Omni Amelia Island Plantation Unveils Its $85 Million Re-Imagination

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestled between the dune-swept beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and natural salt marshlands of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is thrilled to announce the anticipated completion of its extensive $85 million Re-Imagination. The 16-month project marks the newest chapter in the resort's 40-year heritage. Opened in 1972 as Florida's first green resort, the iconic property blends seamlessly with nature and welcomes vacationers to experience 1,350 acres of extraordinary experiences, from world-renowned championship golf and tennis and seven miles of hiking and biking trails to nine diverse culinary options and miles of pristine Atlantic coastline.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130312/CL75129 )

Completed March 5, 2013, the re-imagined resort presents an entirely new arrival sequence, allowing guests to interact with the water immediately upon setting foot in the lobby. With an elevated porte cochere and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking fire and water features, and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean, the inviting space welcomes guests to an unparalleled beach vacation. The lobby is located in the new Oceanside wing, which features 155 new rooms, while the rejuvenated Sunrise wing features 249 rooms, totaling 404 oceanfront escapes. Of the 27 suites, most notable are the Infiniti Suites, which occupy the farthest edge of Oceanside and boast wrap-around porches, allowing for miles of endless views of the Atlantic coastline.

Directly off the hotel lobby, the new outdoor area offers the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida with lounge seating for sun-seekers, three fire features, additional food and beverage services and expanded changing facilities. The tiered poolscape includes the Serenity Pool, an adult, infinity-edge pool; the family-friendly Splash Pool; Splash Park, a water playground perfect for toddlers and small children; and two hot tubs – all featuring uninterrupted, spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. In addition, the greens next to the kid-friendly splash area offers pop-up movies, spa breaks, golf and tennis clinics and culinary samplings, pleasing guests of all ages. For pool and beach goers who aren't diligent about reapplying sunscreen, the resort offers cutting edge UV bands that detect when SPF levels are low.

Guests indulge in delectable dining experiences, as the resort plays home to nine superb restaurants and lounges. With inventive Southern-style flare, farm-to-table dining and fresh seafood, the culinary team, led by Executive Chef Daven Wardynski, has re-imagined the dining experience and offers a menu to please every palate. Hosting all poolside guests, the new Oceanside offers 144 oceanfront seats and serves "Floribbean" flair such as fish tacos and signature cocktails, while the new Natural Slice uses salt water from the Atlantic to make its salty, delicious pizza crust. Seaglass, located in the lobby area, is the perfect gathering space for pre-dinner cocktails and tapas, and the new menu at the much-beloved Verandah provides guests with always-fresh seafood and the opportunity to track fishing reports and sustainable seafood choices available across the country. Additional dining venues include Marsh View Bar & Grill, Marche Burette, Falcon's Nest and Sunrise Cafe. 

Omni Amelia Island Plantation now features more than 80,000 square feet of versatile function space in the onsite Conference Center and across the 1,350-acre property to accommodate meetings, banquets, weddings, social events and conferences of up to 1,800 attendees. The new space includes the 16,800-square-foot Magnolia Ballroom, as well as the 11,165-square-foot Amelia Ballroom and the 5,465-square-foot Cumberland Ballroom. Pre-function and exhibit space and 37 breakout rooms complete the new Conference Center, while the Magnolia Garden, located just outside, features 11,000 square feet of lawn edged by majestic magnolia trees and herbs used daily by the resort's chefs.

Perfect for families, Omni Amelia Island Plantation is a gated luxury resort, complete with on-site youth and family activities, including Camp Amelia, Gamers teen lounge and Heron Cove's Adventure Golf. The resort's natural wonders are on display at the Nature Center, which offers guided hiking, biking or kayak tours at various on-site lakes, ponds, marshes and beaches.

An alluring hideaway tucked beneath the grand Florida oaks, guests are instantly transformed into a state of relaxation upon entering the full service luxury spa, housing 16 treatment rooms that include 2 new couples treatment rooms as well as 14 single rooms and a rejuvenated relaxation area. The luxury wellness spa facility features relaxing couple massages, facials, steam showers, as well as haircuts, styling, make up application and yoga classes.  

Among all the outstanding amenities, the roads and walkways have also been redesigned for improved traffic flow and enhanced pedestrian connectivity. Parking is also improved with an all-new, three-story structure providing 540 additional spaces and 70 new valet spots.

For more information on the re-imagined Omni Amelia Island Plantation, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.

About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation 
Celebrating the completion of an extensive $85 million re-imagination, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is Florida's award-winning island destination. Recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, the oceanfront retreat, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla., is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. Situated on the 1,350-acres of the Amelia Island Plantation, the property's improvements include 404 luxury oceanfront guest rooms and suites; the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida including tiered lounge seating, an adults-only infinity edge pool, a family friendly pool, kids' splash area, two hot tubs, and fire features, all boasting spectacular Atlantic views; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; and a variety of new culinary options. Rich in recreational amenities, the resort also offers three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beach; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; award-winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and a nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including kayaking, horseback riding, Segway tours and seven miles of paved trails. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation feature 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers authentic, genuine guest experiences with AAA Four-Diamond service and the expectations of the Omni brand.

SOURCE Omni Amelia Island Plantation