The Omni Homestead: 260 Years of Hospitality in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains
- Ingrid Lemme
- 12 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Where History, Hospitality and Healing Waters Meet
There are hotels, and then there are destinations that become part of a nation’s story.
Nestled in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort has been welcoming travelers since 1766, making it one of America’s oldest and most celebrated resorts.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is remarkable to realize that The Homestead is even older. The resort traces its origins to 1766, a full decade before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the nation marks 250 years of history, The Homestead celebrates 260 years of welcoming guests to Virginia’s mountains. Few destinations in America can make such a claim.
Recently, my husband Marcus and I escaped to Virginia’s Bath County for a few days of healing waters, history, fine dining, and mountain hospitality. Since we spend part of our summers at Glade Springs Resort in nearby West Virginia, the drive was easy and scenic, winding through some of the most beautiful countryside Appalachia has to offer.
As we approached Hot Springs, the landscape became increasingly dramatic. Rolling hills gave way to forested mountains, open meadows, and quiet valleys where life still seems to move at a gentler pace. Then, rising gracefully from the valley floor, the iconic white façade of The Omni Homestead appeared before us.
It was an unforgettable first impression. The grand resort, with its stately columns and expansive porches, immediately transports visitors to another era. Valets greeted arriving guests while polished luggage carts rolled across the entrance. Inside, concierge Jazmine welcomed us with a smile so genuine it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like coming home.
Soon we settled into our beautiful suite. The accommodations blend classic elegance with modern comfort, and from our windows we enjoyed sweeping views of the golf course, spa complex, and surrounding mountains.
After unpacking, we headed directly to one of The Homestead’s most cherished traditions: Afternoon Tea.
This year’s service celebrated both America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and The Homestead’s remarkable 260-year legacy. There is something wonderfully timeless about pausing for tea in a grand historic resort surrounded by mountain views and generations of stories. Tea and cake were served in an atmosphere that felt less like a hotel activity and more like stepping into living history. Adding to the occasion was a gentleman celebrating his 90th birthday, prompting warm applause throughout the room.
Later, we spent an hour exploring the beautifully maintained grounds before stopping by the Garden Spa and settling into rocking chairs on the famous front porch with iced coffee. Guests strolled across the lawns, families posed for photographs, and the mountain air carried a welcome sense of calm. There is something therapeutic about that porch. It encourages visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy the moment.
That evening we dined at Jefferson’s Restaurant, one of the resort’s signature dining venues. The modern American grill showcases regional influences and quality ingredients. We began with Virginia Blue Crab Bisque, rich and comforting, followed by a fresh kale Caesar accented with white anchovy.
Marcus, known to regular readers as “The Mountain Man,” selected a perfectly prepared filet mignon with wild mushrooms. Trusting his judgment, I sampled a bite and understood his enthusiasm immediately. My halibut puttanesca was equally impressive, beautifully presented and expertly prepared.
What made the evening especially memorable was spending time with Hussein Hamad, The Homestead’s Food & Beverage Director. Warm, gracious, and genuinely passionate about hospitality, Hussein embodies the service culture that has sustained The Homestead’s reputation for generations.
Following dinner, we changed into comfortable clothes and took a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Historic buildings glowed beneath the evening lights while guests relaxed on porches and terraces. People gathered around a large outdoor chess set, and an open wood fire flickered nearby. It was a magical Virginia mountain evening.
The next morning began with one of The Homestead’s famous breakfast buffets. Fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order omelets, breakfast meats, biscuits, cheeses, and countless other offerings filled the dining room. Yet what impressed us most was the staff.
Several team members have devoted decades of service to the resort. Their friendliness, professionalism, and affection for The Homestead add an authenticity that simply cannot be manufactured. In an age when hospitality can sometimes feel transactional, these employees serve as living links to traditions that have endured for generations.
After breakfast, Marcus and I changed into our swimsuits and headed to the Garden Spa. The warm mineral waters bubbling naturally from deep beneath the Allegheny Mountains have attracted visitors for centuries seeking relaxation, healing, and renewal. Native Americans treasured these springs long before the resort existed, and today guests continue to enjoy the same waters that made this mountain retreat famous.
Following a light lunch at the spa café, I enjoyed the Homestead Bliss treatment, a luxurious 75-minute experience that begins with a full-body exfoliation and concludes with a customized massage designed to promote complete relaxation. My therapist, a gifted young woman expecting her third child, provided one of the finest spa treatments I have ever experienced.
Meanwhile, Marcus headed to the golf course, later describing it as one of the most peaceful golfing settings imaginable.
While he played, I found myself once again drawn to the front porch with an iced coffee and croissant as Afternoon Tea unfolded nearby. One of The Homestead’s greatest strengths is that guests can create exactly the experience they desire.
Golfers enjoy championship courses. Outdoor enthusiasts explore mountain trails and streams. Spa lovers indulge in wellness experiences. History buffs discover stories woven throughout the property. Or, like me, you can simply relax in a rocking chair and watch the world go by.
That evening we ventured into nearby Warm Springs for dinner at the renowned Waterwheel Restaurant. Housed in a historic mill where milling operations have existed continuously since 1771, the restaurant immediately captivates visitors with its remarkable setting. Outside, the old overshot waterwheel still stands as a reminder of centuries of local craftsmanship and history.
Dinner was exceptional from beginning to end.
Our burrata appetizer paired grilled Meyer lemon, figs, English peas, and snap peas in a presentation that was as beautiful as it was delicious.
Marcus selected the venison loin served with Yukon Gold potato purée, spinach, pickled beet, and red wine reduction. The Mountain Man cleaned his plate and spent much of the evening talking about how good it had been while I savored the Mountain Trout with fried capers and preserved Meyer lemon.
Part of the restaurant’s success undoubtedly reflects the talents of proprietor and chef John B. Loeffla, whose culinary career included leadership positions at both The Greenbrier and The Omni Homestead before creating this regional dining destination.
The following morning, before heading home, we explored more of charming Warm Springs. Our first stop was the historic Warm Springs Pools, an experience that perfectly complemented our stay at The Homestead. Fed by naturally heated mineral waters emerging from underground at approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit, the pools have welcomed visitors seeking wellness and relaxation for generations.
For forty-five wonderfully peaceful minutes, we floated in the mineral-rich waters while gazing upward through the open roof structure. There were no distractions. No loud music. No rushing. Just warm water, historic surroundings, and a profound sense of tranquility.
Whether one believes in the healing properties traditionally associated with mineral springs or simply appreciates the opportunity to disconnect from modern life, the experience is undeniably restorative.
Following our soak, we stopped for lunch at The Garden Room & Café, a delightful establishment tucked above an art gallery in Warm Springs. Lunch proved to be another pleasant surprise.
We ordered an Avocado BLT that ranks among the freshest and most satisfying sandwiches I have enjoyed in a long time. Thick slices of ripe avocado, crisp country bacon, fresh vegetables, and hearty grain bread came together perfectly. Watching the two friendly ladies working together in their small kitchen only added to the charm. Their pride in their food transformed a simple lunch into a memorable experience.
As we drove home through the mountains, one thought stayed with me.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, The Omni Homestead celebrates 260 years. This remarkable place was already welcoming guests ten years before the United States became a nation. Generations have come and gone. Presidents have visited. Wars have been fought and peace restored. Yet beneath Virginia’s mountains, guests still gather on porches, enjoy gracious hospitality, seek renewal in healing waters, and create memories much as they did centuries ago.
That continuity is extraordinary. In a world that often feels rushed and constantly changing, The Omni Homestead remains a place where history is not preserved behind glass—it is lived every day. The mountains endure, the springs continue to flow, and the tradition of welcoming travelers remains as strong as ever.
For Marcus and me, it was more than a getaway. It was a reminder that some places do not merely survive the passage of time—they become timeless.
Until next month from another interesting destination.
Yours in travel
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Travel Journalist & Publisher
Escape From Paradise
The Montauk Sun
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