When the pressures of life start to mount, don’t you wish you could just run away from home for a nice, long, relaxing weekend with the ones you love? Though summer vacation season has passed, don’t worry. There’s actually an ideal autumn retreat less than three hours from Orlando that’s a perfect place to flee for a fun escape — Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort.
Boasting 404 oceanfront rooms; 3.5 miles of private, pristine beach; the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida; three championship golf courses, and 10 restaurants and lounges, Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury, family resort. But it’s the unexpected amenities that make it a truly special place to catch up on some much-needed R&R. This all-in-one getaway is part hotel, part small town, and it truly offers something for everyone in every season.
Start your first day off at the resort’s own tiny town center, replete with 15 charming retail boutiques and a quaint, porch-wrapped, low-country café and general store called Marché Burette. It is perfect for enjoying a light breakfast, picking up a latte or tasty dessert, purchasing wine and foodie delights, discovering one-of-a kind jewelry and apparel, or finding the perfect souvenir.
Then, head down the walkway to Amelia’s Wheels and sign up for an adventure exploring the resort’s lush, beautiful grounds. You can always hang out on the beach yourself later, so, for this adventure, opt for a marsh side tour of the property to see a truly unique, natural landscape. Rental bikes are available, but the Segway tours are a surprisingly fun way to cover a lot of ground. Or, if taking in the sights on wheels doesn’t appeal to you, try a standup paddleboarding tour of the picturesque salt marsh instead. The breathtaking views will soothe your stressed-out soul in no time.
Once nighttime arrives, do not miss a chance to dine at The Sprouting Project, the resort’s aquaponics greenhouse complete with an expansive organic garden, multiple beehives and a barrel room. Once per month, Executive Chef Daven Wardynski and his talented team host their signature “Chef’s Playground” event during which they curate a themed culinary experience that will stun you and delight you at every taste and turn. It is palette pleasing, informative and visually dazzling. Reservations are required for this dining experience.
Aching to get away right now? The good news is that now is the perfect time to go, as the resort is hosting its annual Canvas & Cocktails event from Nov. 11-13 in partnership with the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens. The special weekend includes visual arts, special guest artists, creative cocktails and a stunning culinary experience at The Sprouting Project.
If all of that is not enough to help you decompress, you still have the property’s full-service spa, Nature Center, woodland miniature golf course, private beach and poolside cocktail bar to explore.
Don’t worry, if you don’t fit it all in on your first trip, you can always schedule another visit to Omni Amelia Island Plantation and run away from home all over again.
Before You Leave Town: Explore Amelia Island
Before you head back home, savor the last few hours of your escape by exploring the quaint shops of historic Fernandina Beach, visiting the Amelia Island Museum of History, or enjoying one of the community’s many arts & culture festivals. Save the date for these events:
– Dickens on Centre: Dec. 8-11
– Restaurant Week: Jan. 20-29
– Book Festival: Feb. 16-18
– Concours Week: Mar. 11-12