The line between destination spas and resort spas keeps getting blurrier. The Homestead of Hot Springs, Virginia, is one of America's original spas, a hot springs resort with a pedigree that goes back to 1766 and includes visits from Thomas Jefferson and 21 other U.S. presidents. Canyon Ranch is one of America's wellness pioneers, a destination spa founded in 1979.
They've just announced a partnership to create Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Homestead, with more wellness services (Canyon Ranch's forte), children's services (The Homestead's forte) and a new state of the art spa. Aquavana, a European-inspired aqua thermal oasis with experiential rains, herbal laconium, a chill room and crystal steam room, will be fed by mineral spring waters drawn from the surrounding mountains.
That won't be ready until next spring, but you can soon enjoy the Jefferson Springs spa garden at The Homestead. A year-round sanctuary for adults only, Jefferson Springs features indigenous hot springs, therapeutic geothermal mineral bath, river reflexology bed, co-ed Finnish sauna, spring-fed whirlpool, and private poolside cabanas. The refuge is accessed via walking paths warmed with radiant heat.