We excel at spa-ing. It might be Dan’s and my favorite thing to do together, besides golfing, cooking, gardening, and many other things… but knowing that a fabulous spa day is approaching, I tend to get a little giddy. As a longtime patron of Omni Hotels, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been on my to-go list since they acquired the property in 2013. I appreciate the hotel group’s custodianship of beautiful properties often on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, both of which the Homestead are. The July day could not have brought more perfect weather for poolside and pampering at the Spa at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
Once arriving, we were able to take a sneak peak at the adult-only space and Serenity Garden while getting the lay-of-the-land. It’s easy to be excited about a spa here in the Allegheny Mountains knowing that the surrounding region is permeated with hot springs that people have flocked to for centuries for their medicinal properties. Just seeing the beautiful bubbling mineral pool, infinity hot tub, and luxurious cabanas immediately kicked me into relaxation mode.
The spa menu is extensive, ranging from Swedish massages and body wraps to Japanese rituals and cupping. We opted for a mid-morning couple’s massage to maximize our time in the Serenity Garden. This quiet oasis at the edge of the resort features renowned mineral pools that Thomas Jefferson frequented to treat his rheumatism and touted The Homestead as the best therapy in America in letters to his daughter. The original guest books show his longest stay was 22 days in 1818.
We spent a bit of time in the garden, soaking in the geothermal Octagon Pool fed by two hot springs rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium and which remains at a steady temperature of 96-98° year round. Be very careful stepping in the pool as the natural stone stairs are quite slippery. Be sure to take a deluge shower in the tiled niche to rinse the silky mineral water off your body afterwards. At the center of the garden is the beautiful blue Infinity Pool heated to 85-92° and a hot tub maintained at 103°. The Spa and Serenity Garden are available to guests 18 and older.
Our couples Swedish Massage massage was superb. We had a chance to recover in the co-ed lounge, but the sunny weather was so extraordinary that we didn’t want to stay indoors. A few hours were spent lounging pool side, having lunch, and walking the the River Reflexology spring with stones carefully positioned to soothe and massage the base of your feet. It’s incredible how affective this simple act of walking along smooth river pebbles is and how the stones worked their magic up my legs.
When the skies opened up, we took refuge inside the spa and retreated to our respective his-and-hers locker rooms. The Aqua Thermal Suite is an interesting take on European-style shower environments using hot and cold temperatures (think hot sauna then plunge pool). One of the experiential showers simulated various storm effects, so you can choose from a menu of Arctic, Caribbean, or Atlantic intensities and temperatures. The fun parts of the experience are the different lightning, sound effects, and shower strengths that definitely let your skin know it’s working. Then, just sweat it out in the Finnish sauna, allowing your body rids itself of toxins.
I am not hearty enough to enjoy The Chill cold cabin experience where one inhales crisp, cold vapors while icy mists coat the skin to cool your lungs and body temperature. This might have been great in July but, no thank you. If I were a viking, maybe…. but I live in Ohio and this is a natural phenom we endure in the winter. Instead, I opted for the aromatic steam room, breathing in warm, fragrant oils with LED light therapy. The perfect spa day ended wrapped in a spa robe, half asleep the Thermal Heated Lounges… Dreaming of dinner.
Read more in the resort: Omni Homestead Resort: America’s First Resort.
Read more about our Golf Experience: The Nation’s Oldest First Tee: The Old Course at the Omni Homestead
