AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 31, 2011) – One of Florida’s most popular beach destinations, Amelia Island is looking to attract a new wave of summertime visitors with several new island activities, expanded visitor resources, and other new-and-improved offerings. A new bistro, Sunday Brunch and Progressive Dinner add to Amelia’s outstanding dining options to keep visitors fed and fueled for three new spa treatments, a museum exhibit, a summer camp and other new activities. While enjoying all that is new on-island, visitors can count on the same relaxed ambiance, miles of pristine quartz-sand beaches and beautiful waters that make Amelia a perennial Florida favorite.
Expanded Web Sites
The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has expanded their nature-based Web site through a unique partnership with the Audubon Society. The expanded site now includes descriptions of 150 species of plants and animals, from trees and wildflowers to insects, fish and birds. The expanded site also includes samples of birdsong, making it easier to identify various species that inhabit the island. The new Audubon Guides apps can also be downloaded to a visitor’s mobile phone, iPod touch or iPad, allowing on-the-go access to images and descriptions. To see the expanded information, visit www.amelianature.com.
The Amelia Island CVB has also enhanced the weddings section of AmeliaIsland.com, adding valuable information and functionality. Brides can easily find up-to-date information on venues, florists, wedding planners, catering and more, and can submit a request for information from vendors directly through the CVB site. Expanded information can be found by visiting www.ameliaisland.com/weddings.
New Offerings
Omni Amelia Island Plantation has started offering several new activities for guests. The Spa & Shops now offer Themed Events such asWednesday Game Night, Thursday Shrimp Boil & Barbeque, Friday Boardwalk Bash and Saturday Day in the Park. They have also announced a new Taste of Amelia Progressive Dinner, which features samplings of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation’s greatest cuisine. For $145 per person, groups of up to eight can travel on a private island hopper to the luxury resort’s most exquisite restaurants to enjoy a five-course progressive dinner. The unique dinner experience is available Tuesday through Saturday, based on availability. Reservations can be made by calling (904) 321-5050.
The Spa at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation recently introduced three new services. The Natural Ion Treatment fuses the therapeutic properties of flower oils and fruit essences with rich minerals to create a sensory journey including exfoliation, massage and a silk cream. The treatment starts at $210 for an 80-minute experience and $265 for a 105-minute treatment. The new Anti-Aging Facial offers a customized experience beginning with a skin analysis to determine the age of the skin, followed by a natural mineral microdermabrasion of volcanic rock salicylic which prepares the skin to receive the "injection-like" effects of wrinkle-filling serums. The 80-minute Anti-Aging Facial is $195. For ultimate relaxation, visitors can unwind with the new Plantation Blossom Ritual, a relaxing body treatment with aromatic scents of cherry blossom mist. The blissful service begins with the application of a warmed exfoliate to soften the skin and invigorate the body, followed by a unique reflexology foot massage that balances and revitalizes the body. The journey is completed with a full body relaxing massage, bringing an idyllic state of relaxation. The 80-minute Plantation Blossom Ritual is $195. For more information regarding the Spa & Salon at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, visit spaamelia.com or call (904) 432-2220.
The Café at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island now offers The Café Sunday Brunch every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. With eight delectable stations, the brunch features an array of appetizers, chilled seafood, local fish, antipasti, fresh made pizza, breakfast items, slow roasted prime rib, eggs Benedict and fresh, made-to-order pasta. Hot selections also feature regional favorites like shrimp and scallops over grits. Prices are $39 for adults and $11 for children age five to 12. Complimentary valet parking is included with the brunch. Reservations are limited. To make reservations, call (904) 277-1100 ext. 1010.
Beech Street Grill has started a new, prix fixe lunch program and early bird special. Wednesday through Friday, visitors can enjoy a $10 fixed price lunch menu. The early bird deal offers two courses and a glass of wine for $25 and is available for those seated by 6:30 p.m. Beech Street Grill has added more than 20 new selections to their wine list. For additional information, visit www.beechstreetgrill.com.
Opening in June, Bar Zin is a neighborhood bistro offering a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere, and offers indoor and outdoor dining options in the Palmetto Walk Shopping Village on First Coast Highway in Fernandina Beach. Inspired by 30 years working in the hospitality industry (and numerous trips to Napa and Sonoma California), the owner of Bar Zin has created a casual yet contemporary atmosphere with a beautiful brick paved patio with a fire pit in the center. Bar Zin is open for lunch, happy hour and dinner. For more information, visit www.barzin-bistro-winebar.com.
April marked 200 years since Fernandina was platted according to the Law of the Indies. The Old Town Bicentennial Celebration is continuing with a temporary exhibit at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Entitled “200 Years of Fernandina,” the exhibit will be available through June 2011 and features a glimpse into the original Fernandina – Old Town. For more information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.
Kayak Amelia is offering an Adventure and Ecology Summer Camp for kids ages 7 to 15. The week-long camp is offered on June 20-24 and June 27- July 1 and will include kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, art, yoga, swimming and much more. Tuition is $200 per week, or $175 per week if registering for both weeks. For more information or to register, call (904) 251-0016.
Amelia River Cruises expands its schedule this summer to include four daily narrated, historic and wildlife sightseeing tours, as well as a three-hour Eco-Tour Monday through Friday (June – August). They have also added a Twilight Sunset BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) Adult Cruise with live local entertainment, departing at 7 p.m. every evening in the summer. Additional daily excursion trips are also offered on a quarterly basis. All of their trips can be viewed at www.ameliarivercruises.com.
Renovations
The Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach has just completed a renovation of its 485-square-foot meeting room. Featuring granite counter tops and mahogany cabinets, the renovated room is an inviting location for business meetings, receptions or small trade shows at an affordable rate. For details regarding the renovation or to book the meeting room, contact Jeff Malone, Director of Sales, at (904) 321-1111.
The Harbor Front Hampton Inn & Suites completed their guestroom renovations with the newly appointed specialty suite – The Princess Amelia. The Princess Amelia was updated with wallpaper, carpeting and tile, as well as bedroom furnishings. The property is also adding flat screen televisions in every room. They recently completed renovations on their second floor café, where guests enjoy a full hot breakfast each morning and evening manager’s receptions. Visitors can enjoy the warm and inviting coastal décor and beautiful granite counter-tops as they watch the sunset over the marina through the 25-foot-tall windows overlooking the second floor pool. For additional information, visit www.hamptoninnandsuitesameliaisland.com
Awards, Recognitions, and More
- The Addison on Amelia Island recently updated their web site – www.AddisonOnAmelia.com – with improved navigation and new features such as video elements and updated photography.
- The Golf Club of Amelia Island was named one of the Toughest Golf Courses in the April 2011 issue of the Jacksonville Business Journal.
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Residence Inn – Amelia Island won the prestigious 2010 Platinum Award by Marriott International Hotels, which is presented to Residence Inn brand hotels that achieve the top five percent in Service So Memorable Guest Satisfaction.
- Chef Niko Anagnostou, Sous Chef at TheRitz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Salt, is a finalist for “Last Chef Standing.” Down from 24, only three chefs are competing for a spot on the Bravo Network show. The final event will be held on June 9, with Anagnostou going up against two Jacksonville chefs. Additional information is available at www.factchef.com.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors’ Bureau-
About Amelia IslandNortheast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
