WHEREAS, in 2016, The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, a historic resort and a premier destination for business and leisure travel, celebrates 250 years of exceptional service to the residents of and visitors to the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Omni Homestead Resort traces its roots to 1766 when Thomas Bullitt built a small 18-room lodge to serve travelers on 300 acres in the majestic Allegheny Mountains from a land grant given to him by George Washington; the first modern resort was completed in the late 1800s and has become an iconic travel destination that has delighted generations of families; and

WHEREAS, with 483 guest rooms and more than 2,300 acres, The Omni Homestead offers guests easy access to more than 30 recreational activities, including an award-winning golf course and the oldest alpine ski resort in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Omni Homestead Resort features natural hot springs, a water park, and a world-class spa, where guests can find rest and rejuvenation year-round; in addition, the resort offers a wealth of fine dining options to please every palate; and

WHEREAS, with 26 meeting rooms, The Omni Homestead Resort has hosted countless meetings and events for guests from around the world; 23 United States presidents, from Thomas Jefferson in 1818 to George W. Bush in 2015, have visited the resort; and

WHEREAS, The Omni Homestead Resort has earned countless awards and accolades over the years; in 2015 alone, the resort was recognized as having the best golf course in Virginia by Golfweek magazine, was awarded the AAA Four-Diamond designation, named one of the Top 20 Resorts in the South by Condé Nast Traveler, and was part of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, the more than 1,000 dedicated associates of The Omni Homestead Resort have been essential to the resort's ongoing success; from kitchen staff and groundskeepers to guest services and activities coordinators, the associates display the utmost professionalism and care for all guests; and

WHEREAS, The Omni Homestead Resort will commemorate its 250th anniversary with special events throughout 2016, and the resort will invite past guests to share photos for its anniversary displays; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend The Omni Homestead Resort, an acclaimed resort in Hot Springs, on the occasion of its 250th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Omni Homestead Resort as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the resort's contributions to the Commonwealth's reputation as a world-class destination for business and leisure travel.