WELCOME TO THE QUINTESSENTIALS

We are so pleased to share this inaugural issue of our lifestyle newsletter with you. Consider it your go-to source for what’s new, now and next for the season. In each issue, we’ll indulge your interests with timely trends and insider tips. You can also expect to improve your well-being through expert insights – after all, Lansdowne Resort is the exclusive destination to deliver the transformational experiences of wellness leader Dejia Harmony.

Of course, you may be a little curious about the name. The Quintessential was born from the word Quintessence – a central principle to Lansdowne Resort and defined as “the most perfect or typical example of quality or class” – paired with the word Essential because the information this newsletter delivers is vital to everyday life. So, now that you’ve gotten to know us a little better, let’s dive right in…

EATING GREEN

Welcome to spring season in The Five Elements Framework – a time of growth. Associated with wood (element) and sour (taste), nutrients include plenty of leafy green vegetables, acidic fruits and vinegars. The Baby Kale, Arugula and Lola Rosa on your plate are harvested from our own hydroponic farm. The balance of locally sourced ingredients come from select family-run farms in the neighboring Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia and North Carolina, among others.

Our culinary team is pleased to share these Five Elements Menu highlights…

In Piedmont’s:

Spring Vegetable Grain Bowl

Loaded with Baby Kale, Broccoli Sprouts, Farro, Carrots, Avocado Dressing, Spiced Chick Peas

In Riverside Hearth:

Create Your Own Grain Bowl

Build Your Base: Selection of Local Greens, Baby Kale, House Grains, Red Quinoa

Choose Your Toppings: Harissa Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Apple Cabbage, Caesar Slaw, Miso Carrots, Balsamic Roasted Mushroom, Curry Chickpeas, Pickled Beets, Avocado

Add Your Protein: Herbed Roasted Chicken, Turkey Meatballs, Roasted Salmon, Curried Tofu, Thai Tempeh

Choose Your Dressing: Lemony Tahini, Herbed Chimichurri, Blood Orange Vinaigrette, EVOO

ARE YOU GOLF SEASON READY?

While there’s still a chill in the air, it’s time for players to turn up the heat on improving their skills –our golf team is sharing their expert advice to help you get round-ready.

Smart Start

Take this opportunity to review the basics you learned when starting the game – and tend to neglect as golf season wanes on – fundamentals like grip, stance, aim and posture. We recommend using a mirror and your mobile phone’s camera to get the best possible feedback. You can even add tape and alignment rods as training aids.

Take It Up A Notch

The Lansdowne Golf Academy offers a “Shake the Rust Off” package, designed for players who have been inactive over the winter. The program begins with an initial evaluation of your swing using our state-of-the-art GEARS 3D measurement system. From there, we work with you to evaluate your current equipment and identify any areas for updating and improvement – many times, this can be as simple as club-fitting adjustments. Finally, we help advance your skills in the most critical aspect of golf – the short game. We often refer to these lessons as golf’s “Red Zone” – after all, this is where most strokes happen during a round.

First Round Pointers

Go in with the strategy of executing small and simple tasks correctly. Golf is a game of consistent dedication, so any time there is a lapse in play, skills erode. We recommend practicing good pre- and post-shot habits and staying committed to proper set-up and aim. Don’t make the mistake of choosing your clubs based on yardages you would hit in the middle of July. Instead, grab an extra club (two if you are playing with temps in the 40s!) and focus on the biggest targets you can. These early rounds of the season are all about getting re-acclimated to the feel of being outside on the “field” where the game is played. Start with the right mindset, and it will carry you to your best year yet!

We’re Getting Ready Too

The Golf Club at Lansdowne agronomy team has been hard at work during the off-season. Drainage work on all three courses will improve playing conditions and aid in turf health in conjunction with sound and aggressive aerification programs. Along with drainage, we have continued to remove diseased and unwanted trees to prevent the spread of pathogens and eliminate shading areas in need of better quality sunlight and air movement.  

Lastly – after installing roughly 345 tons of sand and 13,000 square feet of liner – we are nearly finished with the renovation of Sharkbite’s bunkers. This project has also included new custom tee markers and flags for a much-anticipated course reopening.

We are incredibly excited about this golf season and look forward to seeing you on the fairways.

FACE OFF AGAINST WINTER

Bitter outdoor winds. Arid indoor heat. Long, hot showers. These elements all contribute to dry skin (also known as xerosis or xeroderma). Symptoms can include tightness, rough patches, cracks, flaking, redness (in lighter skin tones) – even intense itching or a stinging sensation. No worries! The estheticians at Spa Minérale have expert tips on how to prevent and treat dry skin.

Prevention:

• Hydrate inside and out by drinking plenty of water, regularly moisturizing your skin and using a humidifier.
• Rethink your daily regimen by taking warm or lukewarm showers and avoiding harsh or perfumed soaps, scrubs and cleansers.
• Cover your skin with sunscreen and protective, non-irritating clothing layers when you go outside.

Treatment:

• Choose a moisturizer rich in emollients and humectants – and apply it immediately after your shower, per advice from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• For renewal, while you sleep, treat your skin to an overnight treatment with emollients or occlusives.
• Consult with one of our spa estheticians on what skincare or facial treatment is right for you.

SPRING FORTH

Even as winter tries to keep us in its clutches with a lingering chill, the promise of warmer weather, flowering blooms and springtime celebrations shine through. Discover all the festivities we have planned for Easter. And be sure to watch our website for important announcements about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations hosted by Lansdowne Resort. Quintessential Tip: These holiday events sell out quickly, so you’ll want to make your reservations as early as possible.