The Omni Homestead – A Winter Getaway at America’s First Resort

There are a few things I look for when it comes to crafting the perfect weekend getaway. Take a gorgeous property (and one with a storied history to boot) and place it in the serenely beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is certainly a good start. Add in a variety of outdoor activities for a bit of adventure and a world class spa and now we’re talking. Top it all off with amazing food and a graciously welcoming staff and you’ve got the Omni Homestead, the grand dame of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Luckily for me this luxurious retreat in Hot Springs, Virginia is just a few hours drive and has everything I need for a great weekend away.

I was provided a reduced rate by the Omni Homestead but all opinions remain my own. This post contains affiliate links. The Casual Travelist receives a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Opened in 1766 the Homestead prides itself on being America’s first resort and with a location near Washington DC has welcomed over 23 US presidents including George Washington and both George Bushes. With soaring columns and arches throughout the Homestead leans strongly into it’s Virginia roots with federalist architecture and it’s what I imagine staying at Monticello would be like if Thomas Jefferson decided to add on a grand hotel.

There are few resorts that work perfectly as a romantic couples retreat, family getaway or a weekend with friends but the Omni Homestead manages to work for just about any occasion you can thing of. The Homestead is the type of place that families visit year after year, often with multiple generations in tow. The timeless appeal of the Homestead makes it the kind of place that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel would vacation at had she lived in Virginia.

With 2 golf courses, 4 tennis courts, swimming pools, hot spring and over 2,300 acres of pristine country in the Allegheny mountains the Homestead has plenty of activities and is especially popular in the summer (I’d love to come back in the summer to try out their falconry program) but I found there’s just as much to do on a winter visit. The Homestead’s ski area as been ranked as one of the best family friendly ski resorts in the southeast by Liftopia.The Homestead’s ski area is crowd free and even when Virginia gets a mild winter (it was 45 degrees the day I went skiing) the Homestead’s snowmaking capabilities make their trails ski ready all winter long. Skiing not your thing? The Homestead also has a tubing run and ice skating rink for even more winter fun.

Since 1766 the healing waters have drawn people to the Homestead (Thomas Jefferson was partial to the area’s hot springs) and today the Homestead is home to a world class spa. After being pampered by the Homesteads skilled therapists and estheticians you can unwind even more in the Aqua Thermal Suite (complete with a steam room, herbal sauna and experiential shower) . I especially loved the Serenity Garden, an adults only retreat with a natural hot spring pool.

A southern resort doesn’t stay in business for 250 years without having good food and the Homestead’s culinary offerings are fantastic. The Homestead’s Main Dining Room is a feast for the senses with grand columns and beautiful chandeliers but the real magic happens in the kitchen. Each morning the Homestead offers up a grand breakfast buffet featuring anything you could want to start the day from simple fruit and yogurt to a made-to-order omelet and waffle station (be sure to try the Homestead’s signature blueberry sausage and legendary made-from-scratch donuts!). Come evening the Main Dining Room is elegant and refined, but not at all stuffy) with a concise menu of elevated classics like Chateaubriand and braised buffalo short ribs ( I personally loved the rabbit with gnocchi). Oh, and make sure you save room for dessert! All of the desserts were tempting but the Amber Chocolate, with dark chocolate mousse and apricot puree with toasted almond ice cream, was simply divine.

Craving something a bit more casual? Head over to Woody’s for a selection gourmet burgers (some topped with homemade pimento cheese), wood fired pizzas and salads that pair perfectly with a glass of Virginia craft beer.

With a beautiful location in the Allegheny Mountains, endless activities, a world class spa and amazing food there’s certainly more than enough to bring you to the Homestead but what makes a stay here truly special is the staff. Every staff member is welcoming, gracious and anticipates your every need. Multiple staff members have been with the Homestead for 20, 30 and even 50 years and their love for this mountain hideaway is what keeps generations of visitors returning time and again.

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