Where might be the perfect destination for me? Why, an elegant grand resort \u2026 a place where you hang by the pool, golf or play tennis, indulge in a spa experience or choose from endless activities. And then dress up at night.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Homestead.-older.-750.jpg\")
<\/a>Historic photo of The Homestead entrance. Photo: Omni Homestead<\/p><\/div>\n
Recall the Grand Resort<\/h3>\n
There was a time when vacation was defined by luxury, leisure, style, and civility. A brisk morning walk, an afternoon ride, tea on the terrace, and an evening of women in dresses, men in suits, piano music, white linen tablecloths, and crystal wine glasses.<\/p>\n
The concept of vacationing evolved and was defined with the advent of the American leisure class. Lacking the inherited wealth of European royalty, the rise of capitalism created a class of uber-wealthy industrialists who now had the time and money to spend lavishly and live like kings.<\/p>\n
It was the Gilded Age, roughly from after the Civil War to the early twentieth century. Getting away for the captains of industry and their families meant spending summers far from the dust and heat of the industrial cities where their wealth was created. Work was to be avoided, health rejuvenated, and amusements enjoyed. Mountains, lakes, natural springs, and seashores beckoned and, with that, the rise of the Grand Resort.<\/p>\n
Railroads were built, and travel flourished, leading to an era of building lavish hotels and resorts that mimicked the luxury of European royalty. Travelers headed primarily to the mountains, lakes, and seashores to the likes of White Sulphur Springs and Hot Springs, Virginia, Saratoga Springs, New York; Newport, Rhode Island, Cape May and Long Branch, New Jersey and even Coney Island. The lure of the Adirondack, Allegheny, and Catskill mountains beckoned for their beauty and restorative qualities.<\/p>\n
Vacationers knew what an ultimate vacation destination should be like\u2014surrounded by luxury, pampered by servants, busy with activity, fed like royalty, dressed to the nines.<\/p>\n
Well, those days are pretty much gone, for better or worse. But there are still a few very special resorts that started long ago and have retained their elegance.<\/p>\n
Today, several grand resorts that had their genesis before and into the Gilded Age remain superstars among travel destinations. These historical resorts have kept up with the times while maintaining their grandeur.<\/p>\n
If you are exploring the idea of vacationing at a grand resort, here are three to consider<\/p>\n
Three Grand Resorts That are a Testament to Enduring Quality<\/h3>\n
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, part of the expansive Appalachian Mountain Range in the Eastern United States, the Omni Homestead<\/a> boasts of being the oldest resort in the United States. The Homestead, as it was originally called, opened its doors well before the Civil War.<\/p>\n The beginning of the Omni Homestead goes back to Captain Thomas Bullitt, Charles, and Andrew Lewis, who were part of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. These militiamen were told of the healing qualities of the waters in the area.<\/p>\n In 1764, at the war’s end, Bullitt received Gold and Silver for his services and a colonial land grant of 300 acres containing seven natural mineral springs from Colonel George Washington.<\/p>\n After receiving the land grant, Bullitt moved his militia company and their families to the area. Within two years, the land was cleared, and an 18-room wooden hotel was completed. In 1766, The Homestead was opened and named in honor of the Homesteaders who built the resort and bathhouses.<\/p>\n From 1764 to 1778, Bullitt, along with his family, operated the resort. During the American Revolutionary War, Bullitt died during the battle, and his family retained ownership of the resort until 1832.<\/p>\n In 1901 a fire burned most of the resort down, but it was quickly rebuilt, opening a year later. Ownership of the resort transferred over the years. In 2013, the resort became part of the Omni Hotels & Resort family and is now known as The Omni Homestead Resort.<\/p>\n The Omni Homestead Resort officially began a $120+ million, property-wide renovation. Marking the latest chapter in the storied history of the resort, the extensive restoration will include fa\u00e7ade work, a new event facility, associate housing complex, updated guest rooms, refreshed public spaces, infrastructure improvements, and contemporary amenities.<\/p>\n Welcoming entrance to the Omni Homestead (Photo: Omni Homestead); 1766 landscape design at entrance to resort (Photo: C.Worthington)<\/p><\/div>\n When I entered the hotel\u2019s grand lobby, I knew the history had been beautifully preserved. The tall columns and French doors to the front veranda overlooking the hotel\u2019s signature \u201c1766\u201d shaped boxwoods were welcoming.<\/p>\n Located over 2,000 acres in Hot Springs, Virginia, this resort offers a perfect setting for couples, families, and even solo travelers. With more than 280 rooms, numerous restaurants, a full-service fitness center, and all-natural mineral springs and sparkling pools, the Omni Homestead has something for everyone.<\/p>\n Endless activities to try at Omni Homestead. Photos courtesy of resort.<\/p><\/div>\n There are endless activities<\/a> from golf, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, falconry, kayaking, lawn games, miniature golf, tennis, tomahawk throwing, and more.<\/p>\n Historic gun club offers lessons for newbies and competitions for the pros. Photo: C. Worthington<\/p><\/div>\n If you have never tried skeet or clay shooting, the Omni Homestead is a perfect place to start. The knowledgeable instructors of the historic gun club<\/a> will make marksmen out of you in no time.<\/p>\n (Clockwise from top left) David Chauner, Carolyn Worthington trying out fly fishing; Chauner casting; the big one that went back home; Matthew Thomas and David Chauner catching a trout; trout ready to return to the waters.<\/p><\/div>\n If you have never tried fly fishing, the Homestead is the place to begin. You might find yourself hooked after a session with Matthew Thomas<\/a>, Ovis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, at the resort. Matthew is a walking encyclopedia of fly fishing.<\/p>\n After a brief tutorial on how to cast, I tried my hand at catch-and-release fly fishing on the beautiful private waters of the Cascades Stream. After learning some basics, we tried our new skill. Beginners luck or Matthew’s expert training … I caught a trout on my first try. Fortunately for me, being the novice, he netted, unhooked, and released the fish.<\/p>\n Golfers can find paradise at the resort. Photo: Omni Homestead<\/p><\/div>\n Golfers can test their skills at the two championship golf courses. The Old Course is considered the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use. The championship courses<\/a> have challenged Presidents William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George H. W. Bush, as well as two generations of Rockefellers. Both courses have a clubhouse and offer short-game practice facilities and driving ranges.<\/p>\n (Clockwise from top left) Serenity Garden welcoming firepit; geothermal Octagonal Pool, hot tub; infinity pool. Photo: Omni Homestead<\/p><\/div>\n The Serenity Garden<\/a> for adults only is not to be missed. I enjoyed paddling in the blue Infinity Pool and soaking in the geothermal Octagon Pool, which is fed by two hot springs rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium with a temperature range of 96-97 degrees. I took a shot at walking through the River Reflexology Walk with stones that are said to massage the 15,000 nerves in your feet as you walk. I made it without slipping.<\/p>\n (Counter clockwise from top left) Torched Peach Salad; Chicken Pistachio Pate; Black Forest. Photo: C. Worthington<\/p><\/div>\n Not to miss is the exceptional Winemaker\u2019s Dinner<\/a> \u2026 an intimate five-course dinner with the winemaker where each course is paired with wines from the featured vintner. We were fortunate to attend the dinner featuring The Williamsburg Winery, which produces about 45,000 cases per year, presented by Matthew G. R. Meyer, the executive vice president & winemaker.<\/p>\n We sampled their delicious wines like Albarino served with hors d\u2019oeuvres like cucumber oyster shooters and a goat cheese mousse profiterole; Acte 12 Chardonnay which has been honored as being one of the top 400 wines of the world for ten years, served with a torched peach salad; the dry Petit Manseng with chicken pistachio pate, Gabriel Archer Reserve, a red interestingly served with cedar planked salmon (without a tinny aftertaste one usually associates with pairing a red with seafood); and the grand finale, Petit Verdot Reserve with a vanilla Kirch bavarois chocolate cake and cherry sorbet. All of the unique and fabulously tasting dishes were prepared by the resort’s Executive Chef Todd Owen<\/a>… an extremely talented chef with extensive credentials.<\/p>\n David Hill, pianist, regularly plays for guests of all ages in the Great Hall as they enjoy tea service in the afternoon.<\/p><\/div>\n Circling back to the grand entrance, a not-to-miss experience is the 3 P.M. Complimentary tea service accompanied by the most incredible pianist who plays old favorites without a piece of music in front of him. He kindly played our wedding song for us, bringing tears to our eyes as we sat in wing chairs across the way from his grand piano. Wonderful!<\/p>\n \u201cWe have amazing plans for this resort, but first, we want to keep it looking historic. This renovation is about restoring a piece of American history. This iconic resort, in the hills of Virginia, is going to be restored to its grandeur that it once was,\u201d said Peter Strebel, president of Omni Hotels and Resorts. \u201cWe have hired some of the top historic preservation and rehabilitation teams to ensure that we preserve this grand dame.\u201d<\/p>\n The Greenbrier Hotel & Resort. Photo: Courtesy of The Greenbrier<\/p><\/div>\n Another grand resort that opened its doors not too long after the Omni Homestead in 1778, and one of my favorites, is The Greenbrier<\/a>, where I stayed with my family when my boys were little.<\/p>\n The Greenbrier welcomed guests to \u201ctake the waters\u201d to restore their health. In the 1830s, prominent visitors, from lawyers and merchants to diplomats, judges, and planters, came to what was called \u201cthe village in the wilderness,\u201d located at 2000 foot elevation, to escape the heat. Accommodations were primarily cottages, some of which still stand today.<\/p>\n Historic photo of The Gr;eenbrier. Photo: Courtesy of The Greenbrier<\/p><\/div>\n Before the Civil War, five U.S. presidents stayed here, and to date, the total is 45. In 1858, the hotel was built and named the Grand Central Hotel. Many called it \u201cThe Old White.\u201d By 1914, the resort has renamed The Greenbrier and had added its sizeable indoor pool and 18-hole golf course.<\/p>\n During World War II, the U.S. State Department leased the hotel for seven months and housed hundreds of foreign diplomats and their families until their American counterparts returned. The U.S. Army bought the hotel a year later, turning it into a 2,000-bed hospital. Over the next four years, over 24,000 soldiers were admitted and treated there.<\/p>\n In 1946, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway reacquired the hotel and commissioned a major overhaul under the direction of the well-known designer Dorothy Draper. In 1948, The Greenbrier reopened. Renowned golfer Sam Snead returned as a golf pro, where he started his career in the late 1930s.<\/p>\n In the 1950s, the U.S. government commissioned the Greenbrier to host an emergency relocation center \u2013 essentially a bunker or bomb shelter \u2013 for the U.S. Congress in case of war. For 30 years, the \u201cclassified\u201d underground facility, codenamed Project Greek Island, was ready and unknown to the general public. In 1992, a Washington Post writer leaked the shelter\u2019s existence in his article, The Ultimate Congressional Hideaway.\u201d<\/p>\n Following that article, the bunker was decommissioned. With the secret out, tours are now given<\/a> to guests and the public.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not a resort to rest on its historical laurels, the Greenbrier continues to grow and update to attract the next generations.<\/p>\n Activities for all ages at The Greenbrier. Photos courtesy of The Greenbrier.<\/p><\/div>\n Whether you are a couple seeking a luxury experience, grandparents hosting a family reunion, or even solo, you have over 55 activities to choose from at the resort.<\/p>\n Cycling enthusiasts can leisurely cruise around the property on their paved roads and rent a mountain bike or even an electric bike.<\/p>\n The Aerial Adventure Course<\/a> offers 12 challenges, all 50 feet up. Enjoy while taking in the stunning views of the countryside. The 55-foot Alpine Climbing Tower has 20 different routes for all levels. Or try the Tree-Tops Canopy Zip Line Tour to enjoy the forest from overhead. The tour includes ten ziplines, five cable bridges, and even a rappel station.<\/p>\n Try your hand at clay, trap, or skeet at the Gun Club<\/a>, which began in 1913.<\/p>\n Horseback riding: Enjoy exploring the 10 miles of trails on the property by riding one of the many experienced horses. Trips off property to Kate\u2019s and Greenbrier Mountain are offered for the more experienced riders. Riding is English style.<\/p>\n The 7000-square-foot outdoor infinity pool, heated to 80 degrees, offers stunning views while you soak up the sun and relax.<\/p>\n My favorite is the luxurious 30-meter indoor swimming pool<\/a> that opened in 1912. Flanked by Greek-styled ionic columns, rounded arches at the end framing an ornate clock and other art, and topped with soft drapes, a swim in this pool will make you feel like you have gone back in time.<\/p>\n Take a carriage ride, bowl, golf, or learn falconry. Take a jewelry-making class or dance to a DJ at the 42 Below in the Casino Club.<\/p>\n There are always unique special events at the Greenbrier, such as their Farm-to-Table dinners or \u201cFall Flavors of Appalachia<\/a>,\u201d October 22, 2022.<\/p>\n Fall Flavors combines the area\u2019s best wineries, distilleries, and breweries paired with locally influenced dishes prepared by the resort\u2019s culinary team, such as smoked leg of lamb, hoppin\u2019 John, grilled thick cut bacon, pepperoni rolls, a mac n\u2019 cheese bar, oysters on the half shell, seasonal desserts such as sweet potato pie and apple cobbler and more.<\/p>\n Hotel Del Coronado. Photo: courtesy of the hotel<\/p><\/div>\n My earliest memory of the Hotel de Coronado<\/a> was as a guest of my grandparents in the 1960s; It was very fancy and dressy as I remember. I will never forget the awesome view of the hotel with its fanciful red roof turrets and wedding cake trim. We sat at a window overlooking the gorgeous beach below.<\/p>\n The railroad line, circa 1888 transported guests to the hotel. Photo: Berkeley Library, University of California, public domain<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cThe Del,\u201d as many call it, was the creation of two retired entrepreneurs, Elisha Babcock, Jr., a retired railroad executive from Evansville, Indiana, and Hampton L. Story, a piano manufacturer from Chicago, in 1885. The savvy pair started the Coronado Beach Company. They purchased the undeveloped peninsula of Coronado, subdivided it, sold off lots, and with the money they made, built what they planned to be \u201cthe talk of the western world.\u201d<\/p>\n Their investment of $110,000 for 4185 acres resulted in the sale of 350 lots on the first day, earning them $600,00 to start their ambitious hotel construction.<\/p>\n One can imagine the logistics involved, from just getting over to the island to bringing in lumber and laborers to building an electrical power plant on the property. Despite the tremendous hurdles, the hotel was completed in just 11 months, opening in 1888.<\/p>\n Initially, the only way to get to Coronado was by boat or across what is known as The Silver Strand, a seven-mile sandy isthmus.<\/p>\n Drawing on his railroad expertise, Babcock spearheaded the Coronado Railroad Company and built the railroad line also in 1888 across The Strand to transport freight and passengers.<\/p>\n Just as the wealthy today have their private jets, affluent guests arrived by train, often in their own private rail cars that were unhitched when they arrived at the resort on the hotel\u2019s spur track.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been said that the train conductors back in the day would stop the train on a trestle to collect tickets because the trains were so packed with party revelers.<\/p>\n Years later, along came the $50 million, five-lane, two-mile San Diego-Coronado Bridge in 1969, coinciding with the 200th-anniversary celebration of the founding of San Diego, opening the island and resorting to many more people.<\/p>\n What started as a tiny island with a population of 229 in 1870 has grown to 20,192 today, with thousands of visitors yearly.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n1. Omni Homestead<\/h3>\n
Built on Rejuvenation<\/h3>\n
<\/a>The Omni Homestead Today<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Endless Activities to Choose From<\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/a>Fly Fishing for Newbies and Pros<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a>Winemaker\u2019s Dinner Not to Miss<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Tea Time at the Resort<\/h3>\n
The Future<\/h4>\n
<\/a>2. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\nThe Greenbrier Continues Its Status as A Luxury Retreat<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Activities for All Ages<\/h3>\n
Cycling:<\/h4>\n
Dare devil\u2019s delights:<\/h4>\n
Gun Club:<\/h4>\n
Swimming:<\/h4>\n
Special events:<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Hotel del Coronado: Coronado, California<\/h3>\n
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