The Omni Homestead Resort, nestled within the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia, has reached a new
pinnacle in luxury hospitality. The iconic resort, known as America’s first resort, has expanded its event and meeting spaces as part of an overall $150+ million-dollar property-wide renovation. Led by leading multidisciplinary design firm WATG and their interiors studio Wimberly Interiors, the extensive endeavor has elevated the resort’s capabilities while retaining historical design details to honor its rich history and celebrate its unique character.
For more than 250 years, The Omni Homestead Resort has served as a cherished sanctuary for travelers from around the world. Throughout its history, the resort has continually expanded and evolved and by the late 1800s, it was known as one of the country’s premier resorts where captains of industry, society, foreign dignitaries and 23 U.S. presidents would steal away for R&R and to conduct business. As we leap into the present day, the resort’s transformative renovations create a sense of grandeur, setting the stage for hosting a new era of sophisticated celebrations and gatherings.
A premier destination for meetings and events serving major cities such as Washington D.C., Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbus, Nashville, Philadelphia and beyond, The Omni Homestead Resort will unveil an all-new, indoor and outdoor 4,000 square foot event pavilion. This remarkable facility boasts cutting-edge design elements set against the picturesque backdrop of stunning mountain views. In addition, the resort’s existing 72,000 square feet of meeting space received a refresh focused on advanced functionality and revived interiors.
“The near completion of our extensive renovation marks a turning point in defining what true, luxury hospitality means,” says Mark Spadoni, Managing Director at The Omni Homestead Resort. “Our talented design team meticulously updated the meeting and event spaces, allowing us to completely reimagine what the guest experience looks like and cater to ever-evolving event needs.”
Slated for completion this October, the Old Course Pavilion, located at the north end of the Old Course driving range, will serve as an idyllic destination for weddings, reunions, parties, and more, serving up to 225 guests. A bridal suite and dedicated prep kitchen will allow for full-service catering and dynamic indoor/outdoor experiences with sprawling views of the Tower, East, and West wings. Charming brick pathways lead to the venue, which is modeled from the property’s pre-1902 buildings with whitewashed wood-clad walls, stained concrete floors with wood-look detail, and lantern-style light fixtures.
Theater 1923, an essential breakout facility for keynote speakers which celebrates its 100th year this year, received a classic, yet modern update. The viewing area has been converted from theater seats to sofa settees, lounge chairs, and side tables ideal for a variety of events ranging from presentations to movie nights to magic shows. New audio-video technology will allow for the transformation of the projection booth into an elegant, signature cocktail bar.
To satisfy the demands of meeting groups, additional renovations to each of the existing 28 meeting rooms include refinished wood floors plus new carpets, furniture, wallcoverings, acoustic ceiling tiles, furniture, and light fixtures with an architectural and functional focus.
“The Omni Homestead Resort prides itself on being more than just an elegant escape; it serves as a living piece of American history. As we approach the final weeks of this multimillion-dollar investment, it is evident that the resort’s facilities and amenities ensure form meets function at every turn,” adds Spadoni.
Enhancements elevating food and beverage venues include Pioneer Picnic, a fast-casual, family-friendly dining experience, Martha’s Market, the property’s grab-and-go café, the Presidential Lounge, a new speakeasy-style lounge, Jefferson’s Restaurant and Taproom, Rubino’s at The Cascades, and the American Audubon Dining Room. A full roster of additional updates included façade improvements, balcony deck work, guestroom renovations, a new associate housing building, and the historic rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools.
