Every inch of space whispers a soothing message at the Omni Homestead Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia. Walk from the immense Homestead 250 year old lodge to the Spa fronted by the Secret Garden. A poolside fire flames a burning welcome. Registered guests and members only are admitted on a daily limited basis to enjoy the healing hot springs pool, the cold shoulder plunge shower or the River Reflexology Walk. Tiny stones are patterned to soothe the 15k nerves in your feet. Who knew there were that many? Attendants cover a lounge chair and periodically deliver frozen berries or other treats from the healthy, yummy menu. Registration is at the spa desk though separately priced or packaged.

At the Aqua Thermal Spa inside, alternate between the lounges and showers – relax, rinse, and repeat. Radiant-heated loungers relax your muscles in front of a scenic waterfall on screen. In the Herbal Cocoon room, stress slips away as you sit in a heated niche below a starlit ceiling. Your muscles relax as your body gently warms, enhancing the purification and detoxification process. In the Aromatic Steam room essential oils and colored light invigorate and relax the senses as the power of steam opens pores and lungs. Cooling after exposure to heat is found in The Chill, a cold cabin where you inhale the crisp vapor and apply flaked ice directly to your skin to cool your lungs and core temperature. This will not take long! Or try the Experiential Showers, which mimic by choice an Artic Mist, Atlantic Storm or Caribbean Storm. Make the time to try them all in any order, over and over. The Aqua Thermal Spa is complimentary with paid therapeutic services, which are plentiful to choose from and all very satisfying from facials to full massages. A couples’ lounge provides togetherness before or after treatments or gender specific lounges are available. However you spa, make it a whole day and you will say, “Ah,” at the Omni. www.omnihotels.com