The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has officially reopened following the completion of a $150+ million dollar property-wide renovation.

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia and spanning more than 2,300 acres, America’s “first resort” has a 250-year history of serving as a home for generations of families and a retreat for captains of industry, foreign dignitaries, and 23 U.S. presidents.

The extensive renovation project began in October 2021 with the $4.6 million rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools, which reopened in December 2022. The full renovation encompasses 483 guestrooms, a brand-new 4,000-square-foot event pavilion, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, an array of fine and casual dining options, and more.

“The completion of this extensive renovation is a monumental accomplishment for our resort team and a testament to our commitment to enhancing the guest experience for years to come,” says Mark Spadoni, managing director at The Omni Homestead Resort. “This grand reopening marks a new chapter for our property as we cultivate our offerings to welcome the modern traveler while maintaining the rich traditions that generations of loyal guests have come to expect.”

The resort’s natural setting and history provided the inspiration for the restoration, which was led by multidisciplinary design firm WATG and its interiors studio, Wimberly Interiors.

Preserving an iconic landmark

The first significant piece of the renovation puzzle to come together was the transformation of the resort’s Warm Springs Pools, which underwent a 14-month rehabilitation process that preserved as much of the historic structure as possible. The idea of water as wellness has been an integral part of Bath County and Virginia history for centuries. Fed by four natural warm springs, the 19th century bathhouses have attracted travelers from around the world. The stone basin of the Gentleman’s Bathhouse was constructed in 1761, making it the first spa structure in the United States.

Throughout the process of restoring the historic structures, Omni worked closely with 3North, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Lionberger Construction to ensure the new structure adhered to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

The resort also offers a large luxury spa with an exclusive, adults-only Serenity Garden and two championship golf courses including The Cascades, one of the nation’s finest mountain courses and consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the country. In addition, guests can enjoy seasonal attractions such as a ski area, Equestrian Center, Shooting Club, falconry and mountain biking trails.

Rooms with a (new) view

Tailored comfort is the theme and inspiration for the 483 newly renovated guestrooms. Each wing features a distinct color palette (pink, blue, lavender, and green) that flows from the hallway corridors into the rooms. Floral patterns come to life in the Shumacher Pyne Hollyhock bed skirts and draperies, along with unique homestead-specific touches that complement the overall décor within the rooms, which were completed in July 2023.

From the room experience to the public areas, guests can see firsthand the timeless embellishments implemented throughout the property, which includes the Great Hall. The heart of The Homestead, this traditional space now boasts custom-designed carpet with a nod to the flora and fauna of the Allegheny Mountains and is accented with the trim of classic hardwood floors, elegant lighting, and other whimsical, bold color touches.

Modern meeting spaces and idyllic event venues

Genuine hospitality and elegant charm are combined across The Omni Homestead’s 12 distinct event/wedding venues. Most notably, the 4,000 square foot, picturesque Old Course Pavilion (capacity 225) delivers views of the Tower and East and West Wings. Brick pathways, a slate-clad roof, stained concrete floors, and white-wash walls give way to full-height operable window walls to create year-round indoor/outdoor experiences.

Other newly enhanced event spaces include:

• The Crystal Room, which features crystal chandeliers;
• The Empire Room, which has elegant draperies accentuating the historic architecture and welcome natural light as well as original wall sconces;
• The Regency Ballroom, which has been completely transformed with yellow-accented blue carpet and backlit faux clerestory windows evoking natural light;
• and the Grand Ballroom, which has been updated with textured wallcoverings and enhanced lighting for business meetings and banquets alike.

Significant updates to each of the existing 28 meeting rooms include refinished wood floors, new carpeting, furniture, wallcoverings, acoustic ceiling tiles, furniture, and light fixtures with an architectural and functional focus.

First completed in 1923, the Theater also received a well-deserved refresh. The multi-functional space offers a prohibition-style cocktail bar and convertible, dinner theater-style seating setting the stage for events ranging from movie screenings to musical performances to TED Talks and magic shows.

New food and beverage offerings, include Pioneer Picnic, a fast-casual dining experience featuring a wrap-around porch on the grand lawn; and the Presidential Lounge, a new speakeasy-style bar. Jefferson’s Taproom and Restaurant, Rubino’s at The Cascades, and the American Audubon Dining Room also feature refreshed designs with exquisite cuisine.