New Restaurants Define Culinary Refresh Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa has completed its $40 million resort-wide renovation, introducing four redesigned dining concepts that anchor a broader refresh of the 401-room oceanfront property. Nonna Mia replaces the long-standing Verandah restaurant as a coastal Italian concept blending Southern and Italian seaside traditions. The restaurant features murals by Dallas-based artist Chera Creative depicting florals, citrus and tropical motifs. A separate new venue, Palmetto Press Coffee & Provisions, operates as a neighborhood-inspired market and café serving coffee, pastries, provisions and local retail items displayed in apothecary-style drawers. Surfcaster, previously Oceanside, now emphasizes seafood-forward cuisine in an updated oceanfront setting with hand-drawn murals and maritime-inspired artwork. FloraBelle, the resort's signature breakfast restaurant, has also undergone renovations. "The venues create a culinary experience that reflects the spirit of Amelia Island while offering distinctive options for resort guests and local visitors alike," according to the resort's announcement.
Design Philosophy Centers on Local Identity The broader renovation touched guestrooms, spa and wellness facilities, public spaces, conference venues and golf amenities. The design philosophy, titled "By Land, by Sky and by Sea... We All Meet Under the Canopy," references the island's iconic live oak canopies draped in Spanish moss. According to Theo Schofield, Area Managing Director at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, "From the moment guests arrive, they'll experience spaces inspired by the island's landscapes, culture and sense of hospitality. This transformation has elevated every part of the guest journey while creating a stronger sense of place, resulting in a luxury resort experience that couldn't be replicated anywhere else." Interiors blend Southern charm, maritime influences and contemporary coastal design. Art collections throughout the property were curated specifically for each setting, featuring commissioned works, regional artists, archival photography and contemporary interpretations of local landscapes.
Spa and Amenity Updates The Spa at Omni Amelia Island added 19 upgraded treatment rooms, refreshed relaxation spaces and a new private outdoor serenity courtyard with contrast therapy offerings including hot tubs and a cold plunge. Natural materials and Lowcountry-inspired palettes shape the wellness spaces. Meeting facilities received renovated ballrooms and additional functional spaces. The property also refreshed its Camp Amelia kids program and added a Gamers Lounge with classic arcade games and Nintendo Switch consoles. The resort's golf offerings expanded with the addition of Little Sandy, a short course and putting course designed by Beau Welling, alongside the restored Pete Dye-designed Oak Marsh course and access to the Tom Fazio-designed Long Point course.
Why It Matters
For hospitality operators, the renovation demonstrates the value of aligning F&B concepts with destination identity and local culture rather than generic hotel dining. The introduction of multiple distinct dining venues—from casual coffee service to coastal Italian—provides operators with a template for capturing both resort guests and local repeat traffic, a revenue diversification strategy increasingly important as hotel dining becomes a competitive battleground.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
