even hand write a personal note from you. Includes one dozen roses beautifully arranged in a vase. Gentlemen, this is a very big hit with our female guests!

>Bouquet of 12 roses in vase w/ card... $85

IN-CABIN YOGA
Beginners and advanced yogis alike may practice with our instructor. Whichever style of yoga you choose, rest assured that each hour-long class begins when you wish in the comfort and privacy of your residence. River Bend Retreats' in-cabin yoga classes create the perfect environment to learn this wonderfully healthy practice. Space is limited so please reserve early.

> 60 Min. Session for up to 6 Guests.... $139

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
River Bend Retreats massage therapist will ease away the stresses of modern life. You choose when to have this in-cabin treat. Treatment includes one, 60 minute massage (per person) by a licensed massage therapist. (Minimum of two 60 minute sessions per Therapist visit. Space is limited so please reserve early. Appointments are performed on the same day one immediately following the other.

> Therapeutic Massage for up to 2 guests $225 /120 minutes (60 minutes ea. for 2 guests or 120 minutes for 1 guest)
> Massage for 3-9 Guests $115 for ea. 60 minute increment (120 minute minimum)

Wine Country Weddings

River Bend Retreats and Rappahannock Cellers have joined to bring you the Wine Country Wedding of your dreams. Packages include accommodations, ceremony in either the vineyard or the charming wine barn, photography, catering, decorations, attendant and more! Call us today for package information.

Rental Policies

• Rates shown do not include tax and are subject to change without notice.
• Check in days are Monday - Wednesday or any Friday 365 days a year.
• Check out can be any day you wish with a 2 night minimum.
• Rates shown for rooms inside Mystic Pines are based on the maximum occupancy for the room shown.
• Number of guests may not exceed the maximum occupancy of property, room or pull out.
• Federal holidays and October weekends are at the Holiday rate shown and are excluded from all other rate plans.
• 2 night minimum for most bookings.
• 3 night minimum for bookings during the following holidays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
• 7 night minimum for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas rentals at the maximum occupancy rate only and do not qualify for any discounts or promotions.
• All parties must sign a lease agreement that ensures prompt payment to the owner for any and all damages.
• A copy of the replacement values chart is available upon request.
• Parties that include children must agree to special items in said lease agreement that particularly pertain to children.
• All reservations are considered final.
• Cancellations made 14 days prior scheduled arrival will receive a River Bend Retreats Gift Certificate in the amount of the rental minus a $50 administration fee. This Certificate may be applied to a future stay at Any River Bend Retreats property for up to one year from the date of issue.
• Cancellations made within 14 days of scheduled arrival are not entitled to a Gift Certificate.
• No Pets and No Smoking.
• Rates shown do not include locked rooms or owner's locked and private areas within the home. You will enjoy private use of the bedroom and/or bedrooms, common areas, porches, decks, patios and parking areas purchased in your rental plan.
  *Please note that a member of our staff will enter the home to set up the breakfast service and/or to service the home according to the agreement set forth by the owner of the property.
  
  

In This Issue:

Letter from the General Manager

Dear Valued Guest:

My lovely neighbors in The Shenandoah Valley have asked me to rent their cherished log vacation home in an effort to raise money for cancer research. My mother passed away recently as did three uncles and a very close friend of our family all due to this horrible disease. It is a cause that is very near to my heart.

My staff and I are delighted to be of service to this noble family who have decided to act on the behalf of others. As a result, Little Bear is available for rent until June 2005 and perhaps beyond if the owners so decide. I encourage you to read the letter I received from my neighbors and if you decide to rent Little Bear, know that while you are staying in this lovely vacation home, you will be helping families who hope to someday enjoy again the togetherness and happiness we so often take for granted.

You may donate to this worthy cause by booking this property or by following the link to the owners' contribution website at the bottom of Little Bear's description on the left.

With gratitude,

Susan R. Butler
General Manager
River Bend Retreats

Mystic Pines

Mystic Pines is a 4300 square foot, privately-owned log vacation home that is nestled in the woods, yet overlooks spectacular views. Completed in December 2003, the finest materials and technology went into this amazing property constructed of logs, glass, slate, marble, granite, and stone.

The home rests on 7.5 private acres inside a 500 acre gated and private wooded retreat called River Oak. It features an amazing view of the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountain ranges from most rooms and carries the title of the largest, most luxurious vacation rental home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen, breakfast nook, screened porch with floor to ceiling stone fireplace, a large recreational room and a charming loft library.

You may choose to occupy the Grand King Suite alone (along with private use of the home) or, you may add bedroom and bathroom suites or pull out beds with bathrooms at the rates shown below up to the maximum capacity of the home.

While Mystic Pines can sleep up to 10 guests in complete comfort, most couples and smaller parties do not wish to pay for unused space. To that end, the owners of this beautiful property have allowed us an opportunity to make visits more affordable for smaller parties. So, while each party has private use of the home (meaning no other party can rent any portion of the home during your stay) rates are based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you wish to make available and the time of year you stay with us. Smaller parties now also have the option of renting Little Bear, a lovely 1300 square foot log cabin vacation home secluded in the forest yet within walking distance of Mystic Pines.

Rates include private use of the home by your party, luxury linens, plush bath robes, and a complimentary daily continental breakfast of baked goods, fresh fruit, Starbucks Coffee and hot breakfast tea. Each morning a member of our staff will quietly enter the residence and prepare this lovely breakfast while you sleep. She will also perform light housekeeping in the kitchen and dining areas so that your home away from home will be beautifully dressed to welcome you to a wonderful new day in The Shenandoah Valley.

BEDS AT MYSTIC PINES

> 2 King Beds
> 3 Queen Beds
> 1 Twin Bed
> 1 Twin Pull Out
> 1 Queen Pull Out

GRAND KING SUITE / UP TO 2 GUESTS
One King Bed, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, TV, VCR, DVD, CD, a luxurious master bathroom suite including marble counter tops, porcelain tile, cherry cabinetry, a two person whirlpool tub and large two-person shower. An additional TV/VCR as well as a private coffee service is housed inside a lovely cherry armoire in the master bathroom suite for an added touch of luxury. Located on the main level, this room measures 18' x 23'. The master bathroom suite measures 10.5' by 18'. You may reserve this suite alone for up to 2 guests, or in combination with other suites and/or pullout beds shown below. This is a wonderfully affordable solution for couples who desire the luxury of being alone in a beautiful and grand vacation home but who do not wish to pay for unused bedrooms and bathrooms.

Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05..........$199/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05..........$299/Nt

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05..........$375/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05..........$425/Nt

October & Holidays...$459/Nt


KING SUITE / UP TO 2 GUESTS
One Log Canopy King Bed, TV, VCR, DVD, CD, a luxurious master bath including marble counter top, slate tile, cherry cabinetry, and a one person whirlpool tub/ shower combination. A private coffee service is located in the bedroom armoire for your enjoyment. Located on the main level, this room measures 14' x 15'. You may add the use of this suite to the base rate of the Grand King Suite.

Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05........Add $139/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05........Add $159/Nt

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05........Add $149/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05........Add $169/Nt

October & Holidays..Add $179/Nt


QUEEN SUITE / UP TO 2 GUESTS
One Log Canopy Queen Bed, TV, VCR, CD, a charming, private bath including marble counter top, porcelain tile, cherry cabinetry, and a one person tub/ shower combination. Located on the lower level, this room measures 12' x 16'. You may add the use of this suite to the base rates of the Grand King Suite and the King Suite.


Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05.............Add $119/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05.............Add $139/N

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05............Add $129/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05............Add $149/N

October & Holidays.....Add $159/N


BUNK ROOM / UP TO 5 GUESTS
Two lovely pine and iron work Queen Beds and one charming maple Twin Bed make this a magical space for children and adults alike. Private bath including marble counter top, porcelain tile, cherry cabinetry, and a one person tub/ shower combination. Located on the upper level, this room measures 17' by 14'. You may add the use of this suite to the base rates of the Grand King Suite, the King Suite, and the Queen Suite or you may add this suite to the base rate of the Grand King Suite alone.


Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05..............Add $199/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05..............Add $219/Nt

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05..............Add $209/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05..............Add $229/Nt

October & Holidays.......Add $239/Nt


RECREATION ROOM / UP TO 2 GUESTS
One Pull Out Queen Bed is located inside a very comfortable sofa. This room features lovely decor and plenty of seating to gather friends and family around the television. A VCR, DVD, and Play Station II help to round out your entertainment choices. Located on the lower level, this room measures 21' x 30', sleeps 1 - 2 guests on the pull out queen bed, and shares a bath with the Queen Suite. While use of this room is included in the Base Rate, rates shown below include use of the pull out bed and the Queen Suite bathroom. You may add the use of this pull out to any combination of Suite rentals. (We have made this option available as an affordable solution for guests traveling with children.)

Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05.............Add $69/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05.............Add $69/Nt

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05............Add $69/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05............Add $69/Nt

October & Holidays.....Add $69/Nt


LOFT LIBRARY / 1 GUEST
One Pull Out Twin Bed is located next to a charming wall of books. Multiple skylights and two large windows flood this cheery space with light. Located on the upper level and overlooking the great room, the Loft Library measures 10' x 13'', sleeps 1 guest, and shares a bath with the Bunk Room. A stereo with CD and cassette, FM & AM located here is perfect for listening to music on the main and upper levels of the home. While use of loft library is included in the Grand King Suite Base Rate, rates shown below include use of the pull out bed and the Bunk Room bathroom. You may add the use of this pull out to any combination of suite rentals. (We have made this option available as an affordable solution for guests traveling with children.)


Monday - Wednesday
11/1- 4/30/05...............Add $49/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05...............Add $49/Nt

Thursday - Sunday
11/1- 4/30/05..............Add $49/Nt
5/01- 9/30/05..............Add $49/Nt

October & Holidays.......Add $49/Nt


We offer a 25% discount for reserving the maximum capacity of the home, or for reserving 7 nights or more. We are always happy to give you a personalized rate quote over the phone, however, we have listed rates above for your review. All rentals begin with the Base Rate and the maximum occupancy for the Grand King Suite as shown above. You may then opt to utilize additional bedrooms, bathrooms and pull out beds at the rates and maximum occupancy shown for each. If you are unsure how to calculate the rates or need assistance, please call Melissa Elsea at 866-456-4600.

Mystic Pines Home Page

Things to Do

• Scenic limousine rides or winery tours from your front door
• In-cabin chef service
• In-cabin therapeutic massage
• In-cabin yoga classes
• Guided hikes to hidden waterfalls and scenic vistas
• Backpack picnic lunches prepared by our chef
• Walk to hiking in The George Washington National Forest
• Swimming on property
• Canoing and rafting 5 minutes
• Horse back Riding 10 Minutes
• Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive and Skyline Caverns 12 minutes
• Historic Main Street, Front Royal 15 Minutes
• Hot air balloon rides, airplane and glider rides 15 Minutes
• Main Street Luray 20 minutes
• Luray Caverns 20 minutes
• Well-known Virginia Wineries 20-40 Minutes
• Massanutten 4 Seasons Resort 60 minutes

Other Activities