The oldest spa in America, constructed in 1761, just so happens to be within road trip distance of the District, and it might just be exactly what you need to recover from the frigid weather we’ve been stuck with lately.
The original historic spa can be found at the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, a massive 2,300-acre resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, roughly 3.5 hours from the District by car!
What is the oldest spa in America?
The 60,000-square-foot spa at the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa is, as you may imagine, much larger and more developed than it was when it was established in 1761.
The spa’s original octagonal stone basin, which is still intact today, is what made this known as the oldest surviving spa structure in the United States.
While there is significant archaeological evidence that supports the claim that hot springs and spas have been used as far back as 9,000 years ago by Native Americans, this structure is considered the oldest spa structure still being actively used today.
The original octagonal stone basin, which dates back to 1761, is part of the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse structure and is still standing and in use as a Warming Pool that houses a therapeutic thermal bath.
As one might expect, the site has undergone extensive repairs over time, but recently, a significant renovation was completed in 2022 to restore the Warming Pools (both the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse and the Ladies’ Bathhouse) to the peak glory of its 1920’s era.
How to visit the oldest spa in America
The Warm Springs Pools, which have soaked, healed, and rejuvenated past presidents like Thomas Jefferson and FDR, can be easily accessed by making a booking on the Omni Homestead Resort website.
Rates are $35 per person for a 50-minute soak Monday through Thursday, and $40 per person from Friday through Sunday.
The Warming Pools’ weekly schedule is as follows:
- Family soaking time | 10 AM – 1 PM (swimsuits required and children under the age of 16 may come with a parent; Ladies’ Bathhouse)
- Adult co-ed soaking time | 10 AM – 3 PM and 5 PM – 6 PM (ages 16+; swimsuits required; Gentlemen’s Bathhouse from 10 AM – 1 PM)
- Adult soaking | 3 PM – 5 PM (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional)
- Sound Meditation Baths | Every Saturday at 9 AM (ages 16+ with a parent; swimsuits required)