This Hidden Virginia Mountain Getaway Is Ideal For Snow Lovers And Spa Seekers

Think a luxury resort can’t deliver both adrenaline and zen? Think again.

Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains, this Virginia treasure has been welcoming guests since before the Revolutionary War, yet it still feels like the best-kept secret in the Mid-Atlantic. You’ll find hot springs bubbling up from the earth, ski slopes dusted with powder, and a spa so lavish it could make royalty jealous.

Forget choosing between adventure and relaxation. Here, you can shoot clay pigeons in the morning, soak in mineral pools by afternoon, and dine like a dignitary come evening.

The Omni Homestead Resort isn’t just a getaway. It’s a full-blown experience that refuses to fit into one neat category, and that’s exactly why it works.

A Resort Steeped in Presidential History

Imagine staying where twenty-three U.S. presidents once laid their heads. The Omni Homestead Resort has hosted everyone from Thomas Jefferson to George W.

Bush, and the property wears its heritage like a well-tailored suit. Built back when America was still a collection of colonies, this grand estate has witnessed centuries of change while maintaining its dignified Southern charm.

Wander through the Great Hall and you’ll spot oil paintings, antique furnishings, and architecture that whispers stories from another era. The resort offers history tours that peel back the layers of time, revealing tales of wartime escapes, celebrity visits, and political intrigue.

It’s like stepping into a living museum where you actually get to sleep in the exhibits.

Located at 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445, the resort sprawls across two thousand acres of pristine mountain landscape. Every corner holds a piece of Americana, from the original ballrooms to the carefully preserved guest wings.

You don’t just visit this place. You become part of its ongoing story, adding your own chapter to a legacy that spans generations.

Natural Hot Springs That Melt Your Stress Away

Few things beat slipping into warm, mineral-rich water while snow falls around you. The hot springs at this resort aren’t some modern invention.

They’ve been bubbling up from deep beneath the earth for thousands of years, and people have been soaking in them since long before the resort was even a twinkle in anyone’s eye.

The naturally heated pools maintain a blissful temperature year-round, making them especially magical during winter months. Steam rises into the crisp mountain air, creating an almost mystical atmosphere that photographs beautifully but feels even better in person.

The minerals in the water are said to have therapeutic properties, soothing sore muscles and tired joints with every soak.

What makes these springs special isn’t just the warmth. It’s the setting.

Surrounded by mountain views and thoughtfully designed facilities, you can spend hours drifting between indoor and outdoor pools. Locals have known about these healing waters for generations, and now you’re in on the secret too.

Bring a book, bring a friend, or bring nothing but your willingness to completely unwind.

Skiing and Snow Sports for Winter Thrill Seekers

Strap on your skis and carve through powdery Virginia slopes that surprise even seasoned snow enthusiasts. The resort’s winter sports offerings cater to everyone from nervous first-timers to confident veterans who practically grew up on the mountain.

Instructors are patient, the equipment is top-notch, and the slopes offer enough variety to keep things interesting without being intimidating.

Snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating round out the winter activities menu. The ice rink becomes a centerpiece of cold-weather fun, with families gliding around under twinkling lights as dusk settles over the mountains.

Tubing lanes provide pure, shrieking joy as you zoom downhill, while snowboarders can practice tricks on terrain designed for progression.

What sets this mountain experience apart is the convenience factor. You’re not driving hours to some distant ski resort and dealing with lift lines that eat up half your day.

Everything happens right on the property, so you can ski in the morning, warm up with hot cocoa, hit the spa in the afternoon, and still make it to dinner looking presentable. It’s winter sports without the usual hassles, and your legs will thank you for the spa access afterward.

The Spa That Redefines Luxury Pampering

Stepping into this spa feels like entering a sanctuary designed by people who actually understand relaxation. The facility recently underwent renovations that transformed it into a modern wellness haven while preserving the natural elements that make it special.

Treatments range from classic massages to specialized therapies you won’t find at your neighborhood day spa.

Mineral baths, relaxation lounges, and treatment rooms create a circuit of calm that you can navigate at your own pace. Many guests book a massage only to discover they’ve also got access to amenities that could easily fill an entire day.

Saunas, steam rooms, and quiet spaces for meditation or reading mean you can create your own wellness journey.

The therapists here know their craft, tailoring each treatment to individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all script. Couples can book side-by-side treatments, solo travelers can find perfect solitude, and groups can make a whole day of it.

Reviews consistently praise the spa experience, with many visitors saying it alone justifies the trip. Pack your comfiest robe and prepare to discover muscles you didn’t know were tense.

Championship Golf Courses With Mountain Views

Two championship golf courses wind through landscapes so stunning they might distract you from your swing. The Cascades Course and the Old Course each bring their own personality, with the former offering dramatic elevation changes and the latter providing a more traditional layout that rewards strategic play over pure power.

Named after the legendary Sam Snead, who learned the game here, these courses carry serious golf pedigree. The fairways roll through valleys and climb hillsides, framed by mountain vistas that shift with the seasons.

Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers lush green canopies, fall explodes with color, and winter reveals the bones of the landscape in stark beauty.

Non-golfers often become converts after experiencing these courses. The setting makes even a mediocre round feel special, and the pro shop staff can outfit you with everything you need if you didn’t pack clubs.

Lessons are available for those looking to improve their game, while experienced players appreciate the challenge and variety. After your round, the nineteenth hole beckons with refreshments and the kind of satisfied exhaustion that comes from walking beautiful terrain while chasing a little white ball.

Dining Options That Satisfy Every Craving

Multiple restaurants mean you never have to leave the property to find exactly what your appetite demands. The American Audubon Dining Room brings formal elegance and carefully crafted dishes that showcase regional ingredients.

Breakfast here is legendary, with a buffet spread that could fuel a small army and an omelet station where chefs create custom masterpieces.

Casual options include Jefferson’s Restaurant, where comfort food gets elevated treatment without losing its soul. The Presidential Lounge pours expertly mixed cocktails in an atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations.

Martha’s Market serves coffee that guests rave about, plus grab-and-go options for those mornings when you’d rather be on the slopes than waiting for table service.

Room service extends the dining options into your private space, perfect for those evenings when you’d rather eat in pajamas. The chefs clearly take pride in their work, with reviews consistently praising both flavor and presentation.

Vegetarians, meat lovers, and picky eaters all find options that work. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just feeding post-ski hunger, the culinary team has you covered with style and substance in equal measure.

Adventure Activities Beyond the Expected

Falconry, horseback riding, and clay shooting expand your vacation possibilities well beyond the typical resort offerings. The shooting club, frequently mentioned in glowing reviews, provides expert instruction and a chance to test your aim in a safe, professional environment.

Hayden, the instructor, earns particular praise for making even nervous beginners feel confident and capable.

Horseback trails wind through the property and beyond, offering perspectives on the landscape that you simply can’t get from a car or on foot. Guides know the terrain intimately and match riders with appropriate horses, ensuring everyone from novices to experienced equestrians enjoys the experience.

The falconry program is equally impressive, giving you rare access to these magnificent birds and the ancient sport of hunting with them.

Seasonal activities like ice skating, tubing, and lawn games mean there’s always something new to try. The resort doesn’t just provide activities.

It curates experiences that create stories you’ll tell for years. Families find plenty to keep everyone engaged, couples discover new adventures to share, and solo travelers can join group activities or pursue individual interests with equal ease.

Rooms and Suites Designed for Mountain Comfort

Accommodations range from cozy standard rooms to sprawling suites with separate living areas and private porches. Fireplaces in select rooms create instant atmosphere, perfect for those chilly mountain evenings when you want to curl up with a book or a loved one.

Flat-screen TVs, quality linens, and thoughtful amenities show attention to guest comfort without going overboard into unnecessary luxury.

The resort robes earn special mention in reviews, with guests praising their plush quality. Coffee makers mean you can start your day privately before venturing out to breakfast.

Some rooms offer mountain views that frame the landscape like living artwork, changing with weather and season to provide endless visual interest.

Recent renovations have updated facilities while maintaining the historic character that makes this place special. Bathrooms are well-appointed, closets include safes for valuables, and the overall design balances classic elegance with modern function.

Pet-friendly options mean furry family members can join the adventure. Whether you’re booking a romantic getaway or a family reunion, room configurations accommodate various group sizes and preferences with grace and style.

Family-Friendly Water Park and Pool Complex

Kids squeal with delight at the water park, while parents appreciate that everyone’s entertained without leaving the property. The lazy river provides gentle floating fun, water slides deliver thrills, and the indoor pool means swimming happens regardless of weather.

Recent renovations addressed previous concerns about aging facilities, creating a space that feels fresh and inviting.

The pool complex includes areas for different energy levels. Active kids can burn off energy on slides and in play areas, while adults seeking calm can find quieter zones for actual relaxation.

Hot tubs provide muscle relief after skiing or hiking, and the indoor-outdoor flow means you can adjust your environment based on temperature and preference.

Access to the water park comes with certain room packages, making it easy to plan accordingly. Towels are provided, changing facilities are clean and spacious, and lifeguards maintain safety without being overbearing.

Families consistently rank the water amenities as highlights of their stays, noting that kids stayed happily occupied for hours. It’s the kind of feature that transforms a nice vacation into a memorable one, especially for families with children who need variety and activity.

Southern Hospitality and Thoughtful Service

Staff members consistently earn praise for going above and beyond basic job requirements. From front desk associates who upgrade rooms for special occasions to bartenders who remember your drink order, the service culture here emphasizes genuine warmth over scripted politeness.

Reviews mention specific team members by name, highlighting personalized attention that makes guests feel valued rather than processed.

The valet team greets arrivals with efficiency and personality, setting a welcoming tone from the moment you pull up. Concierge staff help arrange activities, make reservations, and solve problems with resourcefulness and grace.

Even during busy holiday periods, employees maintain composure and helpfulness despite obvious pressure.

Small touches reveal the service philosophy. Complimentary champagne at check-in for celebrating couples, rose petals arranged for honeymooners, handwritten notes accompanying surprise treats.

These gestures cost little but create lasting impressions. The resort fee includes Wi-Fi, shuttle service, and nightly movies, removing nickel-and-dime frustrations common at other properties.

When issues arise, management responds with accountability and genuine efforts to make things right. It’s hospitality that feels authentic, rooted in Southern traditions of gracious hosting that have defined this place for centuries.