Omni amelia island plantation recognized as a premier recreation operation
Resort and Commercial Recreation Association Honors Northeast Florida Coastal Island Resort
AMELIA ISLAND, FL (November 17, 2011) – The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association granted the Premier Recreation Operation Award to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, at their national conference on Nov. 7, 2011. Recognizing the outstanding leadership of the resort’s recreation department, including the development and promotion of quality recreation programs, the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) is a non-profit organization furthering the resort and commercial recreation industry. Resort director of recreation, Gary Bleil, was also awarded the Debbie Regnone Service Award, for his commitment to RCRA and professional contributions to the industry.
“It’s our priority to not only create activities for all types of guests, but to encourage them to take advantage of everything the Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers,” said Bleil, “Guests are free to enjoy our recreational offerings, whether relaxing or remaining active -- from soaking up the sun on the beach and fishing with a local captain, to crab grabbing in the salt marshes and enjoying a round of golf.”
Distinguishing the Omni Amelia Island Plantation as a Premier Recreation Operation, the RCRA awarded the resort due to leadership in the development and promotion of quality programs and services. Stretched across 1,350-acres, the resort is tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and salt marshland of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering countless recreational opportunities. Families bond during a day of adventure with Just for Families, competing in beach games or catching a movie and popcorn. Kid’s Camp Amelia entertains children with arts and crafts, nature walks, games and Just for Kids themed dinner parties, allowing parents an evening alone. Older ‘kids” seeking a break can escape to Teen Explorers, with biking, hiking or Segway excursions including picnic meals. Rolling over wooden bridges and through maritime forests, guests rent bicycles, Segways or golf carts at Amelia’s Wheels, or comb the beach for shark teeth and crab grab in the marshes with an on-site naturalist at the Nature Center. Team-building activities are offered for convention groups, including island hopper scavenger hunts, glow-in-the-dark putting contests, bonfires, beach Segway tours, nature hikes, kayaking excursions, tennis clinics and fishing charters. Also boasting 54 holes of championship golf, with the most seaside holes in Florida; kayaking around Florida’s barrier island; reeling in redfish, flounder or trout; a tennis match on one of 23 Har-Tru® clay courts; or yoga lessons in the spa treehouse, the resort encourages guests to participate in the vast array of activities.
Comprised of professionals, educators and students in the resort and commercial-related industries, the RCRA serves as a vehicle to communicate, educate and promote standards of professionalism within the recreation industry. Opportunities for continuing education, networking and raising awareness of industry trends are provided through conferences and workshops. Each November, the national conference is held, acknowledging top industry professionals with awards. Past winners include of the Premier Recreation Operation Award include the Ocean Reef Club, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Diamond Resorts International.
For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, call 1-800-THE-OMNI or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com .
About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Beginning a new chapter in its nearly 40-year heritage, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is undergoing an extensive re-imagination project -- its first renovation since 1982. As Florida’s award-winning island destination, the 1,350-acre plantation is recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature. The certified Green Lodging Destination is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla. The resort currently features three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beaches; 49,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 tennis courts; a large, two-tiered poolscape and beach club; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and gift shops as well as the 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 water sports, horseback riding, walking, hiking and Segway tours. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation features 249 oceanview guest rooms. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation Resort offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views.
For more information, please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit the website at omniameliaislandplantation.com .