You can’t argue against the natural aesthetics of the West Virginian landscape. In the heart of the region sits a charming and luxurious getaway that captures the picturesque backdrop of the Appalachian foothills.

Stonewall Resort, in Roanoke, W. Va., takes a little more than three hours to get to, and it’s worth every single mile. The staff of The Publishing Group Ltd. spent a weekend at the venue in early March for a work retreat and got to experience the amenities, accommodations, activities and scenery firsthand.

Because it was early March, the land lacked its typical luster, but it was surprisingly stunning nonetheless. Stonewall is nestled in 1,900 acres of rolling countryside and sits on Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. It has quite a memorable view.

“The setting of the resort was beautiful. Even the view from my treatment room at the spa was of the blue sky, water and wooded grounds. It was very peaceful and totally relaxing. If it looked this good in the beginning of March, I can’t imagine how nice it is in spring and summer,” says Pam Henricks, sales representative.

Even though the golf course, campgrounds and Little Sorrel, the resort’s 100-passenger excursion boat, weren’t open for season during our trip, there was still plenty to do. Stonewall boasts a fitness center, a connected indoor/outdoor pool, an outdoor fire pit, a library, shopping, hiking and much more.

Some of us tackled the trails and went hiking. All of us set up at least one appointment with the Mtn. Laurel Spa, which is conveniently located on the first floor of the resort so you don’t have to go too far to get in a quick massage. The spa offers the gamut – massage therapy, facial treatments, body therapies – and when some of us had to reschedule appointments to fit in work-related meetings, the staff was friendly and accommodating.

We stayed in the clean, spacious, high-end hotel-style rooms, but there are diverse opportunities for lodging, including camping and 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom Adirondack-style resort cottages for private respites.

As was expected, most of us agreed our favorite part of the weekend was the food. And it seems our palates were justified. Dale Hawkins, Stonewall’s executive chef, has created his menu around a “New Appalachian Cuisine” theme. There are three restaurants on the premises from which to enjoy this twist – Stillwaters, which provides fine dining with a view of the lake and hills; T.J. Muskie’s, which boasts a lounge atmosphere, and Lighburn’s, atop the two-story clubhouse.

Because of the season, we missed out on some of the experiences Stonewall offers, notably the 7,200-yard golf course, which was ranked 23rd in Golf Week’s “America’s Top 100 Courses” for 2007. And for good reason. The course is an Arnold Palmer Signature-design and incorporates the lake and rolling terrain. With a three-tiered practice facility, pro shop and clubhouse dining, it’s a golfer’s paradise.

Stonewall Jackson Lake is 26 miles long with 82 miles of shoreline and cradles secluded coves and private fingers for boaters and fishermen to explore. Little Sorrel provides regular lake tours, and houseboats and smaller watercraft are available for rental.

Perhaps what was most surprising was the functionality of the resort. Like a well-oiled machine, everything we experienced was spot on. The meals, the accommodations, the spa treatments, the service in general – it’s hard to believe the resort has been fully operational since just 2003.

Stonewall Resort really rolled out the red carpet for us, and assured everything was just right. It’s a perfect site for a conference, a work retreat or a private getaway. It’s a shame we had to spend the weekend “working.” Fortunately you won’t have such a burden if you decide to check it out. And, take our word for it, Stonewall Resort is definitely worth checking out.

For more information, visit www.swrwelcomesohio.com or call 888-278-8150.