America’s first resort, ideally located within a forested stretch of misty peaks in Hot Springs, Virginia, is a postcard-worthy mountain retreat with a generous helping of Southern hospitality.
Nestled within the snow-dusted folds of the Allegheny Mountains, the Omni Homestead has drawn sojourners in search of a pampering stay since before the founding of the United States. A red brick façade, steeped in history, is a beacon as alluring as the mineral springs that first put this mountainous region on the map. In 1764, at the close of the French and Indian War, Captain Thomas Bullitt and a team of surveyors heard tales of the springs’ healing powers, and for a mere 30 shillings, the military officer and two colleagues purchased 300 acres. Two years later, Bullitt opened an 18-room wooden inn named “The Homestead” in honor of those who built the hotel and bathhouses.
Today, vestiges of the past whisper in beams and balustrades, but the modest log cabin of centuries ago has long since evolved into a grand resort, slowly built upon over the years to become one of the South’s most revered getaways. Highly favored by the elite, the Omni Homestead has welcomed 24 U.S. presidents, European royalty, and Hollywood icons, from a young Jacqueline Onassis to primary author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
Every guest is treated with the same care and encouraged to indulge in an array of pursuits, including horseback riding, winemaking, and golf at one of the nation’s best courses. No stay is complete without “taking the waters,” the centuries-old tradition of soaking in the famed hot springs. Once wintertime blankets the landscape, visitors can glide along the ice rink or bundle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
In this latest chapter of the Homestead’s chronicle, a dramatic renovation brought full restoration with thoughtful additions. Through the lobby doors, the Great Hall makes a bright first impression, complete with a sweeping staircase and velvet settees.Guest rooms are decked in classic Virginia furnishings in a pastel palette that complements the snowy surrounds just outside the window. A steaming cup of coffee is best enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the morning mist as it drifts off the fairways.
Dining at the Omni Homestead is a feast for both palate and spirit. In the American Audubon Dining Room, savor flavors inspired by the surrounding region beneath the twinkle of sparkling chandeliers. For more relaxed options, Jefferson’s Restaurant offers hearty regional fare and prime cuts, while Jefferson’s Taproom invites a playful atmosphere with bourbon cocktails and Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes.
With such a long and storied history, perhaps the loveliest days of the Omni Homestead are unfolding now. The rhythm, mood, and celebration of Southern hospitality flow through its halls.
Text Lydia McMullen
Photography Omni Homestead
Discover more Southern charm in our January/February 2026 issue, available on local newsstands or in our online shop.
