Virginia’s oldest resort is home to historic warm springs few travelers know about

Virginia’s hidden warm springs

Tucked into the mountains of western Virginia, The Omni Homestead Resort has been welcoming guests since 1766. That makes it the oldest resort in the state and one of the longest continuously operating resorts in America.

At the heart of the property are the legendary Warm Springs Pools, natural mineral springs that have drawn travelers for more than 250 years.

This slideshow explores the history, healing waters, presidential connections, and recent restoration that have preserved this National Historic Landmark for a new generation.

A mountain retreat in hot springs

The resort sits in the Allegheny Mountains in the small community of Hot Springs, Virginia. Rolling hills, forested ridges, and fresh mountain air create a peaceful setting that feels far removed from city life.

Spanning roughly 2,300 acres, the property includes golf courses, hiking trails, and expansive lawns. The Warm Springs Pools are located a short distance from the main hotel, with convenient access for resort guests and day visitors.

The beginning in 1766

The story began in 1766 when Thomas Bullitt established a small lodge near the mineral springs. The resort was named in honor of the homesteaders who built cabins and bathhouses around the water source.

Over the centuries, the property evolved from a frontier retreat into a grand mountain resort. Its continuous operation for more than 250 years secures its reputation as Virginia’s oldest resort.

Long before colonial settlement, Native Americans are believed to have known of the springs and valued them for their restorative qualities.

America’s oldest spa structures

The Warm Springs Pools are among the oldest spa structures in the United States. The men’s bathhouse features an octagonal wooden structure built over a stone basin that encloses the natural spring.

The two main pools measure approximately 40 and 50 feet in diameter. The geothermal water emerges at a steady 98 degrees Fahrenheit and flows at an estimated 1.7 million gallons per day.

Thomas Jefferson’s famous soak

In 1818, Thomas Jefferson spent about three weeks at the springs seeking relief from rheumatism, bathing several times a day. Historical accounts describe him soaking in the pools multiple times daily.

Jefferson praised the waters as being of the “first merit,” and the springs later became widely known as the Jefferson Pools.

The original bathhouses still stand today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while the Omni Homestead Resort itself holds National Historic Landmark status.

Growth in the 19th century

In 1832, Dr. Thomas Goode acquired the property and introduced European spa therapies, expanding the resort’s health-focused offerings.

The arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in 1892 made travel to the remote mountain location far easier. Wealthy visitors from across the country began arriving in greater numbers.

Fun Fact: After devastating fires in the early 1900s, investors, including J.P. Morgan, helped finance reconstruction. By 1902, the grand hotel that stands today began to take shape.

A presidential playground

Over time, 24 U.S. presidents have visited the resort. Guests have included James Madison, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.

Suites and dining spaces honor distinguished guests, while historic photographs throughout the resort highlight its political legacy.

International figures such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have also spent extended stays here.

What to expect at the Warm Springs Pools

Today, the Warm Springs Pools operate with separate bathhouses and scheduled soaking sessions. Water remains crystal clear, revealing stones at the bottom of the basin.

Each session typically lasts about 50 minutes. The steady 98-degree temperature creates a soothing, near-body-temperature experience in every season.

Day visitors are welcome with advance reservations, and resort guests can arrange shuttle transportation between the main hotel and the pools.

The healing reputation

For centuries, visitors have credited the waters with easing joint pain, muscle tension, and stress. Thomas Jefferson famously visited to seek relief from rheumatism, and other notable guests have pursued similar health benefits.

The mineral-rich water maintains its temperature naturally thanks to geothermal flow, so no artificial heating is required. Guests and travel writers often describe a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenation after a single soak.

A simple, peaceful experience

Unlike flashy modern spas, the Warm Springs Pools offer a quiet and understated atmosphere. Reviews frequently describe the experience as serene and grounding.

The wooden bathhouse dome features an oculus that allows natural light to stream in. On colder days, steam rises gently from the water’s surface, creating an almost dreamlike scene.

Basic dressing areas, provided towels, and a respectful, quiet policy keep the focus on relaxation.

More than just the springs

Beyond the pools, the resort offers two championship golf courses, including the historic Cascades Course.

Winter visitors can enjoy Virginia’s oldest ski area. Tennis courts, horseback riding, zip lining, and hiking trails provide year-round outdoor recreation. A full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spring-fed Serenity Garden round out the wellness offerings.

A national historic landmark

The Omni Homestead Resort holds the designation as a National Historic Landmark due to its architectural significance and role in American spa culture.

In 2017, boundary expansions added additional contributing structures, extending the period of recognized historical importance.

Careful restoration efforts have aimed to preserve the property’s character while updating its infrastructure for modern guests.

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A major restoration investment

A sweeping renovation totaling approximately 170 million dollars has revitalized guest rooms, the Great Hall, dining venues, and the Warm Springs Pools.

Historic façades were restored, interiors refreshed, and event spaces modernized while retaining original design elements. The investment ensures the resort’s legacy will continue well beyond its 250-year milestone.

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Would you travel to soak in 250-year-old natural hot springs once visited by presidents, or do you prefer modern luxury spas? Tell us in the comments

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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