Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort and the Villas of Amelia Island Plantation

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort and the Villas of Amelia Island Plantation Review

Rebranded, and "reimagined" by the Omni hotel chain, this resort has been transformed by an $85-million renovation and expansion, including 155 new oceanfront rooms and stunning oceanfront Beach Club pools. The emphasis at this large resort (1,350 acres) is family-oriented accommodations and activities, including golf courses (54 holes, some oceanfront), 23 Har-Tru tennis courts, and expansive spa facilities, all of which were improved in 2012. Dining options have expanded to nine, including a private chef's kitchen, French-style market and deli, and pizzeria. All hotel rooms are oceanfront, with private balconies or patios. If the sound of waves crashing on the beach doesn't lull you to sleep, the luxurious beds and bedding should do the trick. With ancient oaks, marshes, and lagoons, the resort is also a worthy destination for nature walks, fishing, and guided kayak tours. Extensive kids' programs give grown-ups a bit of time to themselves. Villas, which can be rented through the Omni, are privately owned, so availability, amenities, and decor vary.