There’s nothing quite like experiencing the combination of modern elegance with historic charm, and that’s exactly the feeling you will get when you visit The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia.
This resort was first founded in 1766 making it 10 years older than the United States, and through the years this iconic destination has hosted 24 U.S. Presidents crossing the gamut of generations from Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush.
When it comes to creating one of the quintessential golf experiences in the Mid-Atlantic, this resort has it all and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite attributes to showcase why you should consider a golf vacation here.
Massive renovation
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa has recently completed a $170 million renovation of the resort. $170 million! The effects can be felt from the moment you enter the Great Hall all the way through the resort including the restaurants, meeting spaces, guest rooms, the legendary bathhouses at the Warm Spring Pools, and so much more. While the renovation certainly has enhanced the feel of the property, it was done with a touch of class and provides you with that feeling of “new” while still paying homage to the roots of the resort.
The Cascades: One of Virginia’s top-ranked golf courses
Consistently ranked as one of, if not the, best resort golf courses in the state of Virginia and amongst the best in the United States, The Cascades is widely considered one of the best mountain golf courses in the country as you’ll see from our exclusive drone footage below. The course was designed by William S. Flynn to take advantage of the wonderful mountainous terrain to provide you with a multitude of shots, varied lies, and stunning backdrops to test every facet of your game.
The Cascades
The legend of Sam Snead
When it comes to icons of the game, Sam Snead is right up there as one of the players that every golfer knows. The legendary player started his golf career at The Homestead beginning as a caddy here at the age of 7, and he later worked his way up to the Assistant Professional and eventually the Head Professional. In fact, the resort is now located on a stretch of road known as Sam Snead Highway so his influence on the area can still be felt to this day.
The historic Old Course
The Old Course has the distinction of being the home of America’s longest running first tee in continuous use that has been in operation since 1892. This classic gem features 6 par-3s, 6 par-4s, and 6 par-5s creating a unique routing that features some dramatic elevation changes that you’d expect to find in the Allegheny Mountain region. It’s the perfect complement to The Cascades, and as you’ll see in our exclusive drone footage here this is a special round you won’t want to miss.
A spa to die for
The redesigned Spa at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa is a state-of-the-art facility that focuses on providing guests of the resort with a variety of luxurious spa treatments, an exclusive Serenity Garden, and wellness activities to focus on your overall health. To fully immerse yourself in the experience here, be sure to make a reservation to soak in the iconic Warm Springs Pools which are a short drive away and according to local legends have been used by Native Americans dating back hundreds of years due to their restorative powers.
Allegheny Springs Water Park
Allegheny Springs is a two-acre waterpark that is the definition of fun for you and the whole family to enjoy. With two 100-foot water slides, a lazy river, a water play zone, a whirlpool, and a large family pool. While Allegheny Springs is open seasonally, the resort also offers an indoor pool for all to use and a pool at the Serenity Garden that is available to guests 18 and older.
An overhead view of Omni Homestead
Dining and bourbon experience
Another area of the resort that was significantly enhanced as part of the massive resort renovation was the multitude of dining outlets available to guests of the resort, and you and your group can choose from a variety of fine dining options such as the American Audubon Dining Room and casual dining locations such as Jefferson’s Taproom or Woody’s depending on the vibe that you are looking for during your visit. Bourbon aficionados will enjoy the resort’s private barrel selections from Blanton’s, Knob Creek and Maker’s Mark.
Nearby hiking and waterfalls
While it is tough to escape the wonderful amenities available onsite at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, the setting of the resort amongst the Allegheny Mountains provides a plethora of options for you to enjoy the outdoors here including the Jackson River Scenic Trail, an 80-foot waterfall at Falling Spring, and Douthat State Park which features a 50-acre lake with trails and a beach.
Rubino’s
Recommendation
While we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite attributes of The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, there is so much more to see and enjoy at this property and you’ll quickly understand why this property has continued to stand the test of time generation after generation. The golf is wonderful, and one round on each course is a must and hopefully you can sneak in multiple days during your visit here. We know The Cascades receives a lot of the accolades here, but a day on the Old Course is an absolute must on your itinerary.
The recent renovation of the property is the model for what other historic hotels should strive for, and the property is one of those rare destinations that is perfect for a couples trip, a family getaway, or a trip with friends. You can’t go wrong here, and you’ll be glad you visited one of the country’s best treasures.
A few notes:
- Rubino’s was voted #1 Best Golf Course Restaurant in USA Today’s 10 Best (the resort was voted #3 Best Golf Resort)
- New golf package – The Homestead Signature Golf package includes unlimited golf on the Old Course (upgrade available for The Cascades)