Virginia’s diverse natural landscape includes abundant landforms and water features. While hot springs historically attracted visitors to the Old Dominion, the redrawing of geographic boundaries placed many of them in neighboring states. Only three of the remaining springs of Virginia emit hot water, but these three are easily located and accessible to visitors.
The region designated Warm Springs Valley carries a long history of spa culture. Virginia’s three prominent natural hot springs provided therapeutic comfort to Native Americans and colonists; today’s visitors to the region can likewise experience the soothing waters of Hot Springs, Warm Springs and Healing Springs. These springs are maintained and protected for local spas and pools owned by the renowned Omni Homestead Resort.
The historic Omni Homestead Resort was constructed in 1766 as a leisure hotel accommodating two of the area’s major hot springs. Since then, the Hot Springs, Virginia, resort has undergone various renovations to become an exclusive spa resort. With a consummate offering of spa treatments, a signature spa garden and an elegant indoor pool resembling a Georgian ballroom, the Omni Homestead provides luxurious access to the region’s hot springs.
In keeping with the region’s historic significance, the Omni Homestead also maintains two structures known as the Jefferson Pools -- Virginia’s oldest spa structures -- on its sprawling estate. Records show that Thomas Jefferson made a visit to the Omni Homestead resort and visited these pools in 1818, praising them as some of the best in America. The Jefferson Pools have been preserved in the forefather’s honor, and are a must-see for visitors to the area interested in hot springs.
Also maintained by the Omni Homestead Resort, Allegheny Springs is the hotel’s own water park. As you might expect, the 2-acre water park boasts a dizzying array of slides, play areas and pools, a soporific whirlpool and a 400-foot lazy river. What sets this soak-fest apart, however, is that the entirety of Allegheny Springs is fed by the area’s natural hot springs. Undoubtedly, a 100-foot water slide could be the most exhilarating way to experience the warm waters of the local springs.
