May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and with the diversity in Loudoun, it’s no surprise that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made a powerful mark on the county, operating some of our amazing tourism attractions.
King Spa; Sophia & John Kim
Who doesn't love a good spa day? King Spa is a spectacular new Korean-style day spa set over three sprawling floors of a building off Route 50. Modeled on the traditional Jjim-Jil Bang spas of South Korea, husband and wife John and Sophia Kim fuse modern and Korean methods such as Bul-Ga-Ma, a well-recognized sauna method that works to improve circulation, boost metabolism, re-activates aged cells and promotes healthier hair, skin and organs. The first King Spa was opened in New Jersey in 2001 by Donald Kim, John Kim's father. Following its success, additional King Spas opened in Texas, Illinois and most recently, Virginia. One fee grants you access to state-of-the-art steam rooms, saunas, thermal baths, mud rooms, restaurant and juice bar and a vast rooftop swimming pool complex replete with waterfalls, showers and hot tubs.
5 Tara Indian Cuisine; Mehtad Sangh Kahlon
Born in Noida, India, Mehtad Sang Kahlon along with his extended family wanted to bring authentic Indian cuisine to northern Virginia. While there are several local Indian-inspired restaurants, 5 Tara has received Best of Loudoun since 2019, shortly after its 2017 opening. The spices used are imported from their own land and fresh bread and meats are cooked up in a traditional clay oven, providing the most authentic Indian experience right here in Loudoun.
The Conche; Santosh Tiptur
World-renowned pastry chef Santosh Tiptur’s menu is inspired by the chocolate he ate as a kid growing up in India. Many of the savory dishes on the menu, including the rack of lamb, have cocoa in them, but the desserts made with artisanal craft chocolate – Manjari cakes, truffles, S’mores and sculpted chocolate pieces – are the ultimate taste experience. Following on the success of The Conche, Tiptur also opened La Presna in 2021 serving Mexican and Spanish food. More recently, The Conche advanced its chocolate production by opening a studio in Sterling to teach cake & chocolate-making courses.
Comfort Suites and Red Roof Inn; Bob Patel
Bob Patel immigrated to the U.S. from India 31 years ago and has operated hotels in Loudoun since 2001. He started with Comfort Suites in Leesburg and has since added the adjacent Red Roof Inn to his portfolio. “We made Loudoun our home because it’s the right place to raise children and a great place to do business. The last 20 years Loudoun has seen tremendous growth and still maintains its strong business and leisure culture,” he said. While a fan of Loudoun’s hiking trails, wineries and breweries, he and his family also like to visit the plethora of Italian, Mexican and now Indian restaurants that have sprung up in the county.
Manisha Shah, Stone Manor Boutique Inn
The 1905-built Stone Manor Boutique Inn is the sumptuous eight-bedroom country inn of Mumbai-born Manisha Shah and her husband Prashant. The couple bought the antique-filled property in 2018 and on top of hosting overnight guests, cater as many as 45 weddings a year on the grounds, Manisha and her son preparing delectable Indian dishes alongside Western cuisine. You’re in the heart of Virginia countryside surrounded by stone-fenced country lanes, wineries, farm breweries, restaurants and historic 18th Century villages.
