Quiet moments punctuated by tranquil hours that stretch into days, and ah, the spa! Visitors in Virginia Beach already appreciate Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast, a relative newcomer on the hospitality scene, and rank it as a top starfish.

From among the accolades, “a calm oasis” is how one guest accurately describes the B & B. “Even though we’re in an urban area, we’re set back from the noise zone and so it’s peaceful,” Greg says.

Visitors at the inn have the advantage of a three-block walk to the oceanfront, numerous attractions and proximity to the bustling city of Norfolk. Moreover, the property’s aesthetic appeal is obvious. Greg transformed the circa 1937, 800-square-foot, two-story colonial revival cottage into an 800-square-foot landmark home with impressive dining and common areas. Once he and his wife built the guestroom and bath additions, the couple unveiled a 4,900-square-foot luxurious mini spa resort.

Prettiness aside, in 1988 when Greg purchased the cottage, he says it was in “very poor shape.” With a background in design, construction and engineering expertise, he and Yvonne began the renovation that would become their first home where they would raise their children. When the city commercialized the area by putting in a parking lot across the street, which provided non-obstructive ocean views, Greg envisioned a B & B business.

“After about four years of planning, designing; we finally started the new construction on all the bedrooms and spa tower. We built it and opened up in 2007 to great success the first year and the second year was even better,” he recalls.

A handicapped-accessible, Virginia-certified green bed and breakfast that also hosts memorable weddings and special occasions, Greg devised the building through and through for a green living lifestyle. Noteworthy of his eco-mindedness, Greg created the B & B’s front door from a neighbor’s recycled trash pile as well as with elements of reclaimed stained glass.

In the completed masterpiece, among the inviting porches, fragrant gardens, butterfly bushes, the cascading waterfall reigns. Relax in the outdoor spa pool, which heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Feel the massage waterfall with an eight-foot drop of high volume on the neck, shoulders and back. At night, boost the mood with more than 1,500 quick-changing colors of lights around the pool, an effect known as chromatechnology.

In the eight exquisitely decorated rooms, true to any spa experience, couples will discover unique bathrooms complete with spa shower and/or jetted tubs.

“Each of our bedrooms has some simplicity, but some gorgeous antiques without overdesign,” Greg explains.

Visitors will find no “extended floral patterns,” only an appeasing mix of style. The gracious living quarters include ultra-comfortable bedding, and other special touches like plush bathrobes, spa towels, Wi-Fi workstations and high-definition television.

For a consummate romantic interlude, reserve the spacious deluxe suite, the Avamere. Enjoy the layers of so-soft bedding in the king-size bed. Continue the pampering in the spa shower and jetted tub. Couples who want to spoil themselves silly should schedule an in-room couples’ massage. To enhance further any romantic encounter, amid its list of packages, the inn boasts a well-thought out romance package complete with flowers and champagne.

Regardless of the room, guests can feel uninhibited during their stay since Greg soundproofed the premises from ceilings to walls; not to mention the use of solid doors as opposed to hollow ones throughout the building.

During your stay, ascend the custom-made oak spiral staircase into the spa tower for one of the best views of the Virginia Beach skyline and Atlantic Ocean in the region. The library brims with a variety of reads to appease most any curiosity. Better yet, book a spa treatment like a hot stone massage, which the tower, after all, was named for!

Utterly stress-free and refreshed in the morning, dive into the gourmet breakfast. Diners can expect a fresh fruit, bread and egg plate. “One of our fruit plates that’s a big hit is a baked banana with strawberries draped over on top along with our kiwi strawberry stack,” Greg explains.

Signature dishes include truffle scrambled eggs with smoked rainbow trout on toast tips and Peach Melba French toast. For those seeking sea-kissed goodness, the chef whips up a tangy mango crab stack with layers of an avocado-mango mix. It is served with a mango soufflé and sorbet.  Fresh herbs, some grown on site, underscore the fare, which extends to the evening reception of wine accompanied by a light snack, such as bruschetta served with fresh bread, perhaps a tasty homemade cheese potato loaf.

Ah! The food. Ah! The spa. Ah! The people. Ah! The place. One word, a mere two letters, the expression, the encounter lingers in your mind long after the final departure.