Homestead Resort an impressive getaway
Story by The St. George Spectrum:
December 1, 2009
Homestead Resort an impressive getaway
Why would one want to swim inside a rock? Where would one find a rock large enough to swim in? Are you thinking Disneyland or some ancient Mayan or Roman ruins?
Think Utah.
One of the state's most historic landmarks is the Homestead Resort in Midway. Most Utahns have been there, but if you have never been or it's been a while, you will be surprised to see that Homestead is no longer sitting amid the rural countryside. Many developments have been build surrounding the resort.
It is still an impressive four-season resort, with beginnings that displayed American freedom and ingenuity to make lemonade out of a lemon.
In 1863, Swiss immigrant Simon Schneitter purchased many acres of land located in the flat valley at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, because it reminded him of Switzerland. Schneitter and his family planned to farm the land but soon found it had too many pot rocks and was not suitable for farming.
While working the land they discovered a travertine dome. Inside the huge limestone rock was mineral-rich waters that are heated by the earth's interior to 90 degrees year-round.
Their son, Jake, realized the attraction of the therapeutic waters from the neighbors who often came by to soak in them.
In the beginning, ropes were used to lower people into the waters from the opening at the top of the 55 foot dome. The Schneitters drilled a hole into the side of the crater, allowing the water to be piped out and creating a more accessible "hot pot." Everything evolved from there.
Soon a hot pool enclosed with wooden boards was added. Noting people were hungry after soaking, the lower floor of the family home was turned into a restaurant, where Fanny became known for her chicken dinners.
As people continued to flock to the therapeutic waters, the upper level of the house was turned into a hotel, where visitors traveling a long distance could stay. The Schneitters Hot Pot Resort became a popular attraction, along with their warm home-style hospitality.
In 1952, the Whitaker family from California visited the Hot Pots and envisioned even more amenities for the property. They purchased the Hot Pot Resort, changed the name to Homestead and continued with the atmosphere and hospitality initiated by the Schmeitters.
The Whitakers made Homestead the most unique resort in Heber Valley.
Today there is a 110-foot tunnel that has been hollowed out of the rock dome providing access to the pool of water inside for bathers and offering a unique experience of seeing the inside of a geothermal 55 foot limestone rock.
The resort today offers an array of facilities and activities for its guest. The beautiful grounds are immaculately kept. Accommodations are unique and include everything from single standard rooms to villas. The resort accommodates everyone from group conventions to girlfriend getaways.
All the facilities except the pools are open to the public for day use.
Even the Resort Aveda Day Spa is distinctive. It is located in the Virginia House, the original home of the Schneitters. Each room still has the original numbered doors and etched glass windows above the doors.
The entire spa is quite charming. They have 10 to 15 therapists available and a complete spa menu.
Many year-round activities happen on-site and nearby, including winter skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. Summertime fun includes pools, golf, tennis, wagon rides and more.
You can earn scuba certifications in the warm waters of the crater from an experienced scuba instructor who offers lessons inside the crater.
Golfing is definitely part of the scene at the resort. The 18-hole Bruce Summerhayes-designed golf course is a par 72 course. What impressed me the most are their GPS guided golf carts. The GPS shows the hole, where your ball landed and its proximity to the pin.
This immaculate resort oozes with charm and a relaxing ambiance. Fanny's Grill, the good-size restaurant, serves excellent food. Dinning on the patio is special as diners sit over the thermal water pond watching the ducks and fish.
Because of the warm waters, the ducks and geese stay through the winter. Across the pond is the green golf course, the downside is you want to sit there all day or evening, depriving others of the same privilege.
The other restaurant, Simon's is open only on the weekends - I did not have the opportunity to sample their food.
This resort is my idea of a nearby perfect getaway. Our two days were not long enough - plus you can swim inside a rock.
